Sometimes you just need a holiday from living in a resort town, right? Although life on the Gold Coast is the idea of a never-ending vacation, sometimes you just need to change it up. Luckily, it’s perfectly located amongst some of Queensland and Northern New South Wales‘ most beautiful locations, living on the Gold Coast has you in reach of some pretty incredible destinations for weekends away.
While we don’t live on the Gold Coast, we’ve explored plenty of places around it, including many we’ve driven to as side trips or extended breaks. If we did live up there though, here are some of the spots we’d escape to when we want an escape.
Brisbane
Best for: Big city break
Distance from the Gold Coast: About 70km.
How to get there: It’s a 1-hour drive north along the M1, or a 2-hour train ride from Varsity Lakes to the CBD with just one switch.
For big city vibes without straying far from home, the short trip up to Brisbane will hit the spot. Skyline sunsets over the Brisbane river, inspiring galleries and museums and world-class restaurants are all within a short walk of each other. Cruise along the Brisbane River on the free ferry service or take a dip in the sprawling lagoon. Not only is it a great urban escape, there’s plenty to do here that won’t cost you a cent.
✅ We’ve been to Brisbane!
Where to stay in Brisbane:
- W Brisbane: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here!)
- River Plaza Apartments: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here!)
Read about our Brisbane adventures:
Byron Bay
Best for: Chic beach breaks
Distance from the Gold Coast: 100km
How to get there: Drive for about an hour south on the M1, then take Ewingsdale Road into town.
Yes, we know the Gold Coast is packed with beaches, but Byron’s are truly something special. Here, there’s no skyscrapers towering over them and blocking the sun in the afternoons. The Gold Coast’s nightlife is swapped for chic restaurants and the overall vibe in town is bohemian island holiday rather than big beach town.
✅ We’ve been to Byron Bay!
Where to stay in Byron Bay:
- Glen Villa Resort: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here!)
- The Surf House Byron Bay: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here!)
- Wake Up! Byron Bay: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here!)
Sunshine Coast
Best for: Family friendly escapes
Distance from the Gold Coast: 175km
How to get there: It’s about a 2-hour drive up the M1 to the southern parts of the Sunshine Coast.
After passing through endless city driving up to the Sunshine Coast, arriving in beach towns like Noosa offers a much needed respite. Tropical-style resorts with sprawling pools are just short walks to the beach. The picturesque Noosa National Park provides endless bushwalking opportunities and nearby towns like Eumundi boast eclectic markets.
✅ We’ve been to the Sunshine Coast!
Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast:
- Noosa International Resort: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here!)
- Pelican Waters Resort: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
North Stradbroke Island
Best for: Island escapes
Distance from the Gold Coast: 95km
How to get there: Take a 25-minute ferry from Cleveland, which is 55 minutes north of the Gold Coast.
If you’re after an island escape that feels like you’re getting away from it all, then we can highly recommend a weekend on North Stradbroke Island. Arriving here felt like we were suddenly in on a secret; it was quiet and felt like a million miles away but was only a 25-minute ferry from Cleveland, a suburb in Brisbane’s south that was accessible by train.
The island is home to beautiful beaches with clear, turquoise waters and is known as a hotspot for manta rays. We didn’t get the chance to dive with them on our visit, but we’re itching to go back and check out Manta Lodge‘s dive options.
✅ We’ve been to North Stradbroke Island!
Where to stay on North Stradbroke Island:
- The Islander: Book direct with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here)
- Manta Lodge: Book direct with the lodge | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
Read about our North Stradbroke adventures:
Gold Coast Hinterland
Best for: Bush retreats
Distance from the Gold Coast: 45km
How to get there: State routes 97 or 99 will get you to destinations like Springbrook National Park.
When most people think of the Gold Coast, it’s the beaches and resorts they picture. But head inland and there’s lush, green hinterland with rolling hills, waterfalls and bushwalking tracks. Just 45 minutes away, spots like Springbrook National Park, known for being part of the Gondwana Rainforests, boasts all of the above and more. Whether you visit on a day trip, or stay in a mountain cabin, you’re in for a refreshing retreat.
🔜 We’ve not yet been, but it’s on our list!
Where to stay in the Gold Coast Hinterland:
- O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat: Book directly with the retreat | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
- Songbirds Rainforest Retreat: Book directly with the retreat | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
Moreton Island
Best for: Shipwrecked island feelings
Distance from the Gold Coast: About 100km
How to get there: Drive north on the M1 to one of the two ferry departure points in Brisbane, then take the 75-minute ferry across the bay.
As avid snorkellers and divers, we’re itching to get to Moreton Island. Just offshore, there’s a series of shipwrecks known as the Tangalooma Wrecks. There’s 15 sunken ships here altogether that are now home to more than 100 different species of fish and is known to have the off even dolphin, wobbegong and dugong visit. Aside from watersports, the island’s beautiful beach and attractive resort make it the perfect island escape.
🔜 We’ve not yet been, but it’s on our list!
Where to stay in Moreton Island:
- Tangalooma Island Resort: Book directly with the resort | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
