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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, purchasing strips and a lot extra.
However what if you happen to 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 perfect of this metropolis even whenever you solely have a short while.
That will help 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 filled with stress and drama. The Gold Coast is all about having a superb time, which is why it’s considered one of our favorite locations to dwell in Australia.
For these flying into Coolangatta Airport or Gold Coast Airport, you’re first going to want to rent a rental automotive to get round. Public transport is just not going to chop it, and also you’ll wish to take advantage of 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 lodge with baggage storage so you possibly can go off exploring after which come again and examine in later. Widespread 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 might 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, calm down at your lodging and get a superb evening’s sleep, you’ve bought a busy weekend forward.
You may view the stops talked about on this 2 day itinerary within the following interactive map, which can enable you 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 probably the most unmissable stops on the Gold Coast and locations you merely can not skip.
However, you have got solely a restricted time, so that you gained’t have the ability to see the whole lot. That will help you out, I’ve given you some choices for actions to do in your afternoon, so simply decide and select no matter sounds extra thrilling to you.
Cease 1: Breakfast at a Beachside Cafe
If you happen to’re staying in an condominium or a property with kitchen services, you have got the choice to self-cater and save a couple of {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 supply?
A few of the greatest cafe scenes will be discovered at Broadbeach, Miami, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, and Kirra. Take a 30-minute stroll or bike journey 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 via 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 gained’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, calm down on the beachfront grass beneath rows of pine bushes, 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 – Mild rolling surf, secure swimming circumstances, and year-round surf patrols make for a soothing household seashore day.
- Coolangatta / Greenmount Seaside – a north-facing seashore protected by the headland. Typically secure with normally low waves and two surf lifesaving golf equipment and lifeguard towers, and a playground.
- Currumbin Creek – well-liked 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 without doubt one of the greatest swimming, physique boarding, and browsing spots on the coast.
- Broadbeach – in direction of the northern finish of the coast. Lengthy, clear stretch of seashore, and bordered by massive grasslands and an enormous playground.
- Surfers Paradise Seaside – maybe probably the most well-known seashore in Goldie. This can be a 2km stretch of golden sand, recognized for glorious surf breaks and lined by high-rise resorts.
- Palm Seaside – a quiet, stunning seashore that provides a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
- Byron Bay – it’s a little bit of a trek south of the Gold Coast nevertheless it’s considered one of Australia’s most well-known seashores. Right here is a good spot for knowledgeable surfers trying to catch some huge 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 youngsters like us, the child’s exercise packs are available in very helpful for holding them settled.
Our favorite surf golf equipment embody; Principal Seaside, Kurrawa (Broadbeach), North Burleigh, Currumbin, Coolangatta, Greenmount, and Rainbow Bay. If you need a seat by the window, you would possibly wish 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 supplying 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 a whole bunch of untamed lorikeets who descend upon you from the encircling bushes to get a lick on the candy honey nectar that you simply maintain out in a bowl in your palms.
If you happen to don’t wish to pay the admission worth to see all of the animals, FREE lorikeet feeding takes place daily 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 huge children the Vineyard or Distillery.
You can too hike to Curtis Falls, the most effective waterfalls within the Gold Coast area. Many individuals choose to do that hike at evening because it’s a superb time to see wildlife within the jungle. With a information, in fact.
Possibility 3. Water actions
There isn’t a scarcity of water actions on the Gold Coast for many who need rest or the adrenalin repair.
Trip jet skis, get your thrills on a jet boat journey, 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 gorgeous waterfalls and journey, then you definitely would possibly take pleasure in a visit to Springbrook Nationwide Park, which is legendary for its refreshing waterfalls, rainforest, historic bushes, and the distinctive rock formation generally known as Pure Bridge.
The Pure Bridge is made out of the pressure of the waterfall over a basalt cave, which varieties this distinctive bridge-like formation.
You may 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 luxuriate 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 take a seat again, calm down with a picnic and pattern some native wines.
