Escape to the seaside with this Gold Coast long weekend
Itinerary
By Sarah Bristow
Famous for its swell, sand, and skyrises the Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s most recognised residents. It’s also one of the Sunshine State’s most popular destinations, as Australia’s largest non-capital city. But despite its size, getting a taste of the 57 kilometre stretch of golden beaches along the southern coastline doesn’t take long. In fact, the seaside stretch of suburbs can be explored in a long weekend, as this itinerary planner of 3 days in the Gold Coast goes to show.
Day 1
Morning
Hit the waves for a morning surf session - a must inclusion for any itinerary planner for 3 days on the Gold Coast, considering it’s home to one of the world’s most beloved surfing competitions (the Corona Open Gold Coast), as well as a handful of pros. Surf schools are thankfully commonplace here for those who want to learn.
Post-surf session refuel at one of the Gold Coast’s many brunch spots. There’s a booming cafe culture in these parts, with acclaimed venues scattered from Burleigh to the Southport Spit. Brunch is the region’s specialty, with stand-out venues including Cafe D-Bar in Coolangatta, Commune in Burleigh and Elk Espresso in Broadbeach. Conveniently the coffee is equally as good.
Afternoon
Bag a bargain in Harbour Town. Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre can be found just a 15-minute drive away from Surfers Paradise and is open daily Spend the afternoon wandering your way around the 240 boutiques, which house many a discounted designer label, stopping to take a break at one of the eateries interspersed throughout, or with some movie time at the 14-screen cinema. First timer? You’ll be further tempted with a free tourist discount card available at the Harbour Town Tourism Lounge.
Evening
Grab your date and toast to your long weekend with a tipple at one of the Gold Coast’s many specialty bars. Bask in the balmy weather with a visit to a rooftop destination, which make the most of the endlessly sunny days on display. Or saunter your way closer to the beach front - there’s no shortage of drinking dens nudging the sand, from the laidback Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club to the bustling Rick Shores and neighbouring Burleigh Pavilion.
Day 2
Morning
SkyPoint Climb
See the Gold Coast from new heights at the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Sitting a breezy 230m above sea level, located atop the iconic Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, the SkyPoint Observation Deck allows you to soak in 360 degree views of Queensland's playground. Enjoy breakfast and a coffee with unparalleled views of the skyline at the cafe.
If you want to take your sky high experience to the next level try the SkyPoint Climb. Starting at the SkyPoint Observation Deck, thrill seekers can follow the guide to the crow’s nest - the highest point of the structure at 270m above ground making it Australia's highest external climb.
Afternoon
No itinerary planner of 3 days in the Gold Coast is complete without mentioning Burleigh. The blossoming suburb has long been a favourite for surfers, and now has an edible offering to match as a growing hub of outstanding eateries. Before dinner, make like the locals do and gather on the much loved Burleigh Hill (with beers and snacks on hand) to watch the surf and the sunset.
Those with energy still to burn can first make for the nearby Burleigh Headland National Park. Wander your way along the five walking tracks here, which range in fitness level. The most popular is the scenic Ocean View Walk, a favourite for spotting the whales migrating north from Antarctica from June.
Day 3
Morning
While famous for its beaches, the Gold Coast isn’t shy of a rainforest or two. Head inland and you’ll greet the Gold Coast Hinterland, a luscious region within which Tamborine Mountain resides. Explore the natural wonder and its 12 walking tracks solo, or arm yourself with an experienced guide courtesy of Eco Safaris Queensland, which will see you led by 4WD.
Though it’s not just the adventurous who will be entertained by a stint out here - there’s plenty to do outside of physical exercise, the Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour and Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves included.
Afternoon
Photo by @canungravalleyvineyards
Make way for the ancient Lamington National Park. A part of the World heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, this eye-catching area is a haven of forest, walking trails and waterfalls. It’s also home to O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walkway, a 180-metre walk consisting of nine suspension bridges.
Wander your way along the tree tops until you greet two observation decks above the walkway, hovering 30 metres above the ground. Post-adventure quench your thirst and grab a bite to eat at the Canungra Valley Vineyards before making your way back to the bright lights of the Gold Coast.
