Okay, I know what you’re going to say – technically it’s not summer yet! But hear me out…I was visiting my bestie in Brisbane earlier this month and I went from mild weather here in NZ to literally melting in Queensland! We’re talking high 20’s and early 30’s at all times so it felt only right to tackle the first roadtrip of the ‘Summer’!
Summer = The Beach!
When we were travelling around the Gold Coast (we had road tripped up from Brisbane for an early weekend getaway) there’s literally a beach on every corner! There’s so many options whether you’re at the Surfers Paradise end or Coolangatta end including Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach and Broadbeach. Just pick your spot!
Fun Stops
We were passing the theme parks en route to Gold Coast, so it only felt right to make plans to go on the way back! Movie World was the end choice and their new Hypercoaster (the tallest, longest and fastest in the Southern Hemisphere, might I add!) was up first on the agenda. The theme park’s thrill rides make it worth the wait as we tackled the likes of Green Lantern Coaster and Superman Escape before lunch.
Food, Food, Glorious Food
Food Pit Stops are high on the priority list always. While adventuring around the GC, we stopped in at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre (try not to get lost, it’s huge!) as they had so many food and drink options. The Patio is very much like the Elliot Stables in Auckland – lots of different restaurants and you can meet in the middle (so your group all don’t have to decide on one thing!) I had Schnitz and my friend had Grill’d – once the orders were ready we found a spot in these massive luxe chairs to fully recharge.
Make The Drive Worth It
While visiting Queensland, I saw how close we were to Byron Bay (I always thought because it was in NSW it was so far, but after about an hours drive up the coast we were there!) This surfer town is actually picturesque, next level beautiful. The Friday we ventured up was hot, but a little overcast, alas the surfers were still out in full force and the Lighthouse sparkled in the distance.
Surround Yourself with Good People
You’re going to have a better, more memorable time if you surround yourself with good people (a good rule for life in general!) so my bestie and I packed up the car and headed down the coast to the GC. We didn’t have too many plans before leaving Brisbane as the GC was a holiday for us – we had the beach in our sights and also a possible trip to see all of the animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Whatever you decide to do on your next roadtrip / holiday, just make it count!