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 record for a few years, however for no matter purpose, we hadn’t made it to this a part of the world…
…till our Aussie pals determined to get married! They dwell on the Gold Coast and we ended up spending 12 days exploring up and down the coast, and inland as nicely.
We based mostly ourselves in Broadbeach, which ended up being the proper spot. It was central, walkable, relaxed, and shut sufficient to the whole lot we wished to see with out feeling like we have been in the course of the occasion zone all the time.
Having locals to information us round meant we received the insider’s scoop on one of the best locations to go to, issues to do, locations to eat…and naturally, the place to seek out one of the best wine!
On this publish, I’ll share the ten finest issues to see and do on the Gold Coast that you just gained’t need to miss.
Don’t Overlook Your Entry Visa!
Earlier than moving into one of the best issues to do on the Gold Coast, I want to say one crucial factor that we nearly tousled ourselves.
You want a legitimate 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 often get a visa on arrival, however everybody else must have the proper visa authorised earlier than travelling.
As Canadians, we assumed we didn’t want a visa and could be given six months in Australia on arrival, much 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 wished.
The excellent news is that the method might be fairly easy, however you undoubtedly don’t need to go away it till the final minute.
Test your visa necessities earlier than reserving your flight, or at the very least nicely earlier than your departure date, and ensure the visa is linked to the identical passport you’ll be travelling with.
Should you’re planning a visit to the Gold Coast, or anyplace else in Australia, you’ll be able to verify which visa you want and apply on-line earlier than you go along with iVisa – they provide 24/7 buyer help by means of electronic mail, chat or WhatsApp…in 14 totally different languages.
Should you attempt to get the visa your self and make one small error, that may delay the processing time. iVisa has a 99% approval price, exhibiting how dependable and correct the corporate is.
In fact, all visa selections/outcomes nonetheless will depend on the federal government and that’s nothing iVisa or different corporations have management over.
Concerning the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one in all Australia’s most well-known vacation locations, sitting in Southeast Queensland, about an hour south of Brisbane – which is the primary 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 most likely already know this, however the Gold Coast is legendary for its seashores – there are round 50 kilometres of shoreline right here. However what stunned me most was how rapidly 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 seaside, 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 stunning spots in between.
Greatest Issues To Do On The Gold Coast
After an superior go to, right here’s my record of the belongings you gained’t need to miss.
1. Base Your self in Broadbeach
Should you’re questioning the place to remain on the Gold Coast, I’d completely suggest Broadbeach.
For us, it was the best base. It has the whole lot you want – the seaside, nice eating places, cafés, retailers, and public transport, however it feels extra chilled out than Surfers Paradise.
You may 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 pals, not simply working round ticking off sights.
Kurrawa Seaside is correct there, and it’s a good looking 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 energetic, you possibly can try this browsing expertise with a surf coach.
2. Stroll Round Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise might be probably 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 individuals typically think about: tall buildings, a large seaside, 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, however it’s value trying out.
We walked alongside the boardwalk and sand from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise. Simply north of it, there’s an important seaside membership known 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 the 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 pleased to return to Broadbeach afterward.
3. Spend Time in Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads was one in all my favorite areas on the Gold Coast.
It has that excellent mixture of seaside, cafés, native power, and pure magnificence. There are nice locations to eat, individuals hanging out on the grass by the seaside, surfers within the water, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Probably the greatest 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 an enormous hike, it’s value going for a stroll right here. The views over Tallebudgera Creek and the shoreline are beautiful.
Afterward, seize a chunk at the Tropic. The views listed here 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 this can be 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…
After we drove handed Tallebudgera Creek, I couldn’t imagine simply how beautiful it was. The water is calm, clear, and ridiculously blue on a sunny day. It’s an important spot for swimming, floating round, paddleboarding, or simply sitting by the water with pals.
In contrast to a number of the surf seashores, the creek feels extra sheltered and relaxed – which is what I used to be in search of throughout our journey! It’s among the finest swimming spots on the Gold Coast if you’d like calm water somewhat than waves.
5. Go to Mermaid Seaside
Mermaid Seaside is one other nice space to discover, particularly in the event you like a quieter seaside vibe.
It sits between Broadbeach and Miami, so it’s simple to succeed in in the event you’re staying centrally. In comparison with Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Seaside feels way more low-key. It’s nonetheless stunning, nonetheless near the whole lot, however it has extra of a neighbourhood really feel.
It is a excellent place to return for a relaxed seaside stroll, adopted by a gradual espresso or brunch – which is strictly what we did at Sunnyboy Espresso.
