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The Gold Coast has lengthy been Australia’s premier vacation vacation spot with sufficient actions and points of interest to fill your Gold Coast itinerary for weeks! There are the seashores, unimaginable theme parks, waterways, the hinterland, hipster cafes, vibrant nightlife, procuring strips and a lot extra.
However what should you solely have 48 hours on the Gold Coast to play with? What are you able to do on only a brief weekend getaway to the Gold Coast? Don’t stress, you possibly can nonetheless expertise the most effective of this metropolis even once you solely have a short while.
That can assist you out, I’ve put collectively this final 2 day Gold Coast itinerary so that you see the highlights and take advantage of out of your brief go to.
About this 2 day Gold Coast itinerary
If you happen to’re like most busy households and all you possibly can handle is a brief getaway, then don’t let these two days be packed stuffed with stress and drama. The Gold Coast is all about having a very good time, which is why it’s one in every of our favorite locations to reside in Australia.
For these flying into Coolangatta Airport or Gold Coast Airport, you’re first going to wish to rent a rental automotive to get round. Public transport will not be going to chop it, and also you’ll need to profit from your restricted time right here.
When you’ve grabbed your automotive, head to your lodging on the Gold Coast and get settled. If you happen to’re arriving on the primary day of your 2 days, attempt to discover a resort with baggage storage so you possibly can go off exploring after which come again and examine in later. Fashionable locations to base your self embody Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise.
If you happen to arrive early sufficient on a Friday afternoon, you possibly can hit up the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets alongside the seashore Esplanade which has over 100 stalls – particularly good on a transparent night. In any other case, chill out at your lodging and get a very good evening’s sleep, you’ve acquired a busy weekend forward.
You’ll be able to view the stops talked about on this 2 day itinerary within the following interactive map, which can provide help to put your route collectively:
Day 1: The highlights of The Gold Coast
The primary day of this 48 hour Gold Coast itinerary covers the highlights. These are essentially the most unmissable stops on the Gold Coast and locations you merely can’t skip.
However, you will have solely a restricted time, so that you received’t be capable of see every little thing. That can assist you out, I’ve given you some choices for actions to do in your afternoon, so simply choose and select no matter sounds extra thrilling to you.
Cease 1: Breakfast at a Beachside Cafe
If you happen to’re staying in an residence or a property with kitchen services, you will have the choice to self-cater and save just a few {dollars} on consuming out. However as a result of it’s a brief keep, why not take pleasure in one of many many alfresco cafes on provide?
A few of the greatest cafe scenes could be discovered at Broadbeach, Miami, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, and Kirra. Take a 30-minute stroll or bike experience alongside a bit of the Gold Coast Oceanway, a community of pathways alongside the seashores ranging as much as 4km lengthy.
Or comply with one of many strolling trails by way of Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park. A great way to stroll off brekky.
Prime tip: If you happen to’re an early fowl, head as much as Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park for dawn overlooking the ocean. You received’t remorse it!
Cease 2: Hit the seashore
Spend the remainder of the morning on one of many Gold Coast’s well-known seashores. You got here for sunshine and sand, didn’t you?
Go for a swim or surf, play on the sand, chill out on the beachfront grass beneath rows of pine timber, and have a guilt-free ice-cream – you’re on vacation!
Don’t overlook your hat, sunnies, sunscreen, swimmers and a towel. Our favorite household seashores embody:
- Rainbow Bay – Light rolling surf, secure swimming circumstances, and year-round surf patrols make for a soothing household seashore day.
- Coolangatta / Greenmount Seashore – a north-facing seashore protected by the headland. Usually secure with normally low waves and two surf lifesaving golf equipment and lifeguard towers, and a playground.
- Currumbin Creek – common with households the place you possibly can take pleasure in a variety of watersports together with browsing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
- Burleigh Heads – voted #1 by vacationers on Journey Advisor and is among the greatest swimming, physique boarding, and browsing spots on the coast.
- Broadbeach – in the direction of the northern finish of the coast. Lengthy, clear stretch of seashore, and bordered by giant grasslands and a giant playground.
