Queensland’s capital of Brisbane teems with warmth and energy, but once you’ve exhausted the big city sights, a Gold Coast day trip from Brisbane is a great way to recover from all the action. Just an hour south of the Australian city is a beach paradise perfect for surfing, sunning or simply unplugging for an afternoon.

Here's all you need to know about the Gold Coast, one of the most exciting day trips from Brisbane.

How to get to Gold Coast from Brisbane?

Gold Coast, Australia’s sixth-largest city, is in the state of Queensland. The city is about 70 kilometers south of Brisbane.

From Brisbane to Gold Coast by car

The drive from Brisbane to Gold Coast is around 1 hour. Take the M3 and the M1 south out of Brisbane. After about 68 kilometers, take exit 69 to Southport Nerang Road/State Road 20 for about 9 kilometers. Turn right on Ashmore Road/State Route 24 to Lothian Avenue in Bundall.

From Brisbane to Gold Coast by public transport

Regular bus and train routes run between Brisbane and Gold Coast. There are a few direct routes between the two cities, but most travel options involve one change of bus or train.

The route typically takes about 1.5 hours. Buses leave mainly from Brisbane’s Cleveland Station or Roma Street Station and arrive at Gold Coast’s Varsity Lakes Station. Trains leave from South Brisbane Station and arrive at Helensvale Station.

Guided tour to Gold Coast from Brisbane

Avoid the hassle of multi-step public transportation or driving in unfamiliar territory with a guided tour. South Queensland’s verdant hills and subtropical climate make for incredibly scenic drives to any destination. Hire a guide to whisk you to Gold Coast’s beaches, nearby wineries, islands or parks for a convenient day trip.

What is the typical itinerary?

Most day trips to Gold Coast and nearby sites are full-day affairs and provide transportation from Brisbane. Head out in comfort toward coastal New South Wales to experience verdant Bangalow and dazzling Byron Bay. On the return journey, visit Gold Coast for beach time, cultural discoveries and natural wonders.

Private tours begin with a tour of Brisbane that’s customizable to your interests. After seeing the city highlights, you’ll head south in private transportation to Gold Coast, Springbrook National Park and Sunshine Beach.

For surfing lessons on Gold Coast, you will have to reach the meetup points by either public transit, walking or rideshare. Helicopter rides take place either in the morning or afternoon. Three-stop pub crawls last 4 hours with 90 minutes of flight time. Stops may include points on Tamborine Mountain as well as Gold Coast attractions.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Gold Coast?

Surfing tours in Gold Coast from Brisbane

Gold Coast’s Surfers’ Paradise is aptly-named. Southern Queensland’s coast contains some of the world’s most coveted surf destinations. Get a feel for the waves with a 2-hour lesson, or commit to an adventure with a 10-day camping trip down the coast from Brisbane.

Group tours to Gold Coast plus Bangalow and Byron Bay from Brisbane

On this group day tour from Brisbane, you'll journey into New South Wales and discover the popular towns of Bangalow and Byron Bay. While traveling back to the starting point, you'll visit Mick Schamburg Park in Gold Coast and spend some time swimming in the warm waters.

Gold Coast helicopter pub crawl from Brisbane

Don’t worry about a designated driver when you can whir from pub to pub in a helicopter. Sip a cocktail from a luxury restaurant and savor a glass of wine at a Tamborine Mountain resort with views of the Gold Coast. Cap off your VIP outing with drinks at a seaside bar in Moreton Bay.

Private tour of Gold Coast and Brisbane from Brisbane

If you only have a short period of time in south Queensland, book a tour that covers the best of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, including Springbrook National Park and the SkyPoint viewing deck. With guides ready to assemble the perfect itinerary that leaves nothing out, these private tours are fully customizable to your interests and needs.

How much does a day trip to the Gold Coast from Brisbane cost?

A day trip to the Gold Coast from Brisbane may vary in price depending on the type of tour you choose and what is included.

If you're looking at a surfing excursion, you can expect to pay around US$50 per person for a 2-hour lesson excluding transportation. If you opt for a 10-day surfing camping trip, you'll pay approximately US$2,400 per person.

Tours that go to Bangalow, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast from Brisbane coast US$150 per person in a group that accommodates up to 11 people.

Helicopter pub crawls with three stops cost US$650 per person, while private tours cost around US$800 for a group of up to 13 people.

What will you see and do?

With the diversity of day trips available, what you’ll see and do varies greatly from tour to tour. However, you’ll take in awe-inspiring scenery no matter which activity you choose.

Two-hour surf lessons are perfect for any level, whether you’re learning the basics or brushing up your skills. Ten-day surf adventures take you along the central east coast of Australia. You’ll move from camp to camp, seeking out the best waves. Your day will be filled with instruction, independent surfing, refueling and relaxing at beach campsites.

For a helicopter pub crawl, meet up at the Archerfield Airport for luxury transportation for drinks at Veresdale Hotel, Eagle Heights Mountain Resort and Harrigan’s Calypso Bay. While the drinks are the main attractions, you’ll be privy to unforgettable views of the Gold Coast.

On private tours, you can visit Brisbane and the Gold Coast's top landmarks, or hone in on specifics like indie shopping and food. Plan pauses for swimming and sunning at beaches, or carve out time for a hike in Springbrook National Park. Or, leave the itinerary to an expert guide who will show you the best of the area.

When is the best time to visit the Gold Coast?

The best time to visit the Gold Coast is spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these periods, you'll experience moderate temperatures between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius, as well as fewer crowds in comparison to the peak summer season.

What other day trips can you do from Brisbane?

Travel tips

The Australian sun can be intense. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Pack swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes if you plan on swimming or surfing as part of your day trip to the Gold Coast.
There are plenty of stunning natural sights in the Gold Coast region. Opt for tours that visit places like Springbrook National Park and Tamborine Mountain.

Gold Coast: Day Trips and Tours from Brisbane