The PERFECT 5-Day Gold Coast Itinerary (For First-Timers!)
The Gold Coast might be famous for its theme parks and hectic beaches (Surfers Paradise, we see you). But it has SO. MUCH. MORE.
We’ve travelled all over Australia while living in our caravan… and South Goldie is the only place we’d genuinely consider settling down. Hopefully after doing this itinerary, you’ll understand why!
Now, to really soak it all in, we recommend spending 5-6 days here. That’s why this itinerary is built for a 5-day trip.
But if you’re short on time, grab the first 3 days of it. They cover all the must-see spots, so you won’t feel like you’ve missed out.
You’ll notice theme parks are at the end of this itinerary – that’s because we’re not really into them, we prefer spending time exploring the beaches, the national parks, and off the beaten path.
So if you’re like us, this Gold Coast itinerary is exactly what you need!
We’ll give you a detailed itinerary day by day with the best spots to visit, how to move around, where to eat, and a few tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free. Let’s dive in!
We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Yugambeh people.
But first… travel essentials for the Gold Coast
🎉 Activities: These are some of the best tours in Goldie
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🚗 Car Rentals: These companies have a wide variety of rentals, compare the two to grab the best deal for your travel dates: Rental Cars and Discover Cars
🛏️Accomodation: Book your next stay here
✈️ Flights: Great deals on flight tickets here
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Day 1: Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint
Morning: Surfers Paradise
Afternoon: Main Beach or Wave Break Island.
Evening: Beachfront markets or SkyPoint Observation Deck.
Day 1 of your Gold Coast adventure is about enjoying the heart of the action at Surfers Paradise!
We recommend waking up early to watch the sunrise at Surfers Paradise Beach, it’s unbeatable. This means you’ll also grab a nice spot at the beach, as it can get very busy around midday.
The beach is great for swimming, surfing, and just chilling. Plus there are heaps of cafés and shops nearby so you can easily spend the day there!
If you’ve never surfed before, definitely consider taking your first surf lesson with these guys! Or go on a jet ski boating tour (this is the one we did, highly recommend!).
For the afternoon, you can either stay at Surfers Paradise Beach or head north to Main Beach, a quieter alternative. It’s perfect if you’re after some laid-back beach time with fewer crowds.
Another option is snorkelling or kayaking to Wave Break Island, an artificial island just offshore! It has calm waters and heaps of marine life. You can get there by kayak or with a tour like this one.
As evening rolls around, you’ve got two fantastic options:
Head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck for unbeatable panoramic views of the Gold Coast skyline. Try to get there to see the sunset, it’s epic! The entry tickets are here.
Or visit the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets if they’re on (usually Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights). Browse local arts and crafts, and grab a bite while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
As for getting around, it’s super easy thanks to the G:link tram, which connects all the key spots for the day. Plan the journey, check ticket prices and more here!
Tours for this day:
Day 2: Hot air ballooning and beach OR Springbrook National Park
Morning: Hot air balloon ride.
Afternoon: Burleigh Heads / Coolangatta Beach or Springbrook National Park.
On Day 2, we recommend ticking off a bucket list item – going on a hot air balloon ride.
This is a quintessential Goldie experience where you’ll float above the beautiful Hinterlands as you see the sunrise. It was one of the highlights of our visit!
We did our hot air balloon ride with these guys and can’t recommend them enough. They include pick up and drop off plus a great breakfast, and the pilot is very experienced – we felt safe the whole time.
However, all hot air balloon tours pick you up VERY early, at around 3 am (ungodly I know). But it’s 100% worth it!
If you decide to do it, you’ll be back in your accommodation at around 9-10 am.
If you don’t want to do it or if you don’t feel like taking a nap after the ride, there are a few things you can do:
Option A: Chill day at the beach
Take it chill and head to Burleigh Heads Beach or Coolangatta Beach.
These are part of the southern Gold Coast. These southern beaches are a bit more relaxed than the hectic Surfers Paradise, plus beautiful crystal-clear water and a chilled vibe.
There are plenty of nearby cafés and takeaway spots too, for an easy lunch. It’s a ~30-minute drive from Surfers Paradise (without traffic).
If you don’t want to drive there, we recommend hiring a taxi, Uber, etc.
The buses at the Broadbeach South Station can take you there, but they weren’t following the schedule when we went so we had to wait for a while.
Option B: Springbrook National Park
If you’ve got plenty of energy left in your tank, drive to Springbrook National Park, about 45 minutes from the coast.
It’s a beautiful national park famous for its waterfalls and the Natural Bridge, a stunning rock formation with glow worms after dark!