- Surfers Paradise Seashore – maybe essentially the most well-known seashore in Goldie. This can be a 2km stretch of golden sand, identified for wonderful surf breaks and lined by high-rise resorts.
- Palm Seashore – a quiet, stunning seashore that gives a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
- Byron Bay – it’s a little bit of a trek south of the Gold Coast however it’s one in every of Australia’s most well-known seashores. Right here is a superb spot for skilled surfers seeking to catch some massive waves.
Cease 3: Lunch at a Surf Membership
For an off-the-cuff and inexpensive household lunch with wonderful views, we prefer to dine at one of many many surf lifesaving golf equipment dotted alongside the coast. You probably have younger kids like us, the child’s exercise packs are available very helpful for holding them settled.
Our favorite surf golf equipment embody; Essential Seashore, Kurrawa (Broadbeach), North Burleigh, Currumbin, Coolangatta, Greenmount, and Rainbow Bay. If you need a seat by the window, you would possibly need to reserve a desk as they do get busy.
Cease 3: Expertise The Wildlife & Nature
Relying on the age and pursuits of your children, I’m providing you with three completely different choices to your afternoon on the Gold Coast.
Possibility 1: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Stand up shut with some Aussie wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos, watch a croc feeding or tackle the acute excessive ropes problem.
This sanctuary can be well-known for feeding tons of of untamed lorikeets who descend upon you from the encompassing timber to get a lick on the candy honey nectar that you just maintain out in a bowl in your palms.
If you happen to don’t need to pay the admission value to see all of the animals, FREE lorikeet feeding takes place each day at 4 pm, and likewise 8 am.
Possibility 2: Tamborine Mountain
Only a 40-minute drive brings you to Mt Tamborine the place you possibly can expertise tropical Queensland at its greatest.
There’s the one-and-a-half kilometer Rainforest Skywalk, Australia’s first and largest excessive ropes Tree Prime Problem, the glow worm caves, Thunderbird Park, and for us massive children the Vineyard or Distillery.
You can too hike to Curtis Falls, top-of-the-line waterfalls within the Gold Coast area. Many individuals decide to do that hike at evening because it’s a very good time to see wildlife within the jungle. With a information, after all.
Possibility 3. Water actions
There isn’t a scarcity of water actions on the Gold Coast for individuals who need leisure or the adrenalin repair.
Trip jet skis, get your thrills on a jet boat experience, spot migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise (in season), discover the waterways on a enjoyable aqua duck safari, take a leisurely cruise on the canals and Broadwater, or be taught to face up paddle board or surf.
Possibility 4: Springbrook Nationwide Park
If you happen to love beautiful waterfalls and journey, you then would possibly take pleasure in a visit to Springbrook Nationwide Park, which is legendary for its refreshing waterfalls, rainforest, historic timber, and the distinctive rock formation often known as Pure Bridge.
The Pure Bridge is produced from the power of the waterfall over a basalt cave, which varieties this distinctive bridge-like formation.
You’ll be able to stroll to the bridge inside 10 minutes from the automotive park because it’s solely 1km away. However don’t simply go to for this attraction and depart. Take a while to wander the strolling trails into the rainforest and revel in being in nature. The Twin Falls (pictured) are one of many highlights of the park!
Possibility 5: O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
If you happen to take pleasure in sampling native wines, then a visit to the O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley winery could also be on the playing cards. The winery is open 7 days every week and is the proper place to sit down again, chill out with a picnic and pattern some native wines.
You’ll be able to even order picnic baskets there, in addition to pizzas, cheese boards and tasting paddles. If you happen to’re visiting with children, don’t skip the Mountview Alpaca Farm, the place you possibly can stroll an alpaca by way of the vineyards.
Possibility 6: Whale Watching (Seasonal)
Relying on what time of yr you go to, you possibly can be in with a very good probability of recognizing some humpback whales that migrate alongside the coast within the winter.
Queensland is among the greatest states to see them as they swim near the shoreline with their new child child calves. We’d see many whales breaching from the deck of our residence after we lived throughout the highway from Burleigh Heads seashore.
