Visiting The Gold Coast Australia: The Ultimate Gold Coast Guide

This Gold Coast guide has been in the works for so long. Because it’s our home, I really wanted to give you guys all the best info and places to visit that make us love living here so much. We love the Gold Coast, and I really believe visiting Gold Coast, Australia, should be on everyone’s Australia trip itinerary.

In this guide, I’ve included everything from restaurants, cafes and bars in Gold Coast, to the best activities, waterfalls and sunset spots to visit during your Gold Coast trip.

Whether you’re searching for the best beaches in the Gold Coast for a relaxing trip, or adrenaline adventures like jet ski tours and skydiving, I’ve included everything you need in this ultimate Gold Coast guide.

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links earns us a commission without costing you any extra.

Why You Should Visit Gold Coast

Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I think everyone should visit the Gold Coast while they’re in Australia. The Gold Coast is the perfect mix of city life and relaxed beachside living. Plus, it has amazing food and restaurants plus beautiful beaches. It’s a city and area of Queensland which really does have it all.

Firstly, the weather is amazing pretty much all year round, Gold Coast has around 300 days of sun each year. Even in the winter months it rarely drops below 15 celsius, so if you’re looking for that dose of Aussie sunshine, you’re guaranteed to find it in Gold Coast. Plus you’re in an amazing location to explore the rest of Queensland and those famous spots like the Great Barrier Reef, Byron Bay and Brisbane.

Another reason I love the Gold Coast is the vibe. Life here is perfect for a balance of work and play, beaches and activities, city and nature. The southern end of the Gold Coast is my personal favourite. It has a younger vibe, it’s super fun and relaxed and just generally has the best lifestyle, best beaches and surf and best cafes.

Living in Gold Coast, it’s super easy to create the lifestyle you want and that’s the same if you visit too. Whether you like to keep active with sports and hiking, surfing or open water swimming, you’ll find it here. Or if you follow a certain diet, there’s so many cafes and restaurants which offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or clean eating options, as well as classic Aussie dining, pubs and bars.

How Long to Visit Gold Coast

I would suggest spending about five days in Gold Coast to make sure you have enough time to experience the beaches, the food and lifestyle and also the Hinterland.

You could also spend longer here if you use it as your base to explore further afield with day trips and overnight stays in other areas of Queensland or to some of the places I recommend in this guide.

When to Visit Gold Coast

The amazing weather all year round is a big reason why I love Gold Coast so much. Bad weather days are rare so visiting any time of year is a great idea.

If you’re looking for the warmest months, December to February are a great time to visit, but it can get very hot! If you’d prefer cooler weather, visiting in the autumn, winter or spring are perfect for manageable temperatures and beautiful weather.

My favourite time of year here is autumn. The weather is great, and the beaches are gorgeous. The waterfalls nearby are flowing after the summer rain so it’s great to enjoy the swim spots in the area.

Peak season tends to be autumn and winter (June - September in the southern hemisphere!) so the weather is cooler but prices are often higher and accommodation and activities are more in demand.

The Ultimate Gold Coast Guide for VISITING GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA

Where to Stay in Gold Coast

I love to staycation in the Gold Coast because there is so so much choice for accommodation from chic city boutique hotels to nature retreats just a short drive inland in the rainforest.

These are a few of my favourite unique stays on the Gold Coast that I absolutely love! You can also check out my favourite unique places to stay in Australia.

Pink Hotel Coolangatta

The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta is so cool and super photogenic, absolutely perfect for gorgeous Instagram photos. The rooms are chic and just as colorful as the exterior.

But it’s also the ideal location for a beach holiday too. Being just 30 minutes south of Gold Coast, the beautiful Coolangatta Beach is just seconds from their front door.

It’s the perfect boutique hotel stay in Gold Coast and it’s budget-friendly too!

You can book here.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is located in Lamington National Park and this is one of our favourite places we’ve ever stayed. Staying here really is a complete experience.

