Gold Coast, Queensland: a 2 day itinerary

The Gold Coast is a vibrant holiday destination in south east Queensland that sees countless tourists every year, be it for quick weekend getaways or longer annual holidays. Its easily accessible from most major Australian cities by plane, and is only a short one hour drive south of Brisbane. The Gold Coast is a very popular family destination in Australia, particularly for theme park enthusiasts and beach lovers. It also has a bit of a reputation for being a party hub, especially in October/November each year when school leavers arrive at the area en masse for “schoolies” celebrations (probably best compared to Spring Break parties in the United States).

There’s a lot to see and do in the Gold Coast, and you’ll probably want to spend more than two days if you’re on a trip specifically to this area of Australia. In this guide however, I’ll take you through a plan for a more limited timeframe.

Where to Stay on the Gold Coast

Having been to the Gold Coast countless times, I’ve stayed in numerous hotels, apartments and resorts in the area. The Gold Coast can best be divided up into three main areas, all of which are within walking distance to its beautiful sandy beaches:

• Surfers Paradise: the party hub of the Gold Coast. This is also where you’ll find the high rise resorts and apartment buildings and is where you’ll want to stay if you’re wanting to experience the nightlife that the Gold Coast is famous for.
• Main Beach: a bit quieter than Surfers, this area is filled with glamorous beach side resorts and is probably best suited to travellers looking for a bit of luxury in their stay.
• Broadbeach: a popular area for families, with self catered apartments and plenty of playgrounds by the beach.

I’ve often stayed at the Neptune Resort in Broadbeach. The resort offers spacious apartments with balconies and its an easy walk both to the beach and the countless shops and restaurants nearby.

Getting around is easy. There’s a light rail service that connects all the different areas of the Gold Coast (or just walk along the beach until you get to where you want to be).

Day One on the Gold Coast: Currumbin, the Beach and Surfers

Today you’ll be seeing all your favourite Australian fauna, enjoying the beach life and seeing what Surfers Paradise is all about.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

After breakfast, start your day with a trip to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. About a thirty minute drive south of Surfers Paradise, this heritage listed wildlife conservatory is the place to be in the Gold Coast when it comes to seeing Australia’s unique wildlife. The Sanctuary dates back to 1947 and each day sees countless rainbow lorikeets flock from around the area to get a bite to eat. Try to get to the park at opening (around 8AM) to be on hand for the first feeding session of the day. Be warned though, you’ll likely have birds perched all over you.

You’ll spend the better part of the morning at Currumbin Sanctuary. There’s a lot to do if you want to take a comprehensive tour. Don’t miss exhibits such as the Lost Valley – a huge walkthrough aviary of free flying birds and tree kangaroos. You’ll also find koalas, (conventional) kangaroos, cockatoos, emus and so much more.

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Website: https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au/

To the Beach

If you’re done with the animals by early afternoon, head back to your accommodation. Grab a quick bite to eat and change into your swim wear because you’re off to the beach. If you’re staying in Broadbeach, there’s countless cafes and other options at Pacific Fair and the surrounding area, so take your pick before heading out onto the white sands just a few blocks away for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy the water, bask in the sun and watch the surfers. After taking a dip, so back and get changed before making your way up towards Surfers Paradise for the evening.

Surfers Paradise

As you head into Surfers Paradise, try to get to the SkyPoint Observation Deck before sunset. Located on the 77th floor of the highest resort tower in Australia (at least at the time of writing) this observation deck is the only one in the country that offers beachside views. Its well worth going up (book your ticket in advance HERE to avoid waiting in line) and taking in the breathtaking panoramic shots on offer from 230 metres high. If you’re visiting on a weekend night (Friday or Saturday), the tower is open until midnight, however any other day you’ll need to make sure you get here at least 45 minutes before closing time at 8.30pm to go up.

