As the year draws to a close, any break from the daily routine is a welcome one. In today’s economic landscape, opting for budget-friendly getaways is the trend, and camping emerges as the perfect choice, my friends.

Luckily for us, there are numerous beautiful spots nearby to satisfy your wanderlust, and the best part is, all you need is a tent, some two-minute noodles, and a keen sense of adventure.

Bigriggen Park
Nestled in the breathtaking Scenic Rim, Bigriggen Park is incredibly family-friendly, and your furry companions are welcome to join, providing them a reprieve from their routine of napping and eating. Just an hour and a half from the Gold Coast, it’s just far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the city. Spanning 55 hectares, the park offers abundant spaces for hiking, exploration, and simply basking in the serenity. If you fancy fishing and watersports, the nearby Maroon Dam lake is a short drive away.
Get there: Head out toward Beaudesert and follow the signs toward Rathdowney and onto Bigriggen from there. 

The Settlement
Another immerse-yourself-in-nature gem, The Settlement is the only place you can camp in the Springbrook National Park. There’s no electricity or WiFi so you will certainly be escaping all the creature comforts you know and love (RIP Insta stories). Never fear though, you can amuse yourself by trekking to Purling Brook Falls and sizzling some snags at the BBQ area. Take a book or get involved in a good old-fashioned conversation.
Get there: Head towards Mudgeeraba and follow the signs to Springbrook then follow the signs to Carricks Rd.

Binna Burra
Found in the Lamington National Park, it’s only an hour but it feels like a lifetime away. There are full shower and toilet facilities, coin-operated washing machines and dryers, barbeque stoves and hotplates, plus milk and ice available at the on-site Lamington Teahouse. It’s an eco-friendly spot and you can spend as much time as you please exploring the surrounding national park. There are stunning views of the hinterland and the Tweed region beyond and you can choose from two and four-man tent sites, unpowered and powered drive-on sites, two, four and six-bed permanent Safari Tents and brand new Tiny Wild Houses. So all the things.
Get there: Find it on Binna Burra Rd, out toward Beechmont.

Mount Barney Lodge Campground
Here you’ll get full creek frontage, a swimming hole, open campfires (love) and a kid’s holiday adventure program. How good. Mount Barney Lodge Campground is a grassy and shaded spot complete with stunning views of Mt Barney, which is just across the road should you wish to embark on a climbing adventure. You can drive directly onto shady, unpowered and grassed campsites with designated fire circles. Camper trailers, motorhomes, RV’s and caravans are welcome. There is also a non-vehicle area that is suitable for tents and families with children.
Get there: Pop Upper Logan Rd into your GPS and head toward the big old mountain. 

Thunderbird Park
Adventure is the name of the game at Thunderbird Park with plenty of activities for the kids both big and small. Play laser skirmish in the jungle, tackle the high ropes course at TreeTop Challenge, boost the adrenaline with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer, enjoy a horse trail ride or play a round on the championship mini golf course. See, adventure. It’s not a quiet camping adventure but it’s definitely a fun one. If you want a bit more glamp in your camp the Woodlands Tents are calling your name.
Get there: Head on out to Mount Tamborine and you’ll find Thunderbird Park on the corner of Cedar Creek Falls and Tamborine Mountain Roads

South Stradbroke Island
The wild southern sibling of far-more-populated North Stradbroke Island (name creativity is off the charts), South Straddy is always a good time. Getting there is an adventure in itself and the campground is surrounded by scrub so you’ll need to be self sufficient (you can’t drive on the island either). There are bathrooms and the like at Tipplers Kiosk so don’t despair but it’s definitely a down and dirty nature-lovers paradise.
Get there: By private boat or water taxi or hire a seaplane if you’re not short of a dollar.

Canungra
The Sharp Park Bush Camping is strategically nestled on the scenic banks of the Coomera River. It’s a big old grassy area with plenty of blessed shade (how’s the heatwave) and enough river for swimming, fishing, canoeing and whatever else floats your boat. Oh AND, you can bring your doggo (or cat if you must) and open fires are permitted because these good people understand the magical allure of toasting marshmallows under the starlit sky. If you’ve got a family, this spot might be your best bet.
Get there: Drive to Nerang and follow the signs to Canungra then turn off onto Beechmont Rd toward Witheren.

Nightfall Camp
Okay so this place definitely doesn’t qualify as camping but diversity is key right. Nightfall Wilderness Camp is a five star glamping (best word) experience found in the Lamington National Park and it is F A N C Y. There’s bathtubs, food cooked over coals, comfy beds and the prettiest of furnishings. Also, the crew at Nightfall are dedicated to ecotourism so they protect the local wildlife and watch the creeks water quality. It’s an absolutely beautiful place and you should definitely spend some hard earned pennies here.
Get there: Head out toward Canungra then Beaudesert and follow the signs to Lamington National Park.

