Top 5 Surfers Paradise Car Tours: Rates, Reviews & Details

So, are you dreaming about hitting the road and seeing the Gold Coast in style? Well, you’re in the right spot! Surfers Paradise is not only about the beaches and the high rises, you know; there’s heaps more to see if you get behind the wheel. I mean, that region is a fantastic starting point for some incredibly scenic car tours. This is, like, your guide to the top five car tours near Surfers Paradise. Each is, like, offering something different, from awesome coastal drives to lush hinterland escapes. Get ready, it could be a wild ride!

1. The Coastal Cruise: Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta

If you’re into ocean views, this tour could be absolutely ideal. You’ll be starting in the heart of Surfers Paradise and then you head south. It could be that easy. Very soon, you’re cruising along the Gold Coast Highway, where the shimmering Pacific Ocean is always in your view, it seems. It might be an easy drive, too, this one, with heaps of spots to pull over, snap photos, or even take a dip. Don’t miss Burleigh Heads; the headland views there, honestly, are incredible, you know. Continue onto Currumbin, maybe. This has a lovely wildlife sanctuary. Finish up in Coolangatta, where you can watch surfers catch some truly impressive waves at Snapper Rocks. This is where legends are born!

The whole trip’s only about 30 kilometers, you see, so it could be a relaxed half-day adventure. Perfect, too, if you like, for squeezing in a lot of beach time along with that drive.

Highlight: Stopping at Burleigh Heads National Park; this gives you the chance to stretch your legs and take in some unbelievable coastal scenery, seriously.

Read our full review: Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta Full Review and Details

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2. The Hinterland Escape: Surfers Paradise to Mount Tamborine

Fancy, maybe, trading those sandy beaches for some really green mountains? So, this trip is, really, your ticket. Drive west from Surfers Paradise and it will take you up to Mount Tamborine, where you can see rainforests, art galleries, and breathtaking views, it’s true! Maybe, you could explore the Gallery Walk, which is packed with little arts and craft shops. Or maybe take a walk to Curtis Falls. These plunge into a lovely rock pool, maybe. And for the best views? Head up to the Hang Glider Lookout, I mean the view’s unbelievable! Pack a picnic too! There are great picnic spots aplenty.

The whole drive is approximately 45 kilometers, in a way, so allow a full day, just in case, to soak it all up, yeah?

Highlight: Spending time at the Gallery Walk browsing local arts and crafts; it’s really easy to find a memento or two of your visit.

Read our full review: Surfers Paradise to Mount Tamborine Full Review and Details

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3. The Gold Coast Circuit: A Loop Through Paradise

Are you short on time but you’d still like to see it all? So, try a looped tour, maybe! Beginning in Surfers Paradise, it might take you south toward Currumbin, then loop back north through the hinterland before coming back to the coast, arguably. That way you get mountains and beaches. Stop off, for example, at Palm Beach for a quiet morning stroll, and, after that, go towards Springbrook National Park. There is some spectacular hiking, even, and some magnificent waterfalls, that’s if you’re feeling fit! Lamington National Park will keep you enthralled, too! And then go back toward the coast in the late afternoon; watch that sunset!

The circuit’s about 150 kilometers, probably, so it should be a full day out to do it justice. And plan for a lunch stop in the hinterland, perhaps at a cute café.

Highlight: Seeing the twin waterfalls in Springbrook National Park – Purling Brook Falls are pretty memorable, just so you know!

Read our full review: Gold Coast Circuit Full Review and Details

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4. The Theme Park Thrill Ride: Surfers Paradise to Warner Bros. Movie World

Right then, how about some family fun for a change, maybe? This tour might just do that, if it does involve driving to a famous theme park, after all! So, take the short drive to Warner Bros. Movie World for a day filled with superheroes, movie sets, and exciting rides, very exciting indeed. Leaving Surfers, head inland for roughly 20 kilometers or so. The theme park is dead easy to find and, so, could be the perfect distraction for both kids and adults if, in fact, thrill rides and live shows appeal to you. Don’t leave out the stunt driver show. They’re good value, seriously, those guys!

It’s primarily a short drive; however, make time for a complete day out to enjoy Movie World at a calm pace.

Highlight: Experiencing the thrilling rides at Movie World, like the DC Rivals HyperCoaster; you’ll never forget it!

Read our full review: Surfers Paradise to Warner Bros. Full Review and Details

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5. The Island Adventure: Surfers Paradise to South Stradbroke Island

Well, here’s something a bit different. Start your drive heading up the Gold Coast towards Paradise Point, but, don’t stop there; continue toward Runaway Bay, arguably. Here, you can get your vehicle on a barge to take you over to South Stradbroke Island, that’s right! “South Straddie,” as it’s known, is ideal if you really want to escape the hubbub of Surfers. When on the island, go driving down miles of desolate sandy beaches or hike around its wild interior. Go have a picnic with the kangaroos! Don’t forget the insect repellent! Then head back to Surfers. This would be quite the drive!

The barge trip may depend on reservations, seemingly. It’s advisable, maybe, to book in advance. And be sure you know your barge weight limits if, you know, you’re intending on taking your motor.

Highlight: Driving along the beach on South Stradbroke Island feels as though you are in the middle of nowhere. The views are incredible! Don’t get stuck in the sand!

Read our full review: Surfers Paradise to South Stradbroke Island Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (South Straddie Ferry Tickets)

Handy Tips for Your Surfers Paradise Car Tour

I will be telling you the main highlights before you get on your merry way.

• Plan ahead: Booking rentals or ferries might actually save money if you reserve these at the very earliest opportunity, it’s almost definitely so.
• Stay connected: Even though a road tour is all about exploring the hidden treasures around a place, it may be advisable to stay in touch, should anything go awry. Also, you’ll know where the best restaurants, bars or shops happen to be along your way.
• Respect the environment: Clean up following those awesome picnics and also be careful and considerate with respect to wild animals.