Take the ultimate road trip to see the best of South East Queensland

In search of sun, sea and sand? Make your way to Southern Queensland, where Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast all deliver in spades – each in their own unique way.

The best way to get a taste of each region is to road trip, so pick up a rental car on arrival at Brisbane airport and hit the bitumen to see the biggest sights, and discover hidden secrets. Here's how to see all of the golden highlights in just 10 days:

Gold Coast: Where there's never a dull moment

Golden beaches, wild rides and enough sunshine to fry your fish and chips - yep, the Gold Coast knows how to show off. But there’s more than just surf and slides. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find cruisy coastal ‘burbs, a buzzing food and arts scene, and rainforest trails where the only queues are made of trees.

Recommended for a 3-4 night stay.

Day 1: Soak up sea views at Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads

The best way to find your feet here is to spin them in the direction of the best vantage points.

Start your day with million-dollar ocean views and a hearty breakfast at BMD Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club, then make your way to Q1 Building for its SkyPoint Climb, or visit the Observation Deck for 360-degree views.

This stretch of coastline is home to world-class breaks, so don’t miss the chance to learn to surf from the pros. Surfers Paradise Esplanade will satiate any hunger or shopping urges, and be sure to check out Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market if you’re there on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm onwards.

Venture a little south to Burleigh Heads tonight for dinner at award-winning Rick Shores or more casual Burleigh Pavilion. Time your visit and make reservations for one of the best sunset views on the east coast. 

Day 2 & 3: Face your fears and have fun

The Gold Coast is paradise for thrill-seekers, and a visit here isn’t complete without ticking off at least one or more of these iconic experiences. Join the captain of Aquaduck to explore the Gold Coast from both land and sea, or see it flash by through 360- degree spins and high-speed drifting in a Jetboat experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the Southern Hemisphere’s longest, tallest and fastest hyper-coaster ‘D.C. Rivals’ at Warner Bros. Movie World. Or head to Australia’s largest theme park Dreamworld and attempt to complete its 40 rides and attractions in one day.

See the region’s country and coastline from high above with a Hot Air ballooning experience – or be swept away while skydiving. There’s a little something for everyone here.

Day 4: Uncover the green behind the gold

Change pace today and head an hour inland to one of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets:  Tamborine Mountain. Wander among the treetops at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk or fly through the air at up to 70km/hour at TreetTop Challenge. After all the action, drive into the village to explore the many art, craft, gift and knick-knack stores.

Love a tipple? Plan a stop at Witches Falls Winery to sip and sample, then take a bottle to enjoy with local cheese amongst the vineyards, or grab a pint at Fortitude Brewing Co. If you’re looking for something sweet, visit Tamborine Mountain Distillery for one of Australia’s most internationally awarded liquor brands. Before you set off back to the coast, head to Cedar Creek Estate and book a Glow Worm Tour.

More Gold Coast tips:

• Rent a private yacht and set sail
• Visit Miami Marketta (Wednesday to Sunday) and be charmed by this quaint and quirky laneway dining experience
• Taste your way through breweries and distilleries that are sprouting up along the coast

Point your wheels north and two hours later you’ll arrive on the Sunshine Coast. Retreat to quiet coastal towns, leave your footprints in its lush hinterland, and fill your tummies with paddock-to-plate goodness from local producers. 

Recommended for a 2-3 night stay.

Day 5: Hit the hinterland

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is perfectly positioned to explore in an easy detour en route, so jump off the M1 Highway and into the townships of Maleny and Montville, and all the beauty that surrounds them.

Stop and stretch your legs at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, where there’s opportunity for a little trail walking, or simply take in the views of the iconic Glass House Mountains.

Hungry? Sit back down for a Devonshire tea in the 18-acres of gardens Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, then pick up locally made goodies at Maleny Dairies (for Australia’s best full-cream milk) and Maleny Cheese. 

Day 6: Dive into the best of the coast

Rise early for a big day spent your own way.

