Do you want to take in all the Gold Coast has to offer, from beaches to hinterland? This one-day drive can be done in limited time with your Gold Coast Airport car rental from Hertz, or stretch it out and enjoy more time in each of these destinations.
Surfers Paradise to Mount Tamborine – 40 km
Head north via the Gold Coast Highway, past Beach, Broadwater and through Southport, Labrador and Runaway Bay. Follow the signs to Sanctuary Cove and onwards to the Pacific Highway. The exit to Mt Tamborine is clearly posted. Tamborine Village is worth stopping at and exploring. At North Tamborine there are many strolls and walks of varying length into the rich rainforest, as well as entry into many national parks. There’s a number of places to pick up souvenirs and a bite to eat as well.
Mt Tamborine to Murwillumbah – 90 km
Make your way back down the mountain until you reach the village of Nerang and the Pacific Highway. Take the route south until Mudgeeraba – this is the spring off to Springbrook National Park. It’s an exhilarating drive to Springbrook with many hairpin turns and narrow bridges. At the top, from Springbrook Village there are a number of lookouts.
Retrace your route until the road splits into two and take the next left, heading toward Numinbah Valley and Natural Arch. There is a short walk to the arch that’s worth your time. Back on the road, heading to Murwillumbah. You’ll cross the border from Queensland into New South Wales. The road passes through stunning rainforest, farmland, valleys and fields, taking you finally to the heart of Murwillumbah. Set on the Tweed River, the town offers fishing, boating, golfing and the World Heritage Rainforest Centre.
Murwillumbah to Surfer’s Paradise – 60 km
It’s a straightforward trip back to the Gold Coast from here. Take Tourist Drive 40, which turns into the Pacific Motorway, toward Coolangatta. Stop here to make the most of the surf at Kirra Beach or Greenmount. Finally, follow the Gold Coast Highway straight through to Surfer’s Paradise.