We stayed in the villas which overlook the Hinterland and come with a spa on the balcony. They are just stunning. You’re surrounded by the sounds of nature and complete peace and tranquility.

It’s also a perfect place to stay for a few days to enjoy some of the hikes and activities in the area like the Treetop walkway or Moran Falls, one of my favourite Gold Coast Falls which I’ll go into more detail about later on.

After a long day of hiking and chasing waterfalls, you can soak in the spa and enjoy the sunset from your private balcony.

This is the villa we stayed in, and you can book your stay here.

Palmer & Gunn

My absolute favourite Gold Coast place to stay to really disconnect and relax, and it’s less than 30 minutes from the city!

Palmer & Gunn is an Airbnb tiny home in the Hinterland and it’s completely off-grid, run on solar power, eco-friendly and doesn’t have Wi-Fi!

It’s like stepping back in time on this beautiful farm complete with plenty of wildlife, including honeybees and cows. But the best part is the wood-fired hot tub which is next to the creek and is just beyond idyllic!

With the vintage decor, antique furniture and quaint veranda, it’s the perfect place to relax and get a change of pace from the city or beach life. It’s also a dreamy romantic escape too!

Book here.

The Halliday

The Halliday has three epic Airbnbs in Gold Coast depending on where you want to stay and how big your group is.

The Hilda by Halliday is just steps away from the gorgeous Mermaid Beach, so this is definitely the best Airbnb in Gold Coast for location. The chic, minimal boho decor is the perfect laid back surfer vibe, and it sleeps up to 6 people.

It’s a great option if you prefer self-catered accommodation in a great location.

You can see all the options here and book.

The Mysa Motel

I love the Mysa because it combines all the retro quirks of a quintessential motel with a cool, laid back surfer vibe and it’s located right on Palm Beach so it’s another awesome location for your Gold Coast visit.

Book here.

Hillview dairy

Stay in the cutest little barn you’ve ever seen and one of the most Instagrammable places to stay in Gold Coast. The rustic barn is off the grid, so you can turn your phone off and enjoy the views of Mt Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creek while not having to worry about hearing your phone ring. Take a dip in the plunge pool while overlooking the stunning landscape for the ultimate weekend getaway.

Book here.

Best Places to eat in Gold Coast

Gold Coast has plenty of amazing places to eat. From Instagrammable cafes to bars for a night out to restaurants perfect for date night, you won’t run out of options no matter your diet.

Check out our full blog post on the best cafes in Gold Coast here.

The Tropic

The Tropic is probably our favourite place to eat on the whole Gold Coast.

It has the best views of any Gold Coast restaurants we’ve been to and the food, the cocktails and the vibe are all incredible! It does get super busy so I’d suggest booking in advance, but definitely try and book a table for sunset to enjoy dinner and a seriously epic view.

Las Palmas

Las Palmas is our favourite spot in our home suburb and one of the best restaurants in Gold Coast’s Palm Beach. It has so much space that it’s great for big meals with family or friends, and we love the vibe here.

The tapas-style food is so so good, and I love the cocktails here too.

Follow them on Instagram here!

Tommy’s Italian

One of the newest restaurants in Gold Coast, Tommy’s Italian is also one of the best beachfront restaurants on the Gold Coast with views overlooking the ocean.

If you’re a fan of Italian food, Tommy’s is a must-visit.

Follow them on Instagram here!

Frida Sol

Frida Sol is all about the tacos - it’s famous for them on the Gold Coast.

If you’re searching for the best Mexican restaurant on the Gold Coast, Frida Sol is where you need to go! I also love the nachos and cocktails here.

Follow them on Instagram here!

The Collective

I love The Collective because it’s such a cool concept! Located in Palm Beach, it’s a collaborative, market-style concept with four different restaurants to order from within the same space.

They have such a great choice of food and drinks, it’s almost too much choice - I always want to order so much food! It’s also a huge space, perfect to go to with a big group of friends!

