Living on the Gold Coast meant there was always something new for me to explore nearby.
You can drive 30 minutes in almost any direction and feel like you’re worlds away. Rainforest one way, a sand island another, or just over the border into NSW for a beach day.
Gary and I did a lot of these day trips during over the 2 years we spent on the Gold Coast. Some with friends, others with our family when they visited, and a few solo missions when I needed a change of scenery from Burleigh Heads.
The best way to get around is by car. Public transport really isn’t great up here, and most of the good stuff is out in the hinterland or down quiet country roads.
So here are my favourite day trips from the Gold Coast. These are the ones I kept going back to, and the ones I recommend to anyone visiting.
Best day trips from Gold Coast
Mt Tamborine
Distance | 45 minute drive
Mt Tamborine is my favourite day trip from the Gold Coast. We spent a weekend getaway up here, and then came back for a day trip with my parents when they visited. It’s that good.
It’s a cute little mountain town with heaps to do. Start with the Gallery Walk and pop into all the boutique shops along the main strip. Don’t miss the clock shop. The cinnamon scrolls at Cinnamon Bun Cafe are a big hit too (we came home with extras).
You can’t visit Mt Tamborine and not explore one of the many rainforest tracks in the area. I really enjoyed the Curtis Falls walk, but Witches Falls is also a beautiful option and a little less busy. Both lead to waterfalls through rainforest, and you can easily squeeze one in on a day trip from Gold Coast.
And yes, there are wineries up here too! Witches Falls Winery was my favourite but here are a few more you can choose from.
Moreton Island
Travel time | 1 hour to the ferry, then 75 minutes on the water
Moreton Island is an incredible sand island, one of three just off the coast of Brisbane. There are no roads and no cars here (unless you bring your own 4WD.)
It’s not the cheapest place to get to, so we made the most of it with a multi-day 4WD camping trip, setting up right on the beach. But you can also visit Moreton Island as a day trip.
It’ll be a long, busy day and you will be exhausted. But it’s so worth it.
The biggest draw here is the Tangalooma Wrecks. You can snorkel or kayak around them in crystal-clear water – we even spotted a whale swimming between the wrecks on one of our visits.
If you DIY the day trip, keep in mind you can’t go any further than the Wrecks area because there’s no public transport on the island.
Ferries leave from two places: Tangalooma Resort Ferry from Holt Street Wharf, or Micat Ferry from Port of Brisbane. Both are roughly an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast, and the ferry itself takes around 75 minutes.
The easier option is to book a day tour like this one, which sorts the ferry transfer, kayaks, snorkel gear, and transport around the island to places you couldn’t otherwise reach. Highly recommend if it’s your first visit. Check availability here.
Springbrook National Park
Distance | 30 minute drive
If you’re after a nature fix, Springbrook National Park is the best day trip from the Gold Coast. It’s hard to believe somewhere this lush and untouched is only a 30 minute drive from Broadbeach.
We did the Twin Falls Circuit from Canyon Lookout. It’s a 4km loop that takes you from panoramic views down to the canyon floor and past waterfalls you can actually walk behind. Pack your swimmers because there’s a big rock pool at the bottom.
While you’re up there, don’t skip Natural Bridge. It’s another pocket of Springbrook and a short 1km loop walk to a cave where a waterfall plunges through the roof.
The drive up is gorgeous too, through rainforest and past a handful of lookouts worth pulling over for.
Byron Bay
Travel time | 1 hour
Byron Bay is one of the most popular day trips from the Gold Coast, and for good reason. It’s a tourist hotspot so does get busy.
We did a day trip to Byron with friends and went diving at Julian Rocks, which is known as one of the best dive sites on the east coast. If you don’t have your diving certification, you can join a snorkel tour instead. Turtles, wobbegongs, grey nurse sharks – and whales between June and November if you’re lucky.
Afterwards, we came back into town for a long, lazy lunch. The food and restaurant scene in Byron in next-level, so come hungry!
Don’t skip the walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse. The views back over the bay are stunning and you’ve got a real chance of spotting dolphins from the headland.
Kingscliff
Distance | 40 minute drive south
If you’re looking for a good ol’ beach day trip from the Gold Coast, head to Kingcliff. It’s just over the NSW border and has a much more relaxed feel than anywhere on the Queensland side.
The main beach is stunning. Cudgen Creek is fantastic for families too – calm, protected water that’s perfect for little ones or for a paddle on a stand-up board. We spent Boxing Day here and it was so festive.
After a swim, wander to Marine Parade for a coffee and a browse through the boutique shops. Choux Box does great breakfasts, and the French patisserie at Salt Village is worth saving room for.
Lamington National Park
Travel time | 1.5 hours
Lamington is another classic Gold Coast day trip. I’ve only dipped in briefly rather than doing a full day, but it’s worth a mention if you’re after serious rainforest.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the usual base. The Tree Top Walk takes you up into the canopy on a series of suspension bridges, and the wild king parrots will land straight on your hand if you stand still long enough.
There’s also a network of rainforest circuits in different lengths, including easy ones for families.
It’s a longer drive than Mt Tamborine or Springbrook with plenty of winding road at the end, so leave early and make a proper day of it.
Currumbin Valley
Distance | 25 minute drive
Currumbin Valley is an easy half-day trip when you don’t feel like committing to a full day out. The main drawcard is Cougal Cascades – an easy 500m rainforest walk from the car park to a waterfall that tumbles down the cliff into a string of natural swimming holes.
There’s also a partly restored 1940s sawmill along the track, which is a nice little history detour. On a hot summer’s day, pack a picnic, grab a spot creekside, and swim in the rock pools until you’re ready to head home. This place is a gem.
If you’ve got little ones, the Currumbin Rock Pools are five minutes back down the road and much shallower – easier for children.
Brisbane
Travel time | 1.15 hour by car or train
Brisbane is easy to get to by train, which makes it a great option if you don’t feel like driving. That said, I prefer being out in nature, so Brisbane wouldn’t be my top pick for a day out. But if you’re after a city day, there’s plenty to do.
Start at South Bank Parklands. It has a man-made lagoon, cafes, and easy walking paths along the river. From there, hop on a CityCat ferry up to Felons Brewing Co at Howard Smith Wharves for a cold beer right under the Story Bridge.
If you’re keen on a show, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) at South Bank is where the big productions run – Broadway musicals, ballet, and major international tours. Check what’s on before you go.
My favourite day trips from Gold Coast
If I had to pick my winners, Mt Tamborine is the overall favourite. I love the nature but the town is charming too, and there’s always something new to come back for.
Moreton Island is my pick for something completely different. And Kingscliff is my go-to when I just want a proper beach day without the crowds.
Planning an adventure around the Gold Coast? Check out my other posts!
- Where to Stay on the Gold Coast
- Where to Stay on the Sunshine Coast
- Where to Stay in Brisbane
- How to Get to Moreton Island
- Best Things To Do In Boonah
- Best Day Trips From Brisbane
- Best Things To Do In Stanthorpe
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