What’s the best way to travel to the Gold Coast?
The maui rental branch in Brisbane is conveniently located close to the airport, meaning you can grab a 7 minute taxi ride straight from the airport, and get set for your trip ahead. If you’ve got the time we highly recommend enjoying a day or two in the bustling city of Brisbane as there are so many great things to do in Brisbane and amazing Brisbane activities and attractions on offer.
Then it’s onto the Gold Coast which is a short 1 hour drive from the city of Brisbane. To make the most out of your next holiday in Queensland read on and be sure to tick off some these great day trips. Then if you can, extend your trip by following one of our other itineraries to make your Queensland adventure all the better.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
The top day trips from the Gold Coast
Gold Coast to the Scenic Rim
Travel Time: 1hr 50min
Distance: 115km
First on our list of best day trips from the Gold Coast is a drive out to the Scenic Rim. Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain ranges and rich with World Heritage-listed rainforests bordering farmland valleys, this will be a stunning day trip full of natural beauty. With incredible bush walks to natural rock pools, waterfalls and lookouts, this is the perfect place to get immersed in nature, all within easy reach of the Gold Coast.
Because we know you’re going to want to stay here for longer than a day, we thought we’d share our go-to spot to stay. The Scenic Rim Adventure Park is an expansive property with lovely campsites, perfect for your maui camper.
Things to do in the Scenic Rim
Visit Curtis Falls in Tamborine National Park
The Tamborine National Park is home to the mesmerising Curtis Falls. Here you can explore the easily accessible bush walking trails, breathing in the fresh mountain air as you pass by soaring gums on your way to peaceful waterfalls and tranquil rockpools. Once at Curtis Falls you’ll witness the spectacular waterfall, plunging over basalt columns into a large rock pool where platypus and a fragile glow-worm colony live, meaning swimming is not allowed, to ensure these precious animals enjoy a peaceful life. The path continues along through palm-fringed creeks encompassed by giant strangler figs and moss-covered rock faces.
Explore Lamington National Park
With lush rainforests, ancient trees, spectacular views and extensive walking trails, Lamington National Park is a great day trip that is sure to amaze. With a selection of walks to suit every age and fitness level, as well as an array of native wildlife to spot and delightful picnic spots to refuel at, it’s no surprise why so many people love visiting this area. Wander along one of the many trails, through dense forest and past running waterways, before getting to great lookout spots where you can take in the expansive views of the surrounding national park and city beyond.
Tackle the Scenic Rim Trail
The Scenic Rim Trail invites you to set out on an adventure along this breathtakingly beautiful landscape. With a range of walks, lasting from two to six days, this is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. You’ll be within a small group, and accompanied by expert guides. You’ll stay in unique accommodation along the way and enjoy a carefully designed menu, a perfect reward after a day’s walk and to set you up for the day ahead.
Image: Tourism Australia
Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Travel Time: 1hr 20min
Distance: 92km
Another wonderful day trip from the Gold Coast is to the coastal town of Byron Bay. This famous surf town is full of beauty. From the sparkling coastline and hidden bays, to the rolling lush green meadows in the hinterland. There are endless cafes and eateries to tantalise your tastebuds, as well as great boutique shops and adventure-based activities.
When it comes to spots to park up for the night, you can’t go past the Reflections Holiday Park at Clark’s Beach. Set right on the beach, with views of the popular surfing spot ‘The Pass’, this is sure to be a wonderful spot to relax, plus it’s within walking distance of town.
Things to do in Byron Bay
Cool down after your drive with a swim at Main beach
If you’re feeling like a dip in the ocean then a stop off at Main Beach is a must. Set at the end of the Byron shops, with ample parking for your maui camper available, this will be the perfect spot to cool off and chill out. The white sandy beach leads into the cool blue water and is patrolled to ensure you can safely swim.
Buy some local goods at the community market
We love a good market, and the Byron Community Market is just that. This market is full of local businesses selling their wares. From artistic talent and authentic products, to delicious food and local musicians, a visit to this market promises to be a great morning. The markets are held on the first Sunday of each month and are well worth a visit if you are in the area at the time.
