Do you and your partner describe yourselves as independent travellers? Budget package trips with planned activities to top tourist locations may sound a good idea, but sometimes they can frustrate those who like to wander off the beaten path. Drive yourself is a great way to ensure you have a holiday that includes everything you love.
Sitting Pretty
Before you cruise up the coast, hire a house sitter to keep your pets and home safe and secure. Trust is key when selecting a house sitter. If you don't have a family member or close friend who can watch over your home, consider a reputable provider with a proven track record. Ask for references and meet in-person before hiring a house sitter you don't know. Explore Australia's sights and sounds with peace of mind.
Golden Holiday
The Gold Coast is located approximately 850 kms from Sydney. Some holiday makers take two days to travel from Sydney to the Gold Coast, usually stopping at the half-way point of Coffs Harbour on the mid north coast. Others drive straight through to Queensland in 10-12 hours. If your trip coincides with school or public holidays, be sure to pre-book your accommodation. The no-vacancy sign is an unwelcome sight at the end of a long driving day.
Go Like a Scout
"Be prepared" is the Boy Scout™ motto, and it is a great rule for drive yourself holidays. Be sure to arrange a full service for your motor vehicle, 7-10 days before your departure date. If your car has any obvious problems you will have time to fix it before you head to the Gold Coast. It is also wise to visit Budget Direct Car Insurance and compare policies to ensure you are covered for any potential holiday motor vehicle challenges. You know you are a confident driver, but not every driver you will meet on the road is necessarily as competent as you.
The Gold Coast stretches from Coolangatta, on the Queensland border in the south, to Russell Island and Beenleigh in the north, then across to Lamington National Park in the west and the Hinterland.
The Must See List
A definite “must see” close to Coolangatta is Point Danger Lookout, where you will be able to view the coastline up to Surfers Paradise in the far north and down to Kingscliff Beach in the south. This is a great location for a pit stop and photos. It is also a very popular spot for humpback whale watching from May through to November.
If you have an interest in surfing, you will find Snapper Rocks and Duranbah Beach next door to Point Danger. These are the home breaks for many well known surfers including the latest world champion surfer Joel Parkinson. Each year in early March, the Quicksilver and Roxy Pro international surfing events are held over a 7-10 day period. If you love surfing, it’s an opportunity to see the best of the best. Be sure to pre-book your accommodation—it’s a busy time on the coast.
Whether you choose to base yourself at the southern or northern end of the Gold Coast, you are less than an hour’s drive to the magnificent Gold Coast hinterland.
Remember to take your camera, your hat, block out and, of course, your maps. Have a great Drive Yourself holiday!
