Most Scenic Gold Coast Drives 2017!
If there’s a region that’s geographically blessed, it’s The Gold Coast for sure! When you think about it, this glorious piece of land has it all – it’s perfectly positioned between the rainforest in the West and the unspoiled coastline that meets the Pacific Ocean in the East, offering 60 kilometers of stunning beach and over 100,000 hectares of rainforest. So, the best way to explore this beauty is by car. If you are ready to embark on your road trip adventure down the Gold Coast but you’re still unsure where to go, we’re giving you a list of our favorite drives:
THE CHINDY
Distance from Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah, NSW to the Gold Coast: About 35 minutes by car.
This drive is perfect for everyone who hasn’t got much time on their hands but is in the mood for a sneaky-cheeky. Chinderah Tavern (or, as locals call it, the Chindy) is located opposite the Tweed River, and it’s a wonderful spot to visit. There’s a spacious deck to watch the sunset over the river, listen to the music, chill or enjoy an old-school pub grub treat, which is plentiful (and affordable!). If you find yourself there in June, you’ll get to enjoy hundreds of rowers taking part in Head of the Tweed on a 21km rowing lane. It’s pretty exciting!
SPRINGBROOK DRIVE
Distance from Springbrook Drive to the Gold Coast: About 55 minutes by car – DIRECTIONS
The best trail to take if you’ve set your eye on this destination is through the Purlingbrook Falls. There is a 4km circuit that will take you down to a waterfall which is stunning. Appropriately named Best of All Lookout is the place with the most spectacular viewing platform – the view at sunrise is like nowhere else, so don’t forget to take plenty of photos! Also, make sure you don’t miss Wunburra Lookout.
In the nightfall, you’ll get to see an exceptional vantage point called the Springbrook Research Observatory which will let you enjoy the shiny Australian stars. Make sure your car is in order, though, because there may be some bumps and slips on the road in this area, okay? Needless to say, you’ll probably do what most Aussies do, trust your mobile mechanic for all car assistance you may need.
BINNA BURRA DRIVE
Distance from Binna Burra Drive to the Gold Coast: About 60 minutes by car – DIRECTIONS
This is one of those drives you simply mustn’t miss, especially if you are a fitness enthusiast! The route takes you to Lamington National Park where you can walk around all day surrounded by nature. Walking through parks in this area will give you the opportunity to see wallabies and kangaroos in their natural habitat. Exciting!
When here, make sure you visit the Binna Burra Teahouse which offers exceptional views of the surrounding area and beyond. Plus, if you happen to have some time to spare, why not book some of the fantastic accommodation and camping facilities offered by Binna Burra? This will give you more time to explore the natural beauty of this area!
CURRUMBIN VALLEY DRIVE
Distance from Currumbin Valley Drive to the Gold Coast: About 30 minutes by car – DIRECTIONS
In just 30 minutes of car ride, you’ll be able to enjoy the splendid natural beauty of the Gold Coast. If you are into water-based activities, pack your swimmers and enjoy Currumbin Valley Rock Pools. You’ll love the subtropical rainforest canopy and the exceptionally safe swimming conditions of the pools, that’s for sure.
When here, make sure you don’t miss the famous Freemans Fruit Stall that offers an abundance of seasonal fruits that’s just too delicious! This one’s located near the top of Tomewin Mountain, so – on your way back – check out the Currumbin Valley Harvest and take a sip of the locally harvested coffee!
About the author
Marie Nieves is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels, she likes to read poetry and prose and to surf the Internet. Her favourite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. Most of her free time at home she spends walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography who loves to talk about her experiences. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.
