There’s nothing quite like jumping in a car and heading off on an unforgettable road trip. Whether you’re breaking up a long journey or only travelling a short distance but have lots to see along the way, there’s something incredibly rewarding and exciting that the freedom of a road trip can give you. After all, why plan a holiday in just one place when you can just as easily see the sights and attractions of multiple destinations?
Hitting the open road and exploring Australia at your leisure is one of the best ways to see the country and there are some amazing journeys to be had along its dazzling east coast. So, take a look at your options for car rental in Gold Coast and start planning the ultimate adventure.
- Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast
Distance travelled: 184 km
Suggested time: 7 days
Starting in Gold Coast, take a day or two to soak up the sun at the likes of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, before making your way up towards Brisbane. Spend a couple of days seeing the sights of Queensland’s capital city, getting up close to cuddly koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of South Bank Parklands. From here, continue north up the coast, making a stop to indulge in a bit of relaxation on Bribie Island, a stunning island just south of Sunshine Coast. Pay a visit to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo near Beerwah, then end your road trip in Sunshine Coast itself, home to breathtaking beaches and unfaltering natural beauty
- Gold Coast to Cairns
Distance travelled: 1,762 km
Suggested time: 16 days
Follow the same course as the route above, but don’t let the fun stop once you reach Sunshine Coast. Instead, head to trendy Noosa and Fraser Island, 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 at Hervey Bay, unwind at Seventeen Seventy and discover the Capricorn Caves at Rockhampton. Next, make your way to the lively town of Airlie Beach, where you can hop on board a catamaran for a two-night sailing tour of the spectacular Whitsunday Islands. Make a quick pit stop in Townsville, before heading to Mission Beach and undertaking one of the best skydiving experiences in the country. Finally, end your journey in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Gold Coast to Sydney
Distance travelled: 843 km
Suggested time: 14 days
This is an incredibly popular route to take because there’s plenty to see between Gold Coast and Sydney, so you can make this road trip as long or as short as time allows. The first port of call has to be the world famous Byron Bay, enjoy a coastal walk during the day and a drink or two at Cheeky Monkeys in the evening. Take an optional detour to the hippie town of Nimbin before continuing on your way. Try your hand at surfing at Yamba, check out the Big Banana Amusement Park at Coffs Harbour and be at one with nature at Port Macquarie. Spot dolphins in the wild at Nelson Bay and sip freshly made wine in Hunter Valley, before arriving in Sydney and seeing some of the world’s most iconic attractions.
Ready to explore one of the best road trip countries in the world? Whichever route you choose to drive, there’s no doubt that you’ll have the journey of a lifetime.
