As our aircraft lifted off from Bali to Brisbane, we have been so excited to begin our two and a half week journey to Australia! This nation had been on our listing for a few years, however for no matter cause, we hadn’t made it to this a part of the world…
…till our Aussie associates determined to get married! They reside on the Gold Coast and we ended up spending 12 days exploring up and down the coast, and inland as effectively.
We based mostly ourselves in Broadbeach, which ended up being the right spot. It was central, walkable, relaxed, and shut sufficient to every little thing we needed to see with out feeling like we have been in the course of the celebration zone the complete time.
Having locals to information us round meant we obtained the insider’s scoop on one of the best locations to go to, issues to do, locations to eat…and naturally, the place to search out one of the best wine!
On this submit, I’ll share the ten finest issues to see and do on the Gold Coast that you simply gained’t need to miss.
Don’t Overlook Your Entry Visa!
Earlier than stepping into one of the best issues to do on the Gold Coast, I want to say one essential factor that we virtually tousled ourselves.
You want a sound visa to enter Australia.
And I don’t simply imply travellers from sure nations.
Each traveller wants some type of visa or journey authority to enter Australia. New Zealand residents can normally get a visa on arrival, however everybody else must have the right visa permitted earlier than travelling.
As Canadians, we assumed we didn’t want a visa and can be given six months in Australia on arrival, just like what we get when visiting the UK.
Unsuitable.
Fortunately, we realized this earlier than flying to Australia, however solely two days earlier than our flight. Not precisely the relaxed pre-trip second we needed.
The excellent news is that the method may be fairly easy, however you positively don’t need to go away it till the final minute.
Test your visa necessities earlier than reserving your flight, or no less than effectively earlier than your departure date, and ensure the visa is linked to the identical passport you’ll be travelling with.
If you happen to’re planning a visit to the Gold Coast, or anyplace else in Australia, you may verify which visa you want and apply on-line earlier than you go along with iVisa – they provide 24/7 buyer assist by means of e-mail, chat or WhatsApp…in 14 totally different languages.
If you happen to attempt to get the visa your self and make one small error, that can delay the processing time. iVisa has a 99% approval fee, displaying how dependable and correct the corporate is.
In fact, all visa selections/outcomes nonetheless relies on the federal government and that’s nothing iVisa or different corporations have management over.
In regards to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one among Australia’s most well-known vacation locations, sitting in Southeast Queensland, about an hour south of Brisbane – which is the principle airport within the space (and the one we flew into).
It’s identified for its lengthy sandy seashores, surf tradition, high-rise skyline, theme parks, nightlife, purchasing, and close by mountain areas simply inland from the coast.
You in all probability already know this, however the Gold Coast is legendary for its seashores – there are round 50 kilometres of shoreline right here. However what shocked me most was how shortly the vibe modifications when you begin transferring across the coast.
One minute you’re strolling alongside a busy beachfront promenade, the following you’re watching sundown on an empty seashore, driving by means of inexperienced valleys, or strolling by means of rainforest within the hinterland.
Throughout our keep, we explored Surfers Paradise, Southport, Mermaid Seaside, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera Valley, Tamborine Nationwide Park, Coolangatta, Snapper Rocks, Currumbin Valley, and some lovely spots in between.
Greatest Issues To Do On The Gold Coast
After an superior go to, right here’s my listing of the stuff you gained’t need to miss.
1. Base Your self in Broadbeach
If you happen to’re questioning the place to remain on the Gold Coast, I’d completely advocate Broadbeach.
For us, it was the perfect base. It has every little thing you want – the seashore, nice eating places, cafés, retailers, and public transport, nevertheless it feels extra chilled out than Surfers Paradise.
You possibly can nonetheless stroll alongside the beachfront, seize espresso within the morning, exit for dinner, and be near the motion, however Broadbeach has a barely extra grown-up, relaxed really feel to it. It’s extra polished with out feeling boring.
This was particularly good as a result of we have been on the Gold Coast to spend time with associates, not simply operating round ticking off sights.
Kurrawa Seaside is true there, and it’s a wonderful place for a swim, a stroll, or simply sitting within the sand watching the sundown – which is what we did a couple of evenings. Or, in the event you’re feeling extra lively, you can take a look at this browsing expertise with a surf coach.
2. Stroll Round Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise might be essentially the most well-known place on the Gold Coast, and even in the event you don’t keep there, it’s value visiting.
That is the Gold Coast folks usually think about: tall buildings, a large seashore, busy streets, eating places, retailers, and a little bit of a flashy vacation vibe.
I wouldn’t essentially need to spend my entire journey based mostly right here, nevertheless it’s value testing.
We walked alongside the boardwalk and sand from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise. Simply north of it, there’s an awesome seashore membership referred to as La Luna – I like to recommend there for drinks, meals and a swim!
Surfers Paradise Seaside itself is gorgeous, with a protracted stretch of sand and rolling surf proper in entrance of town skyline. Go for a stroll, seize a drink or meal, people-watch, after which resolve whether or not it’s your scene.
For us, it was enjoyable to go to, however we have been blissful to return to Broadbeach afterward.