• SkyPoint Observatory Deck Website: https://www.skypoint.com.au/

If you’re looking for something exciting to do after dinner (which by the way, Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. is a Gold Coast institution if you’re looking for food options!), Surfers Paradise has you covered. The area has a booming nightlife filled with bars, clubs and even a giant slingshot ride! With that said, I highly recommend checking out the INFINITY Attraction. This multi-sensory immersive experience takes you through a series of maze like environments through the powers of LED lighting, atmospheric sounds and optical illusions. Put on your glow in the dark gloves and socks and feel your way through the out of this world experience.

• INFINITY Attraction Website: https://infinitygc.com.au/

Day Two on the Gold Coast: Choose your theme park

You can’t take a trip to the Gold Coast without visiting one (or more) of Australia’s most popular theme parks. While I don’t think they are anywhere near as good as the Disney style parks you’ll find overseas, they are still Australia’s best. You’ll want to set aside a whole day for each though, so if you’re only planning on being in the Gold Coast for two days, you’ll need to take your pick from one of the following destinations.

1. Dreamworld

Dreamworld is Australia’s largest theme park, with over 40 rides across themed zones such as Ocean Parade, Dreamworks Experience and Gold Rush Country. If you’re all about extreme thrills, this is the park for you. Dreamworld markets itself around its Big 7 thrill rides such as the Giant Drop, The Claw, Buzzsaw and Hot Wheels Sidewinder.

Younger or less adventurous guests will find family friendly fun with characters from the Dreamworks films such as Madagascar, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. The park also contains the excellent Tiger Island exhibit and the Australian Corroborree filled with Australian fauna and entertainment.

While its technically a separate park, Dreamworld is also connected to Whitewater World, a water park filled with slides guaranteeing exciting splashdowns. I haven’t been, so I can’t say much about this other than the fact that there’s another full scale water park not far down the road.

• Dreamworld Website: https://www.dreamworld.com.au/

2. Warner Bros. Movie World

Movie World is my favourite of the Gold Coast’s theme parks. Like Dreamworld, it contains a heap of thrill rides and rollercoasters, but most of these are themed around Warner Bros projects such as the DC Comics Franchise. Superhero headliners at this park include the Superman Escape rollercoaster, Arkham Asylum Shock Therapy and the Green Lantern Coaster. You’ll also chase thrills aboard the Wild West Falls Adventure and Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster.

Warner Bros is also great for young guests as there’s a Loony Tunes themed kids zone filled with family friendly attractions. You’ll also find all your favourite DC heroes and villains wandering the park for photos.

• Movie World Website: https://movieworld.com.au/

3. Sea World

Not to be confused with its international counterpart, Sea World at the Gold Coast is mixture of a theme park and marine animal conservatory. Its also the closest of all the theme parks to the main resort area in the Gold Coast. At Sea World, you’ll seek thrills on rollercoasters such as the Storm Coaster and Jet Rescue, however most of the rides seem to be more geared to younger riders such as those in the Nickelodeon themed area. The main reason to come to Sea World is to check out the animal exhibits in the park, ranging from polar bears to dolphins and penguins. There’s also a jet ski stunt show.

Of all the parks that I’ve been to on the Gold Coast, Sea World is probably my least favourite, though its worth checking out if you have time to do more than one.

• Sea World Website: https://seaworld.com.au/

4. Wet ‘n’ Wild Gold Coast

Wet ‘n’ Wild is owned by the same company that owns Movie World and Sea World. Being situated right next to Movie World, the park is the largest (and in my view best) water park in Australia. The park has countless water slides, with the best being those located in the Extreme H2O Zone, such as the Tornado, Black Hole and Kamikaze. After maxing out on thrills, relax as you float around Calypso Beach or brave the swell at the Giant Wave Pool. A trip to Wet ‘n’ Wild is fun day in the sun, so its a good fit for a Gold Coast vacation.

• Wet n Wild Gold Coast Website: https://wetnwild.com.au/

So what are you waiting for?

As you can see, a trip to the Gold Coast is the ultimate domestic holiday destination for Australians. There’s so much to do that you’ll want to spend more than two days exploring the theme parks on offer, while also taking the time to relax on some of the best beaches in the country.

Have you travelled to the Gold Coast? What’s your favourite theme park? Best ride? You know I’m a theme park lover so I’d love to hear from you.