Best Day Trips From Gold Coast ULTIQA Resorts

ULTIQA Hotels & Resorts Team

|26 Mar 2026|9 mins read

The Gold Coast is the perfect hub for adventure, whether you're chasing surf beaches, pristine bushland, or breathtaking views. With so much to see across South East Queensland, there's no shortage of day trips from the Gold Coast for families, couples, or solo travellers. From exploring the hinterland to island escapes, scenic drives, and major theme parks, you can create a truly memorable day before returning to the comfort of your ULTIQA Hotels & Resorts stay.

Here's our guide to some of the best day trips from Gold Coast ULTIQA Resorts and the experiences you won't want to miss.

Coastal Day Trips

For those who love beaches, ocean views, and laid-back coastal vibes, these destinations are ideal for Gold Coast day trips.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is an iconic coastal town known for having some of the best beaches in Australia, a relaxed atmosphere, and a vibrant local culture. It's approximately an hour's drive from the Gold Coast and is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Here are some unforgettable day trip experiences just waiting to be discovered:

Cape Byron Lighthouse: This spectacular tourist attraction is a favourite in Byron Bay. The surrounding coastal trail is a 3.7 km return walk offering amazing views of the coastline and opportunities for whale watching or spotting dolphins.
Main Beach: Relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy a swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the foreshore before heading back to your ULTIQA accommodation.
Arakwal National Park Boardwalk: An easy trail highlighting lush greenery, rock pools, and local wildlife.

Tip: Start early to catch the sunrise over the lighthouse. It is the first place in Australia to see the sun!

North Stradbroke Island

Known as the largest sand island in the region, Stradbroke Island offers incredible wildlife spotting, whale watching, and marine life experiences. To get to this great destination from the Gold Coast, it is approximately an hour and 20 minutes' drive to the Cleveland ferry.

Here are some must-see highlights to explore while you're there:

Cylinder Beach & Main Beach: Ideal for surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing on pristine sand.
North Gorge Walk: A 2 km coastal track providing breathtaking views and a chance to see manta rays and turtles in the surf below.

Tip: Bring binoculars during whale watching season (June to October) for a spectacular wildlife show from the headland.

Moreton Island

Moreton Island is accessible by ferry, which is located just a short drive from Brisbane and an hour's drive from the Gold Coast. This scenic location is perfect for adventure seekers looking for scuba diving, encounters with grey nurse sharks, or sandboarding fun.

Make the most of your visit with these unforgettable experiences:

Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Trail: Swim among shipwrecks and explore vibrant marine life up close.
Desert Track & Scenic 4WD Routes: Explore panoramic beaches, massive sand dunes, and other natural wonders.
Blue Lagoon Track & Brown Lake Walks: Trails past freshwater lagoons and rocky areas upon the sand that are perfect for nature lovers.

Gold Coast Hinterland Escapes

Escape the coast and explore the Gold Coast hinterland, a region filled with ancient rainforests, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife.

Springbrook National Park

Just a 45-minute drive from the Gold Coast, Springbrook National Park reveals the natural beauty of the hinterland and is famous for its rainforest walks and stunning waterfalls.

Don't miss these popular spots while you're visiting:

Purling Brook Falls Circuit: A 2.5 km loop surrounded by old-growth trees and thick canopies above, featuring thundering waterfalls and wildlife spotting.
Twin Falls Circuit & Giant's Chair Lookout Trail: Short walking trails offer panoramic views and accessible adventure for nature lovers.

Tip: Best visited in the morning to enjoy the misty rainforest walks before the midday sun.

Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is a perfect day trip destination for those wanting to experience thriving wildlife and pristine natural beauty. While Lamington National Park's distance from the Gold Coast is decent, the scenic one-hour drive is well worth the experience of the surrounding landscape.

Discover some of the top experiences this destination has to offer:

Box Forest Circuit: A 10 km loop for spotting birds, wildlife, and immersing in natural beauty.
O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk: Elevated walkways across nine suspension bridges with incredible views of the canopy that guarantee you an experience like no other.

Tamborine Mountain

Famous for hiking trails and scenic drives around the steep hills, Tamborine Mountain's distance from the Gold Coast is approximately 40 kilometres and is a 45-minute drive.

