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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, buying strips and a lot extra.
However what in the event you solely have 48 hours on the Gold Coast to play with? What are you able to do on only a quick weekend getaway to the Gold Coast?
Don’t stress, you may nonetheless expertise one of the best of this metropolis even while 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 quick go to.
About This 2 Day Gold Coast Itinerary
Should you’re like most busy households and all you may 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 time, which is why it’s certainly one of our favorite locations to reside in Australia.
For these flying into Coolangatta airport or Gold Coast Airport, you’re first going to want to rent a rental automobile to get round. Public transport isn’t going to chop it, and also you’ll wish to profit from your restricted time right here.
When you’ve grabbed your automobile, head to your lodging on the Gold Coast and get settled. Should you’re arriving on the primary day of your 2 days, attempt to discover a lodge with baggage storage so you may go off exploring after which come again and test in later.
Fashionable locations to base your self embrace Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise.
Should you 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, chill out at your lodging and get night time’s sleep, you’ve received a busy weekend forward.
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’ve solely a restricted time, so that you gained’t be capable of see all the things. 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
Should you’re staying in an residence or a property with kitchen amenities, you’ve 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 get pleasure from one of many many alfresco cafes on provide?
Among the finest cafe scenes will be discovered at Broadbeach, Miami, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, and Kirra.
Take a 30-minute stroll or bike trip alongside a bit of the Gold Coast Oceanway, a community of pathways alongside the seashores ranging as much as 4km lengthy.
Or observe one of many strolling trails by Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park. A great way to stroll off brekky.
Cease 2: Hit the Seaside
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 neglect your hat, sunnies, sunscreen, swimmers and a towel. Our favorite household seashores embrace:
- Rainbow Bay – Mild rolling surf, protected swimming situations, and year-round surf patrols make for a calming household seashore day.
- Coolangatta / Greenmount Seaside – a north-facing seashore protected by the headland. Typically protected with normally low waves and two surf lifesaving golf equipment and lifeguard towers, and a playground.
- Currumbin Creek – standard with households the place you may get pleasure from 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 finest 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 giant grasslands and an enormous playground.
- Byron Bay – it’s a little bit of a trek south of the Gold Coast nevertheless it’s certainly one of Australia’s most well-known seashores. Right here is a good spot for skilled surfers seeking to catch some huge waves.
Cease 3: Lunch at A Surf Membership
For an informal and inexpensive household lunch with wonderful views, we wish to dine at one of many many surf lifesaving golf equipment dotted alongside the coast.
If in case you have younger kids like us, the child’s exercise packs are available very helpful for retaining them settled.
Our favorite surf golf equipment embrace; Important Seaside, Kurrawa (Broadbeach), North Burleigh, Currumbin, Coolangatta, Greenmount, and Rainbow Bay.
In order for you a seat by the window, you may wish to reserve a desk as they do get busy.
Cease 3: Expertise The Wildlife & Nature
Relying on the age and pursuits of your youngsters, I’m providing you with three completely different choices on your afternoon on the Gold Coast.
Possibility 1: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Rise up shut with some Aussie wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos, watch a croc feeding or tackle the intense excessive ropes problem.
This sanctuary can also be well-known for feeding tons of of untamed lorikeets who descend upon you from the encircling timber to get a lick on the candy honey nectar that you simply maintain out in a bowl in your palms.
Should you don’t wish to pay the admission value to see all of the animals, FREE lorikeet feeding takes place on daily basis at 4 pm, and in addition 8 am.
Possibility 2: Tamborine Mountain
Only a 40-minute drive brings you to Mt Tamborine the place you may expertise tropical Queensland at its finest.
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 youngsters the Vineyard or Distillery.
You can even hike to Curtis Falls, among the best waterfalls within the Gold Coast area. Many individuals choose to do that hike at night time because it’s 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 trip, 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 study to face up paddle board or surf.
Possibility 4: Springbrook Nationwide Park
Should you love nature, then you definately may get pleasure from a visit to Springbrook Nationwide Park, which is legendary for its refreshing waterfalls, rainforest, historical timber, and the distinctive rock formation often called Pure Bridge.
The Pure Bridge is created from 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 automobile 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
Should you get pleasure from 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 per week and is the proper place to sit down again, chill out with a picnic and pattern some native wines.
You may even order picnic baskets there, in addition to pizzas, cheese boards and tasting paddles.
Should you’re visiting with youngsters, don’t skip the Mountview Alpaca Farm, the place you may stroll an alpaca by the vineyards.
