From headlands to hinterland: A 3-day road trip around the Gold Coast

With frothy waves morphing into subtropical hinterland within a 20-minute drive, the Gold Coast boasts one of Queensland’s most diverse natural landscapes. Just add a world-famous surf culture and year-round warm weather and the result is a city spoiled with delights.

Our favourite way to explore is behind the wheel of a car, road tripping for up to three full days to cover every inch of its beauty. From spectacular waterfront dining and sun-drenched beach hangs to hidden rainforest villages more frequently found in fairytales, weekend road trips from the Gold Coast instil awe at every turn     

Let’s break down the ultimate three-day itinerary to get you on the fast track to paradise.

Day one

Morning

Kick off a breezy weekend road trip from the Gold Coast with a stroll around Elephant Rock at Currumbin Beach in the Southern Gold Coast. Climb the 60-odd stairs to reach a viewing platform built into the top of the breathtaking natural wonder. There you’ll spy views out to Surfers Paradise if the weather’s playing nice.

Some AM exercise is bound to get bellies rumbling so it’s good thing Barefoot Barista is just a hop over the road. The local’s haunt offers alfresco dining overlooking crashing waves so it’s the perfect spot to grab breakfast and bask in the suburb’s signature laidback ambience.

Once you’ve filled up on excellent coffee, homemade muffins or their much-adored bacon and egg roll, it’s time to jump back in the car for a 30-minute drive up to Cougal Cascades, hidden at the far end of Currumbin Valley. It’s one of Queensland’s most family-friendly waterfalls as a 1.6km, wheelchair-friendly walking track makes it easy to reach. Adventure-seekers will likely climb down through the bush to wade in its waters, but most are better off heading back down Currumbin Creek Rd to the Currumbin Rock Pools where stepping off the banks of Currumbin Creek is effortless (and always tempting).  

Midday

All that Mother Nature nothingness is bound to make road trippers famished. Cue Pasture & Co., an outstanding eatery on Currumbin Creek Rd. Wander through its herb and vegie garden before picking something reliably delicious from the all-day menu. Highlights have included a crab omelette, breakfast hash and a hot honey halloumi pita in the past.

While you’re touring the spectacular Gold Coast Hinterland, book a session at The Bathhouse at Ground Currumbin, located right next door to your lunch spot. Featuring multiple saunas, an ice bath, a cold plunge pool and mineral-enriched spas under the branches of a glorious old fig tree, it offers guests a deeply transformative reconnection to nature as well as serious self-care points.

Switch the spa therapy for retail therapy by punching Palm Beach’s Strange Days Store into your Maps. The route will steer you about 15 minutes’ back towards the sand, popping you in the one of the most burgeoning beach towns the Gold Coast has to offer. Comb the racks for quality vintage finds to deck out your wardrobe like a real local.

Evening

Embrace the relaxed energy of Palm Beach by dining at one of its many outstanding restaurants. We love a generous pasta or woodfired pizza at Balboa Italian Restaurant on the Gold Coast Highway, just opposite Strange Days Store, as the rustic European setting transports you all the way to Rome without compromising any of that dreamy salt-laced air.

When bedtime calls, roll a little down the highway to The Cheshire Cat Motel, a renovated 1960s classic that’s, hands down, one of the best retro motels in Queensland. Think velvet furnishings and shaggy rugs jazzing up seriously plush bedding and amenities. 

Day two

Morning

While it’s always a struggle to leave chilled-out Palmy, the Burleigh buzz can’t be ignored. Jump behind the wheel early to score a table on the first floor of Palm Springs in Burleigh Heads. The Southern Californian-inspired cafe is where the cool kids find their morning fix, and a spot up top, rather than on the pebble and cactus-coated ground level, will envelope you in its Instagram-friendly fit out and cheery vibes. 

Once you’re satisfied, shoot back down the highway for a few minutes to soak up the surf culture of Burleigh Beach. A magnet for board riders, it forms part of the Gold Coast’s World Surfing Reserve, which runs down to Coolangatta’s Snapper Rocks as a protected slice of coastline dedicated to avid surfers. Plonk yourself down on a grassy patch at Burleigh Hill to watch frothy superstar feats in action.

Midday

It’s time to head for the hills. Just a one-hour drive will take you to an ultra-popular portion of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Tamborine Mountain, which technically lies in the Scenic Rim. Wander the quaint town’s many artisanal boutiques (fancy a new cuckoo clock or patchwork blanket?) before seeking out Witches Falls Winery and Cellar Door for some serious liquid gold.

Lunch is best spent at North Stores, just a three-minute drive from Witches Falls. Natural wine and craft beers are the order of the day at this hub of creativity, food and art, while picnic boxes from one of its outlets, Picnic Real Food Bar, are filled with delicious bites crafted from peak seasonal produce.  

Evening

Make the most of your night’s accommodation at the award-winning Beechmont Estate, a luxurious country hideaway, by checking in as early as possible. It’s the perfect spot to lean into more self-care thanks to the on-site day spa and 75 acres of rich farmland that begs to be explored. 

When it’s time to eat, The Paddock Restaurant is located right on site and offers an outstanding chef-hatted meal alongside stellar wines. Ever-evolving with whatever local produce is blooming best at the time, the paddock-to-plate menu is reliably flavour bombed and finessed to world-class standards.

Day three

Morning

Wake up at your picture-perfect digs before returning to The Paddock for a glorious breakfast overlooking lush Hinterland serenity. The restaurant is only open at this time to hotel guests so it may feel even more special than it did the night prior. Just get there before 9:30am when breakfast wraps.

Your next missions, should you choose to accept them, is to embrace all the remarkable activity on offer at Beechmont Estate. Spanning guided walking and nature trails, as well as e-bike riding, birdwatching and more, there’s memorable time killers for every style of visitor and the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park is located right over the road. Your AM options are truly limitless.

Midday

Can’t get enough self-care on your dream weekend road trip from the Gold Coast? We’ve got your back. Check out for another lashing of the luxe life by driving down to Coolangatta’s wonderous Native State. It’s one of the city’s most acclaimed wellness facilities, offering a bathhouse and studio gym in addition to regular classes to help you feel your best.

While you’re touring this corner of the Gold Coast, don’t miss the chance to dine at Siblings, too. Located right on Kirra Beach, the views are phenomenal, and the menu is filled with seafood sizzlers. Think raw crustaceans dressed in expert mignonette, chargrilled king prawns, prawn and bug risotto and other mouth-waterers.  

Evening

No visit to the Gold Coast is complete with sunset cocktails at Kirra Beach House. Treated to panoramic views of the entire coastline, the hot spot attracts a chic crowd, thirsty to trial whatever seasonal concoction is being shaken behind the bar and craving its authentic Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Mediterranean fare struggling to get you excited? Check out our list of the Gold Coast restaurants you can’t miss for a final road trip feast that’s tailored to you.