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Top scenic spots to explore in a rental car.
A few days on the Gold Coast to many spells sun, sand and theme parks for the young and young at heart.
But with so much more to offer, all within an easy days drive in a rental car, exploring the Gold Coast hinterland and beyond at your own pace can round out that Gold Coast escape with some delightful and unexpected forays!
Whether you are a driving enthusiast, or simply wish to explore some of the hidden gems of South East Queensland at your leisure, here are just some ideas for exploring the Gold Coast away from the coast.
Mount Tamborine
The third oldest National Park in the world, and an easy hours drive from the bustling coastal strip, the beautiful Tamborine Mountain combines breathtaking scenery, award winning accommodation and dining options, markets and galleries and the chance to immerse yourself in nature with a variety of rain forest walks.
With access from the northern and southern ends, the mountain serves up incredible views at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, with yet more daring family thrills to be had at the TreeTop Challenge and Thunderbird Park.
The Gallery Walk is a must-do, with artisan shops, galleries and cafes stretched along a central strip, and always bustling on the weekend. Further highlights include distilleries, wineries and award winning restaurants. For lunch with a view its hard to go past the St Bernards Hotel, a charming landmark dating from the 1800s and still thriving on Alpine Terrace.
Curtis Falls is just one of several easily reached swimming holes, and a welcome respite from the summer heat.
With its fascinating history, scenery to die for and dining and activities for young and old, a day trip to Tamborine Mountain and surrounds is a must-do when visiting the Gold Coast.
Springbrook National Park
The Springbrook National Park is a nature lovers paradise, also just a one hour drive from the Gold Coast either via Mudgeeraba and the Gold Coast Springbrook Road, or the western access Pine Creek Road off the Nerang Murwillumbah highway. Driving in through one way and out the other allows one to experience both scenic drives with lookouts, shops and other stops unique to each. A mid sized rental car or SUV would make traversing the sometimes windy roads more comfortable.
At over 6,000 hectares, Springbrook is located on the McPherson range and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. The southern cliffs featuring spectacular lookouts across the Gold Coast and Tweed Valley and impressive land formations are remnants of the massive ancient Tweed Volcano plugged by the impressive Wollumbin (Mount Warning) in the distance.
Numerous lookouts and waterfalls abound, many only a short walk from easy parking facilities. As well as a range of hiking trails, there are opportunities for horse riding, limited camping facilities and a highly diverse range of flora and fauna to appreciate. Craft shops and cafes offer a variety of wares and treats.
The Natural Bridge section of the park, accessed from the Nerang Murwillumbah road is famous for its namesake, naturally formed arch over Cave Creek. A short walk from the road, the damp cave is also home to a colony of glowworms.
Carrying some warm clothing is recommended at all times in the park as temperatures can be quite cool even in the summer months, which also experience the highest annual rainfall between December and March.
Byron Bay and Surrounds (NSW)
Since the 1960s when longboard surfers first arrived in the area, the town of Byron Bay and nearby surrounds has been known for its diverse range of visiting alternative lifestyle exponents, leading to its reputation as a hippy, happy alternative town.
Tourism began in earnest in the 80s predominantly from the cooler climes of southern NSW, leading to the current two million plus visitors per year in a town of only 6330 permanent residents (2021 census).
Now, though renown as a haven for artists, musicians and other craftspeople as well as a plethora of new age “wellness” devotees, it has become known too for an influx of celebrities and the associated “influencer” crowd wishing to emulate them.
Name brand fashion shops and upmarket boutiques with accompanying upmarket pricetags are slowly edging out the new age shops and “spiritual” service providers.
A drive up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse leads to sensational views from the most easterly point on mainland Australia, where between June and October you might see migrating Humpback whales, while a meal at the iconic Beach Hotel Byron Bay overlooking the pristine waters is highly recommended.
Surrounding areas not far away include the home of cannabis counterculture, the town of Nimbin, and the old school boutique shopping and café mecca of Bangalow yield further evidence of the areas laidback charm and relaxed vibe. The Bangalow Market on the 4th Sunday every month is a highlight of any visit to the region.
For the drive home options beside the M1 include the coastal road visiting a number of spectacular northern NSW beaches such as Pottsville, Cabarita and the popular Kingscliff or a number of inland routes such as via the regional centre Mullumbimby, or inland over the Burringbar range . Stop at the Mooball Roadhouse with the big motorcycle outside for a tasty meal and a look at some eye catching motoring memorabilia.
Onward from Mooball visit the historic towns of Stokers Siding and Murwillumbah before turning for home either on through the Tweed Valley and up the Nerang-Murwillumbah road (past the Springbrook Natural Arch above) or over the twisty Tomewin Mountain road where you’ll pass the well known Freemans Farm where you’ll find lush organic produce and good coffee on the way down the other side into the Currumbin Valley again on the Gold Coast.
Of course the Gold Coast has so much to offer even closer to home, from the surfing beaches of the southern coast to the shopping meccas of Harbourtown and Pacific Fair, acclaimed dining and cultural precincts and the growing northern suburbs.
However long you have to enjoy the Gold Coast, the independence of having your own vehicle to get out and make the most of your time cannot be beaten, and is sure to contribute to a relaxing and memorable vacation! Safe and happy travels !
