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The Gold Coast has lengthy been Australia’s premier vacation vacation spot with sufficient actions and sights to fill your Gold Coast itinerary for weeks! There are the seashores, unimaginable theme parks, waterways, the hinterland, hipster cafes, vibrant nightlife, procuring strips and a lot extra.

However what should you 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 if you solely have a short while.

That can assist 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

Should you’re like most busy households and all you possibly can 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 an excellent time, which is why it’s certainly one of our favorite locations to dwell in Australia.

For these flying into Coolangatta Airport or Gold Coast Airport, you’re first going to wish to rent a rental automobile to get round. Public transport is just not going to chop it, and also you’ll need to take advantage of 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 possibly can go off exploring after which come again and examine in later. Widespread locations to base your self embrace Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise.

Should you arrive early sufficient on a Friday afternoon, you possibly can 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, loosen up at your lodging and get an excellent night time’s sleep, you’ve obtained a busy weekend forward.

You’ll be able to view the stops talked about on this 2 day itinerary within the following interactive map, which can assist 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 essentially the most unmissable stops on the Gold Coast and locations you merely can’t skip.

However, you might have solely a restricted time, so that you received’t be capable of see all the pieces. That can assist 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 condominium or a property with kitchen amenities, you might have 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?

A number of the greatest cafe scenes might be discovered at Broadbeach, Miami, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, and Kirra. Take a 30-minute stroll or bike trip alongside a piece 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 via Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park. A great way to stroll off brekky.

High tip: Should you’re an early fowl, head as much as Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park for dawn overlooking the ocean. You received’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, loosen up 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 embrace:

• Rainbow Bay – Mild rolling surf, protected swimming situations, and year-round surf patrols make for a soothing household seashore day.
• Coolangatta / Greenmount Seashore – a north-facing seashore protected by the headland. Usually protected with often 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 get pleasure from a spread 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 the direction of the northern finish of the coast. Lengthy, clear stretch of seashore, and bordered by massive grasslands and an enormous playground.
• Surfers Paradise Seashore – maybe essentially the most well-known seashore in Goldie. This can be a 2km stretch of golden sand, identified for glorious surf breaks and lined by high-rise resorts.
• Palm Seashore – a quiet, lovely seashore that gives a relaxed, family-friendly ambiance.
• Byron Bay – it’s a little bit of a trek south of the Gold Coast but it surely’s certainly one of Australia’s most well-known seashores. Right here is a superb spot for skilled surfers seeking to catch some massive waves.

Cease 3: Lunch at a Surf Membership

For an off-the-cuff and reasonably priced household lunch with wonderful views, we prefer to dine at one of many many surf lifesaving golf equipment dotted alongside the coast. When you have younger kids like us, the child’s exercise packs are available in very useful for conserving them settled.

Our favorite surf golf equipment embrace; Major Seashore, Kurrawa (Broadbeach), North Burleigh, Currumbin, Coolangatta, Greenmount, and Rainbow Bay. If you’d like a seat by the window, you may need 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 totally different choices in your afternoon on the Gold Coast.

Choice 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 intense excessive ropes problem.

This sanctuary can be well-known for feeding a whole lot of untamed lorikeets who descend upon you from the encompassing bushes to get a lick on the candy honey nectar that you simply maintain out in a bowl in your palms.

Should you don’t need to pay the admission value to see all of the animals, FREE lorikeet feeding takes place day by day at 4 pm, and in addition 8 am.

Choice 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 High Problem, the glow worm caves, Thunderbird Park, and for us massive youngsters the Vineyard or Distillery.

You can too hike to Curtis Falls, among the best waterfalls within the Gold Coast area. Many individuals decide to do that hike at night time because it’s an excellent time to see wildlife within the jungle. With a information, in fact.

Choice 3. Water actions

There is no such thing as a scarcity of water actions on the Gold Coast for individuals who need leisure or the adrenalin repair.

Journey 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.

Choice 4: Springbrook Nationwide Park

Should you love beautiful waterfalls and journey, then you definitely may get pleasure from a visit to Springbrook Nationwide Park, which is known for its refreshing waterfalls, rainforest, historic bushes, and the distinctive rock formation generally known as Pure Bridge.

The Pure Bridge is created from the drive of the waterfall over a basalt cave, which kinds this distinctive bridge-like formation.