One of the simplest ways to see them is to take a ship cruise, or you possibly can go to an ocean-side cafe with views overlooking the ocean, reminiscent of Cafe d’Bar, or from a restaurant alongside Surfers Paradise Boulevard. The most effective time to see whales is from Could till October.
Possibility 7: River Cruise at Surfers Paradise
If you happen to’re searching for stress-free issues to do on the Gold Coast, then a scenic river cruise is a good way to spend a day. Sit again, chill out and soak within the solar on the open-top sundeck as you cruise by way of the gorgeous waterways, canals and broadwater of the Gold Coast.
You’ll go by the millionaires row and see some luxurious houses, sail previous the costly yachts and boats at Marina Mirage, and should you’re fortunate, you might even spot some dolphins and Sea Eagles off Essential Seashore.
Possibility 8: Lamington Nationwide Park
One other nationwide park within the Gold Coast Hinterland area that you could be take pleasure in is Lamington Nationwide Park. It’s really solely a 2-hour drive south of Brisbane, so if you wish to go to right here, you need to plan for a full day.
Nonetheless, it’s undoubtedly value visiting. The park is legendary for its dense Gondwana Rainforests which is an Australian World Heritage space stuffed with historic timber and climbing trails.
A few of the predominant points of interest are the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves, that are stuffed with aboriginal rock artwork. If you happen to’re touring with children, they are going to love seeing the wildlife at Daisy Hill Koala Centre and David Fleay Wildlife Park.
Cease 5: Dinner at Miami Marketta
For an actual native expertise that entails meals and leisure head to Miami Marketta, an area’s favorite advice.
Each Saturday (and Friday nights) Marketta comes alive with road meals, reside music, boutique wine, and craft beer. One other common place to eat on the Gold Coast at evening is Marina Mirage.
Day 2: Theme Park Day
The Gold Coast is the theme park capital of Australia, with points of interest designed to swimsuit all ages. So the second day of this two day Gold Coast itinerary goes to be spent hopping round just a few of them.
You’ll be able to experience curler coasters, meet your fave favorite film characters, or get moist at one of many water parks.
Seize your breakfast (self-cater or eat out) then replenish on water and wholesome snacks earlier than hitting up one of many parks.
However with simply sooner or later, how have you learnt which of the theme parks will swimsuit your loved ones’s pursuits and preserve everybody comfortable?
Right here’s a rundown of what you’ll discover at every park that can assist you plan your day. It’s unlikely you’ll go to all of those theme parks, so simply choose and select those that enchantment to you essentially the most.
If you happen to’re planning on visiting Dreamworld, Whitewater World or the SkyPoint Statement Deck get your three-day ticket right here.
Cease 1: Film World
Film World is for the film lovers in the home. For the kiddies that adore the Looney Tunes characters like Goofy and Tweety fowl (Caz’s private favorite), or for the larger children who need to get their thrills on enormous, movie-themed rides like Inexperienced Lantern and Superman Escape.
The day is crammed with road parades and performances out of your favorite superheroes and film characters. The WB Enjoyable Zone is a spot for smaller kids with rides and exhibits and characters roaming round. The action-packed Hollywood Stunt Driver present will entertain all relations (though watch out with the little ones, because the loud noises might spook them).
Cease 2: Dreamworld
Dreamworld is the most important theme park with points of interest for all ages. The younger ones will take pleasure in Wiggles World and Madagascar Insanity, with age-appropriate rides and the possibility to satisfy all their favorite characters.
Your teenagers will love the Large 8 Thrill Rides such because the Large Drop, Buzz Noticed, and the Tower of Terror (my private favorite).
Dreamworld additionally has many animal encounters to take pleasure in. Meet koalas, wombats, and kangaroos within the enormous native wildlife park, and there’s the favored Tiger Island, the place you possibly can see Bengal and Sumatran Tigers play.
WhiteWater World (connected to Dreamworld) is the most recent addition and the place to get moist. Plummet 5 tales down in an exciting drop slide, zoom down in a racing water slide or let the toddlers benefit from the Wiggles splash & play space.
