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East Coast Australia Road Trips: From Brisbane to Gold Coast
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Brisbane to Melbourne, exploring Australia’s stunning east coast and the iconic Great Ocean Road. This detailed itinerary is tailored for both seasoned backpackers and first-time adventurers, highlighting must-see attractions and offering practical “road trips Australia” tips. As you journey through bustling cities, serene beaches, and breathtaking natural wonders, you’ll collect travel stories that capture the essence of each stop. This guide ensures a seamless and enriching travel experience along one of Australia’s most scenic routes.
From now on, a short drive of about an hour from Brisbane to the Gold Coast offers a scenic introduction to your journey. This segment sets the perfect tone for your “road trips Australia” adventure, combining urban energy with coastal relaxation.
1. Road Trips Australia Itinerary : Days 1-5 from Brisbane to Gold Coast, Surfer's Paradise (About 80km)
1. Brisbane
South Bank : Brisbane’s vibrant South Bank is a must-visit on your road trips across Australia. This hub of activity and culture features sprawling riverside parks that are perfect for a leisurely walk at any time. A standout attraction is Streets Beach—a man-made oasis in the heart of the city, offering the surreal experience of swimming in a lagoon against a backdrop of the city skyline.
A ride on the Wheel of Brisbane is highly recommended, providing breathtaking views of the city and the meandering Brisbane River below. It’s a perfect way to get a panoramic sense of Brisbane’s layout and appreciate its beauty from above.
In the evenings, South Bank comes alive with bustling markets. As you stroll through the stalls, you can pick up local crafts and indulge in street food from around the world. The blend of aromas and the buzz of people create a delightful sensory experience, enhancing your Australian road trip adventure.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary : Another gem in Brisbane to enhance your road trips Australia experience is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Here, you can hold a koala and take a memorable photo. The sanctuary staff are informative and ensure a comfortable interaction for both you and the koalas.
Feeding kangaroos is another highlight at the sanctuary. Walking among them and offering food directly from your hand provides a unique and interactive way to learn about these iconic Australian animals. Don’t miss the Bird of Prey Show, where eagles and owls display their impressive hunting skills up close, adding an adventurous twist to your visit.
2. Gold Coast
Surfing : Leaving Brisbane and continuing your road trips Australia adventure, head to the Gold Coast, renowned for its vibrant surf culture. If you’re eager to ride the waves, consider enrolling in a surf lesson at Surfers Paradise or at one of the many other famous surf spots in the area. Professional instructors will guide you, and by the end of the session, you’ll be able to catch even small waves by yourself, experiencing the thrill of surfing. For those seeking quieter spots, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta offer a more laid-back surfing experience with equally great waves, making them perfect stops on your Australian road trip.
Theme Parks : For adrenaline junkies, the Gold Coast is home to several theme parks. It makes the first stop will be Dreamworld. It’s Australia’s largest theme park, and the Tower of Terror II lifts to its name, giving you an exhilarating rush. The wildlife section here will be a pleasant surprise, with tigers and kangaroos adding to the thrill of the rides.
Warner Bros. Movie World brings out the movie buff in you. The park’s blend of thrilling rides and live shows featuring beloved characters like Batman and Wonder Woman will be fantastic. It is like stepping into a movie set with all the excitement of Hollywood.
At Sea World, you can find a perfect mix of marine life and fun rides. Watching the dolphins perform will be a highlight, but equally mesmerizing will the views from the SkyPoint Observation Deck. From the top of the Q1 building, one of the tallest residential structures in the world, you can see the entire coastline stretching out before us.
** Tips and Recommendations during Road Trips Australia :
1. Parking Information :
Brisbane :
City Centre (CBD):
Street Parking: Limited and often metered with time restrictions. Rates typically vary from $2 to $5 per hour, depending on the zone and time of day. Free parking is generally available on weekends and public holidays.
King George Square Car Park: It is centrally located and offers hourly and daily rates. 15 minutes are free. It costs $5 for 20 minutes and $12 for 30 minutes. Details and information should be checked in advance on the website before the trip.
Wickham Terrace Car Park: It is unmanned and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bank debit cards cannot be used, but mobile phone payment (Apple or Android) is possible. It’s free for up to 15 minutes, then $5 for 20 minutes and $12 for 30 minutes. It is recommended to check the website before visiting for detailed prices and usage times.
Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast) :
Downtown Area:
Street Parking:
Limited and metered, similar to Brisbane. Rates are usually around $3 to $5 per hour, with time limits in place.
Bruce Bishop Car Park:
A large and centrally located facility, offering hourly and daily rates (approx. $3.30 per hour, capped at $16 per day). Exact costs and availability information can be found on the Gold Coast website.
Wickham Terrace Car Park: It is unmanned and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bank debit cards cannot be used, but mobile phone payment (Apple or Android) is possible. It’s free for up to 15 minutes, then $5 for 20 minutes and $12 for 30 minutes. It is recommended to check the website before visiting for detailed prices and usage times.
** Tip: Using parking apps like Wilson Parking and Secure-a-Spot can help find available spaces and possibly secure better rates.
2. Campsites Information :
Brisbane :
Moreton Island – Blue Lagoon Campground:
Location: Moreton Island, accessible by ferry from Brisbane.
Highlights: This beachside campsite, a favorite stop on your road trip’s Brisbane Australia journey, boasts stunning ocean views and direct access to the beautiful Blue Lagoon. It’s perfect for those who love water activities like snorkeling, fishing, and swimming, enhancing the coastal experience of your Australian adventure.
Facilities: Basic amenities including toilets, cold showers, and picnic tables. Campers need to bring their own water and firewood.
North Stradbroke Island – Adder Rock Camping Ground:
Location: North Stradbroke Island, accessible by ferry from Brisbane.
Highlights: Set among the trees with beachfront access, this campsite offers beautiful ocean views and proximity to Point Lookout, a great spot for whale watching during the migration season.
Facilities: Modern amenities including powered and unpowered sites, toilets, hot showers, BBQs, and picnic areas.
Neurum Creek Bush Retreat:
Location: D’Aguilar National Park, about 75 km northwest of Brisbane.
Highlights: Nestled in the forest, this site is ideal for nature lovers. It offers bushwalking trails, wildlife watching, and access to swimming holes.
Facilities: Campsites with or without power, hot showers, toilets, and camp kitchens.
Gold Coast :
Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park :
Location: Tallebudgera Creek, near Palm Beach.
Highlights: Located on the creek’s edge, this park offers easy access to the water for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. It’s also close to Burleigh Heads National Park.
Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, modern amenities, camp kitchens, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool.
Burleigh Beach Tourist Park :
Location: Burleigh Heads.
Highlights: Just across the road from the famous Burleigh Beach, this site is ideal for surfers and beachgoers. It’s also a short walk to the vibrant Burleigh Heads Village with its cafes and shops.
Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, modern amenities including showers and toilets, BBQ areas, and a camp kitchen.
Ocean Beach Tourist Park :
Location: Miami, near Surfers Paradise.
Highlights: Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this park provides a peaceful setting with easy access to the vibrant life of Surfers Paradise.
Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, modern amenities, camp kitchen, BBQ areas, and direct beach access.