Lismore to Gold Coast drive: Distance, time & road trip stops

Lismore to Gold Coast drive: Gold Coast activities

The Pacific Motorway crosses the Queensland border then runs west of Coolangatta, Currumbin and Palm Beach.

You can divert for surf lessons and the walk from Point Danger to Snapper Rocks in Coolangatta, or for a wildlife fix at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Leave the motorway at Exit 87 for Surfers Paradise and head along the Southport-Burleigh Road. This runs parallel to the coast, past Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach.

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.

Things to do on the Gold Coast include parasailing, sunset cruises, jet boat rides, and amphibious vehicle tours.

Gold Coast accommodation is largely apartment-style, although excellent Surfers Paradise hotels include the lavish Q1 Resort and Spa and the better value Vibe Hotel.

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.