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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.
Most campervan rentals on the Gold Coast cost between AUD $50 to $400 per day (most fees included).
Rental rates can vary depending on:
Don’t waste your hard-earned money on an overpriced rental car or inner-city hotel. Renting a campervan lets you enjoy the beauty of nature and wake up to stunning views.
Gold Coast camper rental companies generally offer three main types of campervans:
The budget-oriented campervan typically has a bed, a small slide-out kitchen, and charging points for your devices. Some feature high roofs so you can stand up inside.
The 4WD camper comes with a cooking set-up in the trunk and a rooftop tent or swag. Space and amenities are minimal, but you can venture further off the beaten path. However, as this part of Australia is heavily populated, remote 4WD opportunities are limited.
The motorhome refers to a sizable and more luxurious vehicle. You’ll get plenty of room to move around inside, an indoor kitchen, and an ensuite for when nature calls. Many come with luxury extras like hot showers and flat-screen TVs.
The cheapest months for renting a campervan on the Gold Coast are in the shoulder season: February and March, May and June, and September and October.
There are no campervan rental companies based within the terminal at Gold Coast Airport (previously Coolangatta Airport). However, most depots are just a short drive away.
Some companies may offer a free shuttle with your rental, for the others the depots are accessible by public transportation or Uber.
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:
Traveling in a campervan is the most cost-effective way to enjoy an action-packed vacation. Thrifty explorers can reduce expenses even further by adopting the following budget-preserving tips:
Explore off-season: Rental fees and caravan parks skyrocket during the high season. Avoid busy times like Christmas, New Year, Easter, and NSW/QLD school vacations to save.
Get in early: Much like airlines, motorhome rental companies set prices according to availability. Book early to snag the best possible deal.
Choose a low-cost vehicle: Do you really need a flashy Winnebago with all the comforts of home? A cheap and cheerful little campervan comes in at a fraction of the daily rental rate.
Travel with friends: Cruising with a buddy will slash fuel, rental, and campground expenses. If you can't team up with a friend, consider searching for travel buddies on social media.
Reduce backtracking: Gas is a major expense. Draft a rough itinerary that reduces backtracking to save money at the gas pump.
Plan your fuel stops: Not every service station in Australia offers reasonable rates. Using an app like PetrolSpy lets you compare prices, often in real-time.
Look for low-cost campsites: Flashy vacation parks with high-end amenities will set you back a pretty penny, sometimes up to $50 per night (or more). Save money by using low-cost campsites near you.
Use free camps: While free camps aren't common in this corner of Australia, you'll find a few spots scattered around.
Self-cater: Eating out costs a fortune in Australia. Unleash your inner masterchef and slash your daily food spend by self-catering daily. Good thing your camper has an in-built kitchen.
Find free activities: Theme parks and other ticketed attractions don't come cheap. Focusing your trip on free activities like hiking and surfing will save you cash.
Boasting 300 days of sunshine per year, the Gold Coast is a great place to visit at any time of the year. Pleasant year-round weather and luscious green landscapes make the outlying region ideal for campervan exploration in all four seasons.
The best seasons to visit the Gold Coast are spring (September to November) and fall (March to May). Balmy temperatures and minimal crowds (at least outside school vacations) make RV travel ideal. Expect daily average highs of 73°F and lows of 64°F in spring and 79°F to 64°F in fall—these figures vary from month to month.
Summers can get pretty warm in the Goldie. Although the average highs and lows hover around 82°F to 70°F, it’s not uncommon to hit the high 90s—or even crack the 100s. Do as the locals do and cool off at the beach or a water-themed amusement park. Alternatively, head uphill into the hinterlands for a milder, less humid climate.
While winter is low season in the Gold Coast, it never gets all that cold (the heat-loving locals might tell you otherwise). With average highs and lows of 72°F and 54°F, it’s still a pleasant time to visit, even when it is too chilly to swim.
What’s more, you’ll get to gawk in awe at migrating whales breaching offshore.
A smattering of vibrant festivals and events kick off in the Gold Coast and surrounding region throughout the year. Some standout shindigs include:
Gold Coast Film Festival (Apr)
Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival (May)
Cooly Rocks On (Jun)
SWELL Sculpture Festival (Sep)
Bleach* Festival (Aug)
If you’re a live music lover, head to Northern NSW for Splendour in the Grass (Jul) or the Byron Blues Festival (May). Up north, the Woodford Folk Festival (Dec) puts on a killer New Year’s bash.