Rick Shores

Right on the beach in Burleigh, Rick Shores is the place to go if you’re looking for a fine dining restaurant in Gold Coast. Their Banquet is amazing and they’re best known for their bug rolls which you have to try if you’re visiting Gold Coast!

Of course it’s a little pricey because it’s fine dining, but absolutely worth it for a treat or a special occasion.

Etsu Izakaya Japanese

Probably our second favourite place to eat on the Gold Coast after The Tropic!

Etsu Izakaya Japanese is fine dining Japanese served in tapas-style but the vibe is the best part. It’s very secluded and hidden away with a speakeasy vibe and dark fit out. Definitely enjoy some of their drinks with the atmosphere too - such a cool spot!

Jimmy Wah’s

The Vietnamese food here is next level! It’s also a really great combination of fine dining and more casual dining, with amazing food.

Jimmy Wah’s has a great vibe if you’re looking for nice and unique places to eat in Burleigh.

Francie’s Pizzeria

Francie’s is located in Burleigh and doesn’t take bookings so make sure to go early because it’s super popular. It’s the best pizza in Gold Coast so it’s worth it!

They also cater for gluten-free and vegans, so plenty of dining options if you’re in a group too.

Balboa

Balboa is another Italian restaurant in Palm Beach and it has a gorgeous fit out with loads of pizza options.

MexiCali

This is such a great Mexican restaurant in Gold Coast and it has an amazing vibe.

It’s always full of young people, they have a DJ there and I love their Margaritas too! Visit on a Sunday for $10 margs and find loads of specials throughout the week too.

Mexicali is definitely one to visit for the atmosphere!

Restaurant Labart

Probably the best meal I’ve ever eaten but also the most expensive too!

Labart is extremely fine dining and quite expensive but you’re really paying for the whole experience which is totally unique. Definitely a great treat for a special occasion.

Best Gold Coast Cafes

I already have a complete guide to the best cafes in Gold Coast, so make sure you check it out for even more amazing Gold Coast cafes. Here are a few of my favourites.

Barefoot Barista Cafe

You can find Barefoot Barista in Palm Beach, and they serve some of the best coffee on the Gold Coast.

They also have an awesome menu with loads of veggie and vegan options which I love and plenty of outdoor seating with a laid back vibe. Or you can grab a coffee and head to the beach for a morning walk.

The Paddock Bakery

Located in Burleigh, The Paddock Bakery has a huge menu and loads of freshly baked goods every day.

It’s also a really cute vibe and fit out. But they don’t take reservations so arrive early or expect to queue on the weekends.

Highline Palm Beach

Highline is another one of our favourite cafes in our home suburb, Palm Beach.

It’s a really small place but they have amazing food and coffee which we both love.

Commune Cafe

Commune Cafe is a super laid back, hipster cafe and perfect after a morning walk on the coast at Burleigh Head. Their focus is on organic food and their Gone Nuts Acai Bowl is my absolute favourite!

The vibe at Commune is my fave and it’s a lovely place to hang out and enjoy some breakfast or lunch on the Gold Coast.

Good Day

Good Day has to make this list because it’s been voted in the top 25 coffee shops in the whole of Australia!

It’s located in Tugun, and I always have their avo toast. It’s one of my favourite spots for breakfast and the coffee is amazing too of course.

Niche & Co

Niche & Co is the place to go for acai bowls! Seriously - their acai bowls have won awards for being the best on the Gold Coast!

They have a really chill vibe and great coffee too. Grab a coffee for takeaway and a stroll along Tugun Beach.

For the best cafe spots in Gold Coast, check out my full list here.

Best bars in Gold Coast

While there are plenty of amazing places to eat in Gold Coast, you may also be looking for places to grab a drink. From late-night drinks and live music to more chill bars perfect for a beer with friends, these are our favourite bars in Gold Coast.

Scottish Prince

The Scottish Prince is a really cool spot. It’s a Scottish bar with a dark interior, live music and loads of drinks - beers, wines and cocktails.

It’s pretty tucked away and definitely has some European vibes with the atmosphere, drinks and decor.