O’Reilly’s Campground
Nestled in the lap of nature within the lush World Heritage Lamington National Park at O’Reilly’s, this camping haven is the ultimate getaway. Your camping facilities include an open space communal camp kitchen with stunning views overlooking the McPherson Range, a fire-pit and gathering area and an amenities building – with pathways and ramping to enable accessibility for all guests. There are 24 campsites featuring Altitude and Basecamp sites, but 17 powered safari tents are also available if that’s more your jam.
Get there: Head out toward Canungra, once you reach The Canungra Hotel, turn onto Kidston Street off the main road in Canungra (Nerang-Beaudesert Road) as it turns into Lamington National Park Road. If you pass O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards you’re heading the right way (may as well pick up a bottle too!).

Words by Belinda Symons.

Sure, there are days we all wanna marinate in our PJ’s, binge watch crime dramas and play it extremely fast and loose with the ‘Are you still watching?’ button – but what about when we’re craving action of the outdoor variety?

If you’re looking to carve out the kind of self-care where you fill your lungs with crisp, mountain air, surround yourself with greenery and escape the grind for the day… we’re rather spoiled with some absolutely cracker spots on the GC.

From hidden water holes to World Heritage-listed walking tracks to explore, here are eight of the best in our own backyard. What are you waiting for? Get amongst it.

Burleigh Hill
Aaah, bookending our weekend by kicking back on Burleigh Hill to share a couple’a sundowners with the squad… what’s not to love? Well, middle-aged back pain would like a word, and it would like to *gently* remind us of the alternative for the mind, body and soul that lies a little further up the hill – that is, working up a sweat with a lap or two around the spectacular headland. Bask in the lush flora of Burleigh’s National Park, get the muscles moving and be rewarded with knockout birds-eye views of the coast in the process – it’s win-win. (Plus, there’s always the option for some post-workout brewski’s afterwards, if you’re so inclined.)
Where: Burleigh Hill (you probs won’t miss it)

Picnic Rock
Obviously our stunning national parks never fail to deliver when it’s serenity you’re craving, and the Picnic Rock trail is a particularly spectacular example of this. Here you can hike 3.5km of World Heritage-listed, waterfall-studded rainforest in all its glory, so rustle up some picnic provisions (as the aptly named spot implies) your ol’ faithful sneakers and set off in Canungra’s general direction (bless you, GPS). And honestly, the drive alone is pretty zen-inducing in and of itself. Once you reach the rock, perch up and reward your efforts with said packed lunch and savour a slice of paradise in our own backyard.
Where: Drive to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (Canungra) then take the Border Track until you see the Picnic Rock turn off

Gold Coast Botanic Gardens
Often slept on by locals in our humble options – don’t discount the green space gem that is Rosser Park for your next nature hit. With 31 hectares of uninterrupted greenness to lose yourself in (not literally, pls) the Botanic Gardens are a sure fire way to give the serotonin levels a boost without having to go too far. There’s boardwalks and scenic trails to perambulate, picnic spots a plenty, plus the native Butterfly Garden and smell-and-touch Sensory Garden to frolic in. Aaaand, exhale.
Where: 230 Ashmore Road, Benowa

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area
Whether you fancy a bush walk (or ride, or run.. apparently some people are into that kind of thing) or even a spot of birdwatching – there are some seriously stunning wetlands to the north of our delightful city just begging to be explored. With a whopping 1,200 hectares of wetlands, eucalypt forest, salt marshes and mangrove habitats to roam around, Coombabah’s Conservation Area is one of the best when you wanna connect with nature. The protected ecosystem is also home to some 274 species of animals, so channel your inner David Attenborough and keep your eyes peeled for rare birds, marsupials and more. Smashing!
Where: Shelter Road, Coombabah

The Wishing Tree Track
Aside from making us hungry for our iconic, coconut-coated snack, Lamington National Park is famously known for several walks well worth going out of your way for – and the delightful Wishing Tree Track is no exception. A leisurely yet enchanting 2.4km round trip, this pretty trek snakes through lush flora and across a suspension bridge before revealing the yawning hollows of its fabled tree. Once there, you can hang out a while, marvel at mother nature and throw a few wishes into the ether (what have we got to lose, really) – or opt to go the Glow Worm Gully side quest while you’re in the vicinity.
Where: At the Green Mountains below O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Canungra

Currumbin Rock Pools
Currumbin’s natural swimming hole may well be one of the coast’s worst kept secrets… for very good reason. Tucked a mere ten minutes west of the Gold Coast Hwy on Currumbin Creek Rd, the idyllic pools are a natural wonderland where you can round up your crew, soak up the serenity of the cascading freshwater and cool off with a dip. If you’re visiting – or just yet to be acquainted with this soul-rejuvenating spot, we’d suggest you pack a picnic and make a day of it because once you get there, you won’t want to leave.
Where: Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley

