Once a sleepy holiday hamlet anchored by Southport, the Gold Coast grew into Australia’s playground—home to wide beaches, winding canals, and the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline. With more waterways than Venice and almost year‑round sunshine, it’s a natural stage for surfers, sailors, and sunset chasers.

Beyond the surf, a subtropical hinterland rises into the Scenic Rim. Here, rainforests cloak ancient volcanoes, wineries line Tamborine Mountain, and glow‑worm caves sparkle after dusk. It’s an easy contrast—salt air in the morning, cool forest in the afternoon.

Expect superb coffee culture, fresh seafood, and a breezy tram linking coastal hubs. Swim between the red-and-yellow flags, wear sun protection even on cloudy days, and watch for bluebottles in summer. The best times to visit are shoulder seasons (April–May, September–November) when the water’s warm and crowds thin.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast stretches from glittering Surfers Paradise to laid‑back Burleigh Heads and south to Currumbin and Kirra. Surf clubs serve schnitzels with million‑dollar views, while rooftop bars and hatted restaurants hum after dark. Inland, Tamborine Mountain offers cellar doors and tree‑fern groves within an hour’s drive.

• Top sights: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Burleigh Head National Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Surfers Paradise Beach.
• Activities: Jet boating on the Broadwater, sunset cruising past luxury marinas, hinterland winery tours, coastal bike paths.
• Dining: From beachside bug rolls at Rick Shores to refined Japanese at Kiyomi, plus standout bakeries like Tarte Bakery and Paddock Bakery.
• Fun facts: The Q1 tower was once the world’s tallest residential building; humpbacks migrate offshore from May to November.

Where to stay (hand-picked):

• Browse Gold Coast holiday homes on VRBO — great for families near Burleigh or Mermaid Beach.
• Search Gold Coast hotels on Hotels.com — compare stays in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Main Beach.
• Palazzo Versace Gold Coast (Main Beach) — opulent lagoon pool, private cabanas, next to Marina Mirage dining.
• Sea World Resort & Water Park — family favorite with easy park access and a Broadwater sunset outlook.

Getting there and around:

• Fly into Gold Coast Airport (OOL) or Brisbane (BNE). From Sydney or Melbourne, direct flights to OOL are ~1.5–2 hours; one‑way fares often ~$80–$180 AUD if booked early. Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• From BNE, the Airtrain plus tram/Uber to Surfers Paradise is ~1.5–2 hours total, ~$30–$45 AUD. OOL to Surfers is ~35–45 minutes by taxi/Uber (~$50–$70 AUD) or bus + tram (~$8–$10 AUD).
• The G:link tram connects Broadbeach–Surfers–Southport frequently; tap contactless or use a go card. Rides cost roughly $3–$5 AUD.

Day 1: Arrival, Sand Between Your Toes, and SkyHigh Sunset

Morning: In transit. If you arrive early, drop bags and stretch your legs on the Surfers Paradise Esplanade. The ocean breeze and public art make for an easy reset after your flight.

Afternoon: Check in and get oriented. For coffee, try Paradox Coffee Roasters (house‑roasted beans, flaky croissants) or Elk Espresso in Broadbeach (inventive brunch plates and vibrant smoothies). Walk the beach from Surfers to Northcliffe and feel the water—lifesavers’ flags mark safe swim zones.

Evening: Ride the lift to the top of the Q1 for a golden‑hour panorama with a SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket. You’ll see the city ribboning south to Burleigh and north to the Spit.

For dinner, book Social Eating House + Bar (charcoal‑kissed lamb shoulder, raw bar) in Broadbeach, or Seascape Restaurant + Bar (line‑caught fish, terrace views) in Surfers. Nightcap at The Island Rooftop for a relaxed open‑air vibe.

Day 2: Broadwater Thrills and a Sunset on the River

Morning: Fuel up at Bam Bam Bakehouse (Mermaid) for buttery kouign‑amann or Tarte Bakery (Burleigh) for custard tarts. Then hold on tight with a 45‑Minute Gold Coast High Speed Jet Boat Thrill Ride departing Surfers Paradise—spray, spins, and skyline views included.

Afternoon: Dry off with a casual lunch at Longboards Laidback Eatery (big burgers steps from the beach) or BSKT Cafe (Nobby Beach; wholesome bowls, beachfront breeze). Wander Pacific Fair for a stylish retail fix, or rent bikes and cruise the oceanfront path.

Evening: Drift past superyachts and waterfront mansions on a Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise—a mellow way to watch the skyline glow.

After, dine at Yamagen (QT Gold Coast; modern izakaya, robata grill) or Gemelli (Broadbeach; handmade pasta and wood‑fired pizza). Cocktail fans should try The Cambus Wallace (Nobby Beach; rum‑forward and nautical).

