Why not grab a GPS and explore the Hinterland with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast. There is many and varied nature walks, enjoy the pristine wilderness and magnificent waterfalls.

O’Reilly’s Guest House offers a treetop walk and lunch in their cafe overlooking the McPherson Ranges and The Great Dividing Range. The Natural Arch offers a treat like you’ve never seen - visit at night to see the Glow Worms. Travel on down through the mountains to Murwillumbah - enjoy the view and lookouts on the way - Visit www.oreillys.com.au

Spend a day cruising to the Sunshine Coast - have breakfast overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains, continue on to Noosa for lunch in Hastings Street, browse the shops and if it’s Saturday or Wednesday, make sure you take a trip back in time to the Eumundi Markets where your find tasty morsels of exotic local produce and bring home that fabulous one-off treasure only to be found in a place like Eumundi! Stop off on the way home at the Ettamogah Pub for a good Australian roast. Now that’s a day to be remembered!!!!! (google Ettamogah or Glasshouse Mountains)

Bryon Bay another day not to be missed! Less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast. If you would like a real eye opener call into Mullumbimby for a taste of the 60’s, (yes the place hasn’t changed since then) the alternate lifestyle still in place. Lunch at the Beach Hotel in Bryon, keep your eyes open for the movie stars.

Watego’s another place to lunch or just to relax overlooking the beach and be memorized watching the waves rolling in while enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc (passengers only) the driver can enjoy a coffee. On the way home you must take the tourist drive- the ever-changing coast line is amazing. (Google Watego’s or Bryon Bay)

If you are one for fitness, test yourself, visit Uki (Northern NSW) and climb Mt Warning, on a clear day you can see the Glasshouse Mountains. Make sure you time yourself as it took me 91 mins up and 87 mins down. Yes it’s just as bad getting down.

Again, the views are spectacular and definitely worth the climb - Visit www.mtwarning.net

Currumbin Rock Pools another picturesque attraction, especially on a hot day. Why not pack a picnic lunch and relax by the tranquil surroundings. Have morning tea at the Crystal Cottage only a 15 min drive inland from Currumbin. (Google currumbinrockpools)

Needless to say if you have children (and for all us big kids) I’m sure there’s no need to tell you about the” Worlds” here on the Gold Coast. SeaWorld, MovieWorld, DreamWorld, Wet & Wild, Outback Spectacular, White Water World etc etc.....

By the way it’s cheaper to hire a car than it is to travel by bus. You also have the vehicle for 24 hours.

Is it any wonder the Gold Coast is the fastest growing city in Australia we have so much to offer and Brisbane is an hour away - always a good day out!

PS - visit South Bank or shop in the city.