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Planning a trip to the Gold Coast, Australia? You’re in for a seriously fun few days.
The Gold Coast is famous for its golden beaches, buzzing nightlife, and lush hinterland escapes. It’s definitely one of Australia’s most exciting holiday spots, and there’s truly something for everyone. So in true Gold Coast spirit, we’ve devised a 3-day itinerary that covers it all, from exploring the rainforest to a scenic sunset cruise. We’ve also included tips on how to get around and where to eat, so you can focus on soaking up that Queensland sunshine.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the details and plan your perfect three days in Gold Coast. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Gold Coast lunch cruise! We loved drifting along the river, enjoying a tropical buffet, gorgeous views, and the laid-back atmosphere of the coast. It was the most relaxing afternoon!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Itinerary Overview
- Day 1
- Breakfast – All-you-can-eat with a view at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar
- Morning – Walk off your breakfast and explore
- Lunch/Early afternoon – Cruise the waterways with a tropical buffet
- Afternoon – Chill out on Surfers Paradise Beach
- Dinner – Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
- Evening – Go for a sunset stroll through Main Beach
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Where to Stay in Gold Coast
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Itinerary Overview
Australia’s famous Gold Coast stretches along 57 kilometers (35 miles) of coastline, but getting around is easy. The city was developed to be a holiday destination, and so the powers that be have made it as simple as possible to get around. There’s great public transportation, and most tours offer pickup, plus areas are walkable!
For most of this itinerary, you can use the G:link tram to get around. This runs frequently between Broadbeach South and Helensvale, stopping at key spots like Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Southport (for Chinatown) along the way. The tram is fast and affordable, and you can use local buses and Ubers or taxis to fill in the gaps for short trips—and if you’re in a pair or group, it won’t cost too much extra.
Day 1: We’ll kick off your Gold Coast getaway with breakfast and skyline views at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar before exploring Surfers Paradise and enjoying a scenic lunch cruise. You’ll have the afternoon to chill out on the beach and then finish the day with a fresh seafood dinner and a sunset stroll. Sounds fun, right?
Day 2: Escape to the hinterland for an epic full-day wine tour in Mount Tamborine. Afterward, return to Surfers Paradise for a laid-back Italian dinner and a quiet evening before tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 3: You’ve got the option to tick a sunrise hot air balloon flight off of your bucket list, then at lunchtime you’ll meet koalas and kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, relax by the pool or visit HOTA before sailing into the sunset and enjoying dinner in Chinatown.
Day 1
Breakfast – All-you-can-eat with a view at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar
As far as we’re concerned, there’s only one way to kick off your Gold Coast adventure, and that’s with breakfast and a serious view at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar! It’s located at the top of Q1—Australia’s tallest residential building—and the views from here are absolutely stunning. The all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet also has a ton of delicious options, from bacon, eggs, and waffles to pastries and tropical fruit.
The buffet is open between 7:30 am and 10:30 am on level 77 of Q1. They don’t take bookings, so you’ll need to buy your tickets directly at the SkyPoint lobby on the day. We suggest arriving between 8:15 and 8:30 am to allow time to queue and still have plenty of time to enjoy the buffet before it closes.
Buffet tickets start from $46 AUD for adults and include access to the SkyPoint Observation Deck, where you can walk off breakfast while soaking in 360-degree views of the coastline. Take your time here! You’ll probably finish up around 10 am, but there’s no rush.
Morning – Walk off your breakfast and explore
After breakfast, you’ll have a few hours to spare before your lunch cruise at 1 pm, so this is the perfect time to stretch your legs and explore a bit of the Gold Coast. We’ve shared a couple of easy options below, depending on what you feel like doing this morning.
- Surfers Paradise Esplanade – This iconic stretch of sand is ideal for a slow morning walk, and it’s just steps away from Q1! You can dip your toes in the ocean, browse the beachfront shops, or grab a fresh juice from one of the cafés along the way. If it’s a weekend, you might catch the Beachfront Markets setting up by late morning.
