Ace Rental Cars Blog

With beautiful beaches, unique attractions and a relaxed atmosphere, a road trip from the Gold Coast to Noosa offers days filled with laughter and nights of reflection. Whether you’re travelling solo, on a family holiday or meeting up with friends, the East Coast of Queensland is a traveller’s paradise with moments of connection waiting for you. There’s no better way to experience the wonder of the East Coast than on a road trip, and an Ace rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover our list of the top attractions and landmarks on your route for a truly memorable holiday.

• Gold Coast
• Brisbane
• Sunshine Coast
• Noosa

Gold Coast

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Theme Parks

Often named Australia’s playground, the Gold Coast is a hub of activity on Queensland’s Eastern shore. From theme parks to night markets, there’s plenty to do here against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. For animal lovers, an outing to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a day well spent. Here you’ll see all kinds of wildlife, including native and exotic mammals, birds, and reptiles, and can even book an animal encounter for an up close and personal experience. Catch a show throughout the day to see skilled trainers handling a variety of animals, Aboriginal cultural shows, and wildlife hospital presentations. For an educational and fun day out for all, Currumbin is where it’s at, but a trip to the Gold Coast would be incomplete without a visit to one of the famed theme parks. Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld host a range of rollercoasters and entertainment shows, while Wet’n’Wild and Sea World offer water-based rides and attractions - perfect when visiting on a hot summer’s day.

Brisbane

• Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art QAGOMA
• Wheel of Brisbane
• New Farm Park

Next on the list is a visit to the State’s capital - Brisbane. Just over an hour away from the Gold Coast in your rental car, swap the beachy atmosphere for a trendy city feel. Known for its vibrant waterfront on the Brisbane River, a stroll along South Bank offers everything from landmarks to cosy coffee shops. Interested in art? On the Northern end of South Bank, you’ll find the Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art QAGOMA. Head here for a look at contemporary and historical visual art. Further down the precinct, see the city from 60 metres high on the Wheel of Brisbane. A ride in the gondola gives you the perfect opportunity to take in the views and reflect on your East Coast journey so far. Nearby, New Farm Park is one of the State’s oldest parks and holds regular events including community markets and outdoor film screenings. The blooms of the rose gardens will inspire green thumbs, and if you’re travelling with children, there’s a playground here to keep the kids entertained.

Sunshine Coast

• Aussie World
• Amaze World

The Gold Coast isn’t the only spot for theme parks in Queensland, with the Sunshine Coast holding host to two of its own. Aussie World celebrates all things Australia, from the ‘Dingo Racer’ spinning coaster to the ‘Redback’; even the rides and coasters are Aussie-themed. Head here for a day full of family fun and settle in for a bite at the Banana Bender Pub. If a theme park full of nature and wonder is more your speed, Amaze World is just around the corner in Tanawha. Outdoor fun for adults and kids alike, find your way through the Bellingham Hedge Maze, tee off with a round of mini golf and let kids explore the other puzzles and mazes the park offers.

Noosa

• Eumundi Markets
• Noosa Main Beach
• Walking tracks

Now you’ve arrived in Noosa, the laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery evoke a relaxing, serene feeling - the perfect way to end your Queensland holiday. Visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday? Head to the Eumundi Markets - the biggest artisan market in Australia. Whether you’re looking to bring home a piece of clothing or jewellery to remember your holiday or are buying souvenirs and gifts for friends and family, Eumundi truly has something for everyone. Plus, a wide range of food stalls and roving musicians and street performers help keep you full and entertained throughout the day. On the Noosa Main Beach, dive into crystal-clear waters and get the best scenic views from the Laguna, Boiling Pot, and Dolphin Point Lookouts. Hikers are blessed with several trails to walk, including the Dolphin Point, Hell's Gates, Devils Kitchen via Coastal Track trail that takes you all around the coast - see if you can spot the hidden ‘fairy’ pools on the edge of Granite Bay.

From sandy shores to vibrant markets, national parks to theme parks, your trip along Queensland’s East Coast will not soon be forgotten. Discover how easy it is to journey through the state at your own pace with an Ace rental car.