From late November to early December, high-spirited—and often intoxicated—Year 12 graduates overrun the Gold Coast, Noosa, and Byron Bay for Schoolies (school leavers) celebrations. You’ve been warned.
The ideal timeframe depends on your interests and where you plan to go.
Three days is enough to experience the key Gold Coast highlights. Allow more if you want to spend time in its action-packed theme parks.
Most locals pop over to Tamborine Mountain for the weekend. Add extra time to meander around scenic hinterland national parks.
Intending to check out the Sunshine Coast? A week is a reasonable amount of time to cover the top spots. Likewise, allow at least a week to give Northern NSW the attention it deserves.
Unlike larger Australian cities, parking on the Gold Coast is relatively inexpensive and hassle-free.
The City of Gold Coast operates dozens of parking lots and on-street spaces, many of which are free. The cost of ticketed parking lots varies—it becomes pricier as you venture close to high-density areas. Nonetheless, most only charge around $3.20 per hour or $15 per day. Purchase your spot online ahead of time to save. You can pay for metered parking via cash, card, or the EasyPark app.
In addition to the council-run spots, private companies like Wilsons Parking and Secure Parking have sites spread around the city. Some work out cheaper than council-run parking lots, although most will cost you more. Use the Parkopedia website to compare private and council-operated parking lots across the city.
The City of Gold Coast Council doesn’t provide large RV-friendly parking lots for motorhomes that can’t squeeze into a single space. However, big rigs are welcome to occupy two spaces in free parking lots or metered spots if they pay for both.
The Queensland State Government prohibits sleeping overnight in a vehicle outside of a designated campsite. Furthermore, the City of Gold Coast, and most regional councils, also have by-laws forbidding the practice.
Enforcement is fierce in scenic coastal areas but lax in the outer suburbs. Don’t even think about trying to free camp in regional tourist hotspots like the Sunshine Coast or Byron Bay. Council rangers undertake midnight patrols and slap violators with eye-watering fines.
The closest free camp to the Gold Coast is Hugh Muntz Park, which sits 40 minutes away on the highway leading to Brisbane. Tully Memorial Campground is a nearby free camp offering easy access to Tamborine Mountain.
You won’t find any free camps near the coast in Northern NSW. If you’re traveling down to Yamba, the New Italy Rest Area is an excellent donation-only spot off the Pacific Highway.
Around a dozen, holiday parks provide paid campsites within the Gold Coast. The closest option to Surfer’s Paradise is Main Beach Tourist Park, about a 5-minute drive away. If you’d rather stay in beautiful Burleigh Heads (we don’t blame you), then Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park is your best bet.
When you're on the Gold Coast, you simply must explore the enchanting national parks nestled nearby, each one providing a serene haven away from the bustling city. These tranquil oases are the perfect spots to rejuvenate and reconnect with nature, and you'll be left in awe as the sun sets, painting the sky in spectacular fiery red tones.
Here are a few of the best ones to visit:
Lamington NP: Prepare to be absolutely enchanted by Lamington's lush rainforests and magical waterfalls. With over 200 bird species, including the captivating Albert's lyrebird, you'll be serenaded by the sweet melodies of the park's avian residents. Don't forget to experience O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk, where you'll gain an extraordinary bird's-eye view of the rainforest below.
Springbrook NP: A hiker's dream, Springbrook boasts meandering trails and stunning panoramas that leave visitors breathless. Ancient cedar and hoop pine trees, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, tower majestically over the landscape. The park's shimmering waterfalls, cascading like liquid silver down the mountainside, are a sight to behold.
Burleigh Heads NP: Set along an idyllic stretch of coastline, Burleigh Heads is known for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The park is also a sanctuary for diverse marine life, including playful dolphins, stately whales, and graceful sea turtles.
Queensland's Department of Environment and Science (DES) doesn't require entry permits for its national parks, except for a few notable exceptions.
National park camping fees across Queensland cost only $7 per person per night or $28 per night for families. Book ahead online to reserve your spot, especially during peak periods.
Across the border in NSW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) requires an entry permit for 45 national parks and reserves—the best parks almost always entail a fee. Prices vary from $8 to $12 per vehicle, which you pay on arrival via card or cash (bring exact change). Eleven NSW national parks currently accept payment through an online digital day pass.
Travelers intending to visit six or more NSW national parks should invest $65 in an annual Multi Parks Pass. The money-saving pass allows unlimited access to all NSW parks except Kosciuszko.
Camping in national parks is a lot pricier in NSW than in Queensland. Expect to pay $6 to $45 per night, depending on the popularity of the campsite and the number of happy campers. Again, book online to ensure you don't miss out.
"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.
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