If visiting Australia and exploring it by car has always been one of your greatest wishes, look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are the three most amazing scenic drives that will allow you to experience the Gold Coast at its finest, so check them out and plan your upcoming trip to the tiniest detail!
Surfers Paradise to Mount Tamborine
Apart from its breathtaking views and gorgeous scenery, Mount Tamborineis also known for its picturesque boutiques and a small town charm, which is exactly why you shouldn’t skip this scenic drive. The first step is making your way to the Gold Coast Highway, so head north and you’ll be taken along Main Beach and the edge of Broadwater through Southport, Labrador, and Runaway Bay. When you get past Runaway Bay, you’ll see the signs to Sanctuary Cove, so head in that direction and then follow the signs to the Pacific Highway and Brisbane. When on the Pacific Highway, take the left-hand exit to Mount Tamborine when you get past Dreamworld – it will take you straight up the mountain to Tamborine Village. Then continue your drive and head over to North Tamborine, where you can take a long walk around the mountain and explore gorgeous rainforests first-hand. Of course, there’s a coffee house where you can grab a bite and a cup of coffee/tea while enjoying the gorgeous scenery. Besides that, you can also pay a visit to breweries, distilleries, and cheese factories while at Mount Tamborine, so be sure not to skip it under any circumstances!
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park is another picturesque spot you can explore in the best possible way only when traveling by car, which is exactly what makes it one of the most fantastic scenic drive on the east coast. The great thing about it is that this national park is located only 90 minutes from the Gold Coast, which means that you’ll be able to enjoy its stunning scenery and natural wonders without having to drive for hours and hours. So, if you’re just a tourist who doesn’t have their own car, you should definitely opt for an Avis Car Hireand plan your trip to Lamington National Park as soon as possible! The first thing to do is to head west to the Beaudesert-Nerang Road, and then to take the Lamington National Park Road when you reach Canungra. Then follow signs to O’Reilly’s, which is a guesthouse at the top of the mountains. You can take a relaxing walk through the treetops and see the rainforest from a completely different perspective. Besides that, there are also shorter tracks – the Wishing Tree Track and the one leading to the Morans Falls Lookout. Did you know that this area is home to unique Australian wildlife? We bet you didn’t, so keep an eye out to find out which mammals live in Lamington National Park!
Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta/Tweed Heads
Last but certainly not least, a 40-minute drive from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta which shares the state borders with Tweed Heads is undoubtedly the one your whole family will absolutely adore. Apart from its magical beach views, Coolangatta is the perfect place for an afternoon ice cream, which is exactly what makes it family-friendly. In case you weren’t aware of that fact, Coolangatta sits on Rainbow Bay, and it actually marks the southernmost point of the Gold Coast. Of course, it’s a quite popular place among the surfers for a great reason, as some of the most impressive waves on the coast can be spotted exactly at this place. So, if you’re a surfer yourself or you just want to see passionate surfers in action, you should definitely pay a visit to Snapper Rocks as well. All you have to do is to start from Surfers Paradise and head south on State Route Three, towards Burleigh Heads. Bear in mind that the road will merge with the Pacific Motorway, where you should continue driving south, following the signs for Coolangatta. As simple as that!
As you can see, the Gold Coast is truly amazing on so many levels and it has a lot to offer – especially if you love to explore it by car. If that’s the case with you, all you have to do is to pick one of these three scenic drives and embark on a new adventure. One thing is certain – you surely won’t make a mistake whichever you pick!
