The ultimate Gold Coast group holiday itinerary

You’ll find even the largest gathering of friends and family is no match for the Gold Coast. The southern coastline of Queensland is a destination renowned for its treasure chest of activities for young and old, making there nowhere else better to entertain a crowd. When it comes to where to eat, drink, play, and stay, with friends and family in tow, this gathering of Gold Coast group holiday ideas should prove ample inspiration.

Day one

Morning

Welcome to the Gold Coast, a region rich in skyscrapers, surf breaks, and sandy stretches. It’s also a destination renowned for its resident amusement parks, with the Gold Coast home to the likes of the much-loved Movie World and DreamWorld. It’s here you can let loose for a few hours on the rollercoasters and rapid rides. If sports trump rides for you and your friends, make way instead to TopGolf, where a slew of options cater to a slew of beginner and veteran golfers.

Afternoon

Immerse yourself (and your crew) in the creativity of the region with a visit to HOTA this afternoon (or Home of the Arts). This vibrant cultural precinct is nestled among parkland and a lake in Surfers Paradise, and acts as a stage for a rotating line-up of events for kids and adults alike - think theatre, dance, comedy, opera, cinema, exhibitions, and more.

Evening

It’s time to check in to your home for the next few days. Any Gold Coast group holiday is best spent at one of the many beach houses and apartments available for private rental in the region, whether you’re craving a beachfront apartment like the Bujerum Apartments on Burleigh Beach, or a luxe abode like The Grand Broadbeach. If you’d prefer not to spend your time researching, there are a handful of experts on hand to consult, including A Perfect Stay or Cést La Vie Elite Holiday Home.

Day two

Morning

Stretch your legs with a morning’s exploration of Burleigh Heads. While awash with eating and drinking opportunities (especially on the beachfront) this popular suburb is also where you’ll find the picturesque Burleigh Heads National Park. Grab your running shoes and go for a quick wander with your crew along the Oceanview Track here, taking the chance to make a pit stop at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre along the way.

Afternoon

Join Gold Coast Food & Wine Tours to discover the local hot spots to eat and drink across Burleigh, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. Undertake a private group tour for an exploration of the region led by your tastebuds (and an experienced guide). You’ll find yourself navigating the best eateries in town, from Justin Lane to The Collective Palm Beach. Not yet had your fill? Drop by the bustling food stalls of Miami Marketta, the Gold Coast’s first street food market which comes complete with live music performances.

Evening

Make the most of the bevy of craft breweries which call the Gold Coast home and undertake your own pub tour. Welcoming of groups (no matter your size), these beer-focused purveyors are scattered from here to there across the coastline. Some of the most popular places to whet your whistle include Balter Brewers in Currumbin, Burleigh Brewing in Burleigh Heads, Lost Palms in Miami, and Fortitude Brewing Co on Tamborine Mountain.

Day three

Morning

Make your way down south - today is best spent amidst the Southern Gold Coast, a stretch that reaches from Currumbin to Coolangatta. Among the much-loved landmarks on this southern cluster of the coastline is the family friendly Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a heritage-listed zoological garden built back in 1947. No matter your age, this place belongs among any list of Gold Coast group holiday ideas thanks to the array of animal exhibitions you can explore, from koala cuddling to spotting an alpine white dingo in the flesh.

Afternoon

Get better acquainted with the sport of surfing at one of the country’s best surf breaks. The Gold Coast is famous for its swell, hosting a handful of world-renowned surfing competitions throughout the year. Why not give it a crack yourself, group in tow, with a private class with one of the many surf schools which call the region home - you’ll find one of the most popular is based in beginner-favourite Currumbin Alley.

Evening

Spend an evening curating your own gin at specialty spirit house Grandad Jack’s Distillery. Groups of up to six are welcomed to form a class in which you’ll spend the evening crafting your own spirit, led by the expertise of head distiller Luke Ridden. This masterclass is the first of its kind in Queensland, with the four-hour experience including a tour and tasting session, alongside an education in botanicals and distilling using the custom-made copper sills on site.

Day four

Morning

With daybreak bid farewell to the shoreline and head for the hills of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Ideal for a day trip, this luscious region is overflowing with mountains and vineyards, making for ample opportunity for you and your group to get back in touch with nature. Get to know the region a little better with a trip to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat tucked into the foothills of Lamington National Park, a family-run operation which boasts both a vineyard to call its own, as well as a Tree Top Walk, formed by nine suspension bridges nestled among the rainforest canopy.

Afternoon

Explore a little further afield, taking in the beauty of the surrounding Lamington National Park, which dates back a staggering 225 million years. With your group in tow, meander along one of the many bushwalking tracks lining this precinct - there’s 160 kilometres of them to choose from, ranging in difficulty. Just make sure you take the time to stop in at the illustrious Moran Falls, which plummets an impressive 80 metres to the valley floor.