Best of Gold Coast

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Gold Coast
Known for its long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters, and lush hinterland, Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.

From the famous Surfers Paradise beach to the adventurous outdoor activities, such as surfing, jet-skiing, and parasailing, Gold Coast offers an array of options for visitors. Nature enthusiasts can explore the hinterland's rainforests, waterfalls, and national parks, while families can enjoy the city's world-class theme parks, including Dreamworld and Warner Bros. Movie World. At night, Gold Coast comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, with an abundance of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to explore, as well as popular shopping destinations, such as Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre.
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Byron Bay
Map of The Best of Brisbane & the Gold Coast - 6 Days
The Best of Brisbane & the Gold Coast - 6 Days

Experience the best of Australia's less-visited yet beautiful East Coast. This includes highlights of Queensland, like the eclectic metropolis of Brisbane and the endless beaches and shimmering skyscrapers of the Gold Coast. You'll also take day trips to charming Byron Bay, visit a koala sanctuary, and go off-the-beaten path on self-drive road trips to rainforest-covered national parks.

Explore the Gold Coast's extensive coastline
Map of Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days
Gold Coast & Byron Bay - 7 Days

Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand on this week-long tour of Australia's famous Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Starting in Coolangatta, you'll head up the Gold Coast to Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise, where you'll enjoy golden beaches, world-class shopping, and a vibrant entertainment scene. End your stay in Byron Bay, taking in stunning sunsets, visiting organic farms, and meeting with friendly local artisans.

Gold Coast
Map of South East Queensland: Brisbane & Gold Coast - 5 Days
South East Queensland: Brisbane & Gold Coast - 5 Days

This five-day itinerary encompasses the best of South East Queensland. Begin in Brisbane with a trip to Mount Coot-Tha for beautiful views and a welcome toast. Then, explore the Australia Zoo with its many native exhibits, shows, and tours. Next, enjoy a free day in Gold Coast—take a walk through Burleigh Heads National Park Headlands, embark on the SkyPoint Climb excursion, or visit one of the many theme parks—followed by a visit to Mount Tambourine National Park.

Visit koalas on your Australian family vacation
Map of Australian Family Holiday: Brisbane & Gold Coast - 7 Days
Australian Family Holiday: Brisbane & Gold Coast - 7 Days

On this weeklong, family-friendly vacation to Australia, experience two different regions—Brisbane and Gold Coast. Upon landing in Brisbane, do some self-exploration, and take in welcome views together from Mount Coot-Tha. Then, board a relaxing river cruise to mingle with native animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, followed by more fauna fun at the Australia Zoo. Next, travel to Gold Coast to join an Aquaduck tour of the city, followed by a free day and an adventure to action-packed Movie World.

High rise buildings of the Gold Coast from above Broadbeach Waters
Map of Gold Coast & Brisbane: Best Itinerary Ideas
Gold Coast & Brisbane: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, five to seven days is the perfect amount of time for an Australia trip with stops in both Gold Coast and Brisbane. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Sydney or Airlie Beach. Get inspired with kimkim's Gold Coast and Brisbane trip ideas below.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Map of Best of Eastern Australia: Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast & Melbourne - 10 Days
Best of Eastern Australia: Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast & Melbourne - 10 Days

On this 10-day adventure through Australia, discover four cities, along with several scenic day trips. Begin in Sydney to tour landmarks and areas like The Rocks, Sydney Harbour, and Bondi Beach, along with an excursion to the stunning Blue Mountains region. Then, enjoy a quick day in Cairns for an Indigenous experience, followed by two days in Gold Coast to tour the beaches and enjoy some thrills. The vacation ends in Melbourne to visit the funky pub scene, embark on a wildlife tour of Phillip Island, and take a guided road trip through Great Ocean Road.

Byron Bay
Map of Coastal Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef & More - 14 Days
Coastal Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef & More - 14 Days

A trip along the coast is a great way to experience the full range of sights and activities available in the Sunshine State of Queensland. On this two-week tour, you'll snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, lounge on white-sand beaches on the Whitsunday Islands, come face-to-face with koalas near Brisbane, and much more.

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Map of Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne & Gold Coast: Best Itinerary Ideas
Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne & Gold Coast: Best Itinerary Ideas

Twelve days to two weeks is a great length for an Australia trip with stops in Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Gold Coast. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 9 to 11 days. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Surfers Paradise. Get inspired with the below Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Gold Coast trip ideas.

Best of Australia’s East Coast: Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, & Cairns - 14 Days
Map of Best of Australia’s East Coast: Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, & Cairns - 14 Days
Best of Australia’s East Coast: Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, & Cairns - 14 Days

Two weeks offers plenty of time to explore some of the best regions in Australia. Arrive in Melbourne and enjoy the funky, bohemian vibe of the city, along with some sightseeing and a free day. Then, travel to Sydney for a pub tour, and to explore the famous neighborhoods and iconic landmarks around Sydney Harbour. Next, tour Gold Coast, including an excursion to Mount Tambourine National Park, along with free time to surf and relax. The trip concludes in Cairns with two epic day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches the East Coast has to offer
Map of East Coast of Australia - 13 Days
East Coast of Australia - 13 Days

Begin your journey in artsy Melbourne, exploring the hidden alleyways, vintage shopping, and quirky coffee shops. Spend a few days in bustling Sydney, then make your way up north to the Gold Coast, one of Australia's iconic surfing destinations. Your trip ends in Cairns with a visit to the famous Great Barrier Reef.