Mermaid Seaside doesn’t have the identical big-ticket attraction really feel as another areas, however that’s form of the purpose.
7. Discover Tamborine Mountain & Park
Probably the greatest issues in regards to the Gold Coast is which you could be on the seaside within the morning and within the rainforest by the afternoon.
Tamborine Nationwide Park is a good day journey and provides you a totally totally different aspect of the area. As an alternative of sand, surf, and high-rises, you get rainforest walks, mountain roads, lookouts, and cooler air. I cherished 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 particularly value visiting. It’s additionally traditionally vital, 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.
You probably have a rental automotive, I’d undoubtedly add this to your Gold Coast itinerary. However in the event you don’t have your individual wheels, you’ll be able to 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 well known cellar door stops on Tamborine Mountain, and the setting is beautiful.
We truly had a picnic within the vineyards (it’s all about who 😉), however they’ve many out of doors tables as nicely. We cherished the number of wines right here.
Should you’re spending various days on the Gold Coast, I feel it’s value giving your self at the very least one full day away from the seaside. The coast is gorgeous, clearly, however the mountains provide totally different surroundings and a special vibe.
8. Watch the Surf at Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks
Coolangatta feels totally different from the central Gold Coast in one of the simplest ways.
It’s nonetheless beachy and delightful, however 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, however it’s completely well worth the journey.
One of many highlights on this space is Snapper Rocks.
It is 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 hen 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 may stroll across the level, watch the surf, and look again throughout the seashores. It’s additionally an important space for images, particularly if the climate is evident.
I cherished that this a part of the Gold Coast felt extra laid-back. It nonetheless has eating places, cafés, and many occurring, however it doesn’t really feel as built-up because the central areas.
You probably 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 seaside day.
9. Drive By means of Currumbin Valley
Currumbin Valley was one other place that made me notice how way more there’s to the Gold Coast than simply seashores.
We drove by means of right here with our pals 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 luxurious, with winding roads, timber, and relaxed really feel that makes you neglect you’re nonetheless so near one in all Australia’s busiest vacation locations.
You probably have a automotive, this can be a stunning 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 record 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 seaside vacation spot and extra like a area with a very totally different vibe relying on the place you go.
Should you’re somebody who likes nature, street journeys, and locations that really feel a bit 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 complete sense.
The Gold Coast has such an energetic, outdoorsy life-style. Persons are browsing, swimming, strolling the seaside, climbing, doing yoga, and spending a lot time outdoors. So locations the place you’ll be able to soak, steam, chilly plunge, and unwind matches 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 seaside days and sightseeing.
It’s a good looking, relaxed house with heat swimming pools, a chilly plunge, sauna, steam room, therapeutic massage therapies, out of doors areas, and a plant-based restaurant on-site.
It was elegant, 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.
Advised Gold Coast Itinerary
Should you’re making an attempt to determine the right way 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 at some point 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’ll be able to gradual issues down and unfold the whole lot out. Go to the primary seaside suburbs, spend a correct day in Burleigh, swim at Tallebudgera Creek, drive right down to Coolangatta, discover Currumbin Valley, and take a full day for Tamborine Nationwide Park and Tamborine Mountain.
You probably have 10–12 days like we did, even higher. That provides you time to revisit your favorite seashores, spend time with pals, strive extra eating places, and never really feel like daily needs to be jam packed.
The place To Keep on the Gold Coast
For us, Broadbeach was the proper base.
It was central, walkable, near the seaside, 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 best if you’d like nightlife, large lodges, purchasing, and a extra energetic vacationer scene.
Burleigh Heads is nice if you’d like a extra native, stylish, beach-town really feel with nice meals, surf, and entry to nature.
Coolangatta is an effective alternative if you’d like a quieter southern Gold Coast stick with stunning 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 will get round components of the Gold Coast with no automotive, 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 fundamental 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 automotive makes an enormous distinction.
The Gold Coast is unfold out, and a number of the finest locations are outdoors the primary seaside strip. A automotive provides you the liberty to discover at your individual 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 possibly can at all times try one in all these routes in a campervan!
Ultimate Ideas
The Gold Coast stunned me. I anticipated stunning seashores, which it undoubtedly has. However I didn’t anticipate the mountain areas, the gorgeous valleys and the funky seaside cities!
After 12 days, I understood why individuals love this a part of Australia.
The Gold Coast isn’t only one vacation spot. It’s a mixture of seaside cities, surf spots, rainforest walks, valleys, wineries, eating places, and straightforward coastal residing.
And whilst you can completely go to for a fast vacation, I feel it’s even higher whenever you give your self sufficient time to decelerate and truly get pleasure from it.
