7 Best Gold coast Day Trips🏖
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Australia’s Gold Coast is a popular tourist spot known for its beautiful beaches and busy city life.
There are, however, numerous excellent day trip possibilities for travelers to explore the surrounding locations.
The Gold Coast provides a variety of natural and cultural experiences, from trekking in Lamington National Park to observing Australian animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tourists can also board a ferry to North Stradbroke Island for some beach time or visit Mount Tamborine’s picturesque village of Tamborine.
Other options include the laid-back beach town of Byron Bay, the beautiful Springbrook National Park, and the area behind the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast has something for everyone with so many day trip alternatives.
What are the 7+ best Gold Coast day trips?
Visitors to Australia’s Gold Coast can enjoy a variety of exciting day trips. Here are a few suggestions:
- Surfers Paradise This bustling beach town is located right on the Gold Coast and offers plenty of activities, including surfing, shopping, and dining.
- Byron Bay: While technically outside of the Gold Coast, Byron Bay is a popular day trip destination for visitors. This coastal town is known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and eclectic shops and cafes.
- Mount Tamborine: This mountain is located about an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. There are also many boutique shops, cafes, and galleries in the quaint town of Tamborine.
- North Stradbroke Island: Take a ferry from the Gold Coast to this beautiful island where you can swim, surf, and relax on pristine beaches. The island also has opportunities for wildlife spotting and scenic walks.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located on the Gold Coast and is a great place to see a variety of Australian wildlife up close, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.
- Gold Coast Hinterland: The hinterland is a picturesque region located behind the Gold Coast that offers a variety of activities, including wineries, art galleries, and scenic drives.
- Springbrook National Park: This park is located about an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and is known for its stunning waterfalls and rainforest scenery. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails.
- Lamington National Park: Located about an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast, this park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. The park has a variety of trails that wind through rainforests, past waterfalls, and up to scenic lookouts.[ Book with GetyourGuide.com]
These are just a few suggestions for day trips from the Gold Coast, but there are many more options to explore in the area.
1. Mount Tamborine: BOOK Day Trips to Mount Tamborine with GetYourGuide.com
Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 Good |📍 Location: MountTamborine | 🌐View on Getyourguide.com
Mount Tamborine is a magnificent peak in Australia, roughly an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast. It’s a popular day trip destination for those wishing to get away from the city and spend some time in nature.
Take a wine tour: The Mount Tamborine area is famed for its wineries, so a wine tour is a perfect chance to try some of the local wines while admiring the surroundings. Book for Wine Tour from GoldCoast
Great tour that started off at a liqueur distillery in the mountains, then goes on to visit several wineries in the local area, where you get to try a variety of different styles, and get a bit of history on the venues. Oh, and the views are fairly spectacular in most of them. Stopped for a meal in 1 location, and it was beautiful also. All led by our guide Andrew on the vino bus, who had tons of knowledge on the local area and was super nice.
– Jennifer 🇬🇧 United Kingdom ( Read more Reviews )
BOOK Day Trips to Mount Tamborine with GetYourGuide.com
Here is the list of activities to do on a day trip to Mount Tamborine:
Glow Worm Caves: The Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery is a man-made cave that is home to hundreds of glow worms. Guests can witness the glow worms in action by taking a guided tour. Book day trip to Glow Worm Caves
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: This 1.5-kilometer walk takes you over the rainforest canopy, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area.Book a day trip to Tamborine Rainforest
Visit the Gallery Walk: Located in the heart of Mount Tamborine, the Gallery Walk is a collection of boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. It’s a fantastic spot to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.
Visit the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, which produces a variety of award-winning liqueurs and spirits. Guests can go on a guided tour and try some of the items.
Visit the Mount Tamborine Botanic Gardens, which are home to a wide range of plant species from throughout the world. They also provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Picnic at Curtis Falls: This lovely waterfall is ensconced in a lush jungle and is a popular area for picnics and relaxation.
A day trip to Mount Tamborine provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature, culture, and leisure.
2. Byron Bay:
⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10 Fabulous |📍 Location: Byron Bay | 🌐View on Getyouguide.com
Byron Bay is a popular coastal town in Australia, about an hour and a half’s drive from the Gold Coast.
