As Australia's premier beach vacation destination, the Gold Coast welcomes millions of sun-loving vacationers each year. Picture-perfect beaches, a booming hospitality scene, and family-friendly theme parks tempt all types of travelers to its skyscraper-lined shores.
The strategically situated city also serves as the perfect starting point for campervan trips across South East Queensland (SEQ) and Northern New South Wales (NSW). Fertile hinterlands, rainforest-covered mountains, and sun-drenched beaches offer adventure at every turn.
Due to its immense natural beauty, RV travelers flock to the region in droves. As a result, the area is flush with world-class RV infrastructure, from dump stations to campgrounds and water refill stations.
All this makes a campervan the cheapest and most convenient way to explore the wonders of SEQ and Northern NSW.
Renting a campervan on the Gold Coast is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the surrounding area. There are many reasons why you should consider a motorhome instead of a hotel:
Cost-effective: No need to pay for a hotel and rent a car separately. Your transportation and accommodation expenses are combined into one.
Less driving: You won't have to backtrack to your hotel after a long day of exploring. A motorhome lets you pull up at the nearest campground for a peaceful night's sleep.
Flexibility: Forget booking complex itineraries full of rigid tours and hotels. A camper lets you cruise around the region with the utmost freedom. Just wake up and choose your adventure for the day.
On-board amenities: From fresh water to a fridge full of food, you'll have everything you need right there in the van.
Self-catering: Don't spend excessive amounts on restaurants every day. A camper lets you cook on the road to save big bucks. Moreover, you'll enjoy plenty of impromptu picnics with a breathtaking view.
Remember these helpful tips when driving around the Gold Coast in a campervan rental:
Are there toll roads in South East Queensland?
Tolls apply to the following roads:
Tolls apply to the following roads:
"The Goldie," as the locals call it, took off as a vacation hotspot in the 80s and shows no sign of slowing down.
For sun-seekers, the Gold Coast's big-ticket attraction is its picturesque golden-sand beaches. Warm year-round weather and consistent waves appeal to frolickers and seasoned surfers alike. Hit Ian Dipple Lagoon, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Creek, Sea World Drive, or Budds Beach for scenic swims in the calm, lapping waters. Wave chasers should check out Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Point, Greenmount, or Snapper Rocks instead.
The Gold Coast is equally famous for its fabulous theme parks, which enchant the little ones and the young at heart.
Dreamworld is your best bet for white-knuckle rides like roller coasters and spinning claws. Spring for SeaWorld to admire curious marine animals or Warner Bros. Movie World for flamboyant Hollywood-style shows. Wet'n'Wild has the best selection of water slides, perfect for cooling off on a sweltering summer's day.
Shopping is another Gold Coast drawcard. Pacific Fair is the city's top retail destination; other popular options include Harbor Town, Robina Town Center, and The Strand.
To cuddle up with cute native critters, head to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Or, if you're craving lofty cityscape views, try the SkyPoint Observation Deck.
Renting a camper in the Gold Coast gives you easy access to the splendor of SEQ and Northern NSW.
You don't have to venture far to find a slice of paradise.
Just 40 minutes west of the city sits Tambourine Mountain, a misty rainforest-shrouded region with striking views. Perched in the aptly-named Scenic Rim, the area is awash with gushing falls and lush forested trails. Waterfall chasers should hit Curtis Falls, Witches Falls, and Cedar Creek Falls—the latter has a refreshing swimming hole.
Further south, you'll find Lamington National Park, home to vast swathes of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest. The Binna Burra and Green Mountains sections afford dramatic views of the McPherson Ranges.
To the east sits Springbrook National Park, a spectacular expanse brimming with cragged canyons and lichen-encrusted coachwood trees. Swing by Natural Bridge to snap a pic of its cascade-eroded basalt cavern.
The Gold Coast is also a handy base to explore the laidback hamlets and scenic beaches of Northern NSW.
The most iconic destination is Byron Bay. Once a low-key surfer and hippy haunt, the town has evolved into a mecca for well-heeled socialites and bohemian types. Yet its beaches—try Wategos, Belongi, and Main Beach—remain as breathtakingly beautiful as ever. Tackle the hilly Cape Byron Walking Track for the most epic ocean views.
Less crowded seaside towns lie peppered along the Northern NSW coastline. Charming villages like Brunswick Heads, Yamba, Evans Head, and Lennox Head offer similar spectacular scenery without the hectic Byron-style traffic. Closer to the Gold Coast, a string of scenic coastal settlements lines the sparkling shore: Kingscliff, Casuarina, Cabarita Beach, Pottsville, and Hastings Point.
