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Category: Day Trips

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How to embrace whimsy this weekend

It’s official: the kids have discovered whimsy. Over the past few months, the number of TikTok posts under the #whimsy hashtag has risen steadily (409,900, at the time of writing), proving a growing desire to embrace a simpler, more enjoyable way of life. Here are a few ways you can, too.

Whimsy (noun): playfully quaint or fanciful behaviour.

Whatever the reason (and we can think of a few), Generations Z and Alpha are leaning away from what feels dark and heavy, and diving headfirst into whimsy. Frolicking in fields, playing pretend, crafting, picnicking, covering everything with stickers and sprinkles – they all feel like useful antidotes to the gloom of the world right now. And who are we to judge?

If you’re tempted to embrace a little whimsy this weekend, we’re here to help. Here are a few ways to try it.

Follow the fairy trail

It doesn’t get much more whimsical than a fairy trail – and it’s fitting that charming Mudgeeraba would be the suburb to have one. As of June 1, the Mudgeeraba Fairy Trail is open for anyone wanting to track down a few special visitors. Wind your way through all 10 stops, keeping an eye out for fairies, mermaids and mystical creatures, before arriving at your final destination: a fairy disco party. Head to the Sensory Boutique to pick up your fairy trail map, and let the magic happen.

Light the night with glow worms

Did you know the Gold Coast is home to not one, but two glow worm experiences? If you want to experience the wonder of these bioluminescent insects, you’re in the right place. Located at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard on Tamborine Mountain, the man-made glow worm caves are the result of decades of rehabilitation efforts. You’ll be led by biologists through a rainforest boardwalk, getting the chance to meet glow worms up close. For something a little wilder, join a tour of the resident glow-worms (and microbats) at Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. If you time your visit right, you could also see luminous fungi and fireflies.

Uncover magical eggs

If spending the day digging in the dirt, hunting for literal hidden gems, is your idea of heaven, you need to pay a visit to Thunderbird Park. Not only is it home to adventure activities and unique camping, but it’s also where you’ll find the world’s largest Thunderegg Mine. For the uninitiated, Thundereggs are geological marvels formed over 200 million years ago, containing colourful agate, quartz and crystals. Forget crystal shops – fossicking and panning is the most whimsical way to find the perfect addition to your collection.

Visit the Gold Coast’s home of whimsy

A shop filled with German cuckoo clocks, an old-fashioned confectionary, and a pub guarded by gigantic St. Bernards – there are so many reasons Tamborine is the Gold Coast’s capital of whimsy. Wander through the botanic gardens, browse ancient Australian opals and crystals, and enjoy the view from Rob Sowter Lookout (both of the valley below, and the paragliders descending into it) while picnicking. And if you’d like to extend your stay, there’s even an enchanted cottage to check into.

Touch the night sky

If you thought there was plenty to do at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary during the day, just wait until the sun goes down. Brought to you by global entertainment creators Moment Factory, Astra Lumina is an enchanted adventure that takes you through the sanctuary’s bushland under the cover of darkness. Moving orbs illuminate the pathway, leading you through a celestial immersion of light and sound. It’s the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – and it’s here to stay.

Picnic with alpacas

The most whimsical addition to any picnic? Wildlife. O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards has been home to Mountview Alpaca Farm since 2017, combining delicious food and wine with the unexpected joy of alpacas. Pick up a vineyard picnic basket, breakfast hamper or simply a bottle of wine, and get to know the resident alpacas as you explore the creekside property. You can even walk them! We dare you to find a vineyard experience more whimsical.

Frolic among the flowers

There are few activities more whimsical than frolicking – especially when you’re frolicking through a field of flowers. Lucky for you, there are plenty of places to get lost amongst the blooms both on and around the Gold Coast. From our very own Botanic Gardens to out-of-town options including elderflower, sunflower and lavender farms, our region is made for flower fanatics. Pack a picnic, wear your most whimsical outfit, and let the bees lead the way. Bonus points if you wear a flower crown.

