Yamba to Brisbane road trip: Distance, time & best stops

Yamba to Brisbane by car: The Gold Coast

Coolangatta is the first town on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Things to do in Coolangatta include walking from Point Danger to Snapper Rocks and throwing yourself into surfing lessons.

The Pacific Motorway, however, runs 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.

Most of the things to do on the Gold Coast, such as jet boat rides, sunset cruises, parasailing and amphibious vehicle tours, require a short deviation towards the coast.

Gold Coast accommodation is mainly apartments, but top Surfers Paradise hotels include the luxurious Q1 Resort and Spa and the budget-friendly Vibe Hotel.

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.

Staying near the highway, you can enjoy the David Fleay Wildlife Park on Tallebudgera Creek or Nerang National Park.

But most travellers will probably be more interested in the Gold Coast theme parks.

Warner Brothers Movie World, Paradise Country, Australian Outback Spectacular and Wet N Wild Gold Coast are around Oxenford. Dreamworld and Whitewater World are further north in Coomera.

Yamba to Brisbane road trip: Gold Coast to central Brisbane

The Gold Coast and Brisbane merge into each other somewhat. But on the way into the Queensland capital, attractions worth considering include the Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum, plus the Logan River Parklands, Springwood Conservation Park and Mt Gravatt Lookout.

For things to do in Brisbane itself, try the Streets Beach, the Museum of Brisbane, the public art trails and City Botanic Gardens.

Other top options include a Moreton Island day trip, climbing the Story Bridge and visiting native wildlife at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

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.