Getaway Guide: The Best of Gold Coast

Just an hour down the highway from Brisbane, the Gold Coast is one of Queenslanders' favourite coastal escapes and for good reason. It’s where golden tans, ocean swims and good times are practically part of the postcode. With beaches that stretch for days, sunsets that deserve applause and a food scene that could rival the big smoke, this city knows how to show off without trying too hard.

You can chase waves, chase waterfalls or just chase another round of cocktails by the beach, no judgment here. One minute you’re hiking through lush hinterland, the next you’re deciding between fish tacos or fine dining (spoiler: both).

We’ve rounded up the best places to eat, stay and play across the Gold Coast so you can plan your next getaway and remind yourself why this place will always be the ultimate weekend flex.

Aqua Sculpt Floating Pilates

Ever tried doing Pilates on a floating board in the middle of a salt-water lagoon? No? Then you’re due for the Aqua Sculpt Floating Pilates session at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa in Surfers Paradise. It sounds quirky because it is. 45 minutes, early morning, gentle waves...

QT Gold Coast

QT Gold Coast isn’t your average hotel stay. It’s loud, bright and a little bit cheeky in the best way. Sitting right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this place has mastered the art of being stylish without taking itself too seriously. The rooms are bold with pops of colour,...

Gold Coast Tree Houses

Tucked high in the hills of Austinville, Gold Coast Tree Houses takes the idea of a weekend escape and turns it into something special. Instead of a standard hotel room, you get architect-designed cabins perched among towering gums, powered by the sun and surrounded by forest sounds and sweeping...

Siblings Kirra

So here’s the deal. Siblings Kirra is parked right on the beachfront at 15 Marine Parade, Kirra, and yes, the views are already doing most of the heavy lifting. But then you get inside and it hits, 1950s Miami beach vibes rolled into a modern Australian dining spot. The space...

Bam Bam Bakehouse

Bam Bam Bakehouse is the Gold Coast’s worst kept secret and for good reason. Hidden just off the highway in Mermaid Beach it’s the sort of place you can smell before you see. Everything is made in small batches and you can taste the care. The croissants are crisp on...

Jellurgal Walkabout Tour

The Jellurgal Walkabout isn’t your average Gold Coast stroll. Led by local Aboriginal guides from the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Burleigh Heads, it’s a walk that turns the coastline into a living storybook. You start at the centre where you’ll see traditional tools, artwork and Dreaming stories that stretch...

SkyPoint

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a superhero with vertigo, SkyPoint Climb is your shot. Sitting on top of the Q1 in Surfers Paradise, it’s 270 metres of pure “what was I thinking?” followed quickly by “this is actually incredible.” You suit up, clip in, and step out onto...

The Milkman’s Daughter

The Milkman’s Daughter is where Mermaid Beach goes to feel good about breakfast. The space is light, leafy and smells faintly of espresso and smug satisfaction. Everything’s vegetarian, but don’t panic! This isn’t kale-for-the-sake-of-it territory, it’s proper food that just happens to skip the meat. Start with the truffle mushroom...

Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar

For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience on the Gold Coast, Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar offers a delicious journey into the heart of Persian cuisine. Located in the bustling hub of Surfers Paradise, Shiraz has been delighting guests since 2011 with its authentic flavours, welcoming atmosphere, and stylish...

The Mysa Motel

Nothing says a classic Gold Coast getaway like pulling up to a retro motel with pastel walls, breezeblocks and a neon sign that glows just right at golden hour. Meet The Mysa Motel, a restored 1960s era Palm Beach gem. It’s a modern, sustainable twist on the kind of...

Tamborine Mountain Glades

Sleep Under the Stars, Wake Up in Luxury Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the rainforest, stepping out onto your private deck, and being greeted by panoramic views of Cedar Creek. This is the reality here at Tamborine Mountain Glades. This hidden gem is where your family can...

Links Hope Island

Since opening in March 1993, the golf course at Hope Island has consistently ranked amongst Australia’s leading resort courses. Host to the 1997 Johnnie Walker Classic (won by Ernie Els) soon after its opening, the course enjoys and national and international reputation. Designed by five times British Open Champion...

Weekend Escape to the Gold Coast: Bites & Brews

Escape the routine and venture on a short weekend getaway to the vibrant Gold Coast. Discover delightful dining, scenic beaches, and unique attractions in this coastal paradise. Elk Espresso | BroadbeachElk Espresso, located on the beachfront of the Oasis Shopping Centre, is a lively café known for its specialty coffee...

Dreamworld & WhiteWater World

Queensland’s Ultimate Theme Park Adventure Nestled just an hour’s drive from Brisbane in the suburb of Coomera, Dreamworld stands as one of Australia’s most iconic theme parks, offering a world of adventure, excitement, and family-friendly fun. For decades, this sprawling entertainment hub has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s tourism industry,...