Best road trip Adelaide to Gold Coast: epic journey

As they say, it’s not the destination but the journey that matters. While the Gold Coast is a brilliant place to holiday in itself, getting there from Adelaide via a road trip offers up plenty of gems along the way! With stops like Mildura and Toowoomba, you can see even more of this beautiful country before lapping up the sun, sea and sand at the other end. When it comes to the best road trip from Adelaide to the Gold Coast, we have you sorted with nine incredible places you won’t want to miss along the way!

Best road trip from Adelaide to the Gold Coast: 9 places you can’t miss

Total distance: about 2,180km | Recommended days: from 10 to 14 days | Best time to do the route: between September and February | See route in Google Maps

1. Adelaide

Start the best road trip from Adelaide to the Gold Coast by exploring this amazing city. If you’re not from the area, then it’s worth spending a couple of days checking it out. Head to the city’s favourite beach, Glenelg, or off to Henley beach to soak up the rays.

Take the family along to Adelaide Zoo, where there are more than 2,500 animals for you to see, or just a bit further you can visit Monarto Safari Park, where you can watch lions, cheetahs and zebras roaming.

Get your culture fix at the Art Gallery of Australia, South Australian Museum or the University of South Australia’s MOD. Finally, wind down at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

2. Mildura

Welcome to the heart of “Victoria’s Food Bowl” where you will want to arrive on an empty stomach and leave nice and full! Head to the wineries, enjoy the nearby farms and sample the citrus fruits and avocados. Trentham Estate is a great place to start with stunning views and plenty of tasty delicacies.

Jump on a paddle steamer and head down the Murray River to really see the whole area. Get inspired at Mildura Arts Centre, which also has a performing arts theatre and sculpture park.

For a bit of scenery, head to the Botanic Gardens, then make your way to take in the views at the Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve. End your visit by cooling off at the Mildura Water Play area!

3. Lake Cargelligo

Now’s another great chance to jump out onto the water, or stretch those legs with some gorgeous hikes in this incredible region in NSW.

Try your hand at sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, or simply enjoy a dip in the water at your own leisure. You can even enjoy a spot of fishing over the Lachlan River.

If you’re looking to unwind, or even stretch your legs after a long drive, then the scenic walk around the lake is the perfect way to take in some amazing views.

4. Forbes

Forbes is located in Central West NSW, with plenty of heritage for you to dig into. Head straight for the Forbes Heritage Trail, which takes you on a tour of the town and into its past. The CBD Walk will take 110 minutes.

For something a little different, check out Platypus Gallery, which showcases a range of artworks that are also available for sale. Alternatively, explore Gum Swamp Bird Hide, where you will find plenty of birds, which you can view in their natural habitat.

Then enjoy some rest and relaxation at Lake Forbes, where you will find the free water spray park and can even have a go at water skiing.

5. Dubbo

Welcome to Dubbo! One of the main attractions is, of course, Taronga Western Plains Zoo - home to more than 5,000 animals. You can get around on foot, or even bike ride or drive! In town, head to Dubbo’s state heritage-listed gaol to step back in time and check out some genuine hangman’s ropes.

The Dubbo Botanic Garden is another stunning space, with plenty of sub gardens for you to explore. Don’t miss Shoyoen Japanese Garden, which is a highlight. It’s one of the most renowned Japanese gardens in Australia.

6. Coonabarabran

This gorgeous little town is just waiting to be explored. It’s only a short drive from Dubbo, so you can stop off for the day, or make a night of it. The Australian Museum Diprotodon Exhibition is worth checking out with plenty of incredible displays.

Head to Siding Spring Observatory, which is just 30km away and houses 16 search instruments, including the largest optical telescope in Australia.

Grab those hiking shoes and give your legs a stretch at Warrumbungle National Park, consisting of more than 20,000 hectares. Grab a map and check out one of their many trails with stunning scenery for you to soak up.

7. Toowoomba

Toowoomba is known as the Garden City. What better place to start than with a walk through Queens Park, which offers 26 hectares of green space right in the city centre.

For something a little different, take the Laneway Street Art Crawl, which will take you past 55 murals along your walk. You can also head to Cobb + Co Museum and take a look at the National Carriage Collection of horse-drawn vehicles.

End your visit with a trip to Table Top Mountain (this is no easy trek!), where you will be greeted with panoramic views of Lockyer Valley.

8. Brisbane

Don’t pass up a chance to stop off in Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane. The best way to see Queensland’s capital is to jump on a river cruise and enjoy the views!

Get close to wildlife with a cuddle with a Koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, while also checking out 70 other species of animals. Next, make a trip to the cultural centre, where you can visit the State Library of Queensland, Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

End with a visit to Brisbane Botanic Gardens in Mount Coot-tha, heading to the local lookout for some breathtaking city views.

9. Gold Coast

Now for the final stop on the best road trip from Adelaide to the Gold Coast!

Once you arrive, consider visiting some of the amazing theme parks in the area, including Movie World, Dreamworld and SeaWorld. Days and days of entertainment to be had.

Of course, don’t forget the beaches. Start at the infamous Surfers Paradise Beach, while also adding Main Beach, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads to your to-do list.

And when you’re ready to head back to Adelaide, here’s a breakdown of potential stops:

• Gold Coast to Port Macquarie: 5 hours

• Port Macquarie to Bathurst: 6 hours and 23 minutes

• Bathurst to Wodonga: 5 hours

• Wodonga to Mildura: 6 hours

• Mildura to Adelaide: 4 hours 30 minutes

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If you’re still wanting more, there’s plenty of other road trips from Adelaide for you to pop on your to-do list, including the awesome Adelaide to Port Lincoln road trip and Adelaide to Uluru road trip! Don’t suffer post-holiday blues, just start planning the next one!

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