You need a car for this though, public transport doesn’t get there. We recommend looking into these two car rental companies – both have great variety plus you can grab the best deal for your travel dates: Rental Cars and Discover Cars.
Tours for this day:
Day 3: Mount Tamborine
Morning: Rainforest Skywalk and Curtis Falls.
Afternoon: Wine tour or Gallery Walk.
Evening: Glow worm cave tour or Hang Gliders Lookout.
On Day 3 you’ll go to the famous Mount Tamborine, a lush area in the Hinterlands just a 45-minute drive inland from Surfers Paradise.
The drive there is beautiful, taking you through rolling hills and dense greenery!
If you’re into wine, we definitely recommend booking a wine tour. We went with these guys and had an epic time.
If not, don’t worry! Kick your day off at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
It’s a 1.5km return walk through elevated walkways, eventually leading to the treetops! Seeing the whole forest from above is incredible.
After that, head to Curtis Falls, just a quick 10-minute drive away. It’s another 1.5km return walk to this iconic spot, where you’ll see platypuses and glow worms. You can’t swim there, but the scenery is worth every step!
By lunchtime, you’ll be ready for a feed, so head to Gallery Walk, the hub of Mount Tamborine. It’s a street lined with cafés, wineries, and sweet shops.
Then, consider stopping by Cedar Creek Estate for a glow worm cave tour – it’s a short, guided experience where you’ll see these magical little creatures up close.
Finally, head to Hang Gliders Lookout to watch the sunset. The views are unreal, and it’s the perfect spot to end your day.
Tours for this day:
Day 4: Beaches / Hinterlands AND seasonal activity
Morning: Currumbin Beach or Lamington National Park.
Afternoon: Whale watching (if in season).
There are heaps of things to do on the Gold Coast, so choose whatever suits you the most – check out more beaches, the hinterlands, etc!
We’ll recommend some in a moment. Just make sure that, if you’re visiting between June and October, go whale-watching!
Humpback whales migrate through these waters every year, you can see them up close with a whale-watching tour. Or if you’d rather stay on land, head to Point Danger Lookout – you can often spot whales from there for free.
Whether you’re in whale season or not, here are some more things to do this day:
Option A: Beaches/Water activities
If you’re more into beaches/water activities, head to Currumbin, a quieter spot south of Surfers Paradise, in South Goldie.
We absolutely LOVE that area. The waters are perfect for swimming and for surfing (beginners especially). There are several spots with great coffee, too.
For water activities, you can head to one of our favourite spots – Currumbin Rock Pools! It’s a beautiful area where you can swim and easily spend half the day.
There’s also Currumbin Beach if you’d rather spend more time in the sand, or Currumbin Creek if you’d rather do some paddleboarding or kayaking.
Option B: Lamington National Park
If you’re more of a hiker, drive to Lamington National Park, about an hour from Surfers Paradise.
It’s home to ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and some of the best hikes in the region! Try the Moran Falls Track (4.4 km return) for epic views, or walk part of the Border Track if you’re feeling adventurous.
You might even spot some local wildlife, like pademelons and lyrebirds!
Evening entertainment
Zirque La La (adults only) is an epic show, with a mix of burlesque and circus-style performances. It’s available a few times per month, usually on the weekends.
If there’s a show during your stay, we 100% recommend checking it out! More info here.
If you’re with kids, Australian Outback Spectacular is another great alternative that includes a delicious Aussie-style dinner! Check their schedule here.
Day 5: Day trip OR theme parks
Option A: Day trip to Byron Bay or Brisbane.
Option B: Spend the day at a theme park.
This day offers flexibility depending on your interests!
Option A: Day trip to Byron Bay OR Brisbane
Byron Bay and Brisbane are two of the best day trip destinations near the Gold Coast, and each offers a completely different experience!
Both are well worth visiting, plus it’s the same driving distance for both (~1 hour) so it all comes down to what you’re in the mood for.
Byron Bay is famous for its bohemian vibe, stunning beaches, and relaxed lifestyle.
The town has a mix of boutique shops, organic cafés, and markets that reflect its alternative, beachy culture.
Plus, the Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk is iconic, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the chance to spot whales during migration season.
Brisbane (aka Brissy) is the capital of Queensland, so it’s packed with things to do, from exploring cultural hotspots like the Gallery of Modern Art to strolling along the South Bank Parklands.
There are heaps of tours to do there too, but it’s definitely more hectic than Byron.
Option B: Theme Parks
We’re not particularly into theme parks (which is why they’re at the end of the itinerary) but the Gold Coast is famous for them, so if you’re curious, this is the perfect day to check one of them out!
Warner Bros. Movie World is great for thrill-seekers and movie fans, with big rides, stunt shows, and themed attractions.
