Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
Big on surf, sun and sky-high rides, the Gold Coast is certainly no place for wallflowers.
This heart-pumping two day itinerary is for those who like to live life outside their comfort zone. So if you always say yes to spontaneous escapes, leaps of faith, and second helpings of dessert, say yes to this 48 hours on the Gold Coast for thrill seekers.
What better way to start your weekend on the Gold Coast than by getting your bearings? But this isn't your average lookout.
Crane your neck skywards at Surfers Paradise and you won’t miss the Q1 Tower. Your journey begins at Level 77. SkyPoint Climb is the highest external building climb in Australia, taking you to the peak of the Q1 Spire. Suit up and embark on the Twilight Climb to see the city sparkle to life as the sun sets over the hinterland.
Feeling extra daring? Walk on the edge of the stairs, where there's nothing between you and the ground, except for 270 metres of air.
Once you’re back on solid ground, you’ve earned yourself a drink - and dinner too. Luckily, finding somewhere to eat in Surfers is never an issue (here's a precinct dining guide to help you plan).
To dine with the coast's best water views, make your way to Seascape. As the name suggests, seafood is the star here; but you can choose between casual bites and cocktails at the bistro on level one, or head upstairs to the sleek restaurant for something a little fancier.
If you're ready to take things up another level, make your way to The Island rooftop bar, go tropical at hidden bar Taboo Tiki, sip gin at Duke's Parlour or taste your way through the 32 craft beers on tap at House of Brews.
As for your accommodation on this thrill seeker itinerary? Base yourself in the Gold Coast's beating heart; energetic Surfers Paradise. Q1 Resort and Spa, QT Gold Coast and Surfers Beachside Holiday Apartments are perfect for couples escapes and family holidays respectively. And there's so much to do right on your doorstep.
On a Gold Coast family holiday? We hear you. It all comes down to those two little words: theme park. Fuel up on local coffee, then hit the road.
Has the jaw-dropping, heart-stopping DC Rivals HyperCoaster at Warner Bros. Movie World caught your eye? It's the the tallest, longest and fastest HyperCoaster in the Southern Hemisphere. Or maybe you want to dive right into the deep end riding the Kamikaze at Wet’n’Wild?
It’s hard to play favourites, but you have to decide which Gold Coast theme park gets your vote, otherwise it might come down to an old-school bout of paper-scissors-rock.
If you’ve got a bit more time up your sleeve or are planning on a return trip within the month, you can always grab a seven-day or 21-day Holiday Pass for the trifecta: Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild.
Queues, crowds and blood-curdling screams not your scene? Consider taking the TreeTop Challenge at Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland or at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the coast’s southern end.
Let your inner Tarzan swing free on hundreds of zip lines, suspension bridges and ropes challenges that web across acres of beautiful bushland at both locations. It really is an awesome alternative to the frenzy of the theme parks if you prefer a little natural immersion.
It's a local favourite for good reason. Only eight minutes' drive from Broadbeach you'll find the coast's humming foodie destination, Miami Marketta, open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Dine on street food inspired bites from around the world, there's something for everyone's taste here. This family-friendly food market comes with a side of live entertainment on the main stage, and four bars slinging concoctions to start your Saturday night right.
Bright and quirky QT exudes cool, but you don’t have to stay here to experience its best feature: the buffet breakfast at Bazaar.
Forget any preconceptions you might have about buffets; this is an award-winning interactive marketplace, with everything from glass bottles of strawberry milk to mini bircher pots, mountains of flaky French pastries and international breakfast bites. It's a culinary choose-your-own-adventure before you jump into another action-packed day of Gold Coast fun.
With full bellies and recharged batteries, it’s time to cool off – Gold Coast style. Dozens of waterways ripple their way in from the ocean, creating a perfect setting to play with expensive water toys. If you’ve always wanted to rip it up on a jet ski or take off with a water jet pack, this is your chance.
Jump on a jet ski safari and slither into the mangroves or out towards the sandy shores of South Stradbroke Island. If you’d rather let someone else do the driving, take a leisurely jetboat ride at 80km per hour. The city skyline looks a little different with 360-degree spins and some pretty wild wave jumping.
Otherwise, take your pick from stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing, kayaking or even surf school. You’re seriously spoiled for choice when it comes to aquatic adventure on the Gold Coast.
It seems fitting that your Gold Coast thrill seeker weekend ends how it started: in the air.
Feel the thrill of skydiving - without the plane ride - at iFly Gold Coast. This indoor skydiving centre will give you that heart-pounding, free-falling sensation from within its glass tunnel. Best yet? Everyone can do it, from kids to oldies; and there's options for accessible needs travellers too.
Can't live without the real deal? End your escape with a tandem skydive. Plunging from 12,000 feet, you'll have time to take in the glistening coastline from a whole new perspective before you land on the beach, toes in the sand.
And that's just how it should be on the Gold Coast.