Rating: 👍 Worth a Visit

The Gold Coast is Australia’s beach-meets-city playground, famous for its golden sand beaches, world-class surf, buzzing nightlife, luxury stays, and lush hinterland escapes — all within an hour from Brisbane. It’s where laid-back beach vibes meet thrill-seeking adventure.

How Many Days to Spend

• Minimum: 2–3 full days – Surf, beach hop, and enjoy the nightlife.

• Ideal: 4–5 days – Add in hinterland hikes, theme parks, and day trips.

• More time? Base yourself here for a South East Queensland road trip (Byron Bay, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast).
  Tip: Base in Broadbeach for chill vibes or Surfers Paradise if you want nightlife and energy.

Top Things to Do

• 🏄‍♂️ Surfers Paradise Beach – Iconic waves, vibrant esplanade, and city backdrop.

• 🎢 Theme Parks – Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild, and Sea World.

• 🌿 Springbrook & Lamington National Parks – Rainforest hikes, waterfalls & glowworm caves.

• 🌅 SkyPoint Observation Deck – Epic views from the Q1 Tower, Australia’s tallest building.

• 🏖️ Burleigh Heads – Great surf, coastal walks, and relaxed beach vibes.

• 🚲 Tallebudgera Creek & Palm Beach – Turquoise water and stand-up paddleboarding.

• 🍸 Nightlife – Rooftop bars, beach clubs, and world-class dining.
  

Best Time to Visit

• April–May or September–November: Ideal weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot, humid, and busy — great for beach days, but book ahead.

• Winter (Jun–Aug): Mild temps, perfect for hiking and whale watching.
  

Where to Stay

• Budget: BUNK Surfers Paradise, Aquarius Gold Coast

• Mid-range: The Island, Novotel Surfers Paradise, Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

• Luxury: The Darling, JW Marriott, The Langham Gold Coast

• Unique: Glamping in the hinterland or rainforest eco-lodges
  

Where to Eat & Drink

• Rick Shores: Pan-Asian cuisine with wave-splashed views in Burleigh

• BSKT Café: Healthy brunch spot near Nobby Beach

• The Tropic at Burleigh Pavilion: Insta-famous dining by the ocean

• Eddy + Wolff: Hidden Asian fusion gem in Robina

• Miami Marketta (Wed–Sat): Street food, live music, and epic vibes

• The Pink Hotel Rooftop Bar (Coolangatta): Retro, quirky, and great cocktails
  

Top Photo Spots

• Burleigh Hill at sunset – Palm trees, ocean, and Surfers skyline

• SkyPoint Deck – Views all the way to Byron Bay on clear days

• Tallebudgera Creek – Crystal-clear water and paddleboards

• Springbrook Natural Bridge – Waterfall inside a cave

• Coolangatta Rainbow Bay Lookout – Perfect sunrise spot

• Surfers Paradise Sign – Classic GC photo op
  

Getting Around

• Public Transport: G:link tram + TransLink buses cover most areas

• Car Rental: Best for exploring hinterland and beaches south of Coolangatta

• Bike/eScooter Rentals: Great for coastal paths and casual exploring

• Airport Access: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is 30 mins from Surfers Paradise
  

Budget Breakdown (per day)

• Accommodation: $30–$300+ AUD

• Food: $25–$80 AUD

• Theme parks: ~$100+ per park

• Public transport: ~$5–10 daily

Tours/activities: $60–$200 (surfing, jet boating, scenic flights)
Tip: Combo passes can save money on multiple theme parks (Village Roadshow Super Pass).