Rosellas

Rosella’s is my favourite bar on the Gold Coast, and you absolutely have to visit whether you’re a local or a visitor because it’s Australian themed!

All the cocktails are based around monumental things and places in Australia. My favourite is the Blinky Bill (which $2 of also goes to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital).

It’s super quirky, has a really fun vibe and it’s pretty small but the cocktails are amazing!

Nightcap

Nightcap is a cool spot in Edinburgh for cocktails with a super chilled vibe and a cool little outdoor seating area.

All their cocktails are freshly made and they also have a great list of beers, ciders and wines.

Suga

Suga is a small bar in Palm Beach. The interior is gorgeously set out with such a beautiful bar area and it’s like a small speakeasy, pretty tucked away on the street too.

They have classic cocktails which are all amazing and there’s often live music too.

Balter Brewing

One for beer lovers!

Located out near Currumbin Creek, Balter Brewing is a great spot for afternoon drinks with friends. It’s a really chilled vibe with food trucks for food and they also have cocktails here too.

Naami

This is a new bar in Burleigh, usually one we head to later in the night for a few extra drinks.

Naami also has Vietnamese food which is served at the front if you’re looking for a late-night banh mi!

Burleigh Pavilion

Mostly known as Burleigh Pav, This is THE spot to drink on the Gold Coast.

You usually have to wait in line, especially if you arrive late! But the vibe is totally worth it. You’ll find it full of loads of young people, and the space is super light and airy with lots of space. It’s just a really cool, hip spot in town to go with friends.

The location is absolutely epic and the views are stunning, definitely the place to be if you’re looking for a cool drinks spot on the Gold Coast and they also have a great food menu too.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN GOLD COAST

Best Beaches in Gold Coast

You can’t come visit the Gold Coast and not visit some of the best beaches in Australia. Here are some of our favourite beaches to visit in Gold Coast.

Currumbin Beach, View from Elephant Rock

Palm Beach

Definitely a bit biased but this is our home beach and we think it’s stunning and the best beach on the Gold Coast.

It’s such a beautiful spot for sunset, and it’s a really long beach with tons of space, perfect for morning walks, beach days with friends and enjoying the sunset.

Currumbin Alley

Currumbin Beach is south of Gold Coast and has a creek flowing into it which is perfect for families and kids to enjoy.

It’s also a really popular spot for surfers and gets super busy, with plenty of beachfront cafes and drinks spots too.

The view of the city from the beach is really cool too, with some super interesting rock formations to explore with the city in the background.

Tallebudgera Creek

Tally Creek is definitely the most beautiful creek on the Gold Coast, and it’s also a popular spot thanks to turquoise blue water, white sand and a surrounding forest.

There are two sides you can swim on, but my favourite is the north side. The water can be crystal clear and blue so it’s perfect to swim in with the lush greenery on either side.

The Creek is located right on Burleigh Headland and the walk here is beautiful, it really doesn’t feel like you’re so close to the city. You can walk from the creek, through the National Park on the headland and all the way to Burleigh from here. This is one of our favourite walks on the Gold Coast.

North Burleigh Beach

This Gold Coast beach is a great spot for views of Surfers Paradise.

We love the view from the lookout at the top of the beach with views of the beach and the city beyond.

You’re also super close to Paddock Bakery if you want a snack after your morning walk, or MexiCali is nearby for dinner and an evening beach stroll.

Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay

Both of these beaches are much quieter than other beaches in Gold Coast but they’re both beautiful and a must-visit for surfers.

Being in the bay, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the turquoise blue water and white sand. Make sure to check out the Rainbow Bay Lookout for gorgeous views across the water.

Burleigh Beach

You’re right in the heart of Burleigh here, so you can easily spend the day at the beach and head right over to the cafes and restaurants for lunch too.

It’s always super busy and popular here because of the great location but it’s a super easy one to add to your Gold Coast itinerary if you’re staying in the area.

