
How to Have an Unforgettable Road Trip Along the Gold Coast
A mesmerising and thriving coastal city situated just south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast truly is a sight to behold. The city is a true surfer’s paradise as well as a world-renowned skydiving hotspot where tourists and adrenaline junkies from all over the world are pouring in to get their dose of adventure and excitement. Yes, Gold Coast is the place to be all year round, but what about its natural surroundings? What does the region have to offer to the outdoor adventurers hell-bent on living out a road trip of a lifetime?
Well, frankly, there is no better place to be. Here are the essential tips on how to have an unforgettable road trip along the Gold Coast, as well as some truly breathtaking spots you shouldn’t miss. Let the adventure begin!
Plan, Pack and Organise your Travel Essentials
Whoa, slow down there, are you ready to take on the Aussie outback? Have you packed all of your travel essentials? Let’s take a step back and make sure you’re all set to enjoy a long road trip without the risk of running out of provisions or getting stranded in the middle of nowhere without a way to call for help.
First off, plan your provisions. The Land Down Under tends to get pretty hot during the summer months (which is probably when you’ll be embarking on this trip), with temperatures on the road reaching far beyond the 30°C safety mark and into the high forties. What does this mean? This means you need to bring plenty of fresh water, enough for you entire crew to hydrate properly. You will also need plenty of light foods such as fruits and veggies, and don’t forget to bring a portable freezer if you’re packing meat or dairy.
When it comes to tech, no modern road trip should start without a durable smartphone, GPS device, and a portable charger. Needless to say, don’t even think about taking on the open road without a first-aid kit, or before prepping your car for the challenges ahead.
Get the Right Set of Wheels
Not all cars were created equal, and not every vehicle can overcome the challenges of the open road or the off-road routes you’re bound to take on your journey. You might think that your family sedan will be able to handle the pressure, but you shouldn’t risk getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, which is why getting something durable and powerful such as a small-sized SUV would be a more prudent solution.
After all, some vehicles are purpose-built to take on the great outdoors with ease, plus you have the added benefit of extra storage space and plenty of towing power so that you can bring your camping trailer with you. Speaking of camping, let’s take a look at some of the natural gems in the region that you shouldn’t miss.
Be Sure to Visit Springbrook National Park
Located just an hour away from the Gold Coast airport, Springbrook National Park is a magnificent rainforest sanctuary boasting waterfalls, neatly-organised camping spots, numerous walking tracks, and a gorgeous natural bridge where you can stop to take some amazing photos of the surrounding scenery. Of course, you want to make camp here and take a few days to soak in the peace and serenity that permeate the region, making sure you explore the numerous lookouts as well as the mesmerising glow worm caves.
Cruise the beaches and vibrant routes from Nerang to Murwillumbah Road
No matter where you look, every road heading from the Gold Coast will take you someplace beautiful and unique. One such road trip will take you from Nerang (or Mudgeeraba) in the direction of a little suburb called Advancetown, after which you will glide into Numinbah Valley and Lamington National Park. Once you’ve stopped to adore the natural scenery, you will continue your route across Crystal Creek and Dungay, until you finally reach the enchanting little town of Murwillumbah.
Before legging it back to the coast and up towards the Gold Coast itself, be sure to explore the town and its beautiful surroundings, including the Tweed River and Mount Nullum in the south. Of course, visiting the Natural Bridge is a must. Once you’re back on the road, you will have the chance to explore the many honey-hued beaches gracing the coastline back to the Gold Coast.
Revel in the Scenery from Mount Tamborine
Not an hour away from the Gold Coast itself, Mount Tamborine is a beautiful little historic town with boutique shops, cafes, and even distilleries for you rye aficionados out there, while visiting the local brewery is a must for all craft beer enthusiasts.
The drive taking you from the Gold Coast to Mount Tamborine is filled with picture-worthy stops, but the main attraction is definitely the breathtaking view of the rolling hills and the Surfer’s Paradise skyline in the distance. If you’re looking to explore the region and its beauties some more, be sure to set camp at the Tamborine National Park and don’t forget to take a swim at the Cedar Creek Falls!
The region surrounding Surfer’s Paradise is perfect for an exploration tour of a lifetime, as the expansive beauty of the Aussie countryside is bound to steal every outdoor adventurer’s heart. With these road trip essentials in mind, go ahead and live out what is bound to be a road trip you will never forget.
Written by Zara Lewis
Contributing editor at Ripped.me
Contributor at TheWellnessInsider
[email protected]