Buzz
Embark on an unforgettable Queensland journey!
Australia has long been synonymous with road trips. Imagine expansive roads with breathtaking scenery along the way!
A 240 km stretch connecting Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast offers the most scenic coastal views in Australia! All you need is a driver's license and a spare set of wheels for an unforgettable road trip.
Planning for long drives? Read more about Klook's Guide to Road Trips for Beginners in Queensland, covering everything you need to know for an amazing road trip in Queensland, Australia.
Explore Queensland, Australia on Wheels
Driving yourself is the most convenient way to get around Queensland, especially if you plan to venture beyond the city. While Brisbane has an extensive bus network that extends to the Sunshine Coast, the schedules can be irregular. To make the most of your time in Queensland, renting a car is undoubtedly the best option.
Internet is crucial for planning routes (and uploading those valuable road trip photos to social media). Book a WiFi device from Klook before your trip to stay connected with up to five devices simultaneously.
Book Car Rental in Queensland
Play it safe and book your car before your trip (at least 2 weeks in advance if possible, for a cheaper rental rate). Scoot Car Hire provides all the information you need for a successful car rental! After entering necessary details on the homepage (as shown in the image above), the website will automatically generate all available cars from different rental companies.
Maximum space capacity for each car is also specified along with the car models, so you can estimate the size of the necessary vehicle based on the number of people on your trip.
Klook Tip: For added convenience, choose a rental company that allows you to pick up the car at the airport!
Rental Car Insurance
While this may seem obvious, always opt for car insurance whenever you rent a car! While Scoot Car Hire provides car rental insurance options, RentCover.com offers the most reasonable insurance rates on the market. Simply enter your destination and travel dates to get an instant quote.
If you encounter any issues with the car, you'll be glad you purchased insurance and won't end up spending too much on repairs.
Young Driver Fee
[*] VAT included
According to regulations, drivers renting a car between the ages of 21 and 24 will have to pay an additional fee known as the young driver fee. This fee covers supplementary insurance to compensate for increased risks with less experienced drivers on the road. The fee payment will be processed at the rental counter when you pick up the car at the airport! The comparison chart among car rental companies here shows how much you'll need to pay per day in addition to the basic rental cost.
Parking in Australia
Always check parking signs before parking! Signs may indicate various restrictions regarding time, space, and vehicle types. The letter P sign indicates permitted parking, where parking is allowed during specified times. Here is a guide to the most common parking signs:
Prepare for long drives, especially when traveling from one city to another. While Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Sunshine Coast are relatively close (about 1-2 hours apart), you'll still need some tips to refuel and stay alert for the journey!
Here's a quick checklist before you hit the road:
- Plan your route in advance (Google Maps is your best friend)
- Prepare a playlist for your road trip
- Have food and drinks ready before you set off
Klook Tip: Supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths will have everything you need. You can also prepare packed meals to save time.
Things to Do in Queensland – 4D3N Journey for Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Sunshine Coast
After getting the basics sorted, it's time for the most exciting part! Fasten your seatbelt, cue up your favorite music playlist, and get ready as we take you on a journey through Southeast Queensland.
Note: While most people opt for different accommodations on a road trip, in this 4D3N journey, you should choose to stay fixed in Gold Coast and travel to Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.
Day 1: Gold Coast Airport → Burleigh Heads → Gold Coast
Fill up your hungry stomach at The Boatshed Currumbin
Just a 10-minute drive from the airport, make The Boatshed Currumbin your first pitstop to refuel after the long flight to Gold Coast!
Don't be deceived by the unassuming exterior of this café; inside is one of the most beautiful coffee spots we've ever visited in Queensland. Nestled next to the Currumbin River, the café opens up to the riverbank, allowing you to enjoy your breakfast with the stunning backdrop of the flowing river.
The café offers a variety of quick bites and lunch options for you to choose from. Notable dishes include The Boatshed Breakfast (~$25), Boatshed Brisket Benedict (~$20), and Beer Batter Fish & Chips (~$25).
Among all the dishes, The Boatshed Breakfast stands out as the best with a diverse plate featuring the tastiest elements they have on offer. The massive portion size is also a plus, perfect for sharing between two!
The Boatshed Currumbin
Address: 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin, Qld 4223, Australia
Opening Hours: Wednesday and Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Friday and Saturday: 7:00 AM – Late | Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Closed on Monday
Make a stop at Burleigh Heads Beach on your way to Gold Coast and take in your first glimpse of the city. Seize this opportunity to capture photos with the cityscape or the ocean – it's guaranteed to be an Instagram-worthy shot!
If you have some leisure time, savor this beach like a local – prepare some light snacks, set up a picnic blanket, and relax with your friends or family!
