haysie222 (SA) replied:

gday dean , can't help gold coast but i just took alook at at your photos,mt arden,great spot, great drive, we were there in april probably a tad greener to.

Member - Norm C (QLD) replied:

A day trip to O'Reilleys in the Lamington National Park is good. Some great bush walks, including a 'tree top walk' via a suspension bridge through the rain forest. Take a picnic.
Either as part of that trip (would make it a big day), or on a separate day, a trip to Eagle Heights and Mt Tamborine is good. Lots of good craft shops and cafes at Eagle Heights for a relaxed lunch. A pleasant drive with some good views back over the Coast. Also some nice rain forest.

Both of these are up in the mountains behind the Gold Coast, so should be a bit cooler.

A day out on a fishing charter if you are into fishing. Lots of them available.

Member - Brian (Gold Coast) replied:

If you're going to go to O'Reillys... try it via Duck Creek Rd which is a dirt track from Beaudesert up to O'reillys.

Lots of 2wd's go up there, I don't think it would be a problem unless the road is wet. There are some awesome views over the valleys at severl spots up this rd.

Also just south of the border is Border Ranges National Park.... a terrific day trip, Pinnacle Lookout, Blackbutt Lookout and Lunch at Sheepstation Creek is the way to go......

GaryInOz (Vic) replied:

Mt. Tamborine on the back of a Harley, with kids in a trike. Not cheap, but definitly something your kids will talk about for weeks. The Guys halfway down Orchid Ave. in Surfers are the ones to talk to (under the SAR Club).

Come to think of it, not that much more exxy than the theme parks these days....

Member - Ian A (QLD) replied:

G'day Dean,If you go to Tamborine Mountain definately go to Cedar Creek Falls
Have Fun Ian.

Member - Trevor R (QLD) replied:

Hi Dean,

As everyone has said before me it's all about the mountains when you go to the G.Coast. The beaches are a waste of time (not) and fishing in Currumbin Ck or Tellabudgera Ck will drive the rugrats mad if you have any (not). The Theme Parks now there is a waste of good time you could be out in 4wd country in a 2wd. In case you may be tempted any visitor info site will give you the goss on the big 4, GC Hollywood, Seaworld, Dreamworld and Wet and Wild (not the adult store) World. Nite life, well there is none on the G.Coast (not), if you like it not so loud the Clubs of Twin Towns, Seagulls and others around the border of QLD and NSW are the go but if you like it loud then go to Cavill and Orchid ave's in Surfers. In the morning (as you walk out of any one of the clubs here) you could grab the kids and go to Ripley's "believe it or not" world in Cavill ave.
If it's nature based then try take a boat trip up the broadwater through all the "unnatural" man made canals and on to the waterways at the back of Sth Straddie or better still if the budget allows it, indulge yourselves at Couran Cove resort on Sth Straddie. Is heaps $$ but still very nice (in my opinion).
My nephews always rave about the Strawberry farm 1/2 way up to Brissy on main hwy, I've not been here but maybe one for the kids??
There's a performance driving centre 1/2 way to Brissy for something different if you are into speed (driving) (surfers paradise for other forms so I'm told)
Mt Warning is well worth a look and the list goes on and on ..........
You could fill many weeks there with things to do so I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip to the Sunshine State. Locals say there is only 2 states to be in, QLD and Pi$$ed, or as many locals do, live in both.

Safe travels Trevor.

Member - Brian (Gold Coast) replied:

When you leave O'Reilly's head back down the Canungra Rd, about 1/3 down there is a road off to your right to Kamerun lookout.... well worth the view!!!

Another place to visit is Natrural Arch, it is marked on the maps etc... about an hours drive from Nerang.... lovely spot for a picnic....... Out through Beaudesert again and theres a couple of picnic spots, one is Darlington Park and the other is Stinson Park at the base of the Lamington Nat Park..... very nice places to visit.

For a feed of fish and chips, visit Jimbo's at South Tweed, eat outside right on the river there.... it's great! There's enough things to see and do around Tweed to make the lunch at Jimbo's a day outing!!

Member - MrBitchi (QLD) replied:

Another run, but a bit longer, would be out to Rathdowney, the up the Lions road wich follows the interstate railway. See the only railway loop in Australia. Then on down through the Mt Warning area, maybe Nimbin if your that way inclined, down to Murwullimbah and back onto the Highway to Surfers.
Could also take the road up through the Border Ranges National Park, after the Railway Loop. Easy run for a 2WD and some spectacular views.

Cheers.....

Member - RockyOne replied:

War Museum out in the hills (magic drive.good road.blacktop) at Mudgerraba is good for all the family.Reasonable costs.Also paintball games avail all day.. Check them out www.collectorsarmoury.com.au Spend a couple of hours there..Magic scenery there...Big display of military vehicles as well as glass cases full of titled items..

Dean (SA) replied:

Thanks all, great ideas.
We planned on a drive and some bushwalks, now we have some kind of destination ideas.
Dean