- Marina Mirage – If you’d prefer to relax closer to your next meeting point, you can take a short 10-minute taxi ride to Marina Mirage. This waterside precinct is home to designer boutiques, art galleries, and elegant cafés, so it’s perfect for a bit of window-shopping or a pre-cruise drink with a view.
Lunch/Early afternoon – Cruise the waterways with a tropical buffet
Instead of just grabbing lunch in town, we’re going to hit the waterways today! We love this tour because it allows you to enjoy a delicious buffet while taking in some of Gold Coast’s prettiest sights as you drift along the Nerang River, from Marina Mirage and Palazzo Versace to the Southport Yacht Club.
There are a few different time slots available, but we suggest booking the 1 pm, which means you’ll finish up around 3 pm. The cruise leaves from the Ferry Wharf in Surfers Paradise (be sure to arrive about 20 minutes before departure), and from there you’ll glide out toward the Broadwater, passing all the sights we just mentioned along the way!
There’s also informative and light-hearted commentary on board, so you’ll actually learn a bit about the city while soaking up the views.
Of course, the highlight of the cruise is the tropical buffet lunch, which you can enjoy in the air-conditioned cabin or up on deck if you want the sea breeze. Expect platters of fresh prawns, roast chicken, seasonal salads, and fruit, and drinks are available to purchase at the bar. Plus, there’s plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere—no wonder this tour has HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews!
Grab your spot on this Gold Coast lunch cruise here before it sells out!
Afternoon – Chill out on Surfers Paradise Beach
After your two-hour cruise, it’s time to slow things down and soak up the Gold Coast sunshine. The famous Surfers Paradise Beach is just a 10-minute walk from the wharf, so wander over to the golden sand and just relax.
If you feel like a sweet treat, we recommend stopping by Gelatissimo Surfers Paradise. They make the best ice cream in town, and there are a ton of yummy flavors on offer. The mango and passionfruit ones are local favorites because they’re just so refreshing on a hot Gold Coast day!
And if you’d rather stroll than sunbathe, you can always walk north towards Narrowneck. The crowds thin out up here, and you’ll have views for days along the coast.
Dinner – Glass Dining & Lounge Bar
Tonight’s dinner is at one of the Gold Coast’s most elegant dining spots: Glass Dining & Lounge Bar at Marina Mirage. It’s just a 10-minute taxi ride from Surfers Paradise, so you’ll have plenty of time to freshen up before heading out. We suggest booking a table online here for around 6:30 pm to catch the last of the daylight glimmering over the marina.
This award-winning restaurant is known for its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, and it offers waterfront views that make dining here feel very special. The menu has been carefully designed to highlight premium Australian produce and local seafood. We highly recommend trying their spanner crab linguine, seared scallops, or perfectly chargrilled steaks. Oh, and pairing your meal with either a signature drink or a glass of crisp white is a must!
Evening – Go for a sunset stroll through Main Beach
After dinner, it’s time to wind down your first night on the Gold Coast. You can do this by taking a peaceful stroll along Main Beach’s quiet waterfront, which is just across from Marina Mirage. It’s a calm area where you’ll see more locals than tourists, and it feels a world away from the lively energy of Surfers Paradise. It’s the perfect spot for a post-dinner walk.
But if you want to make the night last a bit longer, you can also head to one of the bars in Marina Mirage for a nightcap before heading back to your hotel. Holy Ship (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) is a classy floating bar and restaurant, and Pearls Bar is a lovely spot with a tropical vibe.
However you choose to round off your evening, it’s only about a 10-minute taxi ride to Surfers Paradise, so you’ll be able to get back at a reasonable time. You’ll want a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s hinterland adventure!
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon – Sip and sightsee on Mount Tambourine
Mt. Tambourine is an incredibly beautiful area, and winery-hopping here is a total blast, so that’s how we’re going to spend day 2 in Gold Coast. But because no one wants to drive while wine tasting, this full-day tasting tour is the best way to do it! Between the stunning views, boutique family-run wineries, and a short 35-minute drive from the coast, it’s an absolute must.
