Are you taking a five-day vacation soon? If you do, good for you, as we are about to spill the beans on how to rock a five-day getaway on the Gold Coast in this itinerary. Curating the perfect itinerary is key to squeezing the most fun out of your trip, but hey, we’ll make it easy—peasy lemon squeezy! From surfing epic waves to chilling with koalas, your ultimate itinerary is covered! Let’s dive in and make some unforgettable memories together!
Day 1
Morning
Embarking on a Gold Coast holiday, one cannot ignore the allure of its 57 kilometres of pristine beaches. Start your day by laying a towel on Burleigh Beach for an invigorating swim and excellent people-watching opportunities.
On the other hand, you can choose to immerse yourself in the refreshing crystal waters of Tallebudgera Creek. Or, tackle the impressive surf breaks at Rainbow Bay. If you’re keen to channel your inner Joel Parkinson, consider booking a lesson at Currumbin Alley Surf School. Alternatively, choose one of the beginner-friendly surf schools available.
Afternoon
Shake off the sand and rinse the salt as you prepare to indulge in the finest produce the Gold Coast offers. Secure a prime spot on the expansive deck of Burleigh Pavilion. Here, you can enjoy lunch while watching surfers tackle the waves.
Then, feast on freshly shucked oysters, crumbed fish burgers, and platters of juicy local prawns under the shade of umbrellas. As the sun sets behind the hinterland, venture into bustling Burleigh for an unforgettable dining experience at Restaurant Labart. Watch how local produce is prepared like magic in a dynamic menu of small plates in the open kitchen.
Afterwards, retreat to Bujerum Apartments, your accommodation for the next few nights. It is conveniently located across the road from Burleigh Beach. You’ll surely fall asleep to the soothing sound of waves breaking on the shore.
Day 2
Morning
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Paddock Bakery. Trust me, you will want to leave a room to indulge in their decadent creations, like the 1kg Caramilk cookie or Biscoff cheesecake doughnuts. Work off those treats with a brisk walk to North Burleigh Lookout, which offers panoramic views from Surfers Paradise to Palm Beach. Keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking among the surfers below.
Continue south with a leisurely three-kilometre stroll along the esplanade lined with pine trees to Burleigh Head National Park. Explore the labyrinth of winding tracks along the rugged cliff face, seeking refuge from the sun in the dense green canopy. Adjacent to the park, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where guided tours offer insight into the world’s oldest living culture and Dreamtime stories. For more remarkable experiences on the Gold Coast, consult this Indigenous local’s guide.
Afternoon
Another thing you shouldn’t miss on this trip is encountering the Gold Coast’s diverse wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and witness feeding sessions with Boss Hogg, the sanctuary’s resident saltwater crocodile. After your animal adventure, head to Balter Brewing Company for live music, craft beer, and delectable bites from food trucks. Craft beer enthusiasts should add these Gold Coast boutique breweries to their itinerary.
Day 3
Morning
Venture north to Broadbeach for a delectable breakfast at Elk Espresso, followed by a leisurely coffee at No Name Lane. Then, embark on a thrilling hydrofoil tour with Fliteboard Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise, mastering the art of gliding through the water on a Fliteboard during a two-hour lesson.
Afternoon
Continue the excitement with an afternoon at one of the Gold Coast’s theme parks. Experience the adrenaline rush of Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan or reach speeds of up to 100km/h in two seconds on Superman Escape ride at Movie World. For more exhilarating activities, explore this comprehensive list.
Looking for the best theme parks to visit? Check out: Top 10 Theme Parks on the Gold Coast
Day 4
Morning
After a satisfying breakfast at one of the Gold Coast’s premier breakfast spots, venture beyond the coastline to Springbrook National Park. Explore lush rainforests, cascading creeks, and thundering waterfalls on the Natural Bridge circuit, where you’ll encounter ancient hoop pines and hear the roar of the waterfall echoing through the cave. For more natural beauty, embark on the Twin Falls Circuit, offering a refreshing dip in crystal-clear rock pools and a picturesque picnic setting among the trees.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Lamington National Park, with over 160 kilometres of trails ranging from strolls to challenging hikes. Ascend into the canopy at O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk for a unique perspective of the park’s abundant birdlife. Along the Box Forest circuit, discover over 500 waterfalls, including the majestic Elabana Falls. Conclude your day at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, nestled in the McPherson Ranges, where you can relax in plush villas overlooking the rainforest.
Day 5
Morning
On the last day of this 5-day Gold Coast itinerary, travel to Mount Tamborine. No visit to the Gold Coast is complete without exploring the picturesque town of Mount Tamborine. Enjoy breakfast at Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation, savouring locally roasted coffee and delectable brunch offerings. Explore the village centre along the Gallery Walk, featuring numerous boutiques, art galleries, and cellar doors offering locally made products.
Afternoon
Discover the natural beauty of Mount Tamborine with a hike through eucalypt forests to Curtis Falls, where you’ll witness water cascading over basalt columns surrounded by lush vegetation. Enjoy lunch at Fortitude Brewing, sampling their range of craft beers and indulging in loaded pizzas.
Meanwhile, wine enthusiasts can visit Cedar Creek Winery and Witches Falls Winery to taste handcrafted wines amid picturesque vineyards. Don’t miss the award-winning gins, vodkas, liqueurs, and schnapps at Tamborine Mountain Distillery. Conclude your adventure by staying the night at Pethers Rainforest Retreat, where you can unwind in a treehouse nestled within enchanting rainforest surroundings.
Cheers to Maximizing Your 5-Day Adventure!
In conclusion, can you brave the waves for a surfing lesson at Burleigh Beach, or will you opt for a serene stroll through Springbrook National Park’s lush rainforests? Follow this 5-day Gold Coast itinerary to maximize your well-deserved vacation.