3 winter day trips from the Gold Coast

It’s hard not to feel like hibernating winter away in the cosy comfort of your home (especially when your home is our modern 4-bedroom waterfront Mater Prize Home in Sanctuary Cove!). But the Gold Coast’s beautiful outdoors is calling your name and that shiny new Audi Q3 Sportback that’s included in our prize home lottery is begging to be driven all around town.

This winter, explore your new neighbourhood and surrounding area with these Gold Coast day trips:

Currumbin Valley Rock Pools

Looking for a drive that’s not too far from home but feels miles away? Currumbin Valley Rock Pools are just 45 minutes from Sanctuary Cove; this is the perfect road trip if you want to spend less time driving and more time exploring. The rock pools are a secret swimming spot for locals; while you may not be brave enough to take a dip in winter, the watering hole offers a serene setting for a picnic. There’s also a walking track further down Currumbin Creek Road in the Mount Cougal section of Springbrook National Park that is worth adding to the itinerary.

Hint: Once you reach the rock pools, walk a further 50 metres upstream to the little waterfall hiding back there.

Mount Tamborine

There is so much to see and do in Tamborine Mountain – and chances are you’ll be back time and time again after you make the move to Sanctuary Cove. Leave Cedar Creek Falls and Curtis Falls for summer and instead fill your trip with cheese taste testing at Witches Chase Cheese Co and pick up a bottle of red wine at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery to enjoy at home later on. Gallery Walk delivers a trifecta of shopping, art galleries and locally-made food options – make it your mission to try a new flavour of Granny Mac’s Fudge every time you head up that way. As for taking in the stunning scenery, you can’t beat the views up at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. The leisurely walk leads you through the treetops and along the forest floor. The 40-metre cantilever bridge offers spectacular views over the canopies and down to the creek and rainforest that lie 30 metres below.

Lost World Valley

With a name like that, you know you’re in for a great adventure. Lost World Valley is an untouched patch of valleys, forests, green pastures, wild rivers, rock pools and off-the-track detours at the wilderness end of Lamington National Park. It’s a picturesque drive out in the fresh air. If you feel like getting out and stretching your legs, tag on a pit stop in Beaudesert. Beaudesert Marketfest is held on the first Saturday of every month so time your road trip accordingly. The Beaudesert Hotel is also a charming local pub that does a great lunch spread.

Want to take Drive’s Small Luxury SUV of the Year for a spin through the Gold Coast and beyond? Buy your tickets today to win the Mater Prize Home lottery No. 296 and you could live in this waterfront home in Sanctuary Cove and drive around in an Audi Q3 Sportback every day. Plus, every home lottery ticket you purchase helps support the life-changing medical research and patient care at Mater.