Plan a day on the Gold Coast
There are plenty of things to do on the Gold Coast and obviously everyone has different tastes. But if you’re struggling with all the exciting options the Coast has to offer and can’t decide on what to do then maybe some of the following day plans can help you plan out your holiday.
These day plans are put together based on themes. There are non-stop party plans, relaxing tours of the magnificent scenery, shopping trips and active hikes through the Hinterland.
These are just some of our ideas of a perfect day on the coast, so have a browse and see if there's anything that catches your eye. You can follow them to the letter, swap some of the activities around or just use them as a starting point, the choice is all yours!
- Relaxing on the Gold Coast
- Partying Down the Coast
- A Day at the Beach
- Gold Coast Shopping Adventure
- Romantic Day at the Coast
- Family Day at the Southern Gold Coast
Relaxing on the Gold Coast
From here, hop in the car for a scenic morning drive up into the Gold Coast Hinterland. Head north along the Gold Coast Highway past the beaches where you can watch the yachts cruise and the seagulls glide until you get to the Pacific Highway Brisbane bound.
Take the exit to Mount Tamborine and enjoy the drive past lush acreage properties and through the quaint little Tamborine Village. You may want to spend some time looking around here as they have some lovely boutique stores and cafes.
There are also plenty of lookouts, short bushwalks and National Parks around here so don’t rush through too quickly.
Once you’ve had your fill head back down the mountain to the Broadwater and walk along the foreshore. The waters here are clear and calm and the traffic isn’t as heavy as some areas of the Gold Coast, so you can relax and either take a dip or sit on the sand to watch the boats cruise past for the afternoon.
For dinner take a walk along the water to Marina Mirage at Main Beach and perhaps take a ride on a gondola or a relaxing dinner cruise. From the luxury of your own private Gondola or table you can glide through the coastal waters and watch the Gold Coast lights define the skyline as the sun goes down. Dinner is served as you cruise along enjoying hot or cold seafood and other such selections.
Partying Down the Coast
Take a break at Saltwater Creek Hotel for a pub lunch in Salty’s Sports Bar in Helensvale. Here you can kick back with a range of tap and imported beers, traditional pub menu and a game of pool for a few hours.
From here head in to Surfers Paradise Timezone for a game of indoor Laser Skirmish. You can play as a team or turn friend against friend as you inch your way around the 300 square metre maze, not to mention the hundreds of other arcade, driving, and ticket games. Timezone also boasts an 18 hole mini golf course, bumper cars and a number of simulation games.
After dinner is when the fun really starts. Take a walk down Orchid Avenue in Surfers and pick from any number of trendy nightclubs. Head to Sin City or Bedroom Lounge Bar for the big DJ events, Elswhere, Cocktails & Dreams, The Avenue, Melbas and many more. If the scene in Surfers isn't your cup of tea, you'll find a more sophisticated selection of clubs and bars a few minutes south in Broadbeach - try your luck at East, Platinum, Lil Sister and Love Nightlife to name a few.
A Day at the Beach
Start your morning at Snapper Rocks. It’s easily considered one of the best surfing beaches in Australia which is why the Roxy Pro and Quicksilver Pro are held here every year. Plunging into the water with the first morning light is a great way to start a day on the Gold Coast.
When you start to get hungry for breakfast take a walk up towards Rainbow Bay. There are a number of bakeries and cafes that can do a simple breakfast bite, if you’re out on a weekend though head to the Rainbow Bay Surf Club for a breakfast overlooking the bay.
Rainbow Bay as a beach manages to cater to everyone. Long, short and paddle boarders can all find an area of the break to suit them while swimmers can enjoy the relatively sheltered area closer to shore. There is plenty of sand to claim your patch of the beach for leaving your towel or having a rest.
Then walk up to Greenmount Beach to enjoy your meal in the shade of the pine trees on the foreshore.
From here you can spend the hotter part of the day sitting back from the shore in the shade or sunscreen up and head straight back out again.
Greenmount beach is also great for kicking a ball around, throwing a Frisbee and generally just fooling around in the sand.
Once the sun goes down there are plenty of restaurants and bars along this stretch of beaches that do dinner with night views of the ocean, good music and a chance to socialise with locals and other travellers alike. We particularly like winding down the hours to midnight at the Cooly Hotel which has live music most nights.
Gold Coast Shopping Adventure
For the afternoon take a drive out to Robina Town Centre for a real shopping experience (although you may need a whole day).
Finish off the day at Marina Mirage and enjoy a glass of bubbles before you make your way around the creme de la creme of Gold Coast shopping. Afterwards, throw on your new frock or don your fancy threads and enjoy the restaurants on the water.
Romantic Day at the Coast
After a soft landing you’ll be transferred to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard for a glass of champagne and freshly cooked breakfast in the historic surroundings of the homestead. When you’re ready to leave the serenity of the vineyard you can be dropped off at theme parks, shopping centres or your original accommodation.
If you haven’t already got a car organised get a rental now and head out for a coastal of hinterland drive. There are a number of scenic drives in the hinterland area but for a romantic day we suggest heading through Mudgeeraba up the green, windy roads to Springbrook Village. Take a walk through the quaint little shops, visit some lookouts and maybe purchase a picnic lunch to take with you.
Take your time driving back down to the Gold Coast and stop in at a few of the wineries on the way. Finish up at the Marina Mirage, a beautiful collection of shops and waterfront dining but also berthing points.
There are a number of dinner cruises that depart from Marina Mirage and serve sensational seafood while taking you on a slow cruise along the coast as the sun sets. Choose from a large, air conditioned luxury vessel, a smaller intimate boat or even a powered Gondola for a private cruise. The Gold Coast lights reflecting on the calm waters present a beautiful scene to end a romantic day on the coast.
Family Day at the Southern Gold Coast
There are several animal shows throughout the day, many of which offer the chance to feed, pet and get photos with the animals. Don’t worry if the kids are having trouble sitting still though, you can burn up some of their energy at the Green Challenge Adventure Parc.
The park is a high rope adventure course that includes 65 different obstacles and even a giant Tarzan swing and flying fox. If heights are a problem there is also the Segway Safaris for anyone aged 10 and up. The electric Segways allow you to scoot through the Forest Walk with a guide informing you about the habitat and wildlife.
For lunch head in to Outback Jack’s in Coolangatta for a hearty Australian meal. The restaurant has clear views all the way up the beach, great Australian beef and a number of cheap and free kid’s meal opportunities.
For dinner, take a short drive to Burleigh Heads and grab yourself some fish'n'chips and sit in Justins Park watching the last surfers of the day carve up waves. Another options is heading up to the Gold Coast's favourite rooftop bar at Justin Lane before it gets too busy.
If the young ones are still all hyped up then finish off the day with a family movie at Event Cinema Coolangatta. The cinema has all major films screening and shows films in 3D and Gold Class.
The Gold Coast also has plenty of family accommodation options that have great facilities for children and parents.
Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images