Cease 3: Sea World
Sea World is a marine park for marine animal lovers. Right here you possibly can meet the dolphins and stand up near seals, polar bears, sting rays, penguins, and have shut encounters with sharks.
This park provides an academic aspect – you’ll stroll away much more in love with these clever, light creatures. And the seals will deliver you many laughs.
The Jet Stunt Excessive present will amaze you with its wonderful aerial flips, and gravity-defying stunts. I loved this way over I anticipated.
There are just a few rides to take pleasure in reminiscent of Jet Rescue, Sea Viper, and Storm Coaster. For the little children, there are Dora and SpongeBob exhibits that may preserve them entertained.
Cease 4: Moist ‘N’ Wild
Because the identify suggests, Moist ’N’ Wild is all about getting moist and going wild on the slides. There are excessive thrill water slides and vertical drops, reminiscent of Kamikaze and The Black Gap for the older and extra daring youngsters and oldsters.
Members of the family can race one another down the Tremendous 8 slide or take pleasure in extra light water slides such because the River Rapids. And there are locations to chill out in quieter household zones, in addition to wave swimming pools, whirlpool springs, and simulated, excellent waves to surf. Moist’n’Wild is the park to go to on these piping-hot Gold Coast summer time days.
Cease 5: Dinner at Bazaar Restaurant
There are buffet dinners after which there’s the Bazaar Restaurant on the QT Gold Coast Lodge in Surfers Paradise. To be trustworthy, I attempt to keep away from buffets nowadays as I can’t assist myself from over-eating, and Bazaar will not be low cost so far as buffets go, however this isn’t simply any buffet.
Bazaar has a market idea with actually one thing for everybody with recent produce in limitless portions. My fave is the seafood station, and I additionally love how the Asian chef steams up dumplings to order. There’s a BBQ man, wood-fired pizza, pasta, and an awesome salad bar.
Your children, and also you, will love the AMAZING dessert bar with all these miniature muffins and slices. And also you thought you have been getting out of there comparatively wholesome!
The place to remain on the Gold Coast
Because you solely have a brief period of time within the Gold Coast, I like to recommend you keep in Surfers Paradise as that is the neighbourhood that places you closest to the primary points of interest. It’s the most well-liked base for households, and there’s good cause for it, every little thing is accessible and shut by. We do love staying on the aforementiond QT Lodge in Surfers Paradise.
For a quieter expertise, we like Burleigh Heads, Palm Seashore and Coolangatta, which is the place there are fewer vacationers and extra locals. There’s additionally wonderful playgrounds and seashores for smaller kids to take pleasure in.
See extra locations to remain on this map:
Learn extra: See extra family-friendly lodging on the Gold Coast, A Keep At Hilton Lodge Residences, Surfers Paradise [Review], Staying At Kirra Surf Flats, Gold Coast [Review] and The three Greatest Gold Coast Hinterland Lodging Choices
Greatest time to go to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a year-round vacation spot with over 300 days of sunshine a yr, so anytime is an efficient time to go to. Summer season is essentially the most crowded with the youngsters off college, and this tends to jack up costs, however that doesn’t make it a nasty time to go to. For cheaper costs, sunny days, fewer crowds, and whale watching season, set your journey for Winter (June-August).
Remaining ideas
There you will have it, that is how one can spend 2 days on the Gold Coast, and as you possibly can see, there’s loads to see and do. With 48 hours you’re solely scratching the floor of what the Gold Coast has to supply, however you possibly can all the time come again and tick off the remainder of the actions on this checklist. You probably have extra time, you may make certain to take a look at the procuring centres reminiscent of Pacific Truthful and Harbour City Premium Retailers.
Extra Gold Coast Journey Ideas
Are you in want of extra inspiration for the Gold Coast? Take a look at the next guides that can assist you plan your journey to the Gold Coast:
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We hope this information gave you some inspiration for how one can spend 48 hours on the Gold Coast. If you happen to want any extra data, be happy to achieve out to us within the feedback!