3. Spend Time in Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads was one among my favorite areas on the Gold Coast.
It has that excellent mixture of seashore, cafés, native vitality, and pure magnificence. There are nice locations to eat, folks hanging out on the grass by the seashore, surfers within the water, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
The most effective issues to do right here is stroll by means of Burleigh Head Nationwide Park. The park sits proper on the headland and has strolling trails with ocean views, rainforest, rocky shoreline, and the prospect to look again alongside the Gold Coast skyline.
Even in the event you’re not doing a giant hike, it’s value going for a stroll right here. The views over Tallebudgera Creek and the shoreline are gorgeous.
Afterward, seize a chew at the Tropic. The views listed below are beautiful – don’t miss the puffed bread with hummus and contemporary oysters, earlier than heading to the “hill” to observe the early night surfers. Technically it is a public space, however having a drink or two right here is frequent.
4. Swim at Tallebudgera Creek
I’m so bummed that we missed this spot! Fairly merely, we simply ran out of time…
Once we drove handed Tallebudgera Creek, I couldn’t imagine simply how gorgeous it was. The water is calm, clear, and ridiculously blue on a sunny day. It’s an awesome spot for swimming, floating round, paddleboarding, or simply sitting by the water with associates.
Not like a number of the surf seashores, the creek feels extra sheltered and relaxed – which is what I used to be searching for throughout our journey! It’s among the best swimming spots on the Gold Coast in order for you calm water reasonably than waves.
5. Go to Mermaid Seaside
Mermaid Seaside is one other nice space to discover, particularly in the event you like a quieter seashore vibe.
It sits between Broadbeach and Miami, so it’s simple to achieve in the event you’re staying centrally. In comparison with Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Seaside feels far more low-key. It’s nonetheless lovely, nonetheless near every little thing, nevertheless it has extra of a neighbourhood really feel.
This can be a excellent spot to return for a relaxed seashore stroll, adopted by a sluggish espresso or brunch – which is precisely what we did at Sunnyboy Espresso.
Mermaid Seaside doesn’t have the identical big-ticket attraction really feel as another areas, however that’s sort of the purpose.
7. Discover Tamborine Mountain & Park
The most effective issues in regards to the Gold Coast is which you can be on the seashore within the morning and within the rainforest by the afternoon.
Tamborine Nationwide Park is a superb day journey and provides you a very totally different aspect of the area. As a substitute of sand, surf, and high-rises, you get rainforest walks, mountain roads, lookouts, and cooler air. I beloved that it didn’t really feel like a mission to get right here – it’s solely like an hour drive.
The Witches Falls part of Tamborine Nationwide Park is very value visiting. It’s additionally traditionally important, as Witches Falls was Queensland’s first nationwide park.
There are a number of strolling tracks within the park, together with the Witches Chase Observe, which passes Witches Falls lookout and goes by means of rainforest and eucalypt forest, it’s solely about 2.5 kilometers and it took us roughly an hour to stroll it.
When you have a rental automobile, I’d positively add this to your Gold Coast itinerary. However in the event you don’t have your personal wheels, you may be part of a tour from the Gold Coast. Like this one the place you’ll get to see koalas and kangaroos of their pure habitat, or this one the place you get to go ziplining.
6. Go to Witches Falls Vineyard
Tamborine Nationwide Park is one half, however Tamborine Mountain has cafés, retailers, viewpoints, strolling trails, gardens, and a slower mountain-town really feel.
We popped in right here for a tasty sandwich at Franquette earlier than heading to Witches Falls Vineyard, which is a widely known cellar door stops on Tamborine Mountain, and the setting is gorgeous.
We truly had a picnic within the vineyards (it’s all about who you already know 😉), however they’ve many outside tables as effectively. We beloved the number of wines right here.
If you happen to’re spending quite a lot of days on the Gold Coast, I feel it’s value giving your self no less than one full day away from the seashore. The coast is gorgeous, clearly, however the mountains supply totally different surroundings and a unique vibe.
8. Watch the Surf at Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks
Coolangatta feels totally different from the central Gold Coast in one of the best ways.
It’s nonetheless beachy and delightful, nevertheless it has a extra relaxed, old-school coastal really feel in comparison with locations like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. It’s proper down close to the New South Wales border, so it takes a bit longer to get there in the event you’re based mostly farther north, nevertheless it’s completely definitely worth the journey.
One of many highlights on this space is Snapper Rocks.
This can be a well-known surf spot, and even in the event you don’t surf, it’s nonetheless value visiting simply to observe the waves, stroll alongside the shoreline, and take within the views.
We watched the surf from the Rainbow Bay Surf Membership, over rooster parmis and Mick Fanning’s beer…and truly, we noticed Mick Fanning browsing whereas we have been right here!
In case you don’t know, he’s an Australian professional surfer, well-known for surviving a shark assault whereas browsing in South Africa – he punched and kicked the shark…
The shoreline round Snapper Rocks is beautiful. You possibly can stroll across the level, watch the surf, and look again throughout the seashores. It’s additionally an awesome space for pictures, particularly if the climate is evident.
I beloved that this a part of the Gold Coast felt extra laid-back. It nonetheless has eating places, cafés, and lots happening, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel as built-up because the central areas.