Waterfalls near Gold Coast to visit

If the beach isn’t your thing or you want to add some freshwater adventures to your itinerary when visiting Gold Coast, check out some of our amazing waterfalls.

Purling Brook Falls, Springbrooke National Park

Purling Brook Falls

Purlingbrook is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the area at 106m and is located in the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests in Springbrook National Park, Queensland.

Getting to the falls is a bit of a hike down and back up again, around 4km total. It takes roughly 2 hours, but it’s so worth it because it’s absolutely beautiful.

If you don’t want to do the hike to the bottom, there’s also a lookout from the top of the falls which is just a few minutes walk from the car park.

This is one of the most popular falls in the area so it can get pretty busy, especially on weekends and holidays.

Twin Falls Waterfall

Twin Falls is honestly like a fairytale. The walk out there is one of the most idyllic places and things to do on the Gold Coast.

It’s really beautiful, and I love it because it’s also super underrated. You can walk behind the falls here too which makes it one of the more unique things to do in Gold Coast.

The walk here is much easier than Purlingbrook and only 1.8km out and back, so I recommend it if you’re looking for a beautiful, easy walk and a walk that’s good for families.

Currumbin Rock Pools

These rock pools are a real hotspot near Gold Coast, and they’re super popular with families, so expect it to be busy!

It’s an ideal place for a refreshing swim though and also has rope swings, a picnic area and facilities so it’s perfect for an afternoon BBQ and swim to escape the heat.

It’s easy to park and access these natural pools, and they’re only a 10 minute drive from Currumbin Beach.

Elabana Falls

This one is located right in the heart of Lamington National Park. Elabana Falls can be quite tricky to get to, but it is a popular spot in the national park and also a great one to visit if you’re staying at O’Reilly’s which I mentioned earlier.

It is worth the hike thanks to how stunning it is. This one is made up of a series of waterfalls which cascade together into the natural pool below.

The walk is around 7.5km and takes around 3 hours out and back, but make sure to allow time to swim and enjoy this secluded waterfall spot!

The Natural Bridge

This is another popular spot with a unique rock formation and waterfall falling through the natural archway within a cave. It really is epic to see!

Unfortunately this is one you can’t swim at, you can only view it. But at night, you can see glow worms inside the cave which is a beautiful experience.

It’s a really short, easy 1km loop walk so this is another one that gets pretty popular and is good for families.

Morans Falls

This is one of my favourite waterfalls in Australia and the best part is that it’s around 4km but it’s a pretty easy walk.

I really recommend going at sunset because you can watch the sunset across the Hinterland and see the layers of the mountain range for miles.

You can sit on the rocks to enjoy the view and the sunset, and it’s a super romantic spot. Just beware that standing at the top of the falls on the rocks can be dangerous.

Where to watch sunset in Gold Coast

Although we’re located on the east coast, there are plenty of beautiful spots and places to watch the sunset on the Gold Coast.

Any beach is a great place to watch the sun go down on the Gold Coast - just make sure to wait until the sun has actually set. That’s when you’ll get the beautiful pink and purple hues on the horizon.

Burleigh Hill

This is the locals’ hotspot for sunset, and we love the vibe here on a Sunday afternoon.

Sunday afternoon picnics and sunset here are like a ritual. Located on the grassy area next to the beach, everyone comes along with their picnic blankets, lots of music, food and drink and with their family and friends to watch the sunset. It’s a real vibe.

Morans Falls

These are the falls I mentioned above and they are a beautiful spot further inland to enjoy the sunset over the Hinterland.

It’s a great way to end a weekend trip to the Hinterland or even as a day trip as it’s a great easy hike to the falls too.

Snapper Rocks

This is such a beautiful spot because you can actually see the sun setting and going down behind the Hinterland.

Most beaches face east in Gold Coast but because this one is curved, you can actually face the sunset and see it setting in the west which is a pretty epic experience here on the east coast.

North Burleigh Hill

We love this view at sunset. The light here is stunning as the sun goes down and you have incredible views of Surfers Paradise with the beach and the city in the background.