Here are the best ways to spend a memorable day in the area:

Gallery Walk & Local Shops: Explore modern art, local produce, and live music venues along the main street.
Witches Falls & Cedar Creek Falls Trails: Rainforest walks, panoramic views, and rock pools, with beautiful stops along the way, such as Witches Falls Winery.
Curtis Falls & Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: A short 1 km trail to waterfalls, with the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk giving you a birds-eye view of the forest.
Glow Worm Caves & Scenic Lookouts: Breathtaking views and hidden natural wonders unique to the hinterland.
Thunderbird Park: An adventure hub with treetop challenge courses, ziplining, mini-golf and more family-friendly activities.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take in panoramic views of the Gold Coast hinterland at sunrise for a gorgeous new view.

Tip: Visit in the afternoon to combine hiking, adventure, and a café stop along the Gallery Walk.

Scenic Rim & Tweed Hinterland

If you fancy a trip into different parts of the Scenic Rim or even to the Tweed Hinterland, then here are some great options for your next day trip!

Granite Belt Wineries & Scenic Lookouts: Enjoy gourmet food, wine, and beautiful Scenic Rim landscapes.
Mount French Circuit: A hiking trail in the Scenic Rim with expansive panoramic views for nature lovers.
Tropical Fruit World: A hands-on experience in the Tweed Hinterland, where you can experience tractor tours, fruit tasting, boat cruises and more!

Major Theme Parks & Attractions

For families and thrill-seekers, the Gold Coast offers some of Australia's most iconic theme parks, ideal for day trips from the Gold Coast that are just a short drive from ULTIQA Resorts.

Dreamworld & WhiteWater World

Dreamworld offers a diverse range of rides, shows, and wildlife experiences, while WhiteWater World, located next door, provides the perfect place to cool off with pools and slides.

Tip: Be sure to check out the LEGO Shop, attached to Dreamworld, to see some truly spectacular creations.

Warner Bros. Movie World

Experience movie magic at Movie World with world-class roller coasters and themed attractions with all your favourite characters from the DC Universe, Looney Tunes and more.

Tip: Download the park app in advance to check virtual queue times and show schedules for the Main Street parade.

Wet'n'Wild

Wet'n'Wild is a family-friendly day trip, featuring a massive range of attractions, from adrenaline-packed slides like the Kamikaze to the relaxed lazy river.

Tip: Hire a cabana for the day to give your family a shaded "home base" between slides.

Sea World

Located only 15 minutes from ULTIQA Broadbeach locations, Sea World combines marine life encounters, like leopard sharks and manta rays, with exhilarating rides.

Paradise Country & Outback Spectacular

Experience a mix of farm fun at Paradise Country or the thundering theatrical performance of Outback Spectacular. These family-friendly experiences offer the magic of the outback at its best and take you up close with a range of Australian wildlife.

Scenic & Unique Experiences

For travellers seeking a mix of adventure, panoramic views, and cultural experiences, these trips are unmissable.

Brisbane City

For a touch of city life, Brisbane is an hour's drive away and easily accessible by public transport.

Here are a few local favourites worth exploring:

QAGOMA: Immerse yourself in a world of art and expression at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, with inspiring installations, paintings and sculptures.
South Bank: Experience the Brisbane culture at a range of hotspots from South Bank Beach, the Brisbane Eye and the 1 km arbour ensconced with vibrant bougainvilleas.

Sunshine Coast

Ideal for interstate visitors or those looking to explore beyond the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is around a 2.5-hour scenic drive north but well worth the trip. Add these highlights to your Gold Coast day trip plans:

Australia Zoo: A premier destination for wildlife spotting and seeing the legacy of Steve Irwin.
Noosa National Park: Walk the Coastal Track (5 km) or Tea Tree Bay Walk (1.5 km) for panoramic views and hidden rock pools.

Tip: Plan an early start; this is a full-day adventure from the Gold Coast.

Planning Your Day Trip

Early Start: Aim to get moving early to beat the crowds and maximise your time.
Transport: Most locations are easily accessible by car, though public transport is available for Brisbane City and theme parks.
Essentials: Pack swimwear for surf beaches, sturdy shoes for rainforest walks, and plenty of water.
Budgeting: Balance your extra cost attractions (like Australia Zoo and theme parks) with free walking tracks and national park lookouts to save money.

Why Stay at ULTIQA Hotels & Resorts

With prime positions across the Gold Coast, ULTIQA Hotels & Resorts are the perfect base for day trips from the Gold Coast. Enjoy ocean views, modern comforts, and easy access to coastal tracks and the Gold Coast hinterland.