Recharge your energy

Did you know that some of the world’s largest and most beautiful crystals are nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland, about an hour from the Gold Coast? From crystal labyrinths to enchanted caves, rainforest walks and dragon eggs, the aptly-named Crystal Castle should be top of the list for crystal lovers – or anyone wanting to recharge in nature. Impossible colours, unbelievable scale, perfect geometry… even sceptics will admire the magic of crystals after a visit to the castle.

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scout about: Lennox Head

Welcome to scout about, our series exploring the small (but mighty) regional towns around the Gold Coast. This time, we’re driving past Byron Bay to somewhere a little more serene – where you can be floating on a tea tree lake, surfing world-class breaks and downing spritzes by the beach, all in the same hour. Welcome to Lennox Head.

Why visit Lennox Head?

It depends on who you ask, really. Surfers flock to Lennox for the famed righthand break (surfing champ Owen Wright even calls the village home), families for the lakeside campground, and foodies for the sprinkling of cosy cafes and quality restaurants that have been cropping up in recent years.

Just 20 minutes from the centre of Byron, and less than 15 from Ballina, Lennox puts you in the heart of the action – yet away from the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, but not fully unplug, Lennox is perfect.

Where to eat in Lennox Head?

Ask for food recommendations in Lennox, and Shelter will be one of the first names to come up. Open from breakfast to dinner Thursday through Saturday (and breakfast and lunch the rest of the week), with live music, Shelter has every meal covered – and a menu that’s mouthwatering no matter what time it is.

If you’re fanging for a coffee, you’re in luck – Lennox has plenty of great cafes to choose from. Kopi is one of our favourites, conveniently located on Ballina Street (the main drag) and serving up café classics with a twist (hello, jaffles!). Nearby, family-owned Papaya is another must-visit. They’re open for lunch, if you fancy a sleep in.

For a classic pub feed, it has to be the Lennox Hotel. Perched by the beach, with views up towards the point, it’s the perfect place to take in the views (and some next-level fish and chips). And if you’re looking to keep the night going, it’s gotta be dinner at Baraka (modern Middle Eastern) before heading to Rhea, a moody wine and vinyl bar that feels worlds away from the coast.

Things to do in Lennox Head

No visit to Lennox is complete without a splash around in Lake Ainsworth, the large tannin-stained lake at the top end of town. We recommend bringing an inflatable and floating through the calm water – just be cautious of the blue green algae that can pop up in summer.

When it comes to beaches, you’re spoilt for choice. Seven Mile Beach is the northernmost option, named (obviously) for its length – expect flat white sand, as far as the eye can see. Closer to the action is Lennox Beach, the main swimming spot which wraps around to Lennox Point. A little further south, toward Skenners Head, you’ll find Boulder Beach – a rugged, rocky cove that’s ideal for dolphin spotting.

But every Lennox local knows that the best views are enjoyed from the headland, so pack a picnic and make the trek. There’s nothing quite like setting up on the grass at Pat Morton Lookout and watching the sun rise or set.

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Australia’s best beaches – officially?

If you needed an excuse to plan a beach day (as if), consider this it. Tourism Australia has released its official ranking of the country’s best beaches – and some are right on our doorstep.

The tourism body has tapped coastal expert Brad Farmer AM to curate its official list of Australia’s best beaches. Brad has spent decades traversing Australia’s beaches, and this year’s list proves it – it’s a considered edit that looks beyond popularity, factoring in everything from water quality and safety to accessibility, sustainability and overall experience.

While the top spot sits interstate, a couple of very familiar names have secured places just a short drive from the Gold Coast.

Australia’s number one beach for 2026

Taking out the top position this year is Bate Bay in southern Sydney – recognised for its clear water, consistent surf and easy access from the city. It’s a classic, all-rounder beach that delivers year-round, without feeling overworked. A well-earned first place, if we do say so ourselves.

The Northern Rivers beach that made the list

Closer to home, Byron Bay’s Tallow Beach secured a spot on the 2026 ranking – a win for the Northern Rivers and anyone who prefers their beach days a little more relaxed.

