Get Up and Gold Coast - Drive the Pacific Coast Way

We love a road trip! It channels the spirit of adventure and is one of the best ways to experience a place. The Gold Coast makes a great home base to explore South East Queensland on short day trips, or serves as the perfect departure point for an epic journey along the Pacific Coast Way. So roll down the windows, turn up your favourite playlist and embark on a Gold Coast road trip.

The Pacific Coast Way

Known as Australia’s Holiday Highway,  the Pacific Coast Way stretches 1800km from the Gold Coast to Cairns. Hugging the iconic coastline this epic road trip encompasses a variety of landscapes and locations spanning beachside havens, hinterland towns, and major cities all along the east coast. While flying is a faster way to get from A to B, there’s a special kind of magic on a road trip along The Pacific Coast Way that makes it an unforgettable adventure. It’s the kind of journey that makes many a bucket-list.

The Gold Coast is an ideal starting point to this epic road trip, where you can stock up on camping supplies and provisions for the journey,  and get into the holiday spirit. Alternatively, you can start in Cairns and make your way south, ending your journey in this beloved holiday destination.

The Gold Coast is a Self-Drive Dream

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic day trips you can take from the Gold Coast. Visit Brisbane just an hour’s drive away for a day of culture, fine dining and shopping, or head to the Scenic Rim for quaint country towns, fresh local produce and flower farms. This region was voted Top 10 ‘must visit’ destinations in the world by Lonely Planet. No biggie!

Alternatively take a trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland, just 50 minutes drive along winding roads up to this mountain-top paradise where you’ll find Heritage-Listed National Parks, panoramic views, waterfalls, rainforest hikes and some incredible foodie finds. It’s only a short drive but Mount Tamborine and surrounds offer a completely different experience to the golden coastline. 

Gold Coast Caravan Parks and Camping 

For those travelling in a motorhome, towing a caravan or pitching a tent, Gold Coast tourist parks have got you covered. Many are positioned on prime beachfront real estate, a stone’s throw from the sand in making for a budget-friendly and beautiful stay in some of the Gold Coast’s most sought after locations. 

Gold Coast tourist parks offer van sites and tent sites with clean, modern camp kitchens and amenities. Places like Burleigh Beach Tourist Park (pictured) and Main Beach Tourist Park are only a short walk away from dining and retail precincts if you feel like eating out.

Pet Friendly Places to Stay

Bringing your dog along for the ride? No problem. The huge range of  Gold Coast pet-friendly accommodation provides the perfect solution for travellers bringing their furry friend on holiday. If you like luxury, 5-star hotels like QT Gold Coast and The Langham accommodate pets. Then there are Gold Coast to tourist parks with pet-friendly cabins, a dog wash and kennels where you can keep your dog safely if you want to pop out for a bit to places where they’re not invited. (Pictured: Jacobs Well Tourist Park)

Keen to take a day trip? Check out these four itineraries for short day trips you can take from the Gold Coast.