

Gold Coast Hinterlands
Lush rainforest, vineyards, and mountainous hinterlands lie inland from Surfers Paradise, and there are six national parks within easy reach of the Gold Coast. Visit glow-worm caves and hike to waterfalls in Mt. Tamborine National Park, or marvel at natural wonders like the Numinbah Valley and the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. Adventurous campers should head to Lamington National Park, where you can hike to remote backcountry campsites and pitch your tent amid the bushlands.
NSW North Coast
South of the Gold Coast, the hippie haven and surf mecca of Byron Bay lies just over the New South Wales border. Stop along the way to visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, swim and surf at Tweed Heads, or hike in the Mount Jerusalem or Nightcap national parks. For the ultimate road trip, follow the Legendary Pacific Coast route from Tweed Heads all the way to Sydney.
Sunshine Coast
Sandy beaches are hemmed in by bands of rainforest along the Sunshine Coast to the north. Rainbow Beach, Caloundra, and Noosa Heads are among the most popular beach towns, where you can swim, surf, and tuck into seafood by the beachside. Don’t miss a visit to the famous Eumundi Markets, a stop at Australia Zoo, and a hike in the Glass House Mountains.
Dry, sunny days can be enjoyed year-round along the Gold Coast, and it’s possible to swim, surf, and camp right through winter. Summer (December through January) is peak season, and Surfers Paradise is a vacation hotspot—book your campsite at least three months in advance and expect big crowds, especially during events like the Gold Coast 500. Family campers should avoid Schoolies week (typically late November), when school leavers take over the town with their all-night celebrations.