Quaint rural villages abound in the Byron Hinterlands. Bangalow is a hit for its chic cafes and vintage boutiques. Murwillumbah wows creatives with its eclectic art scene—try the M|Arts Precinct and the Tweed Regional Gallery. Free spirits still make the pilgrimage to Nimbin, a flower child hippy hamlet with a hedonistic ensemble of hemp shops.
Keen to get reacquainted with nature? Northern NSW delivers.
The most emblematic peak is Mount Warning (Wollumbin), a towering ancient volcano visible from miles around (climbing the summit is no longer permitted).
Nightcap National Park hosts great swathes of protected rainforest and pristine cascades. Head to Minyon Falls to admire a thundering display or Protestors Falls to meander amid lush, moss-covered scenes.
Nearby, Mount Jerusalem National Park has a vast network of thickly forested trails. Further north, the Border Ranges National Park boasts scenic drives and secluded campsites with a view.
An hour north sits the state capital of Brisbane, a laidback yet cosmopolitan hub with a thriving nightlife and leafy parks. Catching the car ferry to North Stradbroke Island is the quintessential SEQ getaway.
Further north, you’ll find the Sunshine Coast, a picturesque 37-mile stretch of sun-kissed beaches and pristine waterways. Noosa National Park and Mount Coolum National Park offer the most jaw-dropping natural views.
Heading west takes you towards the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands, a fertile food-producing region full of dairy farms and produce markets. Cruise through towns like Eumundi, Kenilworth, Conondale, and Maleny to savor quaint countryside vibes. Top natural spots include Mapleton Falls National Park, the Glasshouse Mountains, and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
While you could venture further north up the coast, you’re probably better off renting a camper in Brisbane (or Cairns) instead.
Famed for its beautiful beaches, lush inland areas and exciting array of attractions, the Gold Coast is sure to please. This 7-day itinerary is sure to give you a taste of everything that makes the Gold Coast such an awesome place to visit.
MORE: 7-Day Gold Coast ItineraryEmbark on the ultimate road trip adventure along Australia's magnificent east coast! This 7-day campervan itinerary takes you from the lively Gold Coast to the relaxed atmosphere of Byron Bay, guiding you through awe-inspiring landscapes, unique wildlife experiences, and vibrant cultural hubs in the area.
MORE: Gold Coast to Byron Bay ItineraryIf you're looking for an epic adventure along Australia's stunning East Coast, look no further than this 14-day campervan road trip itinerary. Starting from Lamington National Park and ending in Sydney, this itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful coastal towns, national parks, and wildlife reserves in New South Wales. From hiking to surfing to wildlife watching, there's something for everyone on this unforgettable journey.
MORE: Gold Coast to Sydney ItineraryIf you’re Australian, you’ll need a valid class C (car) license to rent a campervan or motorhome on the Gold Coast. It needs to be a full license—Probationary, Learners (Ls), or Provisional (Ps) licences won’t cut it. International travellers must have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or an English translation of the equivalent car license from their home country. Sorry youngsters: you can’t rent a camper until you turn 21. Drivers under 25 must pay a young driver surcharge in addition to the standard rental rate.
This will depend on whether you're arriving in Queensland via Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane Airport. If you have the flexibility to choose, there is a wider range of motorhome rental companies in Brisbane, and more choice can often mean lower prices.
No, most rental companies in Australia list Moreton Island as a restricted area. 4WD campervans are also included in this restriction and are not allowed on Moreton Island under any circumstances. Check with your rental company for any questions regarding restricted areas.
Yes, most companies allow travel to North Stradbroke, as the roads there are paved.
You will need to take a ferry to reach the island; please note that organizing this is the responsibility of the renter. Check with your rental company for any questions regarding restricted areas.
Yes, a large number of rental companies allow for one-way rentals. Our comparison tool will show you availability on your preferred route and automatically factor in any one-way fees charged by the campervan rental company.
While the Gold Coast itself offers many attractions, including several theme parks, whale-watching tours, a string of beautiful beaches, and lively Surfers Paradise, it’s also a great place to start a road trip exploring Australia’s East Coast.
Popular one-way campervan vacation routes include:
There are plenty of campgrounds and caravan parks on the Gold Coast. Some popular choices include BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Broadwater Tourist Park, and Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park.