Warringa Pool
A secluded little swimming hole nestled in a rainforest-flanked valley of Springbrook National Park – those who make the 3km trek there are rewarded ten-fold with a breathtaking vista and a peaceful place to take a refreshing dip in fresh mountain waters. Part of the Purling Brook Falls Circuit, the picturesque hike (which follows the river a ways downstream for a section) is open year-round and warrants checking out in and of itself even when the conditions are a little chilly for swimming. How’s the serenity!
Where: From the Settlement day-use area in Springbrook National Park, take the path to the Purling Brook Falls lookout

Hinze Dam
More than just our trusty H2O supply, Hinze Dam also has the inbuilt advantage of offering some excellent recreation options when you’re craving wide open spaces. With shades of blue and green far as the eye can see, marvel at the mammoth body of water while you cruise around and find a spot to chill that tickles your fancy, or perch up at View Cafe and soak up the picture-perfect outlook with a cuppa and tasty treat. Outdoorsy types will also appreciate roaming the multi-use trails, kayaking or perhaps a spot of (catch and release) fishing. Rex Hunt would be proud.
Where: Advancetown Road, Advancetown

Words by Kellie Leader.

On the Gold Coast we are blessed with pretty spectacular weather year-round, which means picnics are high on the agenda. Thankfully we have no shortage of pretty spots to throw down a blanket for a spot of cheese and biccies with friends.

Here’s a list of 10 of our favourites.

Hinze Dam, Advancetown
This underrated hinterland destination will be your new favourite picnic spot. There are several parks that surround Hinze Dam, so take in the stunning scenery, sip on a cold glass of bubbly and generally enjoy the company of family and friends. There’s a BBQ area, kids playground and even a small cafe in case you need fresh supplies. Make sure if you’re taking the pooch to one of the designated areas, they’re kept on a leash to preserve the wildlife.

Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine
Mt Tamborine is a picnicker’s paradise and has more picnic areas than a year has days, Cedar Creek Falls being by far one of the best. Driving up the winding roads and taking in the scenic beauty is almost enough entertainment, but that’s not all. Cedar Creek Falls are located just metres from three waterfalls and countless walking tracks, making it the perfect place to spend your next Sunday.

Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise
This little oasis nestled in Surfers Paradise (most commonly used for getting around the GC500 every year) is great for picnic dates of all sorts. The tranquil setting with cascading water running through the park is home to many birds (including peacocks), so don’t forget your stale bread. There’s also that super fun bridge previously built for the Indy in 2007.

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
Hard to believe that this beautiful little piece of paradise is just a mere 10 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. Take the whole family or soak up some solo serenity, it’s the perfect setting for both and anything in between. There’s even a butterfly garden for your gazing pleasure.

Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach
Cascade Gardens can be found between Surfers and Broadbeach and there are plenty of barbecue and undercover picnic shelters. This peaceful riverside sanctuary is the perfect date spot and with a huge area to run around, it’s also popular for families wanting to keep the kids entertained for hours (hopefully not on a date).

Burleigh Hill, Burleigh
In unsurprising news, Burleigh Hill is probably the most popular picnic spot on the Coast. You can’t beat the Insta-worthy views overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline. If you want to get a good spot on a Sunday get there early `cause the whole Gold Coast likes to unite here to see and be seen.

Ed Hardy Park, Miami
Next to North Burleigh Surf Club the park offers great people watching and a few BBQ areas perfect for that Sunday arvo picnic with the gang. Walk up Miami Hill and take in the views or have a sneaky swim in the ocean. There’s a takeaway bottle shop across the road if you need to stock up on sips.

Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera
The battle between which side to choose continues. But no matter which is your go-to, Talle Creek won’t disappoint as favourite picnic spot. The calm creek waters are perfect for a little splash before devouring your mobile buffet. Beware the hungry bush turkeys!

Long Tan Park, Currumbin Valley
Not many people know about this pretty but somewhat hidden picnic spot in Currumbin Valley. It’s the perfect spot to get away, relax by the creek and pop in for a dip. There are no toilets or BBQ stations and uninhibited nature is purely the theme here, so go prepared. Drive along Currumbin Creek Road and take a right turn at Bains Road, the park is situated just over the bridge.

Kirra Lookout, Coolangatta
Kirra Lookout is the Burleigh Hill of Coolangatta, just not as busy and with more parking opportunities (we like the sound of that). You can either drive or walk up, but be warned, it’s quite steep, you’ll burn off your picnic before you make it to the top. Enjoy the view whilst nibbling on some crackers and sipping on an icy cold one, it’s pretty special!