You may 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 via the vineyards.
Possibility 6: Whale Watching (Seasonal)
Relying on what time of yr you go to, you might be in with a superb probability of recognizing some humpback whales that migrate alongside the coast within the winter.
Queensland is without doubt one of 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 condominium once we lived throughout the street from Burleigh Heads seashore.
The easiest way to see them is to take a ship cruise, or you possibly can go to an ocean-side cafe with views overlooking the ocean, similar to 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 on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do on the Gold Coast, then a scenic river cruise is an effective way to spend a day. Sit again, calm down and soak within the solar on the open-top sundeck as you cruise via 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 if you happen to’re fortunate, you could even spot some dolphins and Sea Eagles off Principal Seaside.
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 truly solely a 2-hour drive south of Brisbane, so if you wish to go to right here, it’s best to plan for a full day.
Nevertheless, it’s positively value visiting. The park is legendary for its dense Gondwana Rainforests which is an Australian World Heritage space filled with historic bushes and mountaineering trails.
A few of the important points of interest are the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves, that are filled 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 suggestion.
Each Saturday (and Friday nights) Marketta comes alive with avenue meals, dwell music, boutique wine, and craft beer. One other well-liked 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 a couple of of them.
You may journey 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 top off 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 maintain everybody joyful?
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 decide and select those that attraction to you probably the most.
If you happen to’re planning on visiting Dreamworld, Whitewater World or the SkyPoint Commentary 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 wish to get their thrills on large, movie-themed rides like Inexperienced Lantern and Superman Escape.
The day is full of avenue parades and performances out of your favorite superheroes and film characters. The WB Enjoyable Zone is a spot for smaller youngsters with rides and exhibits and characters roaming round. The action-packed Hollywood Stunt Driver present will entertain all members of the family (though watch out with the little ones, because the loud noises might spook them).
Cease 2: Dreamworld
Dreamworld is the largest 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 fulfill all their favorite characters.
Your teenagers will love the Large 8 Thrill Rides such because the Big 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 large native wildlife park, and there’s the favored Tiger Island, the place you possibly can see Bengal and Sumatran Tigers play.
WhiteWater World (hooked up 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 rise up near seals, polar bears, sting rays, penguins, and have shut encounters with sharks.
This park presents an academic facet – you’ll stroll away much more in love with these clever, light creatures. And the seals will carry 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 a couple of rides to take pleasure in similar to Jet Rescue, Sea Viper, and Storm Coaster. For the little children, there are Dora and SpongeBob exhibits that can maintain them entertained.
Cease 4: Moist ‘N’ Wild
Because the title suggests, Moist ’N’ Wild is all about getting moist and going wild on the slides. There are excessive thrill water slides and vertical drops, similar to Kamikaze and The Black Gap for the older and extra daring youngsters and fogeys.
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 calm down 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 season days.
Cease 5: Dinner at Bazaar Restaurant
There are buffet dinners after which there may be the Bazaar Restaurant on the QT Gold Coast Resort in Surfers Paradise. To be sincere, I attempt to keep away from buffets lately as I can’t assist myself from over-eating, and Bazaar is just not 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 countless 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 truffles 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 principle points of interest. It’s the preferred base for households, and there’s good motive for it, the whole lot is accessible and shut by. We do love staying on the aforementiond QT Resort in Surfers Paradise.
For a quieter expertise, we like Burleigh Heads, Palm Seaside and Coolangatta, which is the place there are fewer vacationers and extra locals. There’s additionally glorious playgrounds and seashores for smaller youngsters 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 Resort 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 time is probably the most crowded with the children off faculty, and this tends to jack up costs, however that doesn’t make it a foul 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 have got it, that is how one can spend 2 days on the Gold Coast, and as you possibly can see, there’s lots 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 record. You probably have extra time, you can also make positive to take a look at the purchasing centres similar to 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 info, be at liberty to succeed in out to us within the feedback!
