Southern Cross Tours Gold Coast Day Tour ex Brisbane

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A full day from Brisbane to the Gold Coast: look for kangaroos and koalas in the wild, have lunch with 360° views at SkyPoint, enjoy free time in Surfers Paradise, then walk the rainforest to Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park.

Days

Full day, about 11.5 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Brisbane / Brisbane

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Coach with a guide, pick-up in Brisbane CBD and Southbank

Meals

Lunch at SkyPoint

Route

Map of Southern Cross Tours Gold Coast Day Tour ex Brisbane

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Included experiences

Coombabah Lakelands — wild kangaroos and koalas
The Spit — dolphins and seasonal whales
SkyPoint, Q1 — lunch on the observation deck
Surfers Paradise — free time on the beach or Cavill Mall
Numinbah Valley — scenic drive
Springbrook National Park — rainforest walk to Natural Bridge

Southern Cross Tours Gold Coast Day Tour ex Brisbane

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: BRISBANE TO COOMBABAH AND THE SPIT

Your guide collects you in the Brisbane CBD or South Bank and heads south for the Gold Coast. The first stop is Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, a reserve of wetland, mangrove and open eucalypt forest that protects one of the most important koala habitats on the Gold Coast. Eastern grey kangaroos graze the open ground, and koalas sleep in the forks of the gums, so look up. Then it's out to The Spit, the sand finger between the Broadwater and the Pacific, which looks over the Gold Coast Seaway, the walled river mouth opened in 1986. Dolphins often feed in the channel, and in winter and spring humpbacks pass offshore. All day your guide shares stories of the Yugambeh people, whose country this is.

MIDDAY: LUNCH ON SKYPOINT

Lunch is high above Surfers Paradise at SkyPoint, the observation deck near the top of Q1. The tower rises 322 metres to the tip of its spire, and when it was finished in 2005 it was the tallest residential building in the world. From the deck the whole coast is laid out in one sweep: the Broadwater and The Spit to the north, the beaches running south towards Coolangatta, and inland the green wall of the hinterland ranges you'll drive into later. Your entry is included, so take your time at the windows after you eat.

EARLY AFTERNOON: FREE TIME IN SURFERS PARADISE

Back at street level, the next part of the day is yours in Surfers Paradise. The suburb takes its name from the Surfers Paradise Hotel, which Jim Cavill opened in 1925 when there was little here but dunes, and the town swapped its old name of Elston for the hotel's in 1933. Swim between the flags on the beach or wander Cavill Mall, named after him. Want more speed? For an extra cost you can add a 50-minute Paradise Jet Boat ride, or the Aquaduck, a bus that drives off the road and into the water for a river cruise and city tour. Both need booking ahead, and there's time for only one.

LATE AFTERNOON: NUMINBAH VALLEY AND NATURAL BRIDGE

Then the high-rises give way to cliffs and green paddocks as you drive up the Numinbah Valley, carved by the Nerang River between the Springbrook and Lamington plateaus. In Springbrook National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, your guide leads the walk to Natural Bridge. Here Cave Creek has worn a hole through the roof of a basalt cave, so the waterfall drops straight through the ceiling into a pool in the half dark. The cave is also home to a colony of glow worms. Enclosed shoes earn their keep on the damp track. From the park it's back to Brisbane, about 11.5 hours after you set out.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Choose your pick-up location when booking (Brisbane CBD and Southbank, including 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane). Arrive 15 minutes before your pick-up time; the bus cannot wait for late arrivals.
Duration: Approximately 11.5 hours, including travel to and from Brisbane.
Suits: All ages.
Please note: Wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed and depend on the day and season. Add-ons are subject to availability and must be booked in advance.

What to bring

Comfortable enclosed walking shoes — essential for the Natural Bridge walk
Light jacket — the hinterland is cooler than the coast
Refillable water bottle
Hat and sunscreen
Camera
Swimwear for Surfers Paradise Beach
Spending money for lunch upgrades or add-ons

What is included

Pick-up and drop-off from selected Brisbane CBD and Southbank locations
Expert guide with in-vehicle and walking commentary
Lunch at SkyPoint Observation Deck, Q1 (entry included)
Guided walk to Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park

Not included

Morning tea
Optional add-ons at own expense: 50 minute Paradise Jet Boating ride or the Aquaduck River Cruise and City Tour at 11:15am — there is only time for one
Pram, stroller or luggage storage on the bus

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 3 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

O'Ryan was an exceptional guide, full of energy, as my sister and I visited the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Springbrook National Park and Coombabah Lakelands. He made sure everyone got the most out of the day.

Courtney B Verified· Travelled 10th October 2026

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(5/5)

The Gold Coast Day Tour took in rainforest, Surfers Paradise and wildlife spotting at Coombabah Lakelands, plus a lovely lunch up on the observation deck. Andy was knowledgeable, funny and a skilled, patient driver.

Clayton Roberts Verified· Travelled 9th October 2026

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(5/5)

This Gold Coast day tour was well planned and very professional. Orion was our driver, guide and DJ all in one: knowledgeable, witty, patient and always smiling, with great insight into the local nature and culture and a great playlist.

米拉苏 Verified· Travelled 7th October 2026

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