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Gold Coast Discovery: A Guide to Queensland’s Playground
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
Join Natalie Bassingthwaighte and daughter Harper as they uncover the gems of the Gold Coast on a luxury road trip in a brand-new Land Rover Discovery.
Luxury Escapes recently invited Natalie Bassingthwaighte and daughter Harper to experience the ultimate Queensland road trip – from the Gold Coast Hinterland to Brisbane and North Stradbroke Island – in the brand-new Land Rover Discovery. With plenty of room for the entire family, impressive fuel economy and ample boot space for beach kits like boogie boards, towels and Eskies, this luxurious and versatile SUV was the perfect companion for their trip.
Looking to recreate Nat and Harper’s adventure? Explore their jam-packed one-day Gold Coast itinerary below.
Where To Stay
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
First stop: the spectacular Imperial Hotel Gold Coast. Now an independent hotel, the Imperial retains all the glitz and glamour of its former life as a Palazzo Versace. From the grand circular driveway to the opulent Italian exterior and chandelier-lit lobby, the hotel exudes glamour at every turn. With complimentary self-parking for your Land Rover Discovery, it’s the perfect base for the first leg of your Queensland road trip.
Check in to your room and admire the dazzling view over the hotel’s lagoon pool, but don’t linger too long: the signature Imperial afternoon tea at the lavish Le Jardin awaits. With delicate savoury dishes, decadent sweet treats and fresh scones with homemade jam, the Couture High Tea is a playful take on traditional high tea; it’s an elegant way to kick off any road trip.
What To Do
Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin
Located just 45 minutes’ drive from the buzz of Gold Coast’s Main Beach is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Out-of-town visitors will have no problem navigating new roads on the drive; the Land Rover Discovery’s safety features include blind spot aids, rear parking sensors and Lane Keep Assist to prevent unintended land drifting.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to an impressive array of native Australian and exotic animals – including koalas, dingos, red pandas and lemurs – the sanctuary offers fun for the entire family. Take Nat and Harper’s leads by taking your experience to the next level with Tree Top Challenge, an aerial adventure through the rainforest canopy with more than 100 challenges (including 14 thrilling ziplines). Scared of heights? Fear not – if Nat can do it, you can too!
Try stand-up paddleboarding at Tallebudgera Creek, Palm Beach
With no shortage of pristine waterways and sunny days, the Gold Coast is a photogenic setting for a stand-up paddleboarding adventure. For their next activity, Nat and Harper took to the waters of Tallebudgera Creek in Palm Beach for their own stand-up paddleboarding journey. If, unlike Nat and Harper, you’re an old-hand at stand-up paddleboarding (or other watersports) the Land Rover Discovery has room for the whole family and your kit with its seven full-sized seats and generous storage and boot capacity.
Admire panoramic views from Burleigh Hill
A local favourite, Burleigh Hill is a hidden gem offering panoramic views over the beach and some truly epic surf breaks. Wander along the boardwalk, taking in the stunning coastal scenery and vibrant atmosphere of this beachside community. The hilltop is also a great place to people-watch and soak up a little more of the Queensland sunshine.
Where To Eat & Drink
Enjoy a beachfront lunch at The Tropic, Burleigh Heads
You’ve worked up an appetite so it’s time for lunch! Drive up to Burleigh Heads for a sun-kissed lunch at The Tropic. Overlooking the rolling cobalt waves of Burleigh Beach, the restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu of fresh seafood, small plates and reimagined classics designed to be shared. Tuck into dishes like Goldband snapper and king prawn tagliatelle paired with shareable delights like puffed spiced bread, roast pumpkin hummus and ocean-fresh natural oysters.
Wind down with sunset drinks at Glass Dining & Lounge, Gold Coast
As the sun sets, head to Glass Dining & Lounge at Marina Mirage to reflect on your jam-packed day on the Gold Coast. Take a seat on the deck as the setting sun bathes the marina in golden hues. Not only is this waterfront lounge the perfect place to end the day, it’s conveniently also right next door to the Imperial Hotel so you don’t have far to go when it’s time to hit the hay and rest up ahead of the next leg of your Queensland road trip.
This article was produced in partnership with Land Rover Discovery. Natalie travelled in the 24MY Discovery R-Dynamic HSE P360. Explore Land Rover Discovery.
To see Natalie and Harper’s road trip in action, check out the full episode.
Discover the Gold Coast
