Brisbane to Coolangatta drive: Distance, time & road trip attractions

The Brisbane to Coolangatta drive covers a 103km distance in a driving time of around 1h10m. Road trip stops include the Gold Coast theme parks and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Brisbane to Coolangatta drive takes you from the Queensland capital to southernmost part of the Gold Coast. Beyond Coolangatta, you’re crossing the New South Wales border.

Book in advance for the best Coolangatta accommodation deals.

Brisbane to Coolangatta distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Brisbane to Coolangatta is 103km. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and ten minutes. But if you’re setting off early from Brisbane, and want a few road trip stops while you wait for your Coolangatta hotel to become available, then you can make a day of it.

Best day trips from the Gold Coast – 7 ways to improve your stay

The Gold Coast is a destination in its own right, but there are several excellent day trips you can do while using it as a base.

Deluxe Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Full day Springbrook National Park tour – with waterfalls and bush tucker tasting.
Snorkelling with turtles at Cook Island.
Evening glowworm-viewing experience – with guided stargazing.
Lady Elliot Island day trip – with glass bottom boat & guided Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour.
Hopping between microbreweries – with lunch included.
Northern Rivers fruit & distillery tour – with Tropical Fruit World and Husk Distillers.

The Mt Gravatt Lookout, Springwood Conservation Park and Logan River Parklands are amongst the options on the way out of Brisbane.

The Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum is also a possibility before entering the Gold Coast.

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 Coolangatta drive: Gold Coast attractions

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

Dreamworld and Whitewater World are the first ones you’ll go past. They’re in Coomera, just 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.

Brisbane to Coolangatta road trip stops: Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin

Keep going, and there are a few more wholesome attractions. These include Nerang National Park the David Fleay Wildlife Park on Tallebudgera Creek and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Shortly after Currumbin, you’ll arrive in Coolangatta.

Things to do in Coolangatta include taking surf lessons at Coolangatta Beach and enjoying the Oceanway Walk along the coast.

Well-rated Coolangatta accommodation options include the Mantra Coolangatta Beach, Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites and the Pink Hotel.

Coolangatta Beach on the Gold Coast — There are plenty of things to do in Coolangatta, but you come to the southern end of the Gold Coast for the surf. Photo copyright 2017 Getty Images.

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.

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.