Gold Coast Day Trips For Relaxing Winter Adventures

5 Relaxing Winter Day Trips from the Gold Coast

Kiff & Culture
July 16, 2022

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast this winter with these 5 relaxing day trips.

From Tamborine Mountain to Byron Bay, we’ve got you covered for your next Gold Coast day trip adventure.

Tamborine Mountain

Find out just why Tamborine Mountain is the jewel in the crown of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Now, there are many adventurous things to do here, like bushwalks and the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. But today we’re focusing on the relaxing side of things. First, start your day with a leisurely stroll down the popular Gallery Walk. It’s lined with cute cafes, galleries and gift shops.

Then enjoy your lunch with a side of jaw-dropping views at either St Bernard’s Hotel or The Polish Place. Before you go, we recommend visiting Witches Fall Winery, Hampton Estate Wines or the award-winning Tamborine Mountain Distillery. Alternatively, let us be the designated driver and join our Tamborine Mountain Wine and Dine Tour instead.

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park makes up a quarter of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. So expect lush and ancient (100 million years old kind of ancient) rainforest, hikes up dormant volcanoes and breath-taking waterfalls. Now, hiking is the aim of the game at Springbrook National Park. But if you want to keep things relaxing, head on the Natural Bridge Trail. It’s an easy one-hour round trip. Pack a picnic lunch and take your pick from multiple lookouts and vantage points across the national park.

Lamington National Park

Another spot to check out in the Gondwana Rainforest area is Lamington National Park. It’s the perfect place to visit for a relaxing walk beneath subtropical rainforest, ancient beech trees, hoop pines and eucalyptus forest. Check out the 30-minute Centenary Track or O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, which consists of nine suspension bridges. When it’s picnic time, head to the Green Mountains or Binna Burra Upper day-use areas. There are tables, toilets and electric barbecue facilities available.

Tweed Valley

The Tweed Valley is a playground full of fun things to do on a Gold Coast day trip. This includes Tropical Fruit World, a family-owned and operated farm and attraction growing over 500 fruits from around the world. Stop by to do a farm tour, pick up fresh produce at the Plantation Markets or enjoy breakfast at the Plantation Cafe. They only serve the freshest local seasonal produce here.

Another promising dining option is Tweed River House in Murwillumbah. Located in a centuries-old river house, it offers two, three, five and nine-course meals that will blow your taste buds away. While in Murwillumbah, check out the amazing local art scene. Visit Tweed Regional Art Gallery, the M-Arts Precinct and the open-air art walk. Before you leave the valley, go and see the team at Husk Distillers and sample their iconic ink gin. Better yet, join our Tweed Hinterland food and drink tour and let us show you the best of the Tweed Valley.

Byron Bay

Relaxing and Byron Bay go hand in hand, so this is one of those Gold Coast day trips that is not to be missed. Start your morning with a plant-based brunch at Folk Cafe. Then go for a wander around town and check out all of the amazing shopping boutiques. Alternatively, go for a casual stroll on the Cape Byron walking track. When hunger strikes, there’s only one place to go for a long lunch. That’s The Farm, from the team behind the illustrious Three Blue Ducks. If you have time, stop at Stone & Wood Brewery on the way back from lunch. Otherwise, we won’t tell if you indulge in a little relaxing spa treatment before heading home.