Day 3: Tamborine Mountain Vines and Views (Full-Day)

Swap sea breeze for mountain air on the Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet Lunch. Expect cellar‑door tastings at boutique wineries, a hearty lunch, and time to browse Gallery Walk’s local artisans—think truffles, fudge, and rainforest‑inspired art. Pickup is typically from the coast; travel time is ~50–70 minutes each way.

Back on the coast, grab a casual bite at The Collective (Palm Beach; five mini‑kitchens under one roof—Mexican to Asian street eats) or settle into Etsu Izakaya (Mermaid Beach; unmarked door, candlelit booths, excellent sashimi). Early night or seaside stroll.

Day 4: Theme Park Day or Wildlife & Water

Morning: Choose your adventure. Theme‑park lovers can head to Warner Bros. Movie World (stunt shows, DC coasters), Sea World (marine exhibits, family rides), or Dreamworld (big‑ticket thrill rides). If wildlife is your speed, visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for koala photos, kangaroo feedings, and the famed lorikeet feeding.

Afternoon: Cool off at the beach or hit GC Aqua Park in Southport for inflatable fun on the Broadwater. Lunch ideas: Currumbin Vikings Surf Life Saving Club (waves practically at your feet) or Koi Dining (Broadbeach; modern Australian with a crowd‑pleasing menu).

Evening: Dine at Kiyomi (The Star; refined Japanese, stellar sashimi and binchotan‑grilled specialties) or Nineteen at The Star (seafood and steaks, elevated views). Night owls can wander to The Island Rooftop or watch the surfers under floodlights at Snapper Rocks when swells are up.

Day 5: Burleigh Headland, Brunch, and Golden Hour on the Hill

Morning: Start with Paddock Bakery (a weatherboard cottage baking sourdough, dippy eggs in a pan) or The Salt Mill (Burleigh; smoothies in pineapples, great espresso). Walk the Oceanview Track through Burleigh Head National Park—lookouts across to Surfers, pandanus-framed coves, and regular whale spouts in season.

Afternoon: Long lunch at Rick Shores (order the famous Moreton Bay bug roll and a whole crispy fish to share) or The Tropic at Burleigh Pavilion (Mediterranean‑leaning, sunlit and breezy). If you want action, book a surf lesson at Burleigh or paddle the Tallebudgera Creek in translucent water.

Evening: Bring a picnic to Burleigh Hill for a locals‑favorite sunset. Afterwards, sample Gold Coast craft beer at Burleigh Brewing’s taproom (seasonal IPAs, live music) or head to Rosella’s Bar (Aussie nostalgia cocktails and lamingtons). For dinner, keep it casual with fish ’n’ chips from Red Hot Cod or go for modern Asian at Hideaway Kitchen & Bar (Broadbeach; neon courtyard, share plates).

Day 6: Markets, Last Dips, and Departure

Morning: If it’s Saturday, browse HOTA Farmers Markets (local cheeses, tropical fruit, artisan pastries). Otherwise, stroll to Miami Marketta’s daytime pop‑ups if running, or take one final swim—Main Beach and Kurrawa are patrolled and spacious.

Afternoon: Early lunch at Kurrawa Surf Club (sea views and classic Aussie plates) or Iku Yakitori Bar (Burleigh; smoky skewers and sake). Pick up any last‑minute gifts—locally roasted beans, macadamia treats, or surf‑brand goodies—then head for the airport.

Evening: Flying out. If you have a late departure, a relaxed buffet dinner cruise is a pleasant finale another night, but tonight keep it light and easy for travel.

Optional upgrades and swaps: Adrenaline fans can tandem skydive over the coast, parasail off Surfers, or join a kayaking/snorkel session to spot rays and dolphins. Nature lovers can add Springbrook’s waterfalls and Natural Bridge on a guided day tour, or pair Tamborine’s Rainforest Skywalk with glow‑worm caves in the evening.

Useful local tips:

• Swim between the flags; rips can be strong even on calm days.
• Public transport is cashless—use contactless cards/phones on buses and trams.
• Restaurants book up on weekends; reserve Burleigh and Broadbeach favorites 1–2 weeks ahead.

Featured experiences (book ahead):

• 45‑Minute Gold Coast High Speed Jet Boat Thrill Ride
• SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket
• Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet Lunch
• Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

Six days on the Gold Coast gives you the rhythm of the place—surf at dawn, rainforest by midday, skyline sunsets at night. From Burleigh’s headland to Tamborine’s vineyards, you’ll taste the coast’s best without rushing the moments that make it memorable.