Gold Coast, Australia.

10 days in the Gold Coast - Stretching along Queensland's coastline, the Gold Coast is where laid-back beach culture meets a great food scene, the best boutiques as well as luxury, and lush nature landscapes. Famous for year-round sunshine, it's a destination that offers a wide variety of things to do. Spend your days at Burleigh Heads, Tamborine Mountain, Byron Bay, or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - in between day trips, immerse yourself into the city's slow paced beach life, or thriving café and dining scenes.

The Gold Coast contains numerous different areas and neighbourhoods like Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Broadbeach. When visiting, you could really stay in any of these neighbourhoods as they are all a short drive from one another, and the path along the coast connects to most. It’s the perfect place for those who enjoy being active outdoors. One of the best parts about the Gold Coast is the city comes alive very early in the morning - it is not unusual to see a path full of people walking, running, biking, along the coast at 5 am.

My favourite neighbourhood was Burleigh Heads. It’s often considered one of the Gold Coast's must-visit suburbs due to its balance of beautiful beaches, great food, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Take the scenic Burleigh Head National Park walking trail for panoramic views of the coastline, cool off with a swim at Burleigh Beach, or enjoy a picnic beneath the Norfolk pines. James Street is the heart of the neighbourhood, filled with boutique shops, trendy cafés, rooftop bars, and some of the Gold Coast's best restaurants. Burleigh Pavilion or Rick Shores are two of the restaurants I would definitely recommend putting an effort towards visiting. With a fantastic menu, and both offering great views - neither options will dissapoint.

Aside from soaking up the sun at all the different beaches the Gold Coast has to offer, (Tallebudgera Creek, Kirra Beach, Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rock, Main Beach, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and more), day trips are also a great option that are all nearby. Tambourine Mountain, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and beach clubs like Cali Beach, will all be mentioned in this guide. For adventure seekers, I will recommend a great company for those who feel like jumping out of a plane while visiting one of the greatest countries.

Tambourine Mountain.

Tamborine Mountain offers a nature escape from the city. Just under an hour from the Gold Coast, you will be surrounded by rainforest and amazing look out points. Walking trails, waterfalls, local wineries, artisan shops, and Australia’s best fudge can all be found up in this mountain.

If you love small-town charm, you’ll find it here. It’s the perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and a different area of Queensland you can check off your list.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Home to hundreds of native animals, the sanctuary provides the chance to get up close with Australia's wildlife while having peace of mind that the animals are being taken care of with respect, and integrity.

Spend the day walking the stunning grounds, hand feed rainbow lorikeets during daily feedings, cuddle and take a photo with koalas, and watch shows that showcase spectacular animals like salt water crocodiles! Educational shows and presentations are also offered throughout the day.

Built within lush rainforest, the sanctuary combines wildlife, nature, and family-friendly experiences in one beautiful location. Whether you're visiting with children or simply want to experience Australia's iconic animals in a natural setting, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Gold Coast's most memorable moments.

Beach Clubs and Adventure Thrill.

Looking for a pool day opposed to a beach day? Where food & drinks are delivered right to you? The Gold Coast has plenty of beach club options, but one I can recommend is Cali Beach Club. Located in Surfer’s Paradise, the view is a mix of beach, pool, and city skyline. With a delicious variety of cocktails and great poolside food; go for the day, or buy tickets for any of their events.

If you’re feeling extra relaxed after your day at the beach club and you think you might want to experience something more thrilling.. if skydiving has ever been on your bucket list, Australia is one of the best places to do it! I knew Australia was the place for this, as I wanted to make sure I would get the best views while falling 12,000 ft from a plane. I booked with Gold Coast Skydive, and I couldn’t recommend a company more. Quick, efficient, and safe. The whole experience from start to finish was about an hour - no time to think too much and back out!

The instructors were great and made the experience comforting, by adding some humour to help ease any nerves. Landing on Kirra Beach was thrilling, and a perfect location with great restaurant options near by to celebrate your great achievement! Definitely check out the Kirra Beach Hotel for a post jump cocktail, great food, and possibly a live DJ depending on when you go.

Gold Coast Food Scene.

While it's famous for beaches and surfing, the city's culinary scene has everything from beachfront cafés to award-winning fine dining. Fresh local seafood, beach side dining, great cafe culture, and fresh, local produce all go hand in hand; making the Gold Coast a great place to experience great food in even greater atmospheres.

Southport Surf Club for the best fish and chips, Gemelli for Italian, The Holliday Coffee for famous Jaffles, and Velvet Cafe & Lounge for the best tiramisu overnight oats. There is also no shortage of spots to grab refreshing acai bowls - if you love them as much as I do - the Gold Coast is acai bowl heaven!

The Oxley is also worth checking out, with various vendors inside and beautiful interior decor. Markets, delis, cafes, acai, greek food, gelato, are all some of the gems hidden inside. A great variety for everyone.

Day Trip to Byron Bay.

When visiting the Gold Coast, taking a trip to Byron Bay is a must. The drive is about an hour long, with some great scenic views along the way. Go for a day, go for a few days, or turn it into a road trip over a few days. Some stops along the way you could consider making are Snapper Rocks, famous for it’s ocean views. Fingal Head lookout. Kingscliff, a great spot for coffee or lunch by the beach. Cabarita Beach, another relaxed surf town with beautiful beaches, or Brunswick Heads - a charming riverside village about 15 minutes north of Byron Bay.

Once you are in Byron, definitely check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse for unforgettable views. Relax at any of the beaches, explore boutiques, cafes, and local markets.

Just a 5-minute drive from the town centre, you will find The Farm. It is an 80-acre working farm where you can spend a morning or afternoon enjoying great food, friendly farm animals, gardens, and the beautiful countryside of Byron. Entry is free. Three Blue Ducks is a farm-to-table restaurant right on the grounds - guaranteed to be the freshest food you will have. Fresh pastries, sourdough, flower bouquets, and a fantastic gift shop are all part of the experience at The Farm.

Coastal View from the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

The Gold Coast is one of those places where I could write a very long, and extensive travel guide; as there is so much to do, and so much variety for every type of traveller. From slow mornings by the ocean, to fantastic coastal and nature views, to unforgettable meals - the Gold Coast reminds you to slow down and be present, embracing the lifestyle and essence that is living in a city so close to the beach.

I hope this guide helps you experience these incredible places in your own way. Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifth. Travel has a way of reminding us how big and beautiful the world is—and the Gold Coast and Byron Bay are places that make you want to keep exploring. For more on the Gold Coast, check out my Instagram and TikTok.

Gold Coast, Australia.

Cartagena.

KELEECI