Address: 1833 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
Shop to your heart's content at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Unleash your inner shopaholic at Queensland's largest shopping center with over 400 distinctive stores featuring iconic brands like H & M, Uniqlo, Zara, and even Zara Home! Keep an eye out for some renowned Australian retail chains such as Mecca (equivalent to Sephora in Singapore), Coles, and Target.
If you feel hungry after shopping, be sure to try Betty Burg Burgers located within Pacific Fair Shopping Centre! This beach-themed burger joint has been voted the best burger shop in Australia by locals.
We particularly love their Crispy Chicken Burger (~170k), fried to perfection and paired with their signature sauce. Opt for the Deluxe package to add smoked bacon and cheese to your burger for an additional 70k to fully savor the flavor!
You must also try their uniquely crafted frozen custard shakes! Known as concretes, priced at ~135k, they come with delightful additions like crunchy peanuts, peach pudding, donuts, and lemon cheesecake mixed together. We highly recommend the Cookie Butter flavor! Absolutely delicious.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Address: Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Thursday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Weekends 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entertainment at the renowned Dracula Cabaret restaurant
After a day of activities, indulge in a three-course dinner accompanied by a lively performance at Dracula’s Cabaret restaurant. Live music, captivating performances, and a series of handcrafted special effects by the team are sure to keep you entertained throughout the night. This is a show you definitely won't want to miss while in Gold Coast!
The restaurant is just a 3-minute walk from Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, so you can park at the Pacific Fair car park and walk here.
Feel like being transported to another realm as you enter the Dracula-themed building. To have this fantastic experience during your stay in Gold Coast, pre-book your voucher to Dracula’s Cabaret restaurant now with Klook to enjoy great deals!
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
Address: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Day 2: Gold Coast
Experience the scenery from a hot air balloon
While Turkey has long been everyone's dream destination for hot air ballooning, now you can fulfill your hot air balloon dream in Gold Coast! Imagine floating in the sky and witnessing a spectacular sunrise from 2,000 feet above the ground – this is undoubtedly a highlight of your trip! Be warned – be prepared to wake up in the middle of the night for this (but we can assure you that this night wake-up is truly worth it!). Pre-book your hot air balloon adventure on Klook and enjoy free pick-up and drop-off services from your accommodation! A confirmation email will be sent to your email after successful payment along with pick-up details.
Each hot air balloon basket accommodates 20 passengers excluding the pilot. As you step into the basket, the pilot will guide you on do's and don'ts while in the hot air balloon!
Next, all you have to do is stand tight as the basket starts to ascend. Get ready to be blown away by the mesmerizing landscapes of Gold Coast, especially as the sun gradually rises on the horizon. A scene more impressive could not be asked for!
Harbor Town Outlet Shopping Centre
After the scenic balloon ride, head to Harbor Town for lunch and indulge in both wholesale and retail therapy! With over 240 stores featuring renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Fila, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Nike, Kate Spade, and more, this is the largest shopping precinct in Australia.
Harbor Town might be a bit away from the central Gold Coast, but be sure to include this spot in your itinerary because we guarantee it'll be worth it! Be ready to spend at least half your day here exploring everything this shopping center has to offer. Enjoy MASSIVE discounts of up to 80% – this is truly a shopper's paradise.
Harbour Town Shopping Centre
Address: 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters QLD 4216, Australia
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Savor the flavors of pasta at Vapiano
After a shopping spree, you'll surely need to recharge with some delicious eats. Head back to Surfers Paradise to grab some flavorful handmade pasta from Vapianos!
Payment at Vapianos operates like Marché in Singapore – you get your card, swipe it after ordering with the chef, and settle the total bill when leaving the restaurant.
During peak hours, there might be a wait of around 30 minutes (but this wait is totally worth it). This also speaks to the restaurant's popularity with locals!
All dishes are prepared to order, explaining the restaurant's delay. All ingredients are also locally sourced, giving you a unique farm-to-table experience not easily found in Australia.
Aglio E Olio (~305k) and Risotto Funghi (~325k) are must-try dishes. Perfectly seasoned, paired with fresh ingredients and al dente pasta, these could easily be some of the best Italian dishes you've ever tasted! With modern decor and vibrant lighting all around, this is undoubtedly the ideal spot for an evening stroll!!!
Vapianos
Address: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM – Midnight
Explore the Underground Mini Golf – Holey Moley
A night truly stretches in Australia! After a delightful meal, join your friends for a friendly round of mini golf at Holey Moley. If you just want to chill, this underground mini golf spot also has a bar for you to sip and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Place bets with your pals and try to conquer all 18 mini golf courses! Don't worry if you're not an experienced golfer; these whimsically decorated courses are perfect for beginners!
