5 Road Trip Ideas Starting On the Gold Coast

Queensland’s Gold Coast is one of the best places to start and finish your road trip holiday. We offer 5 road trip ideas starting on the Gold Coast.

**Above:**5 road trip ideas starting from the Gold Coast.

5 Road Trip Ideas Starting On the Gold Coast

In this article we explore 5 great road trips you can take from the beautiful Gold Coast of Australia. But first, let’s talk about why you should start and finish your trip in the ‘GC’:

Why the Gold Coast is the best place to start (and finish) your campervan road trip

The Gold Coast is a great place to base yourself for whatever type of road trip you’re looking to head off on for so many reasons. Here are our top 3:

Location! Location!

There’s so much to do and see within a few days’ drive north, south or east of this tourist mecca. Whether it’s a coastal adventure or a journey of discovery through Queensland’s historical towns and national parks.

The eastern seaboard of Queensland and the northern rivers of New South Wales are renowned for their pristine beaches and clear blue seas. If you love the water, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the water sports department – swim, snorkel, fish, boat, jet ski, kayak, scuba dive, stand up paddle board, surf – take your pick!

History buffs can take a journey back in time, soaking up colonial stories and relics oozing from central and western Queensland towns, and maybe some relaxing thermal water from the Great Artesian Basin on the way.

If you’re into hiking, or just love a relaxing walk in beautiful, natural surroundings, the countless national parks you’ll encounter on your trip will keep you more than occupied. From rugged granite mountains to cool, tropical rainforests, Queensland has it all.

Beautiful one day, perfect the next!

The weather is something we all take into consideration when planning a holiday and the Gold Coast couldn’t have a better climate from which to base your trip. With a sub-tropical climate, the Gold Coast has around 300 days of sunshine per year. Average temperatures range from 12.5°C – 21.5°C during winter up to 21°C – 28.4°C in the summer. February is the wettest month, punctuated by short, tropical storms mostly in the late afternoon and early evening. Sea water temperatures are still bearable for the brave at around 22°C in winter, up to a beautiful 27°C by late summer.

It’s the Gold Coast!

Australia’s most popular holiday destination, why not take a few days before/after your trip to enjoy everything the Gold Coast has to offer visitors. From theme parks to national parks, food trucks at local events to gourmet restaurants on the waterfront, arts and crafts markets to mega shopping centres like Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, or 56 kms of pristine beaches along the coastal strip to rainforest wonders in the hinterland, there’s plenty to see and do to help to start or end your holiday with a bang!

So now you see why the Gold Coast is the best place to start/finish your road trip, take your pick from our selection of popular road trips below and have yourself a fabulous holiday in your campervan of choice. Read on to find links to our best 5 road trip ideas starting on the Gold Coast.

1. Journey into Queensland’s beautiful Outback

Take a trip back in time. Immerse yourself in Queensland’s history and head out west to the outback. See relics from the past, learn about early colonial settlers and pioneers, and enjoy small town comradery. Soothe those tired bones and relax in the therapeutic thermal waters of the Great Artesian Basin at Mitchell and Charlotte Plains Station. Find out more – read Gateway to the Outback Road Trip

2. The Gold Coast To Noosa Roadie

The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its white, sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle. If you want a short, relaxing getaway then this 4-day road trip is for you.

Stay at the mouth of the Maroochy River at Cotton Tree Holiday Park and wile away the day swimming in the river or the sea. Check out the nearby Eumundi Markets and find yourself a locally-made bargain or two. Take a short, or a longer walk along the beach to Alexandra Headland or Mooloolaba, or drive up to Noosa Heads and take a hike through its stunning national park.

Find out more – read our 4 Day Sunshine Coast Road Trip blog.

3. Driving Holiday To Port Douglas

There’s around 1800 kilometres of stunning coastline between the Gold Coast and tropical Cairns in Far North Queensland, just waiting for you to explore on your road trip adventure. The list of spectacular places to see along the way is endless, but we’ve picked out a few “must see” spots for you to check out along the way.

Find out what’s in store for you on this epic road trip to the tropics

4. Gold Coast to Stanthorpe Road Trip

Head a few hours inland and make Stanthorpe, the heart of Queensland’s fruit bowl, your base. Take a hike past giant granite structures in nearby Girraween National Park, or stunning waterfalls and lush rainforest in Main Range National Park. Visit one of the many local wineries and boutique breweries, and satisfy your tastebuds with locally sourced/made cheese, truffles, and a smorgasbord of fruit while you’re there.

Find out more – check out our blog, The Stanthorpe Road Trip Holiday Guide

5. Checking out Sawtell

Explore three coastal towns of northern New South Wales, each with their own individual charms, on this 5-day trip to Sawtell. Try your luck at fishing, or go for a swim, kayak, paddle board or surf at each of these fabulous spots.

For more information see 5-Day Gold Coast to Sawtell Road Trip.