Driving through the coast of Australia is a memorable experience you shouldn’t miss out on. The Gold Coast is known for its surfing spots, but rest assured that there’s far more to see here. Get ready for a trip of a lifetime, as here are some scenic drives recommended by many to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
On the way to Currumbin Creek Rock Pools
The road to Currumbin Creek Rock Pools is as scenic as can be, and the best place to start your drive is from Palm Beach. Get your tank filled to the top and enjoy a caffeine boost at Dune Cafe right at the beginning of your trip (you’re going to need it). This café has a nice view of the nearby park area, so you can relax your eyes on lavish greenery. The road will lead to you to Currumbin Creek Rd, so it’s obvious where you’ll end up. Furthermore, it’s the only road you should follow to the end of your journey, which makes the drive a lot easier.
If you wish to snack a bit before heading out to the open road, then you can drive for 10km and stop at Three Figs Cafe which offers specially made meals from local groceries, so you can experience the taste of the true Australian cuisine. You might also find it interesting to visit the nearby Greenbird Gallery famous for its uniquely crafted homeware, which might be even more popular with the eco-friendlier among you.
Finally, let the road take you down to the Currumbin Creek Rock Pools. Before jumping in head-first, you should be aware that the water is quite chilly, so you might want to take smaller steps while going in to avoid potential temperature shocks. If you still have energy to move around, you can take a stroll on the Cougal Cascades Track and enjoy a quiet walk during sunset.
Catching the wind from Surfers Paradise
If you’re here for surfing, then taking the route from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta will provide you with the best surfing spots there are. This 40-minute drive will leave you breathless from all the astonishing scenery on the way. The beaches you will come across are each more beautiful than the last, and the best part is that you can surf all of them. This sightseeing road trip is also family-friendly, mostly due to Coolangatta having a great variety of places for families to relax and enjoy really good ice cream. If you came by plane, then renting a car for this family trip is the best decision you can make. Luckily, if you opt for a reliable Avis car hire, there are plenty of family cars to choose from. You can rent a car right at the airport, so that you won’t have to travel at all in order to find just the right car with a reasonable renting price.
Furthermore, you can choose another final destination for your trip from Surfers Paradise, and that is the Tambourine Mountain. Traveling all the way from Surfers Paradise to the top is a good idea because you can enjoy the most scenic view of the Gold Coast on the way. Once you get to the top, the whole family can enjoy a walk in the fresh mountain air with a lot more to see. Gardens and parks are perfect for the kids, while you can get a taste of fine wine in some of the many wineries or get yourself a refreshing treatment in the nearby salons.
Rocky road to Janowen Hills
For those of you wishing to get the four-wheel-drive out of its comfort zone, traveling the State Route 90 and National Highway A15 will take you to Inverramsay Rd in Goomburra where you can be amazed by the mesmerizing Janowen Hills. This two-and-a-half-hour long ride from the Gold Coast is definitely going to be worth your time, especially if you’re looking for a perfect nature getaway. The facility covers 400ha in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, which gives it a special hilly and rocky touch. It’s also a well-grassed area provided with a running creek for camping.
The most exciting thing about Janowen Hills is that there are approximately eighty 4WD tracks, and the camping grounds are accessible to 2WD. Note that you need to follow the buddy system that operates within 4WD tracks, which means that you need to have at least one other vehicle accompanying you through your trip. So, make sure to bring some friends along!
Whichever scenic road trip you choose, you should know that you can’t make a mistake. The Gold Coast is filled with stunning scenery all around, so you will surely have an unforgettable experience wherever you set your wheels to.