The Best Scenic Hinterland Road Trips from the Gold Coast (and the Scents to Match) 🚗✨
Whether you’re behind the wheel of a vintage cruiser or a luxury Mercedes-Benz, there is no better way to spend a weekend than exploring the "Green behind the Gold." At Smelly Balls, we believe every adventure needs a soundtrack, a destination, and a signature scent.
We’ve rounded up our three favorite Gold Coast Hinterland road trips, complete with the best places to stop, sights to see, and the perfect Smelly Ball fragrance to hang from your rearview.
The Lush Escape: Numinbah Valley to Springbrook National Park
This is the ultimate "reset" drive. You’ll wind through ancient rainforests where the trees are so old they remember when Australia was connected to Antarctica!
The Sights: Start with a stop at Natural Bridge (the arched cave waterfall is a must-see for the 'Gram). Continue up to Best of All Lookout, it actually lives up to its name with views stretching all the way to Mt Warning.
Pit Stop: Have some lunch at Hinze Dam cafe for a brew with a view or head to The Fudge Shop near Purling Brook Falls.
The Scent Match: Native Trees. With notes of pine and eucalyptus, it brings that crisp mountain air right into your cabin.
The Valley Cruise: Currumbin Valley to Tomewin Mountain
Looking for a more laid-back, "slow living" vibe? The drive out through Currumbin Valley feels like you’ve stepped through the looking glass into a rural paradise.
The Sights: Cool off at the iconic Currumbin Rock Pools or hike the Cougal Cascades track to see the remains of a 1940s sawmill.
Pit Stop: You cannot pass Freeman’s Organic Farm. Grab some award-winning bananas or a coffee at the lookout cafe. If you’re feeling quirky, visit the Red Rattlers Gallery a cafe and art space built inside two 1929 train carriages!
The Scent Match: Honeysuckle. Sweet, floral, and reminiscent of a sun-drenched valley afternoon.
The Luxe Loop: Tamborine Mountain & The Scenic Rim
This is the drive that caught the eye of Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast Magazine in our recent feature! It’s all about indulgence, artisan finds, and rolling hills.
The Sights: Walk the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk for a bird's-eye view of the canopy, or wander the Gallery Walk for local arts, crafts, and the famous German Cuckoo Clock shop.
Pit Stop: Book a long lunch at Witches Falls Winery or head to Fortitude Brewing Co. for a paddle of local craft beers and gourmet pizza.
The Scent Match: Fresh Ride. Sophisticated and clean, Fresh Ride is the "black tie" of our fragrance collection. It complements the smell of premium leather and fresh mountain air, giving your car that "just detailed" luxury feeling every time you open the door.
Why the Right Scent Matters for Your Road Trip
As recently mentioned in our Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast feature, "More Than a Funny Name," Smelly Balls are designed to do more than just smell good. They are about creating an atmosphere.
Traditional car air fresheners lose their scent in a week. Our reusable wool balls allow you to customise the intensity and the fragrance, ensuring your car smells like a luxury retreat from the moment you leave Burleigh until you pull back into your driveway.
Ready for your next roadie? Don’t let your car smell like last week’s gym bag. Shop our Adventure-Ready Bundles here and bring the scents of the Hinterland home with you.