About an hour’s drive from the Southern Gold Coast, it’s worth the easy day trip. Expect long stretches of sand, warm water and sheltering rock formations that make the hustle and bustle feel worlds away. Here’s what to do while you’re in the area.

Beaches worth travelling for

Beyond the nearby favourites, the rest of the list spans the country – from Western Australia’s postcard-perfect shores to lesser-known gems in South Australia and Tasmania.

Western Australia and Queensland were the other big winners on the list, each getting two mentions – Pinky Beach and Hellfire Bay for Western Australia, and Inskip Point and Beachcomber Cove for Queensland. The Northern Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia all got one mention each: Ellery Creek Big Hole, Mount Martha, Godfreys Beach and Smoky Bay, respectively.

If you’re planning a trip this year, it’s worth mapping a few of these into your itinerary – especially if you’re chasing something a little different to your usual beach rotation.

The Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets

Living on the Gold Coast, we know a thing or two about great beaches – and while we’re sure some of our locals should have made the cut, we’re happy to keep them as well-kept secrets (for now). Here are the Gold Coast beaches we think should have made the cut…

  • Echo Beach, Tallebudgera Creek: Calm, glassy water, shady spots and the choice between sand and cement (if you’re lucky), the north side of Tally is where you go when you actually want to relax – not dodge waves or crowds.
  • Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta: One of the most consistently beautiful beaches on the coast. Gentle surf, a curved shoreline and views that make early starts (or late swims) totally worth it.
  • Kirra Beach, Coolangatta: Spacious, breezy and just that little bit more low-key, you’ll come for the clean waves and long walks, and stay because it never feels too busy.
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Chasing autumn: Cool-climate escapes near the Gold Coast

You don’t need to book a flight to experience a proper change of seasons. As the humidity eases and the air turns cooler, autumn is the perfect time to head inland – whether that’s for a long lunch at a winery, a rainforest walk or a cosy weekend away.

Within a few hours’ drive of the Gold Coast, the landscape shifts from salty coastline to misty hinterland, vineyard-covered hills and quiet country towns where the evenings call for a jacket. These destinations deliver just enough seasonal change to make it feel like a getaway.

Mount Tamborine

Just over an hour from the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine is the quickest way to swap beachside humidity for a slower hinterland pace. Autumn mornings feel fresh beneath the dense rainforest canopy, making it an ideal time to explore the walking tracks at Curtis Falls or Witches Falls. Afterwards, browse the boutiques along Gallery Walk or settle in for lunch at one of the mountain’s wineries or cafés. It’s an easy day trip, but if you linger for sunset, an overnight stay starts to feel very appealing.

Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt

If you’re serious about chasing autumn, head for the Granite Belt. About three hours from the Gold Coast, Stanthorpe sits more than 800 metres above sea level – meaning genuine seasonal change, with golden vines, chilly evenings and the occasional early frost. The region is best known for its wineries (Ridgemill, Ravenscroft) and apple orchards, but the surrounding national parks are just as memorable, with dramatic granite boulders and wide-open bushland. Pack a knit, book a cellar door lunch and lean into the cooler weather.

Maleny and Montville

Perched high in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Maleny and Montville feel worlds away from the coast. Rolling green hills stretch toward the Glass House Mountains, and autumn often brings misty mornings followed by clear, mild afternoons. It’s the kind of place where slow days are inevitable – coffee overlooking the valley, a wander through Montville’s boutiques and galleries, or a walk through nearby rainforest tracks. With the humidity gone and the views at their clearest, this is one of the best seasons to visit.

Boonah and the Scenic Rim

Tucked into the Scenic Rim, Boonah is one of South East Queensland’s most underrated country escapes. Surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges and farmland, the region comes into its own in autumn, when the days are bright and the evenings cool down. Start with a scenic drive past Lake Moogerah or Mount French, explore the town’s bakeries and farm gates, then settle in for a relaxed country pub lunch. It’s a slower, quieter pace – exactly what a weekend away should feel like.

