Self Drive Tours

8 Day Gold Coast Discovery

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Embark on the ultimate Gold Coast road trip with The Road Trip. Explore stunning beaches, thrilling theme parks, lush hinterland, and renowned surf spots. Our expertly crafted itineraries ensure you make the most of your journey, with detailed route notes and recommendations for hidden gems and must-visit spots.

Experience the freedom to venture off the beaten path, immersing yourself in the Gold Coast’s rich culture and natural wonders. Leave the stress of planning behind as we provide comprehensive guidance and personalized support. Unleash your sense of adventure and create unforgettable memories on the road trip of a lifetime.

Everything we do is custom and bespoke to your needs and desires. Enquire about your options for a custom Gold Coast Tour today.

Build your own Gold Coast tour
The activities listed above are just a glimpse of what’s possible! We pride ourselves on creating bespoke experiences tailored to your interests and desires. If you have specific activities or destinations in mind, let us know, and we’ll craft a personalized itinerary just for you. Every journey is unique, and we’re here to make yours perfect. Dream big – your adventure is waiting to be customized!
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Top attractions in this tour

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Gold Coast

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Byron Bay

Your 8-day road trip itinerary

  1. DAY 1
    1. Gold Coast Arrival
  2. DAY 2
    1. Surfers Paradise Free Day
  3. DAY 3
    1. Movie World Full Day
  4. DAY 4
    1. Gold Coast Australian Experience.
  5. DAY 5
    1. Byron Bay Day Tour
  6. DAY 6
    1. Dreamworld Experience
  7. DAY 7
    1. Springbrook and Gold Coast Hinterland Day Tour
  8. DAY 8
    1. Gold Coast Departure Day
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 1
Gold Coast Arrival

YOUR DAY

Welcome to the incredible Gold Coast!

Today you will be met at the airport by private shuttle and transferred to the inner city. From here the afternoon is free to explore Surfers Paradise at leisure and take part in some of the fantastic activities on offer.

Perhaps take a trip to the top of Sky Point Observation Tower for incredible views of the coast and cityscape, enjoy a stroll along Main Beach or even some retail or relaxation therapy. We will have some great suggestions in your interactive travel app including shopping, beaches, exhibitions and other great things to explore in the city.

Full Itinerary
DAY 2
Surfers Paradise Free Day

YOUR DAY

Today is a free day to enjoy the beach and surrounds at Surfers Paradise. Options include surfing, exploring the promenades and shops, taking a surf or cooking lesson, a ride on the AquaDuck perhaps or simply just laze the day away in one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the waterfront. Your interactive travel app will provide the know how!

Full Itinerary
DAY 3
Movie World Full Day

YOUR DAY

40km, approx. 45 minutes each way

Be Prepared for an incredible day out at Warner Brothers Movie World. Be collected by shuttle, drive yourself,-or with private transfers from your accommodation and take the 45 minute journey to the park.

The day is free to explore everything that this incredible park has to offer. Experience some spectacular thrill rides such as the Batwing Space shot, doomsday destroyer, Wild West falls adventure ride and superman escape.

Enjoy shows such as Hollywood stunt driver, Tom and Jerry and the Looney Toons Dance Party.

After an action packed day, return to Surfers Paradise in the evening where you can further enjoy the incredible ambiance. We will have some great suggestions of where to eat, drink and relax in your interactive travel app.

Full Itinerary
DAY 4
Gold Coast Australian Experience.

YOUR DAY

Your Day

This morning you will wake up bright and early for a breakfast in the sky! You will enjoy a hot air ballon experience including champagne breakfast (when available) overlooking the stunning gold coast in a trip of a lifetime. Enjoy the ocean and beaches from above in this 60 minute Experience!

Following this make your way down the coast to Currumbin wild life park. Here you will get up and close to Australia’s famous wildlife! You will also enjoy a behind the scenes’ experience with the famous Koala. Learn about the koala’s features, habitat, reproduction, gu
m species preferences and other quirky little facts about these gorgeous critters. Meet some of our koala families inside their Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary homes.

