Best Places to Visit While Driving between Ballina & Gold Coast City
Driving from Ballina, New South Wales to Gold Coast City, Queensland is a journey full of adventure, excitement, and scenic beauty. Travelers are rewarded with a glimpse of the Australian coastline, and the opportunity to explore the many charming towns along the way. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, there are several must-see places that you shouldn't miss during your travel between Ballina and Gold Coast City.
So, let’s buckle our seatbelts and embark on this exhilarating journey, exploring the top places to visit when driving from Ballina to Gold Coast City!
1) Lennox Head
The scenic coastal village of Lennox Head is only a short drive from Ballina. The beach at Lennox Head is a famous surfing destination due to its long right-hand point break. The beach is patrolled during the summer months, making it ideal for swimmers of all abilities. The Lennox Point lookout offers visitors spectacular ocean views. The headland is also famous for its amazing whale watching opportunities that will leave you awe-struck.
2) Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a world-renowned coastal town and one of the most popular places to visit in Australia. This charming town has an array of attractions like walking trails, beautiful beaches, markets, and vibrant bars and restaurants. Visitors can also make an appointment with the lighthouse keeper for a tour of the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. The town's unique personality makes a visit here a must for all tourists traveling through the area.
3) Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads is located at the foot of the Twin Towns Services Club, a mecca for entertainment. With its border location straddling both New South Wales and Queensland, it offers a melting pot of activities, inclusive of water sports, amusement parks, and national parks. From paddleboarding to exploring the Tweed Valley Forest, surfing along the beaches, or taking in the sights of the surrounding cities, there's something to cater to everyone's leisure pursuits.
4) Coolangatta
Coolangatta is a laid-back beachside suburb, located close to the New South Wales-Queensland border. The area is popular with surfers, families, and those who enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle. Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay offer calm waters for swimming, while Snapper Rocks and Duranbah offer a challenging surf for the adventurous. The surrounding restaurants, cafes, and boutique stores are also an added attraction, worth exploring.
5) Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
As we approach the end of our journey, we saved the best attraction for last. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for all animal lovers, young and old. The sanctuary is home to a variety of native Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. Visitors have the opportunity to cuddle a koala and hold a snake during the daily animal presentations. Kids will also love checking out the many reptiles and amphibians in the sanctuary's reptile house.
Conclusion
The drive from Ballina to Gold Coast City is full of stunning scenery and fantastic adventures. The five destinations mentioned above are just a sample of what the area has to offer. From whale watching to surfing, exploring small towns to cuddling koalas, there's something for everyone. So, whether you're road-tripping with friends or have taken the family on a fun-filled vacation, be sure to hit all the hotspots on this fantastic drive route. It's a journey you won't forget anytime soon.