Road Tripping Through the Gold Coast Hinterland: Top Tips
The Gold Coast Hinterland provides a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. As the road out of the city centre climbs, you can expect to be met with deep valleys, lush rainforests, and villages rich in charm.
This gorgeous region is also only a short drive from the city centre, which provides superb flexibility for travellers looking to plan a road trip. With attractions like forest trails just an hour or two from Broadbeach, you can even schedule day trips or weekend getaways to the hinterland rather than longer stints.
Whether you’re planning to drive in for the day or stay in paradise for a full week, here are our top tips for making the most of a road trip through the Gold Coast Hinterland.
1. Make your list of must-sees
From the region’s wine trail to its treetop boardwalks, there’s no shortage of enriching activities to enjoy in the hinterland – so if you are planning a quick trip, it’s best to prioritise the sights and attractions you definitely don’t want to miss.
Our best piece of advice here is to book your Gold Coast accommodation in proximity to some of your must-see attractions. For instance, if you’re planning to do a treetop canopy walk after dark to spot some nocturnal wildlife, then you’ll want to make sure you’re staying nearby so you don’t have to factor in travel time as much.
The same goes for those looking to book a day tour, like tours of the river, whale watching, or 4WD tours through Lamington National Park and other surrounding areas. It’s better to arrive early to get the very most out of your day, so planning accommodation around your attractions is a great way to maximise your time at each experience.
2. Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous
Yes, we just mentioned that a little bit of planning ahead can help you make the most of your trip. But when you’re travelling through the wild beauty of the hinterland, sometimes it’s also really fun to take the road less travelled.
Of course, you can take one of the hinterland’s well-loved driving loops (you might already know the Tamborine Mountain loop, a classic road trip by any measure), but there’s so much more to see and do in the Gold Coast Hinterland! So if you find yourself getting drawn in by some signs for attractions as you travel, then take this tip as your full licence to wander and explore.
It’s a universal truth that flexible itineraries lead to spontaneity, and the hinterland rewards spontaneity. Giving yourself that extra room to breathe means you can savour experiences as they arise, and really be present during your time in the hinterland.
3. Be the early bird
If you’re a big surfer, you probably already know the value of getting up at dawn to make the most of the day. Same rules apply in the hinterland. An early morning can offer valleys shrouded in mist, gold-filtered light through rainforest canopy, and walking tracks where your own thoughts are the loudest thing around.
Aside from the chance to spot a curious pademelon, rising early means you can also arrive early to popular hotspots like Cedar Creek Falls or Natural Bridge, which can make all the difference during peak seasons when you’re more likely to expect ample crowds and limited parking.
4. Embrace the trails
When it comes to hiking and bushwalking, the Gold Coast Hinterland boasts trails to suit all types of explorers. No matter your comfort level, be it seasoned hiker or someone who simply loves a peaceful wander, this region has you covered.
Everything from a relaxed stroll through the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk to exploring the glow worm caves at the aforementioned Natural Bridge to stepping it up a few notches with extended treks around Lamington National Park. Just remember to pack smart for hiking and camping. Nothing beats a solid pair of shoes, plenty of water, and extra layers, just in case. This region is beautiful and uncompromising in equal measure.
5. Support local
Good food makes every adventure better. Not hyperbole, fact. Thankfully, one of the myriad joys of a Gold Coast Hinterland road trip is tasting the region’s produce and culinary creations. Think markets stuffed with luscious fruit and guilty homemade pastries, think boutique wineries, think generous locals with more than a ripper yarn to share.
Our tip: if you’re with the family, make Mount Tamborine a stop on your road trip. Here you can expect artisan crafts, local honey, and gourmet fudge. Supporting local, whatever form that support takes, means supporting the foundations you’re building your adventure upon. It’s a conscious choice that adds richness and authenticity to the experience and helps to make sure you can return and enjoy it in the future.
6. What’s the rush?
The best way to embrace flexibility and spontaneity is to pump the brakes. When you slow everything down (your mind, your car, your conversations), blurred details come into focus. Suddenly, you’re able to notice more, and thus enjoy so much more.
Of course, slowing down is a time issue, and sometimes, you don’t have the luxury of stretching your itinerary toward the horizon. Which is fine. If you do have the time, however, then be sure to take a moment or two to really be present and breathe in all that full rainforest air.
And finally, in the spirit of taking the road less travelled, remember that sometimes you can see so much more amidst the trees than you can from the highway. The Gold Coast Hinterland has rustic cabins, eco-lodges, and rainforest retreats peppered throughout. These places let you avoid the crowds and capture the area at its most splendid, be it dawn or dusk.
Experience all that the hinterland has to offer
The best way to enjoy the Gold Coast Hinterland is to think of it less as a destination and more as a shift in pace. It’s a reminder that fresh air and slow travel can be riveting and revitalising, often at the same time. If you can strike the balance, there’s a lot to enjoy.
Just remember: there are no rules. The only obligation you should obey is a well-curated playlist. So, pack the car, your hinterland adventure is waiting.