Delve into the history of Byron Bay lighthouse
Another must-do when in Byron Bay is either a walk or drive up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Whether it’s to watch the sunset, spot passing dolphins in the ocean or just take in the breathtaking panoramic views and marvel at the lighthouse, this is a wonderful activity to do while in the area. You can drive straight up to the top, or take the scenic walk from either side of the headland, all the way to be foot of the iconic lighthouse.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Gold Coast to Toowoomba
Travel Time: 2hr 15min
Distance: 182km
Toowoomba is next on our list and you’ll soon see why. This is Queensland’s largest inland city and it is full of beauty and great activities to do. Known as the garden city, Toowoomba is home to many spectacular parks and gardens, as well as the iconic Carnival of Flowers spring event. The drive out there from the Gold Coast will be a little over two hours, passing along rolling countryside and through cute country towns.
Things to do in Toowoomba
Catch a show at the Empire theatre
While here you can’t not visit the iconic Empire Theatre. This heritage-listed art-deco venue hosts a variety of performing arts, and is Australia’s largest regional performing arts complex. Whether you’re a lover of popular music, ballet, comedy or any other style of live performing, there is sure to be something on show that you’ll love.
Have a picnic at Queens Park
Queens Park is one park in Toowoomba that you have to visit! Within walking distance of the centre of town, you’ll soon see why locals and visitors alike flock to this park. Set up a picnic under the shade of a soaring tree, before wandering along the pathways through the incredible gardens on display.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Gold Coast to North Stradbroke Island
Travel Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 104km
If you’re after an experience to remember then a trip to North Stradbroke Island is a must. To get here you need to catch the ferry which will take you and your maui camper across to the island. They operate every day and have convenient booking offices located at Cleveland and Redland Bay, just before you get to the ferry terminal.
There is so much to explore and experience while on the island. From great surfing and fishing, to scenic walks and whale watching during the winter, this is sure to be a trip to remember. While on the island there are a few spots to camp, one of our favourites is the Myora Caravan Park. Surrounded by lush bushland and offering tranquil campsites, this caravan park has great facilities and are within easy reach of local shops.
Things to do in North Stradbroke Island
Stroll along the Gorge Walk
We’re sure you’re going to find so many fun and exciting things to do while on North Stradbroke Island, but one that you must do is a stroll along the Gorge Walk. This is the most popular walk on Stradbroke Island, and is suited to all fitness levels as it’s a gentle 1.5km walk with a few stairs, all to a great lookout point.
Enjoy a ride around the island on a scooter
Another great experience is to enjoy a scooter ride. This is a wonderful way to see the island and you can ride them on your car drivers licence. Plus, if you can’t make it over to North Stradbroke Island with your maui camper, then they can pick you up from the water taxi so you can enjoy the day exploring the island by scooter. In our opinion – this is a very cool experience and once for the memory books.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Gold Coast to Ipswich
Travel Time: 1hr 15min
Distance: 99km
Last on our list of the best day trips from the Gold Coast is a trip out to the city of Ipswich. There are so many things to do in this country town, from family-friendly activities to outdoor adventures and delicious food. Plus, at just a little over 1 hour from the Gold Coast, it’s an easy day out in your maui motorhome that the whole family are sure to love.
If you’re looking for a lovely spot to park your maui camper for the night then we recommend booking into the Ipswich Caravan Village. Nestled within a peaceful bushland setting, within easy reach of all that Ipswich has to offer, this will be the comfortable and convenient stay you’ve been seeking.
Things to do in Ipswich
Visit Ipswich Nature Centre
One of our favourite activities when visiting Ipswich is heading to the Ipswich Nature Centre to get up and close with their furry friends. With over 200 animals in their care, including dingoes, bilbies, wallabies, water dragons, as well as a petting zoo, this will be an unforgetting nature experience.
Go horse riding
Horse riding is another fantastic experience on offer when visiting this area. With seemingly endless bushland with stunning trails to be explored, this is a horse-lovers dream location! There are trails to suit every level of experience, keep a look out for the signs and you’re sure to be in for a treat.
Explore Gold Coast and beyond with maui
So there you have it, our guide to some of the best day trips from the Gold Coast. If you’re ready to hit the road in a motorhome and start exploring Australia at your own pace, check out our latest deals and get booking now.