Hotel pickup starts around 8:30 am, and the tour runs for about eight hours, finishing up around 4:30 or 5 pm, with plenty of time to get ready for dinner afterward. Availability can vary, so make sure to plan ahead and swap your days around if needed so you don’t miss out.
We had such an amazing time when we did this tour. Our first stop was at a charming winery where we sampled a mix of reds, whites, and sparkling wines. The tastings were relaxed but informative, which is just how we like them! We then got to visit the Tamborine Mountain Distillery to try their award-winning liqueurs, vodka, and schnapps. It makes a nice break from all of the wine, I must say!
Lunch was served at a winery restaurant with incredible views of the hinterland. Steak, seafood, and pasta were all on the menu, but it is seasonal, so it may look totally different at another time of year. After lunch, we visited two more boutique wineries, and I have to say we ended the day feeling quite tipsy.
By the time you’re back in Gold Coast, you’ll feel like you’ve seen the best the region has to offer—and with 400+ glowing 5-star reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones who loved it!
Check price and book this full-day Mount Tamborine tasting adventure here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner/Evening – Costa D’oro Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Today was a pretty long (and wine-filled) day, so if you just want to grab dinner at or close to your hotel, we totally get that! But if you’re keen to dine at one of Gold Coast’s top-rated restaurants, we suggest heading to Costa D’oro Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in Surfers Paradise. This place is all about classic Italian food done right, so it’s the ideal place to soak up all of the wine with some carbs.
We love this place because the wood-fired pizzas and creamy pastas taste like they came straight from Nonna’s kitchen. The seafood pasta and prosciutto-topped pizza are our favorites, but you can’t go wrong here.
This place also works well for tonight because the atmosphere is relaxed and low-key. We do recommend booking a table, though, as it is a popular spot. You’ll be back from the tour by about 5 pm, so if you make a reservation for 6:30 or 7 pm, you’ll have plenty of time to freshen up beforehand.
Speaking of which… There’s an optional hot air balloon ride early tomorrow, so if you plan on doing this, it’s definitely best to keep tonight mellow and head to bed early.
Day 3
Bonus activity: Morning – Sunrise in a hot air balloon
Now, this morning’s activity is optional, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience! So if you fancy stunning views at sunrise, why not book this top-rated Gold Coast hot air balloon flight?
Now, this tour does involve an early start. You’ll be picked up at around 3:30 am and driven out to the launch site. Trust me, it’s SO worth the early start.
Before you take off, you’ll see all of the colorful balloons inflating right in front of you, which is quite a sight! If you like, you can even help with the pack-up later, although it’s just as easy to relax and enjoy the spectacle.
Once the balloon is ready to go, you’ll step into the basket and gently drift up, up, and away! The pilot will steer you over either the Gold Coast city or the hinterland, depending on the wind. You’ll have epic panoramic views of the city’s beaches, waterways, and lush hinterland scenery. Just think how amazing your Instagram page will look after this flight!
The in-air flight lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, giving plenty of time to soak in the sunrise over the city or hinterland. After landing, you’ll receive a souvenir photo and movie package to commemorate your adventure. Finally, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel between 6:30 and 7:30 am, having seen a sunrise you’ll never forget.
Now, this flight involves a very early flight, so take the rest of the morning slowly. You’ll have plenty of time to nap before or after breakfast. You can even just grab something at your hotel, get some shut-eye, and then pick up the itinerary again in the afternoon—just do what works for you!
Ready for a bucket-list adventure? Book your Gold Coast hot air balloon flight here!
Breakfast – La Playa Beach and Eats
Start your final day on the Gold Coast with a relaxed breakfast at La Playa Beach and Eats. It’s an easygoing beachfront cafe right on the Surfers Paradise Esplanade. It has a bright, airy vibe and offers lovely sea views, so breakfast here is sure to put you in a good mood!