Possibility 6: Whale Watching (Seasonal)
Relying on what time of yr you go to, you might be in with likelihood of recognizing some humpback whales that migrate alongside the coast within the winter.
New South Wales is without doubt one of the finest states to see them as they swim near the shoreline with their new child child calves.
One of the simplest ways to see them is to take a ship cruise, or you may 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 very best time to see whales is from Could till October.
Possibility 7: River Cruise at Surfers Paradise
Should you’re on the lookout for enjoyable 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 the attractive waterways, canals and broadwater of the Gold Coast.
You’ll cross by the millionaires row and see some luxurious houses, sail previous the costly yachts and boats at Marina Mirage, and in the event you’re fortunate, you might even spot some dolphins and sea Eagles off Important Seaside.
Possibility 8: Lamington Nationwide Park
One other nationwide park within the Gold Coast Hinterland area that you could be get pleasure from is Lamington Nationwide Park. It’s really solely a 2-hour drive south of Brisbane, so if you wish to go to right here, it is best to plan for a full day.
Nonetheless, it’s positively price visiting. The park is legendary for its dense Gondwana Rainforests which is an Australian World Heritage space stuffed with historical timber and mountain climbing trails.
Among the major points of interest are the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves, that are stuffed with aboriginal rock artwork. Should you’re touring with youngsters, they may love seeing the wildlife at Daisy Hill Koala Centre and David Fleay Wildlife Park.
Cease 5: Dinner at Miami Merketta
For an actual native expertise that includes meals and leisure head to Miami Marketta – we not too long ago found this native’s favorite.
Each Saturday (and Friday nights) Marketta comes alive with road meals, reside music, boutique wine, and craft beer.
One other standard place to eat on the Gold Coast at night time is Marina Mirage.
Day 2: Theme Park Day
The Gold Coast is the theme park capital of Australia, with points of interest designed to go well with 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 may trip 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 are you aware which of the theme parks will go well with your loved ones’s pursuits and hold everybody joyful?
Right here’s a rundown of what you’ll discover at every park that will help you plan your day. It’s unlikely you’ll go to all of those theme parks, so simply decide and select those that enchantment to you essentially the most.
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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 chicken (Caz’s private favorite), or for the larger youngsters who wish to get their thrills on large, movie-themed rides like Inexperienced Lantern and Superman Escape.
The day is stuffed 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 could spook them).
Cease 2: Dreamworld
Dreamworld is the most important theme park with points of interest for all ages.
The younger ones will get pleasure from Wiggles World and Madagascar Insanity, with age-appropriate rides and the prospect to satisfy all their favorite characters.
Your teenagers will love the Massive 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 get pleasure from.
Meet koalas, wombats, and kangaroos within the large native wildlife park, and there’s the favored Tiger Island, the place you may see Bengal and Sumatran Tigers play.
WhiteWater World (connected to Dreamworld) is the latest 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 may swim with dolphins and stand up near seals, polar bears, sting rays, penguins, and have shut encounters with sharks.
This park gives an academic aspect and the Dolphin Present is spectacular – you’ll stroll away much more in love with these clever, light creatures.
And the seal present 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 just a few rides to get pleasure from reminiscent of Jet Rescue, Sea Viper, and Storm Coaster. For the little youngsters, there are Dora and SpongeBob exhibits that can hold 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, 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 get pleasure from 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, good 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 may be the Bazaar Restaurant on the QT Lodge in Surfers Paradise.
To be trustworthy, I attempt to keep away from buffets today as I can’t assist myself from over-eating, and Bazaar isn’t 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 infinite 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 youngsters, and also you, will love the AMAZING dessert bar with all these miniature desserts and slices. And also you thought you have been getting out of there comparatively wholesome!
Closing Ideas On This 2 Day Gold Coast Itinerary
There you’ve it, that is how one can spend 2 days on the Gold Coast, and as you may see, there’s a lot to see and do.
With 48 hours you’re solely scratching the floor of what the Gold Coast has to supply, however you may at all times come again and tick off the remainder of the actions on this checklist.
If in case you have extra time, you can also make positive to take a look at the buying centres reminiscent of Pacific Honest and Harbour City Premium Shops.
We hope this information gave you some inspiration for how one can spend 48 hours on the Gold Coast. Should you want any extra data, be happy to achieve out to us within the feedback!
Extra Gold Coast Inspiration:
Are you in want of extra inspiration for the Gold Coast? Try the next guides that will help you plan your journey to the Gold Coast:
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Supply: Breaking Travel News
