How To Spend 3 Days on the Gold Coast
Experience some of the best the Gold Coast has to offer, in just 3 days! With so much to see and do, planning a trip to the Gold Coast can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve come up with the cream of the crop; including secret local hideouts, iconic landmarks, and of course- that vacation getaway vibe! It’s important to make the most of your time and plan ahead, so we’ve helped you with our “How to Spend 3 Days on the Gold Coast” itinerary!
DAY 1
The best and most economical way to discover the Gold Coast is by car and luckily there’s no shortage of car rentals! If you prefer to avoid driving, and really get into that vacation mode, then many of the tours available offer convenient free accommodation pickup.
The Gold Coast is famous for its fun in the sun, so let’s take to the water on day 1! You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to water activities– from snorkelling to sports fishing, jet boating to parasailing, wakeboarding to even learning to surf! Just remember to wear sunscreen and be sun smart!
The best thing is that no matter if you arrive on the Gold Coast in the morning, or late afternoon, there are still plenty of watersport activities available to get you wet!
In the Summer, we suggest beating the heat with an adventurous jet ski safari. You can travel at your own pace and you’ll be sure to see some of the native wildlife on your journey!
The weather is perfect in Autumn to step aboard a catamaran and sail to a nearby island, or why not try a coaster or boat hire to cruise the waterways at your own leisure.
In Winter, it’s the perfect season to see some great majestic humpback whales! Take a whale watching tour and be astounded by these endangered gentle giants of the sea, travelling with their calves.
Spring is an ideal time for family vacations, so Gold Coast Watersports has a range of activities to keep everyone happy!
Once you’ve had enough adrenaline-pumping activity, wander to nearby Marina Mirage for lunch, afternoon drinks, or a relaxing dinner. With world-renowned chefs and unrivalled Broadwater views, it isn’t hard to see why it’s Queensland’s ultimate shopping and dining destination.
After your enjoyable meal, take a stroll through Surfers Paradise. See the famous ‘Surfers Paradise’ sign at the end of the Cavill Ave, and perhaps have your photograph taken with the iconic Meter Maids. If you haven’t had enough thrill for the day, you can visit the Slingshot Park and feel your heart really race on the vomatron ride. Visit the Wax Museum to come face to face with your favourite celebrities, or will you dare to enter the chamber of horrors? If it’s Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, you’ll be in luck to wander the free Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. Or why not finish off your day with King Tutt’s Putt Putt where you can try glow in the dark mini-golf!
DAY 2
This day is where you will really get the maximum return on your car hire! We are heading off the beaten track to the lush, green and tranquil natural rainforest- the Gold Coast hinterland. Make sure you bring some water and ensure your phone is fully charged so you can take some amazing photos! This trip is also perfect for packing a picnic if you want to save some dollaroos!
First, let’s get our day going with a drive to Springbrook National Park, where we will trek about for about 30 minutes through the rainforest to discover the splendour of Natural Bridge- an amazing waterfall and basalt cave formation. If you prefer not to drive, we recommend booking with Tour GC who will take you to discover the largest concentration of glow worms in Australia, in the Natural Bridge cave.
Let’s jump back in the car, and travel to Tamborine Mountain next. Didn’t hire a car? No problem! Book in with Mustang Tours and save the driving dramas! No arguing about map directions, no navigating the winding mountain roads… just sit back and take in the beautiful scenery in a classic convertible. You will be able to explore babbling brooks, waterfalls and the most amazing view of the city. Taste amazing local wine and cheese and see incredible views on their Witches Falls Cheese & Wine half day tour or customize your own!
Even if hiking and trekking isn’t your style, the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers guests a unique and thrilling way to explore the beautiful rainforest canopies, 35 metres above the ground. Tamborine Mountain is only 30km from the Gold Coast and abundant with award-winning wineries, and breathtaking scenery and views at every turn.
Perhaps you’ll stay the night up there in a romantic couple’s cottage bed and breakfast, with log fire and spa bath, with a bottle of wine you brought back earlier that day.
If not, relax from your big day with a soothing and relaxing foot rub or luxurious spa treatment without having to go anywhere with Mobile Massage & Beauty.
DAY 3
OK, it’s your last day on the Gold Coast, so we won’t blame you if you want to sleep in and soak in that holiday vibe. But for those of you who are into seizing the day and don’t want to waste a moment, then why not do something unforgettable and truly breathtaking? Look no further than a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, or if you haven’t ticked it off your bucket list- now is the perfect time to try skydiving; you can even skydive and land on the beach!
Ok, ok… if you prefer not to be jumping out of planes and would rather stay IN them, then a scenic adventure flight will take you to new heights to see the magnificence of the Gold Coast from above.
For those of you just waking up, after your comfortable sleep in, head to Pancakes on the Rocks – famous for their delicious fluffy pancakes and their menu features a wide range of mouth-watering breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options for the whole family including salads, nachos, pizzas, ribs and, of course, pancakes!
How you chose to spend your last day on the Gold Coast is up to you! Perhaps you can’t resist the theme parks and you’ll end up experiencing the G-forces of Dreamworld‘s rollercoasters, like the Giant Drop! Or maybe you will just want to stay grounded and cuddle the koalas and pet the wallabies.
Or maybe you are up for one last adventure, and discover fruit you never even knew existed! Enjoy tasting and exploring over 500 of the world’s exotic fruits at Tropical Fruit World.
Perhaps finding some great deals and buying some gifts at Harbour Town Shopping Outlet before you return home is the key.
Or maybe you will just relax on the famous Gold Coast beaches and let time slip away from you!
No matter what you chose to do, end your perfect day the perfect way! Watch the sunset from one of the most beautiful spots on the Gold Coast- Burleigh Hill.
Enjoy your last meal at BMD Northcliffe and savour the uninterrupted panoramic views of the stunning Gold Coast. All profits from the BMD Northcliffe restaurant, bar and gaming room go towards providing education, training and equipment to volunteer lifesavers who patrol our beaches to keep it safe for locals and tourists.
Heading to the airport? Book an airport transfer service to save time and money, ensuring you arrive on time for your flight without any hassle.
When you return back home, you will feel not only revitalised from your trip to the Gold Coast, but you would have seen some of the best the Gold Coast has to offer and tick some amazing experiences off your list!