Holey Moley
Address: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – Midnight
Day 3: Brisbane
If there's one activity you must try in Queensland, don't miss out on the exhilarating skydiving experience. Jumping out into the air at 15,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean might sound a bit daunting, but the freefall is the most thrilling part of our skydiving adventure in Brisbane.
As the parachute opens, gently gliding through the air, you'll have a panoramic view of the ocean and the cityscape of Brisbane. If you're up for it, you can even steer the parachute on the way down – guided by the instructions of your instructor.
After 4-5 minutes soaring in the sky, you'll touch down at Brisbane Beach. Mark this unforgettable experience of yours! Opt for the additional video and photo package when booking the skydiving experience on Klook!
Klook Hack: Head to the nearby Coles to pick up some snacks before you hit the road to Brisbane!
Brisbane Beach Skydiving
Address: 39 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 4020, Australia
Explore the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
If you haven't visited the iconic Australian symbol – Koalas, then you haven't truly been to Australia! The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest Koala sanctuary. With over 130 Koalas grouped into different age categories from 'preschool' to 'retirement home,' you'll notice how pouch bears behave based on their age!
P.S. Did you know Queensland is the only state in Australia where you're legally allowed to hug a Koala? Seize this opportunity to capture adorable moments with these cuddly bears!
Tickets for Koala encounters start from 9:00 AM daily and end when they're sold out. Priced at approximately $425, it includes a pre-printed photo!
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary also features various Australian wildlife, living in beautiful natural settings, such as kangaroos and wallabies. You can comfortably purchase some snacks to feed the kangaroos and wallabies!
Book Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets on Klook for the lowest guaranteed prices and skip the queue to enter the sanctuary!
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Address: 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Indulge in the finest Steak in the area at Les Bubbles
Photo: Opentable
Once an illegal casino and brothel, now an elegant French-style bar, Les Bubbles is a somewhat hidden gem. With neon signage and bustling streets, this bar is hard to miss as you drive around the neighborhood.
Photo: Les Bubbles
Their menu revolves around their signature dish – Steak Frites (~$630). Known as a national dish of France, the steak comes with a tender fruit salad, a sauce of your choice, and unlimited french fries. The steak is served medium rare by default, but you can inform your server if you prefer a different doneness.
The restaurant also caters to vegetarians and vegans; just inquire with the server for today's special options.
Les Bubbles
Address: 144 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 – 2:30 PM and 5:00 – 11:00 PM | Friday & Saturday 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Day 4: Sunshine Coast
Outdoor adventure with a view of Shorncliffe Pier
A road trip essential! What's fantastic about Queensland is that it offers numerous lookout points for people to stop, relax, go on a picnic, and of course, take pictures on the beach before hitting the road again.
Order ready-to-eat items like whole roasted chicken and iconic Aussie snacks such as Tim Tams, Red Rock Deli Chips, and Jumpy’s. Looking for healthier options? Head down to their fresh produce section and grab affordable strawberries! Coles also has a bakery offering freshly baked bread and sweets.
Once you've gathered all the essential picnic food, hit the road quickly; Shorncliffe Beach is waiting for you! Start your day early, and you can catch the sunrise on the beach!
Address: Park Parade, Shorncliffe QLD 4017, Australia
Experience Steve Irwin's legacy at the Australia Zoo
We all remember watching Steve Irwin on TV as kids, mesmerized by his bold interactions with some of the world's most dangerous animals. His passion and love for wildlife could be felt even through the screen, and he would undoubtedly be thrilled to witness his legacy continue at the Australia Zoo.
Australia Zoo, spanning about 76 soccer fields, is the largest zoo in Australia. It houses the best wildlife conservation facilities globally! Skip the lines when you pre-purchase Australia Zoo tickets on Klook!
With a long list of scheduled performances and regular feedings at the Australia Zoo, the Wildlife Warriors Australia Zoo show at 12 noon daily at The Crocoseum is a standout program you wouldn't want to miss! This show features various animals including birds, giant snakes, and large saltwater crocodiles.
Travel tip: If possible, visit the zoo during the winter vacation (in July) in Australia, and you might catch the Irwin family (including Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin) performing in the show!
You'll feel like a kid again as you spend the whole day exploring different areas of the Australia Zoo! With over 100 acres to discover, you can surely encounter all the unique Australian wildlife, including curious alpacas, adorable kangaroo joeys, wombats, and Koalas.
Australia Zoo
Address: 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519, Australia
Operating hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
>> Explore Australia with Klook: discover all activities, tours, or wifi, and transportation ready for you!
