Gold Coast Weekend Getaways
Escape the Gold Coast and plan your Gold Coast Weekend Getaways. Surrounded by so many options and choices, you can desert yourself on the white sandy beaches of an island, or immerse yourself in the lush rainforest hinterlands. Getaway for a day trip, or escape for a long weekend- there’s plenty to see and do close to the Gold Coast for your next break!
Moreton Island
Drive an hour north of the Gold Coast to Brisbane before taking the 1.5-hour ferry ride, and you’ll arrive at one of the great adventure destinations in Australia. Moreton Island is a unique paradise of golden beaches, rolling surf and beautiful freshwater lakes, where you can experience the very best natural attractions this world-famous Island has to offer.
Choose from experiences offered in Adventure Moreton Island packages that include snorkelling, clear kayak tours, stand up paddle boarding, beach Segway tours, massages, dolphin feeding, glass bottom boat tours, diving and so much more!
Fraser Island
Fraser Island is a unique paradise of golden beaches, rolling surf, crystal lakes, and ancient old growth rainforests. Only 5 hours north of the Gold Coast is where you will find the “World’s Largest Sand Island” is one of the great must-see destinations in Australia.
With Sunset Safaris you will visit the best natural attractions this World Heritage Listed Island has to offer. Your tour with Sunset Safaris covers all the major destinations and is jam-packed with activities, with Gold Coast departure options available.
Lady Musgrave Island
Lady Musgrave Island is home to one of the most beautiful coral cays in the world. This breathtaking island paradise merely is stunning, as you get up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling, diving and deep-sea fishing are what this place is most famous for, as we encounter colours and beauty unsurpassed anywhere in the world. You can even go for a swim with the turtles as they wait patiently as a cleaning station for the little fish to clean their bodies. The Southern Great Barrier Reef is known for its Stinger Free environment – allowing you to swim without worry all year round.
Join Sunset Safaris on this tour, with all meals and accommodation provided for and Gold Coast departures available.
Tamborine Mountain
It is hard to put in words the beauty and tranquillity of the Tamborine Mountain plateau located only 30kms (approx 40 mins) from the Gold Coast and 70kms (approx 1 hour) from Brisbane. At every turn, you will encounter breathtaking scenery and views, abundant wildlife and clean mountain air. Also a robust cottage industry including many local arts and crafts, a host of natural and man-made attractions, award-winning wineries and top-class restaurants, country markets, festivals and events, a whole host of accommodation choices including romantic couples’ cottages and B&Bs await you on Tamborine Mountain – so come on up and visit Tamborine Mountain.
Book with Discover Tamborine Mountain to get a local’s knowledge and best seasonal recommendations on accommodation and events. We highly recommend tasting the fantastic local wine and cheese and experiencing the incredible views on the Witches Falls Cheese & Wine Day Tour with Mustang Tours Gold Coast.
Springbrook
Springbrook National Park is home to some exceptional wonders, from amazing waterfalls to the famous Natural Bridge. The cave itself, Natural Bridge, is where you will find the largest concentration of glow worms in Australia – a beautiful waterfall cascades into a pool beyond and thousands of glow worms sparkle across the roof in the cave. Less than an hour away from the Gold Coast centre, Springbrook ait’s surroundings are just truly breathtaking.
Join Tour Gold Coast, where an experienced Gold Coast Weekend Getaways eco-guide will take you on this magical nature walk to show you the wonders of the Australian rainforest.
Byron Bay
Unwind in mainland Australia’s easternmost town, just an hour south of the Gold Coast. Byron Bay is home to excellent beaches, lush rainforests, great regional dining and new-age retreats. When surfers around Australia discovered Byron Bay, the town began blooming as it became a popular travelling destination. Byron Bay has the third place in the ‘Travelers Choice Award’ of 2010 best destinations around the world! Be sure to visit the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse- one of the most powerful working lighthouses in Australia. Byron Bay is famous for its unique ambience, which is a big part of the “Byron” feeling. You can find many a local hippy and street artist all around, and there is always something going on in town. If you stroll through the streets, you’ll see small colourful shops and dining places that give expression to the alternative lifestyle of Byron Bay.
For those looking for something unique to do, we suggest visiting Crystal Castle, or why not see picturesque views from Skydive Australia. Learn more about Byron Bay activities here.
Stradbroke Island
Couran Cove is situated on South Stradbroke Island and only accessible by 20 min ferry or water taxi, from the Gold Coast. The island has no cars, providing only bushwalking tracks & bike roads for those who hire a bicycle. Other recreational activities include jet ski tours, tube rides, 4WD tours, and speedboat rides which operate from the Couran Cove Island Resort and Tipplers Passage. “Straddie” is a unique opportunity to experience the old school beach holiday once again.
Lay back with South Straddie Island Day Cruise, and escape to Couran Cove this weekend.
Coffs Coast
Woven between the mountains and the sea, Coffs Coast is a breath-taking tapestry of colour. Come and explore this pocket of paradise, filled with quaint villages, national parks, mountain escarpments, 90 km of sandy beaches, islands and marine reserves. With over 101 things to do and 200 places to stay, Coffs Coast is sure to offer you a memorable experience, just 3 hours south of the Gold Coast.
Take in the natural beauty of the unspoilt countryside on one of the best scenic road tours around! Your Gold Coast Boutique Tour will immerse you in the uniqueness and style of the local towns, show you the natural attractions with a vibe of variations, in all that it has to offer the discerning visitor.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is everything you could want in a holiday destination for your Gold Coast Weekend Getaways. Pristine beaches and natural wonders, fabulous attractions and events and award-winning dining experiences. The Sunshine Coast is perfect for an action-packed holiday or quiet escape at any time of year. Discover its vast beaches, a thriving food scene at Noosa and the beautiful tranquillity of the Glasshouse mountains and surrounding rainforests.
If you’re looking for suggestions, we recommend discovering Maleny’s Botanic Gardens and Bird World. There is so much to find and explore on the Sunshine Coast.
No matter where you decide to plan your Gold Coast Weekend Getaways, there’s still no place like home!
