The best Gold Coast day trips

For nothing but nature: Gold Coast Hinterland

Draped with lush rainforest, the Gold Coast Hinterland is an ideal place to sneaker up and take a walk to see where the green meets the gold.

Both Lamington and Springbrook national parks offer ample opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with nature. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, the parks are home to ancient natural beauty, like Springbrook's Natural Bridge - an enchanting waterfall that cascades through the arches of a basalt cave.

You could also wind your way up Lamington National Park Road for waterfall spotting and a stroll among the treetops at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Or, settle in at the base of the mountain at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, where you can pair a free wine tasting with a gourmet homestead picnic – tartan rug included. Take your spread down to the banks of the babbling Canungra Creek or opt for an alpaca picnic, where you can double date with two of the property’s furry friends.

Thinking about extending your stay? Here are more things to do while in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

For country charm: Scenic Rim

The Scenic Rim used to fly under the radar when it comes to Gold Coast day trips - but no longer, since Lonely Planet named it one of the world's top travel destinations for 2022. It's just the place if you’re looking to get off the grid, but not too far off.

The Gold Coast’s big backyard offers a heady dose of country charm just a few clicks inland, with close-knit townships stretching from Tamborine Mountain to Aratula.

Weave the country roads hugged by the Great Dividing Range, calling in for a coldie at Tamborine Mountain’s Fortitude Brewing Co. or a classic pub lunch at a true-blue Queensland local (Boonah and Beaudesert have the lion’s share), or something a little bit fancy at Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm.

If you’re road tripping on a Sunday, there are tonnes of regional markets scattered throughout the Scenic Rim that show off the region’s best locally grown produce, including olives, avocados, delicious dairy, and a pantry’s worth of preserves. Or, just pull over to a roadside veggie stand and take your pick. 

If you’re the type who plans their day trip itinerary around food, then follow the Scenic Rim Food Trail or check out these things to do.

For a city escape: Brisbane

Brisbane lies an easy hour north of the Gold Coast - and offers big city perks (like great shopping and on-trend eateries) along with plenty of that relaxed Queensland charm.

Queen Street Mall delivers shopping in the city’s heart, with leading high street brands and department stores, the Wintergarden’s surplus of edgy boutiques, and QueenPlaza’s international designers (including Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent), all in one place.

It’s also worth venturing uptown to James Street at the crosshairs of Newstead and Fortitude Valley. You could easily lose a few hours wandering the beautiful leafy street and stocking up on Australian designer threads and swilling back wine in a local bar.

For a slower paced afternoon, park your car in South Bank and enjoy a stroll along the riverfront, grab something to eat at Fish Lane, or wander one of Brisbane’s world class exhibitions. South Bank is at Brisbane’s cultural heart and between the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), State Library of Queensland, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Queensland Maritime Museum, and Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, there’s sure to be a show, exhibition or historical tale to take your fancy.

For vineyard-hopping: Southern Queensland Country

Toowoomba, Brisbane’s country cousin, is about two hours’ drive from the Gold Coast. While the Garden City is the end goal for most – its impeccably manicured parks, street art laneways and coffee nooks are hard to resist – the far-reaching region it belongs to has plenty to offer for Gold Coast day trips as well.

This is Southern Queensland Country, where you can experience all four seasons throughout the year. In spring, fruit trees blossom and fields fill with wildflowers, and in winter, you can sometimes even catch snowflakes in Stanthorpe.

The region also boasts some of Australia’s richest soils, so it’s no surprise that the fresh produce here is second to none. Whatever the season, you can (and should) swirl and sip your way along the Granite Belt wine trail. Here, big name producers sit alongside boutique growers. There are dozens of cellar doors to knock on, with drops well beyond your standard Shiraz. Keep an eye out for the Strange Bird badge for alternative varietals and add a little Malbec from Summit Estate Wines, Petillant Rouge from Hidden Creek Winery or Sylvaner from Ballandean Estate Wines to your vino vocabulary.

The Granite Belt also offers prime apple growing conditions. At Sutton’s Farm in Stanthorpe, apples go straight from paddock to pie-dish. Don’t even think about ending your day trip until you’ve devoured a slice of their famous homemade apple pie.

If you’re chasing waterfalls and waterholes, add these stops to your Southern Queensland Country day trip. Hikers, these are the best trails to check out.

For an island getaway: North Stradbroke Island

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is the natural playground for South East Queenslanders, with sand-blown cliffs, serious surf, natural wonders and rich culture. Let your itinerary take its inspiration from your location - today you’re living on island time. There’s no need to rush; Straddie is best enjoyed at a slow and steady pace.

Catching the ferry from Cleveland (just over an hour up the motorway from the Gold Coast) delivers you to the tiny North Stradbroke Island township of Dunwich.

If you haven’t brought your own set of wheels, jump on a bus and roll on to Point Lookout, but not before fueling up with a smoothie, organic coffee or slice of something sweet from Island Fruit Barn – 10 minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal.

Taking an easy hike along the North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout is a must, as is a double scoop from Oceanic Gelato just across the road. In the cooler months, cast your gaze out to sea as pods of migrating humpbacks put on a show.

For something special, spend part of your day seeing the island through local eyes with Yura Tours: whether you take a cultural walking tour, or head out on a scooter or guided drive, you'll learn more about this island's history and culture than you ever thought you could in a day.

If you’re keen for a dip, stick to the patrolled beaches of Main Beach and Cylinder Beach.

For a day on the water: South Stradbroke Island

South Stradbroke Island might not have the big reputation of its northern sibling, but it's actually more accessible for Gold Coast day trips, with water taxis departing from a handful of mainland marinas including Runaway Bay, Sanctuary Cove and Main Beach. In a mere 20 to 30 minutes, you’ve arrived on a remote-feeling oasis.

South Straddie is a great place to set up camp, but offers secluded alcoves and surf beaches aplenty for day-trippers. It may not boast the amenities of North Straddie, but it definitely caters to the adventurous, with sea kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing and all manner of on-the-water activities. In fact, you can skip the water taxi altogether and get here with your own paddle or horse-power thanks to Jet Ski Safaris and Australian Kayaking Adventures.

Staying dry is also an option. You can take in some pretty spectacular views of the coast spinning around the sand island on a four-wheel-drive buggy. The 1800-hectare conservation park has five Grade 3 short walking trails to explore that take you through dense forest of bloodwood and brush box trees and out to coastal dunes.

Another must-do walk is the Alcheringa Trail. Once a meeting place for the Komumerri and Noonuccal tribes, you can pick up a map at eco resort Couran Cove. Wander along the Rainforest Boardwalk and through mangroves while learning about South Stradbroke Island’s Aboriginal history on this self-guided walk.

Want even more ideas for Gold Coast day trips? Add these to your list.