Port Macquarie to Brisbane road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
Port Macquarie to Brisbane road trip: Gold Coast
From there, it’s over the border to Coolangatta on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Things to do in Coolangatta include surfing lessons and walking from Point Danger to Snapper Rocks.
The Pacific Motorway, though, runs to the west of Coolangatta, Kirra Beach, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Currumbin and Palm Beach.
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.
Many of the things to do on the Gold Coast, such as jet boat rides, sunset cruises, parasailing and amphibious vehicle tours, require a little detour towards the coast.
Gold Coast accommodation is mainly apartments, but top Surfers Paradise hotels include the deluxe Q1 Resort and Spa and the budget-conscious Vibe Hotel.
The David Fleay Wildlife Park on Tallebudgera Creek and Nerang National Park are the best natural attractions near the motorway, but the Gold Coast theme parks get more attention.
Warner Brothers Movie World, Paradise Country, Australian Outback Spectacular and Wet N Wild Gold Coast cluster around Oxenford. Dreamworld and Whitewater World are to the north in Coomera.
The final leg into Brisbane
On the way into Brisbane, you can take a look at the Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum. There are also the Logan River Parklands, Springwood Conservation Park and Mt Gravatt Lookout to consider.
For things to do in Brisbane, opt for the Streets Beach, the Museum of Brisbane, the public art trails and City Botanic Gardens.
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.
Once in Brisbane you can go on a North Stradbroke Island day tour, have fun on a Segway tour or cruise along the Brisbane River.
Great Brisbane accommodation choices include the buzzy W Brisbane, the historic Treasury and the Instagram-friendly Ovolo.
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