Queensland’s biggest beach city is known for theme parks and Surfers Paradise’s glitter strip, but there is much more to the Gold Coast than meets the eye!

I acknowledge the Yugambeh people as the First Nations owners of the lands now recognised as the Gold Coast. I pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. I recognise that these lands have always been places of great natural beauty, culture and community.

Morning

Start with a delicious & healthy breakfast at Mandala Organic Arts Cafe in Mermaid Beach, or Lola’s Cafe in Broadbeach.

For the young or young at heart, head to Sea World. Sea World is one of the coast’s many famous theme parks and is by far my favourite. Theme parks aren’t really my scene, but Sea World is a lot more charming than the others and I always get a kick out of seeing the adorable penguins zooming through the water and the polar bears playing on the ice. It’s also the closest to the heart of the Gold Coast, just on the end of The Spit, past Palazzo Versace.

Even better, if you’re visiting between June-November, go whale watching on the Gold Coast with Spirit of Gold Coast.

Afternoon

Every chance we get, we head to Pigs & Pints in Burleigh Heads. Their mouthwatering sliders and apple mojito can’t be beat! For the health conscious, check out The Cardamom Pod in Broadbeach.

After lunch, spend the afternoon lazing around on beautiful Burleigh Beach or splashing in the waves (stay between the flags!). Tourists tend to flock to Main Beach in Surfers Paradise, but Burleigh is much more beautiful and is only 10-15 minutes down the road. When you’re down, take a wander around the village-like Burleigh, which oozes character and laid-back charm.

Evening

Head up to Skypoint at Q1 to enjoy stunning 360-degree city & surf views. It’s a steep $29 to go up, but if you keep your pass you can return for a year, for free! Stay long enough to watch the sun go down and the city light up.

For dinner, make a reservation at Hellenika for delicious, modern Greek. If you’re on a budget, drop into one of the Gold Coast’s many sushi bars or into Cha Chas, for cheap & cheerful Japanese.

Late Night

Broadbeach has the best nightlife on the Gold Coast. Right beside the infamous Surfers Paradise (avoid), Broadbeach is a sophisticated and stylish alternative to the tourist and bogan mecca of Surfers. Check out Espana and Little Sister and for clubbing, East.

Have you been to the Gold Coast? Is there anything you’d add?

Genevieve Lauren

Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.

I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.

My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!

The Wanderbug is reader supported. This site may contain links to affiliate websites, which means when you buy through links on this site I may receive a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!