Best Road Trips from Brisbane & the Gold Coast

Looking for the best road trips from Brisbane or the Gold Coast? Whether you’re a local or visiting Queensland, we’ve rounded up scenic drives, waterfalls, beaches, and day trips that are perfect for your next adventure.

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

Situated in the picturesque Queensland Hinterland, the beautiful Tamborine Mountain is the perfect destination for a day trip. Less than an hour from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast, you’ll be left with plenty of time to explore all of the things to see and do in the area. Think treetop walks, wineries, art galleries, restaurants, hiking and more. You won’t want to miss Curtis Falls, which is an easy 30-minute walk.

Distance: 70km from Brisbane – 40km from Gold Coast

Duration: Day-trip

Details: visittamborinemountain.com.au

ADVENTURE WAY

If you’re looking for a road trip to remember, Adventure Way will certainly live up to your expectations. This road trip requires proper preparation and a car that’s up to the task, but with spectacular sunrises and a sea of stars at night – like you’ve never seen before – it will be worth the effort. With plenty of options for accommodation and plenty of towns along the way, take your time and enjoy the sights.

Distance: 1152km drive from Brisbane

Duration: 2 – 5 days

Details: www.queensland.com/en-au/journey/adventure-way-queensland

MONTVILLE

Home to Kondalila National Falls and a food lover’s destination of choice, Montville will win your heart with its quaint style and friendly atmosphere. A starting point for a number of well-known hiking trails and boasting beautiful views of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Montville is the perfect location for a day-trip or an overnight stay.

Distance: 100km from Brisbane – 180km from Gold Coast

Duration: Day-trip or Overnight

Details: www.montvilleguide.com.au

NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

Incorporating both road-trip and ferry ride, a visit to North Stradbroke Island will not leave you disappointed. With picturesque beaches, beautiful bush walks and whale-watching (June-November) you’ll be in for an action-packed day. Drive to the ferry dock and choose to leave your car in the car-park and take the passenger ferry to the island in around 25 minutes, or take your car with you if you plan to use it to get around the island on the vehicle ferry, which takes around an hour.

Distance: 30km from Brisbane – 70km from Gold Coast

Duration: Day-trip or Overnight

Details: stradbrokeisland.com

SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK

Home to stunning waterfalls and a mind-blowing natural bridge, Springbrook National Park is a sub-tropical rainforest waiting to be explored. Most of the key destinations in the National Park are accessible by car or involve only a very short walk, perfect for young kids or the mobility impaired. Take in the beautiful views across to Byron Bay and enjoy cruising through the canopy of trees.

Distance: 110km from Brisbane – 50km from Gold Coast

Duration: Day-trip

Details: explorespringbrook.com

On your return, head to your nearest car wash at a Magic store in Carindale, Chermiside or North Lakes and our car cleaning experts will remove all traces of road-trip signs from the inside and outside of your car.

Keep your car spotless after your road trip – find your nearest Magic Hand Carwash today!