At the completion of your experience you will hold one of everyone’s favourite little Aussie legends whilst having a professional photograph to capture your experience.

Full Itinerary
DAY 5
Byron Bay Day Tour

YOUR DAY

Approximately a 2 hour 30 minute return journey

Today is your chance to explore incredible Byron Bay on a guided tour.

Byron Bay is known as the “alternative lifestyle” capital of Australia. Come with us and experience the Byron Bay we have come to love.

Enjoy an Australian working farm experience with acres of beautiful scenery showcasing seasonal crop growing, macadamia nut plantation, farm animals and flowers. Morning tea can be a fresh from the garden food experience at the Produce Store or visit the famous Three Blue Ducks restaurant (own cost) before heading onto Australia’s most Easterly Mainland point.

Byron’s unique alternative lifestyle destination is complemented by its stunning coastal surroundings and attractions. Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse with its 360 degree views and spectacular whale watching vantage points. Watch the waves roll in as you enjoy an alfresco beachside meal at the iconic Byron Bay Hotel.

You need time at this amazing destination to truly experience why people love Byron Bay so much, so we have allowed you up to 3 hours to explore the many coastal shops, take a swim at any of the renowned Byron Bay Beaches, enjoy a nature walk, or simply relax and soak up the amazing Byron Bay “vibe”.

At the end of a great day out return to Surfers Paradise in the evening and enjoy some time at leisure immersing the fantastic Gold Coast Vibe.

Full Itinerary
DAY 6
Dreamworld Experience

YOUR DAY

Approx 1 hour driving each way

This morning be collected by shuttle, drive yourself,or with private transfers from your hotel and make the journey to incredible Dreamworld – One of Australia’s premier theme parks.

Dreamworld and WhiteWater World are home to more than 40 rides, slides & attractions!

ABC Kids World is home to 8 rides and attractions, as well as opportunities to meet ABC Kids and Wiggles Characters.

The DreamWorks experience has 10 rides and attractions, plus the opportunity to meet some of your favourite Dreamworks heroes.

Some notable thrill seeking experiences include the Giant Drop, Steel Taipan- Australia’s only triple launch coaster, the Claw and the Gold Coaster Roller Coaster.

If you are after something a little tamer enjoy a ride on one of the vintage cars or take a trip on the dreamworld express railway.

Dreamworld is also a wildlife conservation park and the largest zoological contributor to tiger conservation worldwide.

Dreamworld is proud to help support the protection and conservation of Tigers, Koalas, Bilbies, Tree Kangaroos, and more. Spend some time checking out some of this incredible wildlife as part of your spectacular day out!

Be returned to Surfers Paradise by shuttle at the end of a great day out!

Full Itinerary
DAY 7
Springbrook and Gold Coast Hinterland Day Tour

YOUR DAY

8 hour guided tour

This is one of the Jewels in the crown and a fantastic day to discover breathtaking scenery in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Spectacular World Heritage listed Springbrook Mountain is one of the world’s oldest living forests nestled over 1000m above the Surfers Paradise skyline and is home to some of Australia’s rarest animal species. Experience all of the highlights of Springbrook including 2000 year old Antarctic Beech Trees, Purlingbrook Falls, Rainbow Falls and Goomalarah Falls. Stand on the outer rim of the extinct Tweed Shield Volcano at the Best Of All Lookout. Your own nature guide will accompany you on each walk as they share local knowledge on these ancient majestic forests. Enjoy lunch at Springbrook.

Walk through sub tropical World Heritage Listed national parks. Feel the spray of water on your face as it crashes and swirls into a natural rock archway known as Natural Arch, home to yet another of Australia’s magical wonders the glow worm.

At the end of an incredible day out, be returned to Surfers Paradise in the early evening.

