Ace Rental Cars Blog

Queensland’s East Coast is known for its wide range of activities and golden shoreline. If you’re in the area, a road trip from Gold Coast to Noosa is the perfect way to make the most of your time here. Soak up the sunshine and breathe in the salt air on the scenic drive from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast and explore everywhere from the coastline to the hinterland. With so many natural attractions and coastal towns to discover, we’ve done the planning for you with a list of places guaranteed to add wonder and excitement to your trip.

• Burleigh Heads
• Broadbeach
• Surfers Paradise
• Brisbane
• Noosa

Burleigh Heads and the Springbrook National Park

• Breakfast at Paddock Bakery
• Springbrook National Park

Starting in the coastal city of Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, make your way to Paddock Bakery for breakfast. Find a cosy spot in the cottage, garden, rooftop, loft, or barn and start your road trip adventure with a delicious meal in the rustic bakery, surrounded by greenery. Next up on your scenic adventure, drive your rental car an hour inland to arrive at Springbrook National Park. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Springbrook is a natural paradise just before the Queensland New South Wales border. Explore the area with walking tracks through each of the park's four main sections, ranging from the 54 km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk to family-friendly trails like the Twin Falls Circuit. If you’re heading out on a long hike, pack some snacks before making tracks and stop by one of the many picnic areas for a laid-back lunch. Keep an eye out for wildlife while in the area, with native bird species, reptiles and water-dwelling animals calling the region home. Help to protect the park by leaving all plants and animals undisturbed, taking rubbish home and keeping to the provided walking tracks.

Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise

• Lunch at The Loose Moose
• Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
• Oasis Shopping Centre
• Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

After your forest exploration, drive your Ace rental car an hour back out to the coast to the stylish city of Broadbeach. Fuel up with a late lunch at The Loose Moose Tap and Grill House - the Gold Coast’s award-winning burger bar. This hip venue showcases the relaxed flair of the region, with delicious burgers, wings, and pizza on offer. Looking to do a spot of shopping? Broadbeach is home to the iconic Pacific Fair Shopping Centre - offering over 400 stores to browse - if you’re after a more boutique shopping experience though, head to the Oasis Shopping Centre to pick up some souvenirs. Nothing is more authentically Gold Coast than a night spent in Surfers Paradise. Dinner options range from modern Australian and Asian fusion to pizza places and sushi restaurants to suit every taste. After dinner, enjoy the thriving nightlife atmosphere with a stroll on the beach, and stop by the Beachfront Markets for a look at locally made arts, fashion, and gifts.

Brisbane and Eumundi

• Roma Street Parkland
• Eumundi Markets

After your Gold Coast adventure, it’s time to say goodbye and make your way an hour North to the state’s capital. Brisbane has so much to offer, from strolls along South Bank to kayaking on the Brisbane River, the city is full of things to see and do. For a unique moment of connection with nature in the middle of the big city, head to Roma Street Parkland. Here you can take on a guided tour through the rainforests, meadows and lawns, have tea or coffee at The Garden Room cafe and let children explore the playgrounds before continuing on your journey to the Sunshine Coast. Another hour and a half along the coast, a local gem hidden in the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland is waiting for you at the Eumundi Markets. As the region’s biggest and best markets, there are over 600 stalls to discover, offering everything from local food and produce to handmade treasures and crafts.

Noosa Heads

• Noosa National Park

After a 30-minute drive, you’ll arrive at your final destination on your unforgettable road trip. Discover the best of the area with a walk through the Noosa National Park. Here you can see the town's famous landmarks, such as Hell’s Gates, Devils Kitchen and Dolphin Point while admiring the beauty of the coastline and reflecting on your adventure so far. To end your holiday through Queensland’s East Coast, indulge with a dinner on the Noosa waterfront - you may even see bottlenose dolphins swimming along the coastline.

A family-friendly trip, a solo adventure or a getaway with friends, a road trip from the Gold Coast to Noosa is the perfect way to make unforgettable memories under the Queensland sun.