When you have time, pair Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks with a go to to close by Kirra Seaside or Rainbow Bay. This southern finish of the Gold Coast is ideal for a slower seashore day.
9. Drive By way of Currumbin Valley
Currumbin Valley was one other place that made me notice how far more there may be to the Gold Coast than simply seashores.
We drove by means of right here with our associates and have been fortunate sufficient to identify kangaroos on the aspect of the street! This was our first day in Australia and already we’d seen kangaroos and a koala!
The valley is inexperienced, peaceable, and plush, with winding roads, timber, and relaxed really feel that makes you overlook you’re nonetheless so near one among Australia’s busiest vacation locations.
When you have a automobile, it is a lovely space to discover at a relaxed tempo, with a cease at Pasture & Co. for a bit of lemon merangue pie the scale of your head!
Don’t go anticipating a packed itinerary or a protracted listing of sights to tick off. The enchantment is extra in regards to the drive, the surroundings, and stopping wherever seems fascinating.
For us, visiting areas like Currumbin Valley gave the journey much more depth. It made the Gold Coast really feel much less like a seashore vacation spot and extra like a area with a completely totally different vibe relying on the place you go.
If you happen to’re somebody who likes nature, street journeys, and locations that really feel slightly quieter, find time for the valleys.
10. Chill out at a Bathhouse
One factor I didn’t anticipate earlier than visiting the Gold Coast was how large the bathhouse and wellness scene is. However when you’re there, it makes whole sense.
The Gold Coast has such an lively, outdoorsy way of life. Persons are browsing, swimming, strolling the seashore, mountaineering, doing yoga, and spending a lot time outdoors. So locations the place you may soak, steam, chilly plunge, and unwind suits proper in!
We visited Greenhouse the Bathhouse in Tallebudgera Valley on a woman’s journey, and it was such a pleasant change of tempo from the seashore days and sightseeing.
It’s a wonderful, relaxed house with heat swimming pools, a chilly plunge, sauna, steam room, therapeutic massage therapies, outside areas, and a plant-based restaurant on-site.
It was stylish, however not intimidating in any respect, and since it’s tucked away within the valley, it has that peaceable “escape for a couple of hours” feeling.
Recommended Gold Coast Itinerary
If you happen to’re making an attempt to determine easy methods to put all of this collectively, right here’s how I’d plan a primary journey.
For a brief keep of three or 4 days, base your self in Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads. Spend in the future exploring Broadbeach, Mermaid Seaside, and Surfers Paradise. Spend one other day in Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek.
Then use your closing day for both Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks or a day journey to Tamborine Mountain.
For an extended keep of 1 week or extra, you may sluggish issues down and unfold every little thing out. Go to the principle seashore suburbs, spend a correct day in Burleigh, swim at Tallebudgera Creek, drive all the way down to Coolangatta, discover Currumbin Valley, and take a full day for Tamborine Nationwide Park and Tamborine Mountain.
When you have 10–12 days like we did, even higher. That offers you time to revisit your favorite seashores, spend time with associates, strive extra eating places, and never really feel like day by day must be jam packed.
The place To Keep on the Gold Coast
For us, Broadbeach was the right base.
It was central, walkable, near the seashore, and had loads of eating places and cafés close by. It additionally made it simple to go to different components of the Gold Coast with out feeling like we have been staying within the busiest vacationer zone.
Surfers Paradise is healthier in order for you nightlife, large lodges, purchasing, and a extra energetic vacationer scene.
Burleigh Heads is nice in order for you a extra native, fashionable, beach-town really feel with nice meals, surf, and entry to nature.
Coolangatta is an effective alternative in order for you a quieter southern Gold Coast stick with lovely seashores and a extra relaxed tempo. For a first-time go to, I’d personally select Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads.
Getting Across the Gold Coast
You may get round components of the Gold Coast with no automobile, particularly in the event you’re staying in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, or Southport. The tram makes it simple to maneuver between a number of the most important central areas.
However if you wish to go to locations like Tamborine Nationwide Park, Witches Falls Vineyard, Currumbin Valley, Tallebudgera Valley, and a number of the quieter areas, having a automobile makes a giant distinction.
The Gold Coast is unfold out, and a number of the finest locations are outdoors the principle seashore strip. A automobile provides you the liberty to discover at your personal tempo, cease at random viewpoints, and never fear about working round buses or excursions. Click on right here to go looking for one of the best offers on rental automobiles within the Gold Coast.
Or, in the event you’re on an extended journey by means of Australia, you can at all times take a look at one among these routes in a campervan!
Closing Ideas
The Gold Coast shocked me. I anticipated lovely seashores, which it positively has. However I didn’t anticipate the mountain areas, the gorgeous valleys and the funky seashore cities!
After 12 days, I understood why folks love this a part of Australia.
The Gold Coast isn’t only one vacation spot. It’s a mixture of seashore cities, surf spots, rainforest walks, valleys, wineries, eating places, and simple coastal residing.
And whilst you can completely go to for a fast vacation, I feel it’s even higher while you give your self sufficient time to decelerate and truly get pleasure from it.
