Australia’s Gold Coast is an insanely fun place to visit. It’s the number one travel destination in Australia and it’s clear why. The Gold Coast is an endless playground of entertainment, adventure and sometimes debauchery, where there is literally something to suit everyone.
From big clubs to iconic golden beaches, the Gold Coast is an excellent place to get away from the dreariness of everyday life. How many cities in the world can boast multiple worlds in one city? Is anybody up for Sea World, Movie World, Dream World or White Water World? This can sometimes be a problem: The Gold Coast seems like one big amusement park which might not be for everyone. Some of you may want to enjoy a vacation not being surrounded by hoards of other tourists (and their kids!). So we thought we’d present you with some Secret-Squirrel Spots on the Gold Coast to help you think of this wonderful part of Australia in a different light. Read on!
Make a Wish
The Wishing Tree Track: Nestled within the Green Mountains, this mysterious little excursion takes you on a 2.4km trek below O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The walk to the wishing tree is all downhill, thankfully, and takes you along a native flora thick track. Just when you think you’ve seen the most beautiful part of the world on this track, the last quarter of the track will blow your mind. The most adorable suspension bridge awaits you near the end of the track at the ‘piece de resistance’: The Wishing Tree. Once you hit the tree, and you’ve made your wish, take a left into the Glow Worm Gully to see… the Glow Worms! They’re nowhere near as gross as you think.
Come to Coombabah
If you’re looking to get away from the hubbub of the Gold Coast then you’ve got to head to the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area. This area protects more than 1200 hectares of wetland, saltmarsh and mangrove swamp habitat. This is one of the best places in Australia for short hikes, bird watching and plant admiring!
Au Naturel at the Natural Bridge
One of the best day trips you can treat yourself to is in the incredible hinterland, where you’ll find the amazing (and yet unassumingly named) Natural Bridge. The walk to the bridge is quite short and there are plenty of wee secret spots to stop at so you can get away from the tourists, or your family! The Natural Bridge is a magical geological feature created by water erosion through the roof of a basalt cave over literally millions of years. Again, we’ve got some more glow worms, but don’t worry, they don’t bite! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a dip in the water but there are sometimes restrictions in place, so heads up!
Rock and Roll at the Rock Pools
Currumbin Valley Rock Pools is a great place for a fun-filled scenic day out for families or couples. Here’s a hint: walk 50 meters upstream to the small waterfall tucked away from the main attraction if you want some privacy. There are heaps of picnic tables, toilets and look-outs near the rock pools. If it’s warm enough, which is always is, bring your bathers, togs and swimsuits and take to the slippery rocks that provide natural slides into the fresh water!
Life’s a Beach at Greenmount Beach
When you think of the Gold Coast beaches you think of Surfer’s Paradise of Burleigh first but Greenmount is a popular destination for locals in the know. At low tide, Greenmount has some nice secluded spots around the rocks just perfect for sunbathing or a picnic. If you’re looking for some action, head further south to spot the surfers on the frothing main stretch of surf. You won’t be disappointed! Be sure to keep an eye out for the ‘Love Locks’ as they’ve become popular along this stretch, where lovebirds sign a padlock and leave it on the boardwalk fence in memory. Pretty romantic!
When in doubt: Picnic
Picnic Rock can be found in the Green Mountains at the Lamington National Park. This incredible picnic spot is located in a world heritage listed rainforest and has some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see. Considering the trek here is a 3.5km hike through the rainforest, you can rest assured that there won’t be masses of people here. Bring a blanket as the only place to sit is, well, on the rock! If you’re not up for the trek then take an easier stroll through the Regional Botanic Gardens which are a great picnic place too. Spread out over 31 hectares, there are all kinds of walks suited to different taste. Be sure to check out the Butterfly Garden and the Rose Garden. If you’re travelling with kids, the Gardens are a great spot to bring bikes and scooters. There are also plenty of boardwalks and playgrounds to keep the little ones busy while you admire all the native plant species.
When you’re travelling to the Gold Coast with friends, family or even by yourself, there are all kinds of entertainment to pique your interest. If you’re not into the party-hard lifestyle of downtown Brisbane, then jump in your free rental car and explore the wilderness and nature that surrounds the bustling city. The beaches may not be your scene, but don’t worry, the Gold Coast has plenty to offer everyone. At Transfercar, we always have heaps of relocation vehicles that need to be moved to and around the Gold Coast. When you register with us you can be sure you’re going to save money on travel, leaving you more cash in your stash to spend on good food and wine for those picnics, eh? We look forward to hearing from you mate!
