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If you’re looking for free day trips from Gold Coast or you’re in the mood for a scenic day drive, you don’t have to go far. Some of the best beaches, waterfalls, and rainforest walks in South East Queensland are just a short drive away and completely free to visit. Living in Brisbane and spending a lot of time on the Gold Coast, I often escape to the hinterland or cross the border for a peaceful day out in nature.
Below are the best free day trips and day drives from Gold Coast, all easy to explore without spending a dollar once you arrive.
Burleigh Heads National Park
- Distance: 20 minutes
- Best for: coastal walk, rainforest, ocean views
Burleigh Heads is one of the easiest free escapes from the Gold Coast. The coastal track wraps around the headland with a mix of rainforest and ocean viewpoints. In winter, you can even spot whales.
Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area
- Distance: 25 minutes
- Best for: wildlife spotting, easy flat walks
You won’t make a full day trip out of it, but Coombabah is one of the best free places on the Gold Coast to see kangaroos and koalas in the wild, for free. So I thought it would be worth featuring on this list as I find it’s one of the best free things to do on the Gold Coast. The walking tracks are flat and relaxed, winding through wetlands and open grasslands. I like visiting in the late afternoon when the kangaroos are out feeding and you might also spot koalas in the gum trees. There’s free parking at several entrances.
Currumbin Valley and Cougal Cascades
- Distance: 35 minutes
- Best for: swimming holes, short rainforest walk
Another one that isn’t far away and is good for a short day trip. Currumbin Valley feels far removed from the busy coast. The short walk to Cougal Cascades is shaded and ends at natural rock pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip in summer. Parking and access are free, but it can get busy on hot weekend days. You can finish with a swim at Tallebudgera Creek.
Tamborine Mountain
- Distance: 40 minutes
- Best for: short walks, lookouts, waterfalls
Tamborine Mountain is perfect if you want a cool, shady escape. The mountain has plenty of paid attractions, but all the walking tracks, waterfalls and viewpoints are free.
Fingal Head and the Giant’s Causeway (NSW)
- Distance: 40 minutes
- Best for: unique rock formations, beach
Crossing into NSW, Fingal Head is one of my favourite lookouts. The basalt columns, known as the Giant’s Causeway, are impressive, and the lighthouse walk is short and scenic. Dreamtime Beach is also great for a long walk if the swell is calm.
Springbrook National Park
- Distance: 45 minutes
- Best for: waterfalls, lookouts, rainforest trails
Going to Springbrook National Park will take you on one of the most impressive free day drives from the Gold Coast. You’ll find many walks in Springbrook National Park, all free. The Natural Bridge is a must-do, and the walk only takes about 30-45 minutes. If you want a longer hike, Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls both deliver dramatic scenery.
Lamington National Park
- Distance: 1 hr
- Best for: waterfalls, lookouts, rainforest trails
Lamington is one of Australia’s great rainforest destinations and an incredible free day trip if you love hiking. The walks range from short circuits to full-day adventures with waterfalls and outlooks across the Scenic Rim. The road up the mountain is winding, but the views are worth it. If you’re hesitating between Lamington or Springbrook national parks, read this.
Visit Brisbane for a city day out
- Distance: 1 hr
- Best for: river views, museums, street art, free galleries
If you feel like a change of scenery, Brisbane makes an easy and affordable day trip from the Gold Coast. South Bank has leafy riverside paths, a free swimming lagoon and access to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, both free to enter. I also like walking along the river to see street art and enjoying the skyline from the pedestrian bridges or lookouts. It’s a fun way to explore a different city without spending much.
You can even save money and take public transport to get there: with the 50c fares, it’s now cheaper than driving.
Byron Bay: Lighthouse walk and snorkelling (NSW)
- Distance: 1 hr 10 min
- Best for: coastal cliffs, ocean views, marine life
If you’re happy to drive a bit further, the Byron lighthouse walk is one of the most popular coastal walks in the region. I usually park lower down and walk up to save on fees and enjoy the views along the way. You can also snorkel from the shore at Clarkes Beach when the swell is calm. It’s free once you’re in the water, but you’ll need to pay for parking nearby.
What are your favourite free day trips and day drives from the Gold Coast? Share your experience in the comments below!
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