Brisbane to Broadbeach drive: Distance, time & attractions

The Brisbane to Broadbeach drive covers a distance of 83km in a driving time of around 1h3m. The best road trip stops along the route are the Gold Coast theme parks and Nerang National Park.

The drive from Brisbane to Broadbeach takes you from the Queensland capital to one of the most popular places to stay on the Gold Coast.

Highlights of Brisbane include the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, river kayaking tours and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Broadbeach, meanwhile, is a great place for surfing lessons and the perennially popular Dracula’s Cabaret.

Brisbane to Broadbeach distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Brisbane to Broadbeach is 83km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and three minutes.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

If you’re setting off early from Brisbane, and want a few road trip stops while you wait for your Broadbeach hotel to become available, then you can make a day of it.

Brisbane to Broadbeach drive: Attractions on the way south

Options on the way out of Brisbane include the Mt Gravatt Lookout, Springwood Conservation Park and Logan River Parklands. The Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum is another possibility.

However, the main attractions on the Brisbane to Broadbeach drive are the Gold Coast theme parks.

Dreamworld and Whitewater World are the first ones you’ll encounter. They’re in Coomera, just to the north of the Coomera River. Warner Brothers Movie World, Paradise Country, Australian Outback Spectacular and Wet N Wild Gold Coast are a little further south around Oxenford.

7 Gold Coast experiences worth booking in advance

See waterfalls and natural wonders – on a full day Springbrook National Park tour.
Be awed by massive migrating humpbacks – on a great value whale-watching cruise.
Feast as you explore the Gold Coast waterways – on a dinner cruise.
Kayak with dolphins and snorkel with hundred of sub-tropical fish – on the same tour.
Enjoy high speed thrills along the waterways – on a jet boat adventure.
Glide above the beautiful hinterland – on a serene hot air balloon flight.
Taste the best Scenic Rim wines – on an indulgent Tamborine Mountain wine tour, with lunch.

Brisbane to Broadbeach drive: Turn off at Carrara

For something a little more wholesome, Nerang National Park is near Nerang, but otherwise keep going down the motorway until the Nielsens Road turnoff in Carrara.

This will take you past Alan Nielsen Park, Boonooroo Park and the Palm Meadows Golf Course.

Then turn-off by the Carrara Markets down the Nerang-Broadbeach Road and pass a maze of waterways into Broadbeach.

For the best deals on Broadbeach accommodation, search here.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.