It is well-known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and unique shops and cafes. These are some things to do on a day trip to Byron Bay:
A day trip to Byron Bay allows you to experience the laid-back coastal lifestyle while also seeing the area’s natural and cultural splendor.
Day Trip Activities on Byron Bay
- Byron Bay: Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour in Julian Rocks Reserve
- Byron Bay: Hinterland Magic and Glow-Worm Experience
- Byron Bay Tandem Skydive– For the Adventurous ones
- Byron Bay: 2-Hour Small Group Surf Lesson
- Brunswick Heads: Brunswick River Sunset Kayak Tour : Tourists can enjoy a guided kayak excursion in the Cape Byron Marine Park, where they can witness sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine species.
Other Activities:
See the Cape Byron Lighthouse, which is located on Australia’s easternmost point and provides breathtaking views of the shore. Guests can join a guided tour to learn about the history and fauna of the area.
Relax on the beaches: Byron Bay is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, including Main Beach and Wategos Beach. Guests can swim, surf, or simply lounge in the sun.
Visit the town: Byron Bay boasts a distinctive collection of boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Wandering the streets, visitors can encounter local artists and crafters.
Take a whale-watching tour: Humpback whales migrate along the coast from May to November, and visitors may take a boat excursion to observe these majestic creatures up close.
See the Crystal Castle: This one-of-a-kind attraction is located in the Byron Bay hinterland and features a collection of crystals, gardens, and walking trails. Yoga and meditation classes are also available for visitors.
Visit adjacent places: The surrounding area is home to numerous attractive communities, including Bangalow, Mullumbimby, and Brunswick Heads. Guests can enjoy the small-town vibe by exploring the local shops and eateries.
Book for Byron Bay day trips here..👇🏻
Make arrangements for your visit to Gold Coast, QLD Australia
Since we travel quite frequently and have been doing so for the past ten years, we have come to rely on a handful of reliable websites that help us save both money and time when we book lodging, flights, and car rentals.
The following Sites & companies are among our top recommendations:
Hotel & Accommodation Bookings:
- 🌐 Booking.com -With 700,000+ hotels, apartments, and hostels worldwide offered for your holidays. You get free cancellation on most rooms and the best price guarantee.
Flights Bookings:
- ✈️Cheapair.com– You can reserve the most convenient and affordable flights to your favorite places. CheapAir assists you in locating and booking flights with WiFi and other facilities that will make your vacation more comfortable. CheapAir is the most dependable online travel agency.
- 💠Book with Bitcoin Option with CheapAir
- ⚗️Weekend Hotels Deal
- 🔰Expedia is a comparison website that searches for millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (No extra fees).
Car Rental Bookings
- 🚕 RentalCars.com is the world’s biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.
- 🚌For transport to and from the airport and various locations try Con-x-ion shuttles. We use them all the time to go to Gold coast airport and they’re great. Book your tickets here
Activities Bookings:
- Viator– Use Reserve Now & Pay Later to secure the activities you don’t want to miss without being locked in.
- Get your Guide – Discover unforgettable travel experiences
3. North Stradbroke Island:
⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10 Fabulous |📍 Location: Byron Bay | 🌐View on Getyouguide.com
North Stradbroke Island is a large sand island off the coast of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The locals call it “Straddie.” It’s a popular day excursion from the Gold Coast and has a number of natural and cultural attractions.
These are some things to do on a day trip to North Stradbroke Island:
The beaches on North Stradbroke Island, like Cylinder Beach, Main Beach, and Point Lookout, are known for being beautiful. Tourists can swim, surf, and sunbake.
Take a whale-watching tour: Humpback whales migrate along the coast from June to November, and visitors may take a boat excursion to observe these majestic creatures up close.
North Stradbroke Island features various walking paths and natural attractions, including Blue Lake, Brown Lake, and the North Gorge Trail.
Visit the little settlements on North Stradbroke Island, such as Dunwich, Amity Point, and Point Lookout. Tourists can enjoy the relaxing island atmosphere by exploring the local stores and eateries.
Read about the local culture: The Quandamooka people have resided on the island for thousands of years. The North Stradbroke Island History Museum educates visitors on local culture and history.
Go fishing: North Stradbroke Island is a fantastic site to go fishing, with many different varieties of fish to be found in the surrounding seas.
Tourists can take a guided 4WD tour of the island, which allows them to observe the natural beauty and wildlife up close.
