How to Spend 5 Days on the Gold Coast

Day One: Getting Ready to Relax

Afternoon

Welcome to the Gold Coast! After touching down at the airport and making your way through customs and immigration, it’s time to head to your chosen resort.

We know how exciting it is to arrive at a new destination, so take the time this afternoon to explore your resort – why not take a dip in the swimming pool or suss out any onsite dining options? Later, get your bearings by taking a stroll through the streets surrounding your resort.

Evening

Tonight, dine 230 metres above sea level at SkyPoint Observation Deck. Located atop the iconic Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, this observation deck offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline and the surrounding beaches and hinterland.

After watching a magical sunset, snag a table at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar for your first dinner on the Gold Coast. Choose from a delicious menu of pub-style favourites, paired with one of the bistro’s signature cocktails. Level 77 Lemon Drop, anyone?

Day Three: Rainforest Retreating

Morning

Beyond the world-famous beaches, the Gold Coast is also renowned for its sprawling sub-tropical rainforest, located in the Hinterland region. Today, explore Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Canungra Valley Vineyard on a day trip with Southern Cross Tours.

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Lamington National Park, which is part of the world’s largest continuous subtropical rainforest. Here, you’ll find O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, famous for its Tree Top Walk, where you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view as you walk across nine suspension bridges positioned up to 16 metres above the ground.

Afternoon

You can’t visit the Gold Coast Hinterland without stopping by a vineyard. This afternoon, head to Canungra Valley Vineyards to sample locally-made wines. While here, be sure to check out the Mountview Alpaca Farm to feed and walk an alpaca through the lush vineyard grounds. This will likely be a highlight of your Gold Coast holiday.

Evening

Tonight, treat yourself to the ultimate buffet experience at Bazaar Gold Coast. Located inside QT Gold Coast, this spectacular buffet restaurant serves a marketplace of global flavours, from Middle Eastern to Latin American and beyond. Plus, the helpful chefs are ready to help satisfy any craving, whether you’re after a perfectly cooked steak or a decadent dessert.

Afterwards, why not head to Stingray, an eclectic lounge with over 50 in-house tequilas to choose from? However, after such a busy day of exploring, we understand if you are ready to hit the hay!

Day Five: Ferries and Wildlife

Morning

Begin your final day cruising around the beautiful Gold Coast Broadwater aboard the city’s only hop-on hop-off ferry service. Departing hourly, the Hopo ferry stops at five of the Gold Coast’s most popular destinations, including Surfers Paradise, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands and Sea World. Choose to stay onboard for the full loop or hop off to explore each of these destinations at leisure. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin!

Afternoon

This afternoon, get up close with all of your favourite Aussie creatures at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Located just steps from Currumbin Beach, this sanctuary is home to kangaroos, koalas, wombats, crocodiles and so much more! Catch one of many interactive shows, take a tour of the wildlife hospital or get your adrenaline pumping by braving the ziplines of the TreeTop Challenge!

Evening

End your Gold Coast holiday with a bang by catching a show at Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub. Rated in the top ten percent of attractions worldwide by Tripadvisor, this swanky entertainment venue offers a range of world-class cabaret and Vegas-style shows that combine mind-blowing acrobatics, daring aerial feat and hilarious comedy acts, along with spectacular singing and dancing. A night at Pink Flamingo is sure to be one you won’t forget.