We head to this spot a lot in the evenings to enjoy the view and the golden hour.

Best ACTIVITIES in Gold Coast

You won’t be short of activities in Gold Coast to keep you busy. Our Gold Coast guide wouldn’t be complete without giving you some options to try while visiting Gold Coast (including a few options for those of you who love an adrenaline rush!).

CAMPING ALONG THE SCENIC RIM

We recently took a two day camping trip out at Scenic Rim, which is located about 2 hours inland from Burleigh. I am so shocked that we have not explored this area before because it is truely magical!

Mount Barney and Mount Lindesay are the stars of the show and are truely a beautiful sight! There are lots of great hikes out that way also.

I recommend staying at Mount Barney Lodge campground. It has picturesque views of Mount Barney and fire pits for every camp site.

I can not wait to head out that way again, disconnect and immerse myself in its beautiful surroundings.

Gold Coast Hydrofoil

The Gold Coast Hydrofoil is located at Surfers Paradise. and it is such a cool experience!

You don’t need waves, wind or a tow to ride a hydrofoil and personally, I found them way easier to ride and you pick it up really quickly.

The engine and the foil are underneath the water and you control it with a remote controller that you hold onto. The engine pushes the board up and out the water so it feels like you’re floating.

It is such a cool and fun experience and the guys we did it with offer 2-hour lessons and tours so you can get started really quickly.

Check them out here.

Kirra Sky Dive

I absolutely recommend doing a skydive here on the Gold Coast. I was hesitant to do it for so long, but it is one of the best experiences I’ve ever done and a once in a lifetime experience - seriously mind blowing!

You jump out of the plane above Kirra and you land on the beach which is just such an epic experience that you’ll never forget. The team is great and makes you feel so safe and prepared before your jump.

Check them out here.

Hot Air Balloon

Going out hot air ballooning over the Hinterland at sunrise literally never gets old. We did our balloon flight at Canungra and floating above the Hinterland is so surreal and magical. Seeing the sunrise is just spectacular and such a special experience.

If you’ve been thinking about doing a hot air balloon flight, this is such a beyond beautiful place to do it.

Learn to Surf

You’re visiting the home of surfing! Learning to surf is an absolute must-do when you’re visiting Gold Coast. There really is no better place to learn or practice if you’re already a surfer.

There are plenty of companies to help you learn to surf on the Gold Coast. I really recommend going with SURF COMPANY LINK.

Q1 Climb

The Q1 Climb is climbing the tallest building in Australia and you can either do it during the day or at sunset.

We climbed it at sunset and it was SO SCARY but also so so exciting and an amazing experience. I was surprised how much I genuinely enjoyed it even though it was a little terrifying.

Q1 is definitely a unique experience and one of the best Gold Coast activities that you won’t find anywhere else!

Canungra Valley Winery

The winery is a great day trip or afternoon trip to relax and enjoy wine tasting, winery tours and picnics. They offer picnic food baskets and blankets for you to take out and enjoy which include artisan wine, cheese boards and charcuterie. They also offer vegan picnic baskets.

You can also pay to take alpacas walking here too on the Mountainview Alpaca Farm on-site, which is a fun activity, especially for families and a unique Gold Coast experience!

Thunderbird Park Treetop Challenge and Ziplining

This is an adventure activity park, and you can easily spend a whole day here for a family or group day out. The treetop challenge is pretty extensive through the treetops but we actually did the zipline which was so much fun and went way faster than I expected it to!

You fly through the forest and above the trees, 60m above the forest floor. Definitely an adrenaline rush but a bit more doable than a skydive!

*****

We love living on the Gold Coast, and we hope you’ll love it as much as we do. Hopefully this Gold Coast guide has given you plenty of inspiration and ideas for exploring more things to do on the Gold Coast. If you have questions about visiting Gold Coast, make sure to leave them in the comments below!

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TravelHayley AndersenNovember 15, 2021australia, gold coast, queensland, travel, Travel Guide, Australia7 Comments