There’s nothing quite like jumping in the car and embarking on an unforgettable road trip. Whether you are deciding on a long road trip or simply taking a brief trip but have lots to see along the way, there’s something immensely rewarding and thrilling the freedom of road trips can offer you. After all, why plan a vacation in just one place when you can easily see the sights and attractions of multiple destinations?
Hitting the open road and exploring Australia at your leisure is among the best ways to see the country and there are some incredible trips to be taken along its astonishing east coast. So, look at your options for car rental on the Gold Coast and begin planning the ultimate adventure.
- Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast
Mileage: 184 kmSuggested time: 7 days
Starting on the Gold Coast, spend a day or two absorbing the sun at spots like Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, before heading to Brisbane. Spend a few days seeing the sights of Queensland’s capital, getting up near lovely koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and experiencing the vibrant South Bank Parklands. From here, continue north towards the coast, stopping for a little bit of relaxation on Bribie Island, a surprising island just south of the Sunshine Coast. Visit Steve Irwin’s Australian Zoo near Beerwah, then end your trip on the Sunshine Coast itself, home to astonishing beaches and unwavering natural beauty
- Gold Coast to Cairns
Mileage: 1,762 kmSuggested time: 16 days
Follow the same path as the route above, but do not let the fun stop once you reach the Sunshine Coast. Instead, head to trendy Noosa and Fraser Islands, where you can spend a night or two camping on the world’s largest sand island, embarking on some awesome 4×4 adventures. Go whale watching in Hervey Bay, relax in Seventeen Seventy and discover Capricorn Caves in Rockhampton. Next, head to the vibrant town of Airlie Beach, where you can board a catamaran for a spectacular two-night sailing tour Whitsunday Islands. Stop over in Townsville, before heading to Mission Beach and having among the best skydiving experiences in the country. Finally, end your journey in Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Gold Coast to Sydney
Mileage: 843 kmSuggested time: 14 days
This is a really popular route to take because there’s so much to see between the Gold Coast and Sydney, so you can take this trip for as long or as short as you like. The first stop should be the world famous Byron Bay, enjoy coastal walks by day and a drink or two at Cheeky Monkeys by night. Take the optional detour to hippie town Nimbin before continuing your journey. Try surfing at Yamba, visit Big Banana Amusement Park in Coffs Harbor and immerse yourself in nature at Port Macquarie. See dolphins in the wild in Nelson Bay and taste freshly made wine in the Hunter Valley, before arriving in Sydney and seeing some of the world’s most iconic attractions.
Ready to explore among the best road trip countries in the world? Whichever route you choose to drive, there isn’t any doubt that you’re going to have the ride of a lifetime.