If you’re more into a mix of rides and wildlife, Dreamworld has everything from rollercoasters to tiger and koala exhibits.
For marine life lovers, Sea World is the way to go, with dolphins, seals, and gentle rides for the little ones.
All the major parks are about a 20-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and are easily accessible by shuttle or public transport.
They can get pretty busy though, especially in peak season, so try to arrive early to make the most of your day!
If you want to visit more than one, look into multi-park passes—they can save you a fair bit on entry fees.
More days? Add these to your itinerary!
If you’ve got more time to spare, here are a few extra ideas to make your Gold Coast visit even better:
Take it slower, spread out the itinerary and enjoy each destination at a more leisurely pace.
Check out Mount Warning (Wollumbin National Park).
Venture further into Northern NSW to explore charming coastal towns like Lennox Head or Ballina.
And here’s our list with +60 things to do in Gold Coast if you want more inspiration!
When is the best time to visit the Gold Coast?
The best time to visit the Gold Coast is autumn (March-May).
The weather is perfect for the beach and for hiking but without the crowds of peak season. Plus, accommodation prices tend to be a bit cheaper.
That said, every season has its perks. We’ve broken it all down in our guide: the best and worst times to visit the Gold Coast!
Where to stay in the Gold Coast?
First, we recommend staying in Goldie for at least 5-6 days. This itinerary is jam-packed as it is and you’ll enjoy it so much more if you extend it for a few days!
However, the minimum stay is 3 days in our opinion. You can grab the first 3 days of this itinerary and you’ll be good.
Here are some great stays in the area:
Best budget-friendly stay: YHA Coolangatta Gold Coast, an excellent low-budget option that doesn’t sacrifice quality
Best for families and groups: Qube Broadbeach, fully-equipped apartments in Broadbeach, with rooms for up to 7 people.
Best hotel: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, for luxury travellers looking for a great location.
Best luxury: Lotus Resort, for travellers looking for a unique stay and an epic location.
If none of these fill your needs, go here to look for more accommodation options on the Gold Coast!
Where to eat?
- Parkwood Tavern ($$) serves up top-notch Aussie steaks at Graziers Steakhouse, along with all the pub classics you’d expect. Grab a seat inside or kick back outdoors and enjoy your meal in the sunshine.
- Dosa Hut ($$) dishes up bold Indian flavours with a menu that’s got something for everyone. Known for its dosas, curries, and quick service, it’s a solid spot for a feast.
- The Yankees Restaurant & Bar ($$) brings big flavours with juicy burgers, loaded hot dogs, and ice-cold drinks in a fun, lively setting. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a feed, this spot delivers.
- Salacia Waters Café & Restaurant ($$) serves up quality food at fair prices with unbeatable Broadwater views. Easygoing dining with a top-notch backdrop—what more could you want?
- Baileys’ Irish Bar and Restaurant ($$) delivers top-notch pub grub with hearty portions and warm hospitality. From Guinness pot pie to perfectly cooked steaks, this spot knows how to do comfort food right.
Top Tips
Parking in Surfers Paradise and other tourist-heavy areas is a pain – free spots are very rare and paid street parking is on the expensive side.
So if you’re staying in a touristy area, try finding accommodation with parking included.
Also, traffic can be rough. In peak hours, a ride that could take 30 minutes, could take up to 2 hours! So factor that in if you’re moving around by car.
Did you know?
The Gold Coast is part of the traditional land of the Yugambeh people, who have lived in the region for tens of thousands of years.
Their connection to the land is deeply spiritual, with significant sites like Burleigh Headland (Jellurgal), which was a meeting and ceremonial ground.
The Yugambeh people were known for their intricate knowledge of the land, particularly the diverse plant life and marine resources, which they used sustainably.
Today, you can learn more about their culture at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre near Burleigh Heads.
FAQs
How many days are needed on the Gold Coast?
You’ll need at minimum 3 days in the Gold Coast, but preferably stretch it to 5-6 days to experience its beaches, the hinterlands, etc. If you want a more relaxed pace or to explore nearby areas like Byron Bay or Brisbane, plan for a week.
The bottom line
After five epic days on the Gold Coast, we’re sure you’ll see why this place is such a favourite of ours!
There’s so much to do – surfing at Surfers Paradise, snorkelling at Wave Break Island, exploring the rainforests of Springbrook and Lamington, or just chilling on the stunning southern beaches.
Hot air ballooning over the hinterlands is a bucket-list moment you won’t forget. And don’t miss the glow worm caves or the panoramic views from SkyPoint!
The Gold Coast remains a bucket list destination for a reason, with heaps of things to do and natural beauty all around.
Hopefully, this itinerary helps you make the most of your trip and leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even left!
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