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Ultimate Gold Coast 8-Day Itinerary: Sun, Surf, and Adventure

Viewed by 270 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Surfers Paradise, Australia

10:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive and get settled at your beachfront hotel, ready to take on the sun-filled days ahead.
Walk from the airport shuttle drop-off to your hotel in Surfers Paradise.
AUD150, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pigs & Pints

Savor a delicious pulled pork burger and craft beer in a laid-back venue.
5-minute walk from your hotel.
AUD25, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Beach Time at Surfers Paradise

Enjoy the golden sands and waves, trying your hand at some local surfing.
Explore the beach, just steps from your hotel.
Free, 3 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Cavill Avenue

Wander through shops and grab some souvenirs in this bustling street full of life.
Short stroll from the beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe

Indulge in classic American fare with a lively atmosphere and a hint of rock 'n' roll.
10-minute walk from Cavill Avenue.
AUD40, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Stroll on the Beach

Take a romantic walk along the shoreline, soaking in the stunning views of the coastline at night.
Right outside your dinner location.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Surfers Paradise

Day 2: Adventure at Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Burleigh Bakery

Enjoy a freshly baked pastry and excellent coffee, perfect to kickstart your day.
Take the G:link light rail from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads.
AUD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hike Burleigh Head National Park

Experience the beautiful rainforest and coastal views on this scenic hiking trail.
5-minute walk from the bakery.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Beach Hotel

Relax with a lunch of fresh seafood while enjoying sea views.
Walk back towards Burleigh beach.
AUD30, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Beach Time at Burleigh Heads

Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach or trying out paddleboarding!
Right across from the lunch spot.
Free, 3 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Burleigh Markets

Explore local artisan goods and delicious food stalls at this vibrant market.
Short walk from Burleigh beach.
Free to enter, various prices for goods., 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at the Justin Lane Pizzeria

Admire the sunset while enjoying some of the best wood-fired pizzas.
Walk about 10 minutes from the market.
AUD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Burleigh Heads

Day 3: Nature and Wildlife

Currumbin Valley, Australia

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Currumbin Valley Cafe

Fuel up with a scrumptious breakfast focusing on local ingredients.
Drive or take a taxi from Burleigh Heads (about 20 minutes).
AUD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Get up close with Australian wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos.
Short drive from the cafe.
AUD59, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at the Sanctuary Cafe

Relax at the cafė with a light lunch and refreshing drinks after exploring.
Same location as the wildlife sanctuary.
AUD25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Currumbin Rock Pools

Chill out or take a swim in the idyllic natural rock pools, surrounded by lush rainforest.
20-minute drive from the sanctuary.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Scenic Drive along Currumbin Valley

Witness stunning views and stop at the lookout points to captivate your senses.
Drive through the valley.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Beach House

After a day of exploring, unwind with a delightful dinner at this family-friendly restaurant.
Back towards Surfers Paradise (25 minutes drive).
AUD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Currumbin Valley

Day 4: Explore the Scenic Hinterland

Tamborine Mountain, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café on Tamborine

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring local produce and a quaint atmosphere.
Drive from Surfers Paradise to Tamborine Mountain (about 30 minutes).
AUD18, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

Walk through the treetops and marvel at the beautiful native flora and fauna.
Short drive from the cafe.
AUD20, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Wine Tasting at Witches Falls Winery

Experience some of the best local wines while enjoying beautiful vineyard views.
5-minute drive from the skywalk.
AUD10, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Tamborine Mountain Brewery

Enjoy a beautiful meal paired with craft beers, surrounded by stunning mountain countryside.
Just a short drive from the winery.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Discover the art of distilling with a tour of this local distillery, and taste their award-winning spirits.
5-minute drive from the brewery.
AUD15, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Curtis Falls

Walk along a short trail to see the picturesque waterfall and enjoy the surrounding nature.
10-minute drive from the distillery.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Dinner at The Fortitude Brewing Company

End your day with a delicious meal while sampling a selection of local craft beers.
Drive back toward Surfers Paradise.
AUD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tamborine Mountain

Day 5: Thrill-Seeking Fun

Dreamworld, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Dreamworld's Hungry Jack's

Grab a quick breakfast with a variety of fast food options before the day of fun.
Drive from Surfers Paradise to Dreamworld (about 20 minutes).
AUD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Enjoy Dreamworld Theme Park

Experience thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live entertainment all within the park.
Stay inside the park after breakfast.
AUD89, 8 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Dreamworld Resort

Take a moment to unwind at the resort with a delightful buffet dinner.
In the theme park.
AUD45, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Dreamworld

Day 6: Beach Day at Broadbeach

Broadbeach, Australia

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Relax and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast featuring local ingredients.
Drive from Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach (about 10 minutes).
AUD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Swim and Sunbathe at Broadbeach

Bask under the sun and enjoy swimming in the golden waters of Broadbeach.
Directly from your breakfast spot.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Oasis Shopping Centre

Choose from a variety of restaurants within the shopping complex for a quick bite.
A short stroll from the beach.
AUD25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Spend the afternoon shopping or enjoying leisure activities in this lively shopping mall.
Less than 5-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Dinner at the Kurrawa Surf Club

Dine on fresh seafood while enjoying ocean views with a beachfront ambiance.
5-minute walk from shopping centre.
AUD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Broadbeach

Day 7: Marine Wonderland

Sea World, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sea World's Shoreline Restaurant

Indulge in a breakfast buffet filled with options to fuel your exciting day ahead.
Drive from Broadbeach to Sea World (about 10 minutes).
AUD30, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore Sea World

Delve into the wonders of marine life with rides, animal exhibits, and shows.
Located right next to the restaurant.
AUD89, 7 hours

4:00 PM

Dinner at Sea World's Dockside

After a full day of fun, wind down with dinner overlooking the water.
Same location as Sea World.
AUD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sea World

Day 8: Final Explorations

Southport, Australia

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Southport Family Restaurant

Enjoy a final hearty breakfast before ending your Gold Coast adventure.
Drive from Broadbeach to Southport (about 15 minutes).
AUD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Southport Broadwater Parklands

Take a lovely stroll along the esplanade and enjoy the waterfront parklands.
A short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

Check out this Olympic-size facility with amazing recreational activities to experience.
Just 5 minutes drive from the parklands.
AUD10, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Boat House

Enjoy a cafe-style lunch overlooking the water, perfect for unwinding.
Short walk from the Aquatic Centre.
AUD30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Australia Fair Shopping Centre

Spend the last hours shopping or enjoying the views from the marina.
A short drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Departure

Wrap up your Gold Coast adventure, heading home with unforgettable memories!
Drive back to the airport for your departing flight.
N/A, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Southport
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