The Gold Coast might be famous for its towering skyscrapers and busy coastline, but there’s so much more to it. Jump in the car, and it won’t be long before you’re discovering ancient rainforests, magical waterfalls, hidden valleys and secluded beaches. Here are three spectacular Gold Coast scenic drives to add to your itinerary.
Hire one of SIXT’s electric vehicles (EVs) to drive in comfort and style, without doing any harm to the environment.
FOR IDYLLIC VALLEYS: LOST WORLD SCENIC DRIVE
Around 90 minutes’ drive southwest of the Gold Coast is the Lost World. This rugged, unspoilt wilderness is a series of valleys backdropped by stunning Razorback Mountain and Lamington Plateau.
The Lost World Scenic Drive is a circuit from the friendly country town of Beaudesert that transports you to gorgeous woodlands, rushing rivers and lush pastures. Highlights include Tommerup’s Dairy, where you can meet farm animals and buy fresh produce; the swimming holes along Christmas Creek; and the impossibly green fields of Kerry Valley.
You can drive the Lost World Scenic Drive in a day; but, if you’d like to stay overnight, so you can kick back and relax, there are plenty of options – from camping in idyllic Kerry Valley to glamping at Christmas Creek to pretty farmstays surrounded by rural views.
FOR JAW-DROPPING COASTLINE: GOLD COAST TO BYRON BAY
To see some of Australia’s most magnificent coastal scenery, take the scenic drive from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, crossing the border into NSW on the way.
Stops to make in Queensland include Burleigh Head National Park, where you can take an incredible coastal walk; Currumbin Beach, where you can relax on white sand and swim in crystal clear water; and Coolangatta, where you can stop for a lunch in a great restaurant overlooking the water.
In NSW, don’t miss the laidback village of Fingal Head; the stunning views from Norries Head at the southern end of Cabarita Beach; and, of course, Byron Bay, where you can visit Australia’s easternmost point. Travelling with kids? Here’s where to go and what to do.
FOR ANCIENT RAINFOREST AND WATERFALLS: NATURAL BRIDGE CIRCUIT
This drive takes you deep into Springbrook National Park, which is just 50 minutes southwest of the Gold Coast. It’s also part of the UNESCO World-Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests. Leave from Mudgeeraba, following the 99, which winds upwards to Springbrook Mountain plateau.
Highlights include Purling Brook Falls, which lie along a four-kilometre trail, including a suspension bridge over a dramatic gorge overlooking the falls; Twin Falls Circuit, a four-kilometre loop that takes you to rock pools where you swim looking up at the cascades; and Best of All Lookout, which takes in views of Murwillumbah, Mt Warning and Brunswick Heads.
To reach Natural Bridge, follow Pine Creek Road down Springbrook Mountain, then turn left down Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, which will take you through beautiful Numinbah Valley. The bridge lies at the end of a one-kilometre walk through rainforest. There’s a glow worm cave – come back at night on a guided tour to explore it.
GETTING TO THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast is an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, nine hours’ drive north of Sydney and 18 hours’ drive north of Melbourne. If you’re hitting the road, then don’t leave home before reading our road trip guides, which cover Sydney to the Gold Coast, Brisbane to the Gold Coast and swimming spots on the road from Coffs Harbour.
Flying instead? Land at the Gold Coast Airport (aka Coolangatta Airport), then pick up a SIXT car hire.
Travelling with kids? Here’s how to keep them happy and entertained on the Gold Coast.