Travelling with the family? Head to Caloundra where Australia Zoo, Aussie World and Ginger Factory are close neighbours, then cool off at Kings Beach – the kids will love the calm surf, the time-delayed fountain and saltwater oceanfront pool. Coolum Beach is another family favourite, known for its laid-back charm and welcoming community.

Consider yourself a foodie? Take a trip to Mooloolaba Spit where trawlers bring in their bounty of fresh seafood daily: the local spanner crabs and Mooloolaba prawns are particularly tasty. If you’re feeling full after that feast, head north to Noosa National Park for a coastal walk and quiet dip, before winding down at one of Noosa’s best restaurants – many line vibrant Hastings Street. 

Day 7: Paddle through a UNESCO biosphere

Did you know Noosa is home to one of the world’s only everglades ecosystems? And while Florida might get all the press, step back from the beach and you’ll find an incredible slice of natural paradise at Noosa Everglades. It feels like your own secret.

This is a world of water, wilderness and wonder in the upper reaches of the Noosa River, stretching over 60km and home to hundreds of bird species. Known as the River of Mirrors because of the amazing reflections in the water, the best way to experience it up close is with a guide. Join the team from Everglades Eco Safaris on the ultimate day trip or book a guided half day kayak tour with Kanu Kapers.

Want to sleep over? Eco-retreat Habitat Noosa offers glamping and camping accommodation on the shores of Lake Cootharaba.

Day 8: Experience the magic at Rainbow Beach

Refreshed and rejuvenated, it’s now time to get a touch of cosmopolitan Queensland. 

Some might call it a big country town, but Brisbane leaves capital-city pretension at the door, preferring to roll out the welcome mat. A melting pot of culture, open green spaces and innovation, this casual city holds its own when it comes to world-class dining and entertainment.

Drop the car for this final leg of the itinerary, as the inner city can easily be explored by foot (and ferry).

Recommended for a 2-3 night stay.

Day 9: Taste and shop your way through the city

From dusk till dawn, Brisbane City has got it going on – especially if you love to shop. Start at Queen Street Mall, a pedestrian mall packed with over 700 retailers. For high-end fashion, walk to Edward Street for the ‘Paris end’ of Brisbane City.

Keep your eyes peeled for heritage sites such as ANZAC Square War Memorial, City Botanic Gardens, Parliament House and Old Government House, Brisbane City Hall (home to Museum of Brisbane). End your city exploring on a high note with a sunset bridge climb at Story Bridge or kayak the Brisbane River with Riverlife Adventures. 

Then, wander into Eagle Lane, Gresham Lane and Burnett Lane raise your glass – The Gresham, Death & Taxes and Brooklyn Standard are local favourites. For late night dinners, head to Elizabeth Street for bustling Japanese diners and Korean BBQ. 

Day 10: Dial up culture or cool off in South Bank

Just a short walk from the city across Victoria Bridge lies Brisbane’s cultural heart: South Bank.

It’s here you’ll find Australia’s largest Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland – all within walking distance of one another, and just a stone’s throw from Fish Lane for when hunger strikes.

Not a gallery-hopper? Take advantage of South Bank’s playful side. Explore the parklands, snap a selfie at the iconic Brisbane sign or swim at Streets Beach – how many capital cities lay claim to a beach in its centre?

Families will love the precinct’s expansive green spaces, picnic areas and playgrounds where kids can roam free. Jump aboard the Wheel of Brisbane in the evening for the best sunset spot over Brisbane’s skyline.

More Brisbane tips:

• Visit Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre for maps and brochures.
• Explore on foot with Walk Brisbane or local volunteers Brisbane Greeters to uncover local gems
• Visit Brisbane’s largest street food market Eat Street Northshore for a night of feasting and entertainment (open Friday – Sunday). Or if you like a park setting, head to ‘Weekends on the Lawn’ next to Howard Smith Wharves for a laidback afternoon of food trucks, craft beers and free music by the riverside.