Full Itinerary
DAY 8
Gold Coast Departure Day

YOUR DAY

This morning after breakfast at your accommodation, be transported by private shuttle to Coolangatta Airport for your onward travel arrangements.

Full Itinerary
What’s included?
Your choice of accommodation. Silver (4 star), gold (5 star) or platinum (luxury lodge) options available
Most breakfasts, select lunches and dinners
All travel arrangements, Transfers and flights within Australia
A choice or Mix of self-drive and privately guided transport
In-depth and detailed custom travel guide
Listed activities (the list is fully customisable)
Full insurance coverage on rented vehicles
Custom tour creation with one of our travel experts
What’s not included?
Return international flights
Personal travel insurance
Some lunches and dinners
Individual shopping and souvenirs
Extra, optional activities

Why Book a Bespoke Package With The Road Trip

Freedom to Explore
Tailored Experiences
Driver-Inclusive Tour and Self-Drive Options
Unrivaled Expertise
Prioritizing Wellbeing
Personalized Pricing

Frequently Asked Gold Coast Questions:

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Real and Independent
Traveller Feedback

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Dear Yamila & The Road Trip Team Thank you for your making my Sydney-Gold Coast Road Trip a smooth one. I would say there wasn't any hiccup along the trip. Everything well taken care of; from airport transfer to hotel bookings to rental car and some tour bookings. My family really enjoyed the holiday. What I really love was the freedom to drive anywhere with recommendations to go. It was very comprehensive. My kids loved the hotels you booked for us, especially the Anchorage and Pepper Soul! You made our maiden road drive in Australia to a new level. It is definitely an memorable experience. We are already thinking of another road trip in Australia! Thank you once again!
Flyer786747
A couple from India
21-day Australia trip was fabulous. We didn't want to drive the Australian roads, so The Road Trip organized all of the hotels, transportation and guided tours. The Road Trip team, especially Yamila, had everything planned and they even helped make changes as new opportunities came up. The trip itinerary appealed to everyone as there was the perfect combination of beach, sightseeing, tours, downtime, and outdoor activities. Our favorites included: penguin parade, full-day snorkel tour, night walk tour in the rainforest, and the canyon hike through the Blue Mountain National Park. All six of us agreed that we couldn't have seen or done as much as we did if it wasn't for The Road Trip team. We will be contacting you again for our next trip!
Linda E
Essential Workers from USA,
I want to thank Road Trip Australia for planning and coordinating such a great itinerary. I wouldn’t have known where to start doing it on my own. They made it easy. The packet they provided was full of good information and allowed me to maximize the time that I had to tour. I definitely recommend them to plan your trip.
Elizabeth B
USA
The Road Trip put together our recently completed self-driving tour of Australia. They were easy to work with and did an outstanding job of arranging our accommodations and travel in country (both driving and flying). We started in Melbourne with an excellent tour of the central city. We then heading over to the Yarra Valley for two nights. It’s an area known for its vineyards and wine making. Then it was off to the Great Ocean Road for two days of beautiful beaches and great stops recommended by The Road Trip. We spent two days in charming Port Fairy at a great boutique hotel. Then it was back to Melbourne to head to Sydney. Some weather issues prevented us from traveling as planned but we did spend a day and a half in Sydney with the highlight being a climb to the top of the Harbor Bridge. After Sydney we spent two days in the Blue Mountains. Our plans were limited by the recent fires which was disappointing. We spent one day in the Hunter Valley and if you are into wine another day would be appropriate. Then back to Sydney to fly up to the Great Barrier Reef. The rainforests and reef were magical. Wavelength did a great job with the reef snorkeling tour. It was then back to Melbourne for the Australian Open which was a blast. Then finally a trip to Phillip Island to watch the penguins come back to their burrows after a busy day in the sea. Overall a memorable trip and it was logistically very easy with The Road Trip.
JEPAZ
A couple from India

MY TRIP TO AUSTRALIA

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