People laying on white sand beneath colourful umbrellas while others swim in the gentle waves and clear blue waters of Greenmount Beach in Coolangatta, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

3 days on the Gold Coast

Aptly named the Gold Coast, this sun-drenched city is punctuated with laid-back beaches, luxury hotels and world-class amusement parks. Let your hair down on this three-day escape.

The must-do experiences

Savour fresh produce at waterfront restaurant Rick Shores
Connect with local Aboriginal culture in Tweed Heads
Get your fix of thrills at the Gold Coast’s best theme parks

Day 1: Burleigh Heads and Miami

Hang out at Burleigh Heads today, the Gold Coast’s trendy oasis. Here, you’ll find laid-back beaches with epic surf breaks, chic bars and restaurants serving some of the city’s best fare, and bush-walking tracks offering unbeatable views.

The Star Grand, The Star Gold Coast, QLD © The Star Grand

Where to stay on the Gold Coast

From over-the-top opulence to family-friendly fun, Gold Coast accommodation has something for everyone.

Read time • 4min

Day 2: Southern Beaches

Enjoy a slower pace of life today at Coolangatta and Currumbin, the Gold Coast’s chilled-out Southern Beaches. Well-known for their powder-white beaches, iconic surf break and cute residents of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

Mamasan Kitchen & Bar, Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland © Michael Greves

Best restaurants on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is famous for its surf beaches and laid-back lifestyle, but its sophisticated dining scene offers foodies some seriously fabulous choices.

Day 3: Central and Northern Beaches

Experience the best of central Gold Coast and the Northern Beaches, from famous theme parks to sky-high climbs and kayaking escapades. Here are some of the incredible experiences you can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Gold Coast from the USA?

There are a few different ways you can get to the Gold Coast from the United States.

Direct flight and transfer: You can take direct flights to Brisbane (BNE) from east coast US cities including Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). From here, it's a quick one-hour transfer to the Gold Coast via public transport (train, bus or tram) or car.
One stopover: You can also fly non-stop into Australian cities like Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) and hop on a short domestic flight to the Gold Coast (OOL).

How do I get to the Gold Coast from the UK?

There are a few different ways you can get to the Gold Coast from the United Kingdom.

Via an international hub: You can fly via a major hub such as Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) or Singapore (SIN), before continuing on to Brisbane (BNE). From there, it’s a quick one-hour transfer to the Gold Coast by public transport (train, bus or tram) or car.
Via an Australian city: You can also fly into Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) and hop on a short domestic flight to the Gold Coast (OOL).

How do I get to the Gold Coast from China?

There are a few different ways you can get to the Gold Coast from China.

Direct flight and transfer: You can fly directly to Brisbane (BNE) from select cities, including Shanghai (PVG) and Guangzhou (CAN), then take a quick one-hour transfer to the Gold Coast by public transport (train, bus or tram) or car.
Via an Australian city: You can also fly into Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) and then take a short domestic flight to the Gold Coast (OOL).

Is the Gold Coast a good destination for families?

The Gold Coast has plenty of activities for every member of the family, from theme parks to wildlife experiences.

Here are a few family-friendly highlights:

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and say hello to cuddly koalas.
Have a fun day out at one of the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks.
Soak up the sun and sand at kid-friendly beaches like Tallebudgera Creek.
Join in the Gold Coast's iconic surf culture with a surfing lesson at Get Wet Surf School.

What’s the best way to get around the Gold Coast?

Getting around the Gold Coast is easy by bike, car or local transport.

By bike: Active travellers will love cruising along the coast by bike, with rental bikes and share bikes available. Ride between popular beaches including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.
By car: You can rent a car to reach the Gold Coast's popular attractions, or use a ride share service to easily get around.
By public transport: The G:link tram network will take you between the Gold Coast's beaches, and buses are available throughout the city. A hop-on, hop-off ferry is a fun way to reach attractions like HOTA (Home of the Arts) and Sea World.

Where should I stay in the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast has great places to stay for any type of traveller, and where you should stay depends on what kind of holiday you want.

Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads: These beachy areas are perfect for first-timers and travellers looking to be in the centre of the action.
Coolangatta: Coolangatta is great for families and those looking for something a little slower-paced.
Broadbeach: The northern suburb of Broadbeach offers great restaurants and shopping.

Explore more nearby

Places to go

The best hotels and places to stay on the Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Places to go

Guide to the Gold Coast

Burleigh Beach, Gold Coast, QLD © Tourism & Events Queensland

Places to go

7 of the best beaches on the Gold Coast