Brisbane · GOLD COAST DAY TRIPS
16 reviewed
Theme parks, surf beaches, the Byron lighthouse and the hinterland glow-worms are all an easy run south. Below are the best Gold Coast day trips from Brisbane, ranked: what each day covers, pickup details, and which one to pick for thrill-seekers, beach days or families.
Moreton Island by 4WD from Brisbane or the Gold Coast with transparent kayaking, wreck snorkeling, and sandboarding plus lunch.
“Good tour but three activities felt like a bit much. I would drop the kayaking and have more time snorkeling or swimming.”
8-hour Mt Tamborine wine and spirits tour from Brisbane/Gold Coast with tastings, 2-course lunch, and hotel transfers.
“Had a really good day out with a knowledgeable guide, small group and nice lunch and tastings. Would definitely recommend this tour.”
A small-group, air-conditioned day trip from Brisbane to Byron Bay, Bangalow and the Gold Coast for lighthouse views, coffee and free time.
“It was fun trip ,and we got to see lots of the sights but be prepare to do abit of walking in heat up and down bendy paths near cliff but beautifull . Trevor our tour guy is a very funny and nice man ,he made the day fun , thank you travor”
Pre-book a shared shuttle from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast with hotel drop-off, air-conditioning, and a 21-seater mini-coach.
“The airport shuttle service was so convenient, great customer service. I will use the service again.”
Beginner surf lesson in Broadbeach with soft boards, wetsuits or rash shirts, and patient coaching—2 hours by Kurrawa Beach.
“Great fun for everyone! A very Australian experience with friendly and fun instructors. Do it, we had so much fun!”
Small-group day trip from Brisbane to Byron Bay, Bangalow and the Gold Coast. Cape Byron Lighthouse, town time, sea views.
“Our trip with Trevor today was brilliant. He was so informative and made sure we got to see the highlights of Byron Bay, Bangalow and Gold Coast! Couldn’t recommend this tour enough - it was a great day! Both him and his wife were brilliant tour guides! Thanks again Trevor for looking after us so well today!”
Four Gold Coast craft breweries, guided tastings, and a hearty lunch with round-trip transport, led by beer fan Matt Farrelly.
“Wow, Matt Farrelly is the man! A superb bus tour around 4 breweries on the Gold Coast. What he doesn’t know about beer isn’t worth knowing and all with a straight-talking, in-your-face, Aussie style!”
Private door-to-door Brisbane–Gold Coast transfer with no shared stops, clean air-conditioned car, and friendly help with bags for up to 4.
“You get picked up at passenger pickup instead of where the Ubers and Taxis pick people up. The driver, Alerti, is so personable and knowledgeable about the area and really goes the extra mile to make the drive comfortable. We have booked him to take us back to the airport in a few days. Highly recommend!!!!!”
Gold Coast sunrise hot air balloon over beaches and Surfers Paradise, then a 5-star champagne buffet breakfast and flight certificate.
“I'm really happy I was able to experience the hot-air-balloon ride, it was one of those once in a lifetime things for me. The weather was beautiful, the view was nice, and the captain did a great job interacting with everyone. With that being said Read more”
Wildlife, rainforest, and beach-town time. From Brisbane to Gold Coast with lunch at SkyPoint and big views all day.
“Our journey was really smooth and the tour guide was marvelously friendly. The other tourists along with us were really friendly as well so we were really lucky. Although we didn't really enjoy the lunch. The spit was a really great place. Even though we didnt see dolphins, the waves really made our day. Overall it was a great experience.”
Sunrise hot air balloon over the Gold Coast with hotel pickup, a 30-minute express flight, and sky-high views over beaches and hinterland.
“This experience was awesome! It was my first hot air balloon flight and it was just magnificent. The view was insane! The hot air balloon captain mentioned that they usually take the tourists to the mountainous/forest area depending on the wiRead more”
Half-day Gold Coast brewery tour with pickup, a small group, and tastings at three top craft breweries starting at 1 pm.
“Jocelyn was a great tour guide and knows her beers and the business of brewing. Also engaged with us to ensure we all had an awesome time! Highly recommend this brew tour! Money well spent. Would recommend to anybody that's intereRead more”
Tandem skydive from 15,000 feet over Byron Bay with transfers from Brisbane, up to 60 seconds freefall at 220 km/h, 6-hour day.
“Cancelled twice with very little warning the second time round (2 hours to travel to Byron bay alone) without having to spend another half an hour to get to the bus transfer. Thanks!”
A full-day Gold Coast trip from Brisbane: kangaroos and koalas, The Spit dolphins, Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint lunch, then Springbrook rainforest.
“This is a must see tour from Melbourne or visit would feel incomplete without it. The landscapes and views were breathtaking. If I could live there, I would not hesitate seeing those views everyday. Our tour guide Rick was amazing, funny, and very knowledgeable. Only tip is get a fly repeller.”
Fly over Queensland in an air-conditioned helicopter, visit classic pubs in three regions, and hop between stops with Bose headsets.
““We recently did the Brisbane to Gold Coast helicopter pub crawl and it was an unforgettable experience! Louis, our pilot, was incredibly accommodating and professional throughout the day. The journey took us to Sirromet, Eagle HeightRead more”