Gold Coast
Map of The Best of Eastern Australia: Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast & Melbourne - 15 Days
The Best of Eastern Australia: Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast & Melbourne - 15 Days

This packed 15-day itinerary includes the best of Australia's stunning coastline. It takes you from hallmark cities like Melbourne and Sydney to the epic surf of the Gold Coast and up to Queensland for an adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll make time for hikes in the rainforest, watching penguins on parade, day trips to rugged mountains, and an unforgettable road trip down the scenic Great Ocean Road.

Whitsundays
Map of Australia East Coast Adventure - 21 Days
Australia East Coast Adventure - 21 Days

Three weeks on the east coast of Australia is enough to cover all the highlights and much more. On this itinerary, you'll experience First Nations culture, embark on coastal road trips, take a balloon ride over wine country, hike the famous Blue Mountains, and tour the highlights of Sydney—and that's only the beginning. The adventure continues with surfing in Byron Bay, relaxing on the Gold Coast, exploring the outback, and sailing around the Great Barrier Reef.

Byron Bay's famous lighthouse watches over its coastline
Map of Ultimate East Coast Australia & Uluru - 18 Days
Ultimate East Coast Australia & Uluru - 18 Days

Get ready for the Australian adventure of a lifetime. Over 18 days, you'll take in the dazzling sights of Sydney and witness the magnificent Uluru at sunrise and sunset. Move on to Cairns to snorkel the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and trek the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Then it's time for a road trip as you set out along the beautiful east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Sydney, soaking up laid-back vibes of the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and more.

Aerial view of Australia's Gold Coast
Map of Australia East Coast Family Road Trip: Brisbane to Sydney - 10 Days
Australia East Coast Family Road Trip: Brisbane to Sydney - 10 Days

Independent travelers will love this 10-day family road trip across Australia's spectacular east coast. Traverse the stunning Gold Coast hinterland as you wind through charming towns, rainforest detours, and sweeping bays before experiencing the iconic sights of Sydney. You and the family will get to cuddle koalas, surf 100-foot dunes, and marvel at the majestic humpbacks during a whale watching cruise.

 Embark on a 10-day journey along Australia's east coast, including the beguiling beach town of Byron Bay
Map of Australia's East Coast Highlights: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Byron Bay & Brisbane - 10 Days
Australia's East Coast Highlights: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Byron Bay & Brisbane - 10 Days

This 10-day journey explores the best of Australia's east coast. Starting in Sydney, you'll pedal across the city, ticking off the sights, then board a sunset harbor cruise. Skip south to Melbourne, where the city's creative laneway culture and bar scene await. Fly to the Gold Coast for endless sunshine, surf, and sand. Get behind the wheel for a mini road trip to Byron Bay, where you'll indulge in the local food scene, then cap off your trip cuddling koalas in Brisbane.

Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast
Map of Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days
Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days

Explore the East Coast of Australia at your own pace on this 20-day self-drive tour. Stop in Sydney and the beautiful Gold Coast, learn to surf, and go hiking in the rainforest in Queensland. See unique Australian animals in the many nature preserves and enjoy the sun-soaked beaches on the coast. Snorkle to see the Great Barrier Reef, venture to the Australian outback to visit a sacred site, and go white-water rafting as you experience all Australia has to offer.

Travel at your own pace and make as many swim stops as you'd like
Map of Southern & Eastern Australia Road Trip - 15 Days
Southern & Eastern Australia Road Trip - 15 Days

Enjoy an epic 15-day road trip to the most incredible cities, towns, and landmarks throughout the south and east of Australia. It starts in Melbourne, the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, and from there you'll drive north, stopping at wildlife reserves and coastal towns along the way. In Sydney, you'll hit the highlights before continuing to gorgeous beach areas like Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

Watch the sun rise over Uluru
Map of Ultimate Australia: Sydney to Cairns & Uluru - 19 Days
Ultimate Australia: Sydney to Cairns & Uluru - 19 Days

This 19-day Australian adventure combines the mega-metropolis of Sydney with the laidback surf towns on the east coast, the reefs and rainforest of Cairns, and the ancient mystique of Uluru. Start with Australia's biggest city before making your way up to Brisbane, stopping en-route to see whales and dolphins, explore tropical forests, and visit relaxed beachside towns. Round it off with a trip up to Cairns & into Australia's Red Center to marvel at some of the world's greatest natural sites and uncover the secrets of the oldest living culture.

Other popular travel destinations in Australia
Sydney · Melbourne · Cairns · Uluru · Port Douglas · Perth · Whitsundays · Hamilton Island · Airlie Beach · Tasmania