Well, that, and the fact that the menu has all of your typical Aussie breakfast favorites, from smashed avo and eggs benedict to fluffy blueberry ricotta hotcakes, plus excellent smoothies and locally roasted coffee. It opens at 7 am, so you can either head there right after your hot air balloon flight. If you opted not to do the flight, we’re not on a tight schedule today, so you can always sleep in a bit and roll up mid-morning if you prefer.
Late morning/Lunch – Meet the locals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Of course, getting up close and personal with Australia’s incredible wildlife is a must when you’re in Gold Coast! So today, we’re paying a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It offers a relaxed, family-friendly experience where you can meet iconic animals in bushland and rainforest settings designed to resemble their natural habitats.
To get here, you can easily drive if you’ve got a rental car—all-day parking costs $10 AUD. Taking an Uber/taxi starts at around $60 AUD each way, or you can use the TransLink Journey Planner to find the fastest way to get there using public transport. Usually, this means getting the G:link tram to Cavill Avenue, walking for 3 minutes to Ferny Avenue, and hopping on the 700 bus.
The sanctuary is open from 9 am onwards, but get here whenever you like! We have some free time this afternoon, and this evening’s activity doesn’t start until 5 pm, so there’s really no rush. You’ll probably want to spend 3-4 hours here, and there’s the Sanctuary Cafe on site where you can grab a light lunch and some coffee.
During your time, you’ll see many of Australia’s most famous creatures here, including (but not limited to) koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils! Don’t miss the free-flight bird shows or the chance to hand-feed colorful lorikeets. Be sure to visit the Lost Valley, which is a five-acre rainforest modeled after the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, where you can see exotic animals like lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, and cotton-top tamarins. You really can’t get bored here!
Book your visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary here and enjoy FREE cancellation!
Afternoon – Spend it your way
After a busy morning, it’s time to spend your last afternoon in Gold Coast exactly how you like. We’ve put together a few ideas to help you make the most of your final hours:
- Relax by the pool or beach near your hotel – A lot of Gold Coast hotels have pools, so you can take this time to make the most of yours, especially if you’re staying along the Esplanade and have a pool with ocean views or a sundeck. And if not, you could also head to the beach for some sunbathing and maybe a quick nap.
- HOTA – Home of the Arts – If you want to see another side of the Gold Coast away from the beaches, head to the city’s creative hub. It’s set in a beautiful riverside location surrounded by greenery, and it brings together everything from art exhibitions and live music to outdoor cinema nights and theatre performances.
- Macintosh Island Park – This is a peaceful oasis between Surfers Paradise and Main Beach with shady walking paths, a beautiful lagoon with skyline views, and resident peacocks strutting around! Definitely worth checking out if you ask us.
Evening – Sail into the sunset
This sunset sailing cruise is truly the perfect way to end your trip to Gold Coast. It’s a relaxed, small-group experience, not like those crowded party boats you sometimes see, so it’s a really special way to experience the Gold Coast.
The tour sets off from Main Beach at 5 pm, so you’ll need to get there about 15 minutes beforehand to check in. The cruise lasts for 2 hours, so you’ll wrap up at around 7 pm. But the good news is that you’ll get to enjoy a yummy cheese board with crackers and fruit as you cruise around, which will tide you over nicely. Oh, and you’ll get two drinks to wash it down with!
As you sail, you’ll glide past landmarks like Marina Mirage and Wave Break Island as the sun starts to dip below the horizon. And if you’re really lucky, you might even see some dolphins playing—sunset is actually one of the best times to spot them!
This tour is magical, but just a quick heads up: it doesn’t usually run on Wednesdays. If your last day in Gold Coast falls on a Wednesday, you could always swap this around with the evening activities from Day 1. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and the perfect reminder of why this region is so loved!
Check availability and grab your spot on this small group sunset cruise here!
