Heading to the Gold Coast? Check out our 5-Day Itinerary of the Goldie, ticking off sights, theme parks and beaches along the way!

Please note that we’re nature lovers! So while there’s plenty of entertaining things to do on the Gold Coast (especially in the Surfer’s Paradise area), most of this itinerary revolves around nature (beaches, greenery, and rocks).

Where to stay

How to get around the Gold Coast

The Goldie does have public transport options available, and there’s plenty to do to fill up 5 days of your time without renting a car, but for this itinerary you’ll need to hire a car.

Hiring a car is the best way to go in the gold coast

It’s the best way to get the most of the area, and you’ll end up saving money too because some of the more long-distance destinations are sometimes cheaper to get to by car than by bus.

Day 1 – Arrival Day and Getting Acquainted with the Gold Coast

On your arrival day, pick up your rental car from the airport – it’s time to hit the sun! Today, explore Gold Coast’s surrounds and find out why so many flock here for some fun in the sun.

Burleigh Head Beach

A great alternative to Surfer’s Paradise, and offering a great view of the Goldie skyline juxtaposed with gorgeous, blue waters.

North Kirra Beach

Another great beach – quieter, and more of a local’s secret as opposed to a tourist magnet.

Snapper Rocks

Cute little rock formations – great photography opportunity.

Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse

Towering lighthouse - a starting point some great walks.

Day 2 – Get amongst the Hinterland

You’ve basked in the sunshine, and now it’s time to check out some greenery by heading to Gold Coast’s beautiful hinterland!

Springbrook National Park – Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is absolutely one of the highlights of the Gold Coast hinterland – just look at it!

Best of All Lookout

They weren’t kidding when they named this lookout the ‘Best of All’ – because the view here is amazing. Well... it’s supposed to be amazing!

Depending on the weather, you can either be treated to a spellbinding view or a view of, well, this...

To be honest, we thought it was still cool to visit. The short walk from the car park to the lookout was pretty magical, and there was something ethereal about being up so high, amongst the clouds.

Canyon Lookout

Another great lookout in the area, providing unparalleled views of the Hinterland cliffside.

Day 3 – Sea World and Chilling out at Surfer’s Paradise

Sea World

The Gold Coast is extremely well-known for its theme parks, so it’s time to check some out – starting with the aquatic-themed Sea World!

The Vortex just opened when we visited, but to be frank it left us with vertigo. Our favourite rides were Storm Coaster and Jet Rescue. Seeing all the dolphins was super cute too.

You save a lot of money by buying a pass if you’re visiting more than one theme park in the Gold Coast, so we decided to check it out. It’s definitely geared more towards families and children, but we still loved riding the rides all the same.

Surfer’s Paradise

This is one of the main reasons why people visit the Gold Coast, right? So you have to check it out. Australia’s answer to Miami, Surfer’s Paradise is a melting point of entertainment, surfers, luxury restaurants and hotels, and people from all around the world.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Noosa and Brisbane or Byron Bay

It’s time for a day trip! Gold Coast is conveniently situated in between some stunning beach towns, so you’re spoiled for choice here.

The best two day trips to take would be to the upscale, laidback Noosa, or the hipster, uber-cool Byron Bay (the latter in particular has attracted more than one famous celebrity to visit!).

Byron Bay is in New South Wales, so it’s something to keep in mind. At the time of visiting, crossing into the NSW border meant we would have to quarantine when we came back home, so we opted to visit Noosa instead. Those restrictions have since been relaxed, but just do your research beforehand.

Laguna Lookout

Another great lookout, giving you sweeping views.

Noosa Beach and Town

Check out Noosa’s gorgeous beach, and stroll the cute town – filled with boutiques, cafés and gift shops.

Noosa National Park

Just located right next to the Noosa Heads Main Beach, Noosa National Park boasts sights such as the Boiling Pot Lookout, Fairy Pools and Hell’s Gates.

Visiting was probably the highlight of our trip, so don’t miss it! You can tick off all these sights via a short and easy walking trail loop from Noosa beach.

Brisbane

It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Noosa from the Gold Coast. Since you’ll be passing Brisbane on the way back from Noosa, make a stop and see Australia’s third most populated city at night. Don’t miss Mount Coot-Tha!

Day 5 – Movie World and back to Surfer’s Paradise

Movie World

It’s time for another theme park! We love DC Characters, so we were really looking forward to visiting Movie World, and it didn’t disappoint!

Our highlights were Superman Escape and the Green Lantern coaster. We heard so many amazing things about the DC Rivals ride but it is NOT for the fainthearted! That drop is insane. Definitely go on it if you’re a big thrill seeker, but if you’re just a casual roller coaster rider, either mentally prepare for it – or give it a miss.

That wraps up our 5-Day Gold Coast Itinerary. Visiting the Gold Coast? Let us know in the comments below!

Follow me on Instagram (@asherxtravel) to keep up to date with my travels! See you there.

Australia

Should I Visit Melbourne or Sydney? [2024]

It’s the age-old question travellers have been trying to answer. The battle of two neighbouring Australian cities – and we’re here to answer the question.