The Gold Coast was the first city in Australia I ever saw on Pinterest, and knew I had to go there one day! It’s well known for the famous Surfers Paradise Beach, with its golden sandy beaches and vibrant party scene.
I stayed a bit further south, in Broadbeach, which had amazing shops and restaurants, and was right next to Kurrawa Beach. The ocean water was the perfect temperature for swimming and surfing.
The Gold Coast Travel Guide will help you plan your trip to the Gold Coast, with recommendations for the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.
If this will be your first trip to Australia, make sure you’re aware of what to expect. These are things I either learned the hard way, or was lucky to learn ahead of time!
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1. SkyPoint Observation Deck
The Observation Deck is where you can get the ICONIC photos of the city’s skyscrapers and the beach. This is a must!
I would recommend coming here about 30 minutes to 1 hour before sunset, so you can get the daytime, sunset AND nighttime views. Your ticket will be good for the entire day; you don’t have to pick a time slot, but be aware that it may be busier at this time because of that.
If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can also climb the SkyPoint! I didn’t get a chance to do this because the weather wasn’t cooperating, so it’s on my list for next time.
2. Surfers Paradise Beach
Of course, the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach had to be on this list! The sand is so incredibly nice; I think this is the nicest city beach I’ve ever visited.
Make sure to check out the Surfers Paradise Sign! This is such a fun area to walk around; there are so many people out, plus tons of shops and restaurants.
3. Burleigh Head National Park
Take a day trip down to Burleigh Head National Park for a moderate hike with amazing scenic lookouts, a beach with surfers you can watch for an hours, and views of the Gold Coast!
Definitely make sure you hike to both the Tumgun Lookout and the Jebbribillum Lookout. The views are so worth it.
I also saw these really pretty rainbow lorikeets up in the trees! I don’t usually like birds but these guys were so cute and colorful.
4. Hijinx Hotel
Hijinx Hotel is such a unique experience I recommend checking out if you’re in a group! It’s like a hotel, bar, game and more all in one.
Each room is an experience of its own, with different interactive challenges. This is definitely a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon or bond with your friends, family or strangers you just met!
Where to stay
There are a lot of cool neighborhoods in and around the Gold Coast you can stay in! I stayed in Broadbeach and absolutely loved it.
Broadbeach is centrally located to everything I wanted to do, and felt quieter and safer than Surfers Paradise. Since I only stayed overnight in this area, this Gold Coast travel guide will cover some of my favorite hotels and hostels in Broadbeach!
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
The Sofitel Gold Coast is is a 5 star, luxury hotel just a couple blocks away from the beach with amazing ocean-view rooms and amenities like tennis courts, swimming pool, guest laundry, and a small gym.
This is where I stayed on my solo trip to the Gold Coast! You can read more about my stay here.
Tequila Sunrise Hostel
If you’re looking to save money, while staying in a fun, safe spot then the Tequila Sunrise Hostel is the spot for you! It is one block away from Surfers Paradise Beach and is so cute.
It has really great reviews for cleanliness, privacy, safety and of course, for being social and fun.
Note that this is a pod hostel, so you will be staying in one large room, but in your own private bed. Don’t forget your ear plugs!
The Darling at The Star Gold Coast
For your splurge option, I highly recommend the Darling at the Star. It has an infinity pool with an incredible view looking out at the beach.
The rooms are stunning and spacious, and you will feel like royalty staying at this luxurious hotel!
Where to eat and drink
1. Mamasan Kitchen + Bar
Mamasan Kitchen + Bar is an asian fusion restaurant right in Broadbeach. I highly recommend getting the Wagyu Beef Bao Buns, Kimchi Fried Rice and Edamame!
If you’ve checked out my Sydney Travel Guide, then you might think this looks familiar…HOWEVER these are two different restaurants! But both delicious!
2. Kirra Beach House
So apparently bug rolls are a thing in Australia, especially in the Gold Coast?! I went to Kirra Beach House, a super cute restaurant right across from the beach and tried my very first bug roll!
I thought it was a bit pricy considering it was more of an appetizer size, rather than a full meal. But it was delicious!
You can also go to Rick Shores for a bug roll! This is more of “the” iconic bug roll spot in the Gold Coast.
3. Spice Kitchen and Bar
If you like Thai food, you have to go to Spice Kitchen and Bar. I’m not sure if I was just SUPER hungry when I was eating their Fried Rice, but it was one of the top 5 best fried rice I’ve ever had.
This is a great spot for a delicious, quick meal!
4. Banana Blossom
Banana Blossom Salads is a delicious Asian-inspired healthy spot with salads and gluten free options. I went to the Broadbeach location, but they are located all over Australia!
I got a Coconut bowl with chicken, and it was delicious. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a high quality, healthy meal!
How to get around the Gold Coast
By Walking / Running
My favorite way to see the beaches and get outdoors is by walking or running along the Gold Coast Oceanway! The Gold Coast Oceanway is a 22-mile (36km) path along essentially the entire Gold Coast that connects the Spit to Point Danger lighthouse.
The city in general felt pretty walkable. You may need to use public transit or another mode of transportation to get between neighborhoods, but once you’re there, you can easily walk around to explore all the sights.
By Bike
You can also rent a bike and traverse the Gold Coast Oceanway that way, or ride around the city to explore. There are nearly 1500 miles (2400 km) of bikeways and pathways throughout the Gold Coast!
By Metro / Bus
Each bus / metro ride is $0.50 AUD. OMG. I have never been in another city with public transportation this cheap! It was amazing!
Make sure you get a go card though; you are not able to use Apple Pay on the Gold Coast buses! You will need one per person; no sharing go cards, since you have to tap on AND off.
Your go card will be good for all Translink bus, train (including Airtrain), ferry and tram services in greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast regions.
By Car
Both Ubers and Taxis are readily available in the Gold Coast. I only took an Uber once, but it was a quick pickup and reasonably priced!
With public transportation being so cheap and accessible, I don’t think you really need a car in the Gold Coast. Unless you’re looking to use the Gold Coast as your home base and take day trips to the neighboring cities like Brisbane and Byron Bay.
If you want to rent a car in Australia, remember that they drive on the left side!
If you’re planning your trip to Australia, be sure to read up on my general Australia travel guidance, including when to go, whether or not you need a visa, and where else should you go.
And feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions that this Gold Coast travel guide may not have covered!
mariss