Dinner – Explore Chinatown
We haven’t been to Gold Coast’s Chinatown yet on this itinerary, but it’s a super vibrant area that’s packed with amazing food, so heading here for dinner tonight is a no-brainer. And it’s not just Chinese food, either! You can head to Izakaya Ichi for Japanese dishes or Khao Piyo for the most delicious vegetarian Thai fare. We also like Itaewon Korean Restaurant for its authentic Korean food – especially the Bulgogi stir-fired glass noodles!
But if you’re after some casual eats, there are tons of hidden gems around Chinatown to check out. You can just stop in wherever looks good for handmade dumplings or late-night noodles! And if your visit falls on the first Saturday of the month, you might catch the Chinatown Street Markets, when tons of food stalls pop up around the laneways and live music makes it all even more fun.
Where to Stay in Gold Coast
Now that you’ve planned out your perfect three-day Gold Coast adventure, it’s time to find somewhere to stay. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better spot than Surfers Paradise. It’s the heart of the Gold Coast, so staying here puts you right by the beach and close to all of the best attractions and entertainment.
There are plenty of hotels in this area, but we’ve shared our three top picks below for each budget, whether you’re looking for luxury or a stylish budget stay. Just make sure to reserve your spot early if you see availability for your travel dates—hotels here book up fast!
Luxury – $$$
The Langham is the ultimate beachfront escape in Surfers Paradise. It’s a 5-star property set right on the sand, and it’s so luxurious that you’ll never want to leave. The rooms are super spacious and have floor-to-ceiling windows, meaning that you can enjoy sweeping sea views 24/7. There’s also a gorgeous, modern infinity pool overlooking the beach, and it’s got a swim-up bar for true vacation vibes.
It’s in a prime location too, as it’s just a short walk from Surfers Paradise Beach and SkyPoint Observation Deck. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay with unbeatable ocean views, this is the place to splurge.
Rates typically range between $500 and $1,000 AUD per night, although the most luxurious options can cost more. Find the best prices at Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise by IHG is a stylish ocean-view hotel perfectly positioned between the buzzing Cavill Avenue strip and Broadbeach’s shopping and dining scene. You’ll have the G-link tram right outside, which makes it super easy (and affordable) to get around the Gold Coast. The rooms are bright and modern, and they offer plenty of space as well as nice views of the coastline or hinterland.
We also like this hotel’s resort-style pool, and the fact that it’s home to Queensland’s only revolving restaurant, Four Winds 360°! All in all, we think that this is a great base for a classic Gold Coast getaway.
Prices tend to range between $200 and $550 AUD per night during peak season. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
The Island Gold Coast is a stylish yet affordable boutique hotel in the heart of Surfers Paradise. It’s perfect if you want to be close to the action, as you’ve got tons of beaches, restaurants, and shops just a short walk away! The vibe here is relaxed and social, thanks to the popular Rooftop Bar and the buzzing Goldie’s restaurant downstairs.
The rooms feel chic and modern, and they’re actually more like homey studios than hotel rooms – even twin rooms have two large double beds rather than singles, so you get a lot of bang for your buck here. There’s also a stylish pool area and sun terrace on site where you can while away a lazy afternoon. This whole place feels very Insta-friendly, and it offers free cancellation up to a week before your stay, which allows you to snag a great price in advance while staying flexible.
Rates at The Island typically range from $240 to $400 AUD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Want more options? Check out all the hotels listed for Gold Coast here!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Three days on the Gold Coast is just the right amount of time to soak up everything this incredible destination has to offer! From its golden beaches and lush hinterland to world-class dining, unique wildlife, and unforgettable tours, there’s truly something for everyone here. Whether you follow this itinerary step-by-step or just pick out a few favorites, I know it’ll help you experience the very best of the Gold Coast.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other Australia travel guides here! We’ve got more itineraries, hotel recommendations, and lists of top things to do to help you plan your next adventure down under. Or here are a few related blogs to inspire your travels—cheers to your next trip!
Where to Stay in Sydney, Australia: 7 Areas & Hotels