The Gold Coast is far more than theme parks and high-rise buildings. Venture beyond the coastline and you'll discover ancient rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, mountain villages, wineries, craft breweries and some of South East Queensland's most beautiful scenery.

This itinerary combines the best of the Gold Coast's famous beaches with the spectacular Hinterland, including Canungra, O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park, and the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales.

Perfect for families, couples and first-time motorhome travellers.

Distance: Approximately 450km Return

Recommended Duration: 6–8 Days

Best Time To Travel: Year-round

Motorhome Friendly: Excellent

Approximately 75km

Leave Brisbane and head into the cooler temperatures and spectacular scenery of Tamborine Mountain.

A charming collection of:

• Artisan stores
• Chocolatiers
• Local crafts
• Cafés
• Boutique gift shops

A beautiful elevated rainforest experience.

A unique attraction suitable for all ages.

One of Queensland's best-known craft distilleries.

A popular stop for local wines.

• Mountain cafés
• Artisan fudge
• Handmade chocolates
• Local wines

Arrive early enough to spend the afternoon wandering Gallery Walk before settling in and enjoying a relaxed dinner overlooking the mountains.

Thunderbird Park

Excellent facilities and spacious motorhome sites surrounded by rainforest.

Approximately 50km

Today's drive takes you deeper into the Scenic Rim and one of Queensland's most spectacular national parks.

Nestled beside Canungra Creek and surrounded by mountains, this is one of the most picturesque winery destinations in South East Queensland.

• Wine tastings
• Local produce
• Restaurant dining
• Alpacas and farm animals
• Creekside picnic areas
• Mountain views

This is the perfect lunch stop before driving up into Lamington National Park.

High in the mountains and surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest, O'Reilly's is one of Queensland's true Hinterland icons.

Walk amongst the rainforest canopy on a series of suspended bridges.

A fascinating wildlife experience.

Spectacular views across the Scenic Rim and Lamington Plateau.

A fascinating piece of Queensland aviation history.

One of Lamington's most famous walks featuring incredible valley views.

A relatively easy walk with spectacular lookouts.

A shorter option through lush subtropical rainforest.

A longer walk featuring waterfalls, giant trees and ancient rainforest.

Even if you're not a serious bushwalker, the Green Mountains and Python Rock walks are exceptional and suitable for most visitors.

O'Reilly's Campground

One of the most memorable camping experiences in South East Queensland.

• Surrounded by rainforest
• Direct access to walking tracks
• Exceptional birdlife
• Cooler mountain temperatures
• Incredible stargazing opportunities

Few places offer such an immersive rainforest experience so close to Brisbane.

Approximately 90km

After breakfast and a final rainforest walk, descend from the mountains and head towards Queensland's famous coastline.

One of the most scenic coastal walks in Queensland.

Perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxing.

A favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Boutique shopping, cafés and restaurants.

The Burleigh Headland walk at sunrise or sunset is one of the highlights of the entire trip.

Ocean Beach Tourist Park

Absolute beachfront location and excellent facilities.

Spend the day enjoying the best of the Gold Coast.

An excellent family attraction featuring Australian wildlife.

Relaxed beachside atmosphere and incredible ocean views.

One of Australia's most famous surf breaks.

Perfect for walking and swimming.

Ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.

• Beachfront dining
• Local seafood
• Specialty coffee roasters
• Boutique bakeries

Second night at Ocean Beach Tourist Park.

Approximately 80km round trip

Today's adventure explores another World Heritage-listed rainforest region.

One of Queensland's most spectacular natural attractions.

A remarkable waterfall flowing through a cave system.

A beautiful rainforest walk with multiple waterfall views.

One of South East Queensland's tallest waterfalls.

Amazing views across the Tweed Valley and Northern NSW.

Arrive early. Springbrook is incredibly popular and deserves a full day.

Third night on the coast.

Approximately 60km

Cross into New South Wales and discover the quieter side of the Tweed Coast.

• Beachfront cafés
• Coastal walking tracks
• Relaxed atmosphere

Visit the lighthouse and dramatic volcanic rock formations.

One of our favourite coastal towns.

• Beautiful beaches
• Estuary walks
• Local cafés
• Relaxed village atmosphere

Pottsville feels like the Gold Coast did decades ago. Relaxed, friendly and refreshingly uncrowded.

Pottsville North Holiday Park

A fantastic beachfront campground.

Approximately 110km

Enjoy a relaxed drive home.

Beautiful marina precinct for breakfast or coffee.

A scenic waterfront walk.

A nice stop before returning to Brisbane.

One of Queensland's best rainforest camping experiences.

Outstanding hinterland camping.

A premier beachfront holiday location.

A relaxed Tweed Coast favourite.

Excellent family facilities.

• Witches Falls Winery
• Tamborine Mountain Distillery
• Handmade chocolates
• Artisan food producers

• O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards
• Local produce
• Country-style dining

• Award-winning restaurants
• Fresh seafood
• Specialty coffee

• Farm gate produce
• Seafood
• Coastal cafés

One of Australia's most important subtropical rainforest regions.

Allow an extra day if possible.

A wonderful family-friendly attraction near Duranbah.

A popular local swimming destination.

Great scenery and walking opportunities.

Perfect for food and wine enthusiasts.

• Spend at least one night at O'Reilly's Campground.
• Allow extra time for mountain driving.
• Carry a light jacket, even during summer.
• Book beachside campgrounds well in advance.
• Arrive at Springbrook before mid-morning.
• Keep your camera handy. This route offers some of the best scenery in South East Queensland.

This is one of the most diverse motorhome adventures close to Brisbane. In less than a week you can experience ancient rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, mountaintop lookouts, wineries, coastal villages and some of Australia's best beaches.

From enjoying lunch beside the creek at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards to walking beneath waterfalls in Springbrook and watching the sunset from Burleigh Headland, every day delivers something memorable.

For visitors wanting to experience the best of South East Queensland without driving long distances, this is one of our favourite road trips.

David & Lisa