Take a look at our top picks for places to visit, activities to try out and must-see attractions while on a road trip from Noosa to the Gold Coast in your Thrifty rental car.

Noosa

An adventurer’s paradise, Noosa is known for its epic surf, cosy cafes, and friendly atmosphere. Start your holiday with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters at Noosa Heads Main Beach - and if you’re interested in surfing, this is the best place to do it. Learn to surf with an experienced guide or hire a board and ride the waves yourself. Craving some scenic beauty? The Noosa National Park offers an array of easy to moderately challenging walks and hikes for all ages and abilities. Enjoy a coastal hike through forest and beach terrain on the Dolphin Point, Hell's Gates, Devils Kitchen via Coastal Track trail. This 11.9km walk offers the best views in the area and passes through plenty of scenic spots ideal for snapping a photo or two for the ‘gram - no filter needed. If you’re after a cup of liquid energy before you set off on your East Coast road trip, visit the Hard Coffee Beach Cafe in town for a taste of the locals’ favourite brew. After a morning filled with surf, sand, and sea, you’ll be more than ready to hop in the rental car and begin your journey.

Australia Zoo

Crocodiles, tigers, and cheetahs, oh my! Just an hour south of Noosa is the world-famous Australia Zoo - the home of the famed crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin. Whether you love scaly species, cuddly creatures or feathered friends, there’s an experience here to cater to all. Make your wildlife dreams come true with an up-close and personal animal encounter. Have a cuddle and a photo with animals including red pandas, Komodo dragons, eagles, plus Australian natives like koalas, dingos and kangaroos. A visit to Australia Zoo would be incomplete without experiencing the wonder of the Wildlife Warriors show. With soaring birds and saltwater crocodile feeding, this one-of-a-kind display is one for the books. See the best of the Zoo with a back-of-house tour on board a safari-style caddy and settle in for a bite at the Crikey Cafe. Your day spent at Australia Zoo won’t soon be forgotten with an abundance of gifts and memorabilia available to take home at the Crocoseum Boutique; and if you want to extend your stay, the Crocodile Hunter Lodge offers accommodation surrounded by wilderness.

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Next on the list, escape the city and go offshore with an island adventure. North Stradbroke Island, affectionately known as ‘Straddie’, is the second-largest sand island in the world after K’gari and is only 45 minutes on the ferry from Cleveland. Bring your rental car over on the vehicle ferry to explore the island at your own pace. Once you arrive in the Island’s main township - Dunwich - you can get a dose of local history at the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum, take a ‘behind-the-tanks’ tour at Straddie Brewing Co and visit First Nations artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins’ art gallery to browse clothing, accessories and artworks. Remember to assign a designated driver when indulging in alcohol for a safe and memorable journey. Drive up to Amity Point on the Northern end of the Island for sea kayaking, fishing and boating, or, join the many who choose to camp here for a night out under the stars. The last destination on Straddie is Point Lookout, known for whale-watching and the 1.5km North Gorge walk that offers showstopping views of the coast.

Gold Coast

Your East Coast Road trip comes to a head on the Gold Coast - Australia’s playground. The major drawcard here for families, solo adventurers and thrillseekers alike are the four iconic theme parks; Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild and Sea World. From stomach-dropping thrill rides like The Giant Drop and the DC Rivals Hypercoaster, Movie World and Dreamworld are your adventurous go-tos, while Wet’n’Wild and Sea World offer an array of marine-themed family attractions and rides. On the shore, Surfers Paradise is where the Gold Coast comes to life, especially at night. The beachfront night markets are not to be missed here, with food trucks, live entertainment and all kinds of stalls keeping the city abuzz on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

After experiencing the varied landscapes and atmospheres of the East Coast, you’ll be reliving your road trip adventure for years to come. Invest in a Thrifty rental car to get you there and follow the shoreline at your own pace.