Killarney and Queen Mary Falls

Near the New South Wales border, the tiny town of Killarney offers a peaceful slice of country life and some of the region’s most beautiful scenery. Autumn is a particularly lovely time to visit, when the surrounding farmland turns golden and the evenings feel properly cool. Just outside town, Queen Mary Falls is the star attraction – the short walking circuit leads to sweeping views of the waterfall and valley below. After exploring the national park, stop back in Killarney for a bakery lunch or a cosy pub meal before heading home.

Looking for more? Here are our favourite things to do on the Gold Coast come autumn.
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A local’s guide to Springbrook National Park

It’s less than an hour from the Gold Coast, but Springbrook National Park feels like another world entirely. Cool air, ancient rainforest, dramatic escarpments and waterfalls that tumble straight into fern filled valleys – it needs to be seen to be believed. Here’s our local’s guide to exploring Springbrook National Park.

The best hikes in Springbrook

Purling Brook Falls Circuit (4km) is a Springbrook classic for good reason. This moderate loop takes you down into the forest, across creeks and behind the waterfall itself, offering constantly changing scenery and a real sense of immersion. It is challenging enough to feel like an adventure, without requiring a full day or specialist gear. For something shorter, just take the Lookout Track – you’ll be rewarded generously.

Twin Falls Circuit (4km) is another standout, especially after rain. The track winds through lush rainforest to two separate waterfalls, with sections that pass behind the cascading water. It is longer and steeper than it looks on paper, which makes it all the more rewarding.

For experienced hikers looking for something more demanding, the Warrie Circuit (14km) offers a true full day adventure. This challenging loop takes you deep into the heart of Springbrook, passing multiple waterfalls, creek crossings and remote stretches of rainforest. This walk is best attempted in good conditions by confident hikers with plenty of water, food and time to spare.

The best waterfalls in Springbrook

There are countless waterfalls in Springbrook National Park, but Purling Brook Falls is the showstopper. Plunging more than 100 metres into the valley, it is impressive from the lookout above and even better from below. After rain, the sound alone makes the walk worthwhile.

Twin Falls delivers double the impact, with two distinct falls framed by dense greenery and shaded walking tracks. It feels particularly magical in the late afternoon when the light filters through the trees.

For something a little less popular, but no less beautiful, Goomoolahra Falls is best seen from the top. It’s a short 250m walk to the lookout, which offers views of the 60m waterfall and rainforest below, as well as bay-views – all the way to Stradbroke and Moreton Islands – on a clear day.

The best views in Springbrook

Best of All Lookout certainly lives up to its name. On a clear day, this short, flat walk leads to sweeping views over northern New South Wales, with ancient Antarctic beech trees lining the track.

Wunburra Lookout is perfect for those who prefer a quick stop with maximum reward. The views stretch across the Gold Coast skyline, offering a reminder of how close yet how far away the city feels.

Goomoolahra Picnic Area and Lookout combines dramatic views with open space to sit, snack and linger, making it an ideal mid-adventure pause.

Where to eat and drink in Springbrook

After exploring, head back through Springbrook village for a well-earned refuel. The Sitting Room Café – part of Rosella’s – is a favourite for cosy lunches, good coffee and a welcoming, community feel.

For something a little more refined, Albert’s on Lyrebird offers a thoughtful, seasonal menu in a beautiful hinterland setting, ideal for lingering over lunch before heading back down the mountain.

And before you leave, a stop at The Fudge Shop Springbrook is practically mandatory – handmade fudge has long been a staple treat of the Gold Coast hinterland, and this is one nostalgic stop that’s well and truly earned after a day on the trails.

A quick safety note…

Springbrook National Park is beautiful, but it is also remote and conditions can change quickly. Always check weather forecasts before you go, wear sturdy footwear, carry enough water and food, and allow more time than you think you will need. After rain, tracks can be slippery and creek crossings higher than expected. Mobile reception is unreliable, so it is best to download maps ahead of time and let someone know your plans, especially if tackling longer hikes like the Warrie Circuit.

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