Best Day Trips from the Gold Coast

September 24, 2025

Top Places You Won’t Want to Miss

An beautiful view of a gold coast city with tall buildings and a beach.

The Gold Coast is perfectly positioned not just for surf and city thrills, but also for quick escapes into nature, culture, and charming nearby towns. If you’re looking to fill your itinerary with incredible day trips, you should visit these four destinations: Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Tamborine Mountain, and Springbrook

1. Byron Bay

Travel time from Gold Coast: ~1 hour 15 minutes (by car)

Byron Bay is famous for its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and vibrant arts scene. Just over the border in New South Wales, it's a scenic drive that takes you through lush hinterland and coastal towns.

Top Things to Do in Byron Bay:

Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse: The easternmost point of mainland Australia, with panoramic ocean views — sunrise here is truly magical.
Enjoy the Beaches: Main Beach, Wategos, and The Pass are perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or simply relaxing.
Explore Local Markets & Boutiques: Byron is packed with artisan shops, organic cafes, and local markets (especially on Sundays).
Spot Dolphins and Whales: Join a sea kayak or whale-watching tour (May to November for whale season).

Perfect for: Beach lovers, creatives, foodies, and anyone looking for a chilled-out coastal escape.

2. Lamington National Park

Travel time from Gold Coast: ~1.5 to 2 hours (depending on entry point)

Part of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests, Lamington National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. With ancient trees, cascading waterfalls, and incredible wildlife, it’s one of the most rewarding day trips for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Highlights of Lamington National Park:

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat: A popular entry point with guest facilities, a treetop canopy walk, and bird feeding experiences.
Hiking Trails: From short walks to full-day treks like the Box Forest Circuit or Toolona Creek Circuit, there's a trail for every fitness level.
Wildlife Watching: Spot bowerbirds, pademelons, and even glow worms in the right conditions.
Picnic with a View: The park offers stunning viewpoints like Python Rock and Morans Falls Lookout.

Perfect for: Hikers, birdwatchers, photographers, and anyone craving fresh mountain air and green scenery.

3. Tamborine Mountain

Travel time from Gold Coast: ~45 minutes to 1 hour

For a mix of natural beauty and artisan culture, Tamborine Mountain is hard to beat. Sitting in the Gold Coast Hinterland, it combines rainforest walks with wineries, galleries, and charming villages.

Must-Do Activities in Tamborine Mountain:

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: An elevated walkway through lush rainforest with views over creeks and treetops.
Gallery Walk: A quirky stretch of cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and fudge shops – ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Curtis Falls & Witches Falls Walks: Gentle hikes leading to picturesque waterfalls surrounded by dense forest.
Local Wineries & Distilleries: Enjoy wine tasting, locally distilled spirits, or a cheese platter with a view.
Glow Worm Caves: A unique eco-attraction where you can see glow worms up close in a purpose-built cave.

Perfect for: Couples, families, wine lovers, and weekend wanderers.

4. Springbrook National Park

Travel time from Gold Coast: ~1 hour

Springbrook is another jewel of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Known for its dramatic waterfalls, spectacular lookouts, and prehistoric landscapes, it’s one of the most rewarding day trips for those wanting to reconnect with nature.

Top Things to Do in Springbrook:

Natural Bridge (Arch): A must-see rock formation with a waterfall flowing through a cave — home to glow worms at night.
Best of All Lookout: Aptly named, this viewpoint offers panoramic views over the Tweed Valley and even as far as Mt. Warning.
Twin Falls Circuit: A stunning 4 km loop trail through lush rainforest, passing behind waterfalls and through rock crevices.
Purling Brook Falls: A dramatic plunge waterfall with a great viewing platform and an optional hike to the base.
Glow Worms: Visit after dark at Natural Bridge or join a guided night tour.

Perfect for: Waterfall chasers, hikers, nature photographers, and families wanting a scenic day in the wild.

From the boho beaches of Byron Bay to the lush, misty rainforests of Springbrook and Lamington, the Gold Coast is surrounded by natural and cultural gems. Whether you want waterfalls, wineries, mountaintop views, or surf town vibes, these day trips offer something for everyone — all within 1 to 2 hours’ drive.

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What's on in November: Gold Coast Events

By Sophie B • November 1, 2025

The bottle shops have tripled their supply of cowboy shot buckets…instant noodle sales are front and centre at Woolworths…it can only mean one thing: Schoolies Season is upon us. As an accommodation provider, November on the Gold Coast is one of our busiest (and craziest times) of the year! If you have planned your family holiday for November fear not - Schoolies is so well organised now you’ll hardly even know they are here. There are plenty of events, markets and family friendly spots to escape to, check out our top picks below: NOVEMBER EVENTS Nitro Circus: Off the Rails World Tour When: November 1, 2025 – 7:00 pm Where: People First Stadium The Vibe: A high-octane spectacle of FMX, BMX and scooter stunts, pyrotechnics and non-stop action. Expect adrenaline-filled thrills and big crowds. Surfing State of Origin When: November 15 & 16, 2025 Where: John Laws Park, Burleigh Heads The Vibe: A surf showdown between Queensland & New South Wales, where the top 8 teams battle it out. The local surf clubs will be packed, and it’s a great way to experience local culture. Rolling Sets Festival When: November 29, 2025 Where: Ebenezer Park, Tweed Heads The Vibe: Think coastal music festival meets surf/skate culture. Headliners include Hilltop Hoods, Spacey Jane and the Parcels, with plenty more acts to follow. Lee Kernaghan – Boys From The Bush The Concert When: November 29, 2025 Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach The Vibe: One of Australia’s leading country music acts, expect feel good tunes and plenty of sing alongs. Schoolies Week One & Two Week One: November 22 – 29, 2025 | Week Two: November 29 – December 6 2025 Where: Typically around Surfers Paradise / official Schoolies venues. The Vibe: Two weeks of pure chaos. Just kidding, while it can seem the streets are a little busier than usual it’s an extremely well run event - beach parties, theme nights, concerts and group events. Week One is usually busier as it’s for Queensland students, with numbers dropping off for Week Two / interstate guests. NOVEMBER MARKETS Love Me Again Markets When: November 15, 8am - 12pm Where: Miami Marketta: Hillcrest Parade, Miami The Vibe: One of the best pre-loved fashion markets on the Gold Coast! Grab a coffee, grab a bag, and scout a vintage bargain. The Village Markets When: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am - 1pm Where: Burleigh Heads State School, The Vibe: Ever wanted to shop in an influencer's closet? That’s what the Village Markets are for. A huge range of preloved clothes, plus food stands, local labels and gifts. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 4pm Where: The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise The Vibe: Beach vibes, local labels, gifts and market food galore. Come for the sunset, stay for the shopping. B roadbeach Art & Craft Markets When: October 5 & 19, 8am – 2pm Where: Pratten Park, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach The Vibe: One of the most popular markets on the Gold Coast for families. These markets are full of handmade gifts, art, jewellery, local labels and of course - plenty of food! HOTA Farmers Markets When: Every Sunday, 6am – 11.30am Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise The Vibe: Fresh produce, live music and a relaxed Sunday morning vibe. Perfect for picking up local goods and enjoying breakfast outdoors. Be sure to check back next month for your December go-to guide featuring all the best Holiday Season events!