Gold Coast Day Trip: Koalas, Pies & Surfer's Paradise Private Tour from Brisbane
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks and standing during animal viewing and at viewpoints.
Overview
Drive from Brisbane to a private day on the Gold Coast: meet koalas at Daisy Hill, watch pelicans at Charis Seafoods, climb SkyPoint for 360° views and relax on Surfer’s Paradise with a stop at the legendary Yatala Pie Shop.
Gold Coast Day Trip: Koalas, Pies & Surfer's Paradise Private Tour from Brisbane
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The van hums onto the highway as Brisbane slips into the rearview and the coastline grows longer on the horizon. Salt air edges into the cabin’s filtered breeze before the bus doors open at Daisy Hill Koala Centre and the pace drops: boardwalks, scrubby eucalypts, and the slow blink of a koala chewing a gumleaf. The day that follows is deliberately easy — a private circuit of the Gold Coast’s contrasts, from quiet wildlife to glossy marinas and the broad surf at Surfer’s Paradise.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Sun protection is essential
Queensland sun can be intense even on cloudy days — pack SPF 30+ sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.
Stay on boardwalks at Daisy Hill
Boardwalks protect koala habitat and reduce stress to wildlife; keep noise low for the best views.
Check pelican feeding times
Charis Seafoods hosts a scheduled feeding (around 1:00 pm); arrive a few minutes early for best viewing and photos.
Follow beach safety flags
If you plan to swim at Surfer’s Paradise, only enter between the red and yellow flags and heed lifeguard instructions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- koala
- Australian pelican
History
The Gold Coast transformed from coastal holiday towns into a vertical skyline over the 20th century; the area is on Yugambeh country with deep Indigenous connections to land and sea.
Conservation
Koala habitat is vulnerable to development and disease; local centers focus on habitat protection and rehabilitation—stay on paths and avoid feeding wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Brisbane
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects skin during exposed stretches on the beach and SkyPoint viewing areas.
summer specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Support for boardwalks and short walks at sanctuaries and marinas.
Light rain jacket
Spring and autumn showers can appear suddenly along the coast.
spring specific
Compact camera or smartphone with telephoto
Useful for koala and pelican shots without getting too close to wildlife.