You’ll be able to 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 go away. 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!

Choice 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 right place to sit down again, loosen up with a picnic and pattern some native wines.

You’ll be able to 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 possibly can stroll an alpaca via the vineyards.

Choice 6: Whale Watching (Seasonal)

Relying on what time of 12 months you go to, you possibly can be in with an excellent 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 highway 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, akin to Cafe d’Bar, or from a restaurant alongside Surfers Paradise Boulevard. The most effective time to see whales is from Might till October.

Choice 7: River Cruise at Surfers Paradise

Should you’re in search of enjoyable issues to do on the Gold Coast, then a scenic river cruise is a good way to spend a day. Sit again, loosen up and soak within the solar on the open-top sundeck as you cruise via the attractive waterways, canals and broadwater of the Gold Coast.

You’ll cross by the millionaires row and see some luxurious properties, sail previous the costly yachts and boats at Marina Mirage, and should you’re fortunate, you might even spot some dolphins and Sea Eagles off Major Seashore.

Choice 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 value visiting. The park is known for its dense Gondwana Rainforests which is an Australian World Heritage space stuffed with historic bushes and mountaineering trails.

A number of the most important sights 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 Marketta

For an actual native expertise that includes meals and leisure head to Miami Marketta, a neighborhood’s favorite advice.

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 night time is Marina Mirage.

Day 2: Theme Park Day

The Gold Coast is the theme park capital of Australia, with sights 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’ll be able to 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 refill on water and wholesome snacks earlier than hitting up one of many parks.

However with simply at some point, how are you aware which of the theme parks will go well with your loved ones’s pursuits and maintain everybody completely satisfied?

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.

Should you’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 youngsters who need to get their thrills on large, movie-themed rides like Inexperienced Lantern and Superman Escape.

The day is stuffed with avenue parades and performances out of your favorite superheroes and film characters. The WB Enjoyable Zone is a spot for smaller kids with rides and reveals 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 sights for all ages. The younger ones will get pleasure from Wiggles World and Madagascar Insanity, with age-appropriate rides and the possibility 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 possibly can see Bengal and Sumatran Tigers play.

WhiteWater World (hooked up 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 possibly can meet the dolphins and stand up near seals, polar bears, sting rays, penguins, and have shut encounters with sharks.

This park presents an academic aspect – you’ll stroll away much more in love with these clever, mild creatures. And the seals will deliver you many laughs.

The Jet Stunt Excessive present will amaze you with its wonderful aerial flips, and gravity-defying stunts. I loved this excess of I anticipated.

There are just a few rides to get pleasure from akin to Jet Rescue, Sea Viper, and Storm Coaster. For the little youngsters, there are Dora and SpongeBob reveals 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, akin to Kamikaze and The Black Gap for the older and extra daring youngsters and oldsters.

Relations can race one another down the Tremendous 8 slide or get pleasure from extra mild water slides such because the River Rapids. And there are locations to loosen up 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 Gold Coast Lodge in Surfers Paradise. To be trustworthy, I attempt to keep away from buffets as of late 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 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!

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 primary sights. It’s the most well-liked base for households, and there’s good purpose for it, all the pieces is accessible and shut by. We do love staying on the aforementiond QT Lodge in Surfers Paradise.

For a quieter expertise, we like Burleigh Heads, Palm Seashore and Coolangatta, which is the place there are fewer vacationers and extra locals. There’s additionally glorious playgrounds and seashores for smaller kids to get pleasure from.

See extra locations to remain on this map:

Learn extra: See extra family-friendly lodging on the Gold Coast, A Keep At Hilton Lodge 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 12 months, so anytime is an effective time to go to. Summer time is essentially the most crowded with the children off college, and this tends to jack up costs, however that doesn’t make it a nasty time to go to. For cheaper costs, sunny days, fewer crowds, and whale watching season, set your journey for Winter (June-August).

Last ideas

There you might have it, that is how one can spend 2 days on the Gold Coast, and as you possibly can see, there’s loads 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 listing. When you have extra time, you can also make certain to take a look at the procuring centres akin to Pacific Honest and Harbour City Premium Shops.

Extra Gold Coast Journey Ideas

Are you in want of extra inspiration for the Gold Coast? Take a look at the next guides that will help you plan your journey to the Gold Coast:

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