Gold Coast locals will tell you that the only thing we lack here on the Glitter Strip are seasons – we basically live through varying forms of summer all year ‘round. You need to get a bit creative if you want to experience a change of season, so try these things to do in autumn on the Gold Coast.
Our beaches are unbelievable, but we think the Gold Coast hinterland deserves a shout out every now and then, too. What better way to embrace all that it has to offer than by booking a cabin escape this autumn? There is no shortage of accommodation either, from Unyoked’s modern yet secluded cabins to classics like Binna Burra Lodge and O’Reilly’s. Check into Mouse’s House Retreats for something quaint and cosy, or Tommerup’s Farm Stay for a true country experience.
It’s just 10 minutes inland from Nerang, but a visit to Historic Rivermill feels like you’ve travelled back in time. Since the site was first established back in 1910, Historic Rivermill has been used as a dairy, a stud, a dance hall for army bush dances and now, as a café and wedding venue. It’s seriously stunning. Go for the scones and hot choc, but definitely stay to pat the alpacas and feed the turtles, too.
Is there anything more autumnal than apple picking? Seriously – we’re asking. We really don’t do autumn here, so we have no idea. Nevertheless, we wouldn’t be Gold Coasters if we didn’t add a tropical twist to this autumn activity and head to The Longan Farm, which grows – you guessed it – longans. A relative of the lychee, fresh longans are totally worth the drive to Narangba where you can pick them yourself for just $10 per kilo (cash only) plus the $2 entry fee for adults. The Longan Farm also grows honey gold mangoes in February and March.
Okay, so The Farm isn’t exactly on the Gold Coast – but it is only about a 45-minute drive away, just outside Byron Bay. A self-guided tour through their grounds will elicit ‘awwws’ (the baby animals), ‘ewwws’ (the gigantic, but actually kind of cute, pigs) and ‘yummmms’ (the fresh produce on offer, especially the macadamia nuts). For the most autumnal vibes head straight to the macadamia orchard at the back of the property – there are even nut crackers on the picnic tables so your snacks are sorted.
Seeing leaves turn orange and fall to the ground is probably the best part of autumn, and one that we miss out on living on the Gold Coast (palm trees are lush and green year-round, after all). But take a short drive to the Tamborine Botanic Gardens and you’ll get the ultimate autumn fix. The higher altitude means cooler temperatures, which allows trees like Japanese maples and Crepe Myrtles to thrive here – come autumn, the grounds are alight with bright orange and yellow leaves.