A day trip to North Stradbroke Island is an excellent way to enjoy Australia’s natural beauty and peaceful island lifestyle.
Day Trip Activities on North Stradbroke Island:
- Moreton Bay: Best of Moreton Bay 3 Island Day Tour
- From Gold Coast: North Stradbroke Island Sunset Tour
- Gold Coast: North Stradbroke Island Certified Triple Dive
Book for North Stradbroke Island Day trips here..👇🏻
4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary:
⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10 Fabulous |📍 Location: Goldcoast | 🌐View on Getyouguide.com
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned tourist destination in Currumbin, a Gold Coast suburb in Queensland, Australia.
A sanctuary is a non-profit group that works to protect Australian wildlife and their natural habitats.
About 1,000 animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, echidnas, wombats, crocodiles, and a broad range of bird species, live on the sanctuary’s 27 hectares. When people go to the sanctuary, they can see these animals up close and even get to know them by doing things like feeding kangaroos and petting koalas.
Aside from the animal displays, the sanctuary offers a wide range of activities and shows every day, such as bird shows, Aboriginal performances, and animal interactions.
There are also walking trails and gardens to explore, as well as a treetop challenge course for those looking for a more adventurous adventure.
Overall, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place to visit if you want to learn more about Australia’s distinctive fauna and conservation efforts.
Day Trip Activities on Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary:
Book for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Day trips here..👇🏻
5.Gold Coast Hinterland:
⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10 Fabulous |📍 Location: Goldcoast | 🌐View on Getyouguide.com
A day trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland is a great way to explore the natural beauty and scenic attractions of the area. Here are some places to visit on a day trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland:
- Lamington National Park: Lamington National Park is a World Heritage-listed rainforest located about an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise. The park offers a range of walking tracks, waterfalls, and panoramic views, and is home to a variety of native wildlife.
- O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a nature-based resort located in Lamington National Park. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, bird-watching, and tree-top walks, as well as dining and accommodation.
- Canungra Valley Vineyards: Canungra Valley Vineyards is a winery located in the picturesque Canungra Valley. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and a range of gourmet foods.
These are just a few of the many places to visit on a day trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Visitors can also explore the local area, including the charming towns and villages, art galleries, and historic sites of the region.
Day Trip Activities on .Gold Coast Hinterland:
Book for .Gold Coast Hinterland: Day trips here..👇🏻
6. Surfers Paradise
5 the best Day Trips you can do in Surfers Paradise
- Surfers Paradise: Surf Lesson on the Gold Coast
- Gold Coast: Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild 14-Day Pass
- Gold Coast: Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour
- Surfers Paradise: Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour
1.Surfers Paradise: Surf Lesson on the Gold Coast
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 Fabulous |📍 Location: Gold coast | 🌐View on Getyouguide.com
Surfers Paradise, on Queensland’s Gold Coast, is an excellent location for day visits to neighbouring sites. Some popular day trips from Surfers Paradise include:
Amusement parks: Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild are all located on the Gold Coast. These parks have a variety of rides, performances, and attractions for people of all ages.
2.Gold Coast: Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild 14-Day Pass
Springbrook National Park is a World Heritage-listed rainforest located approximately an hour and a half drive from Surfers Paradise. The park is well-known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and breathtaking views.
3.Gold Coast: Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour
4. Surfers Paradise: Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour
Day Trip Activities on Surfers Paradise
1.Book for Amusement parks – Day Trips here
2.Book for Surfers Paradise Day trips here..👇🏻
Shop for activities as a Couple in Sunshine coast
Gold Coast: Floating Bar – Sunset Cruise
Set sail around Broadwater and discover the Gold Coast from the water.
Traveling on board a modern catamaran, admire stunning views of the Gold Coast and South Stradbroke Island.
Book Now| Viator
Gold Coast: 30min Jet Ski Tour in Surfers Paradise
Book now| Viator
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About the Author: Div Acharya
Div is an entrepreneur, influencer, blogger, and marketer, As a travel blogger, Div had the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most incredible locations. From the bustling streets of Sydney, and the fashionable streets of Paris, to the pristine beaches of the Sunshine Coast. I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures, meet fascinating people, and try new things.
One of the things I love most about being a travel author is being able to share my experiences with others. Travel has taught me so much about the world and myself, and I feel grateful to be able to share those lessons with others through my work.