Three Days, The Gold Coast, Itinerary

An Australian holiday means getting geared up for an extravagant outdoor leisure expedition. The country is a treasure trove for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Gold Coast, in particular, is a famous spot for tourists to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the beach shores. The city is also a fascinating spot to visit theme parks and is quite the place to enjoy summer breaks with kids and family. Glistening with high-rise tower-clad cityscape lined along pristine sandy beach stretches, the city has a seamless blend of modern and natural attractions. Its surf breaks and swells attract enthusiastic surfers from all around the world as well. So, whatever type of holiday you are looking for, the Gold Coast is sure to have something for you. If you are in Gold Coast and have 72 hours to spend there, these are the absolute must-do experiences to include in your 3-day itinerary that captures the essence of this vibrant Australian city. 

The Gold Coast – An Overview

Let’s first learn more about Gold Coast before moving on to the 3 day Gold Coast Itinerary. This fascinating Australian city is located on the country’s East Coast and is well-known for its sprawling 57-kilometre stretch of gorgeous coastline. International visitors to the Gold Coast often fly into Brisbane, which is the closest international airport, and then drive an hour to the Gold Coast. However, Australians usually choose to fly directly to Coolangatta Airport which sits within the Gold Coast. The city is known for its bustling lifestyle, theme parks, cafes, breweries and wellness retreats. However, beyond the beaches and the city life, lies an unspoilt slice of nature paradise that instantly revitalises those seeking a break from the stresses of modern life. The Gold Coast is peppered with a myriad of experiences and has something for everyone visiting it. 

Day 1: Say Hello to Gold Coast!

A great deal of your first day in the Gold Coast will be spent getting adjusted to the city. After arriving at Brisbane Airport, you will then travel by road for about an hour to get to Gold Coast. Check into your hotel, relax, and give yourself some time to recover from jet lag. Later, visit Surfers Paradise, which is known for its stunning beaches, lively atmosphere, and iconic skyline. Enjoy an Aquaduck Gold Coast City and River Tour, which takes you on a one-hour whirlwind ride through some of the city’s most popular landmarks before splashing into the water, letting you admire the beautiful city skyline from afar. Famished? Visit Cavill Avenue, a chic dining district with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. Later, head to Australia’s first beachside observation deck, Gold Coast SkyPoint Observation, to finish off your day with breath taking 360-degree sweeping views of the city’s coastline and its hinterland. You can even combine your tour with a dinner here. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along Surfers Paradise Esplanade to take in the vibrant atmosphere and view live street performers. Head back to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Visit The Hinterlands

On Day 2, get set to explore the greener version of the Gold Coast with an expedition to its Hinterlands. After breakfast, start your tour with a trip to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards where you can indulge in wine tasting and stroll through the picturesque vineyards. Don’t forget to meet friendly Alpacas on Mountview Alpaca Farm. Enjoy a fun picnic lunch amid the lush green canopies of the trees. After that, make your way to Tamborine National Park, which is popular for its jaw-dropping vistas and serene ambience. Take in the surrounding lush greenery as you stroll along Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk elevated walkway. Day 2 ends with a trip back to your overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Theme Parks And Shopping

Spend your last day on the Gold Coast with some thrill and fun! In the morning, visit Sea World or Dream World, two of Australia’s most incredible theme parks where fun is guaranteed! After you have had your fill of adrenaline-pumping thrills, head to Burleigh Heads, a classy coastal town known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful surroundings. Stop at James Street for shopping where you will find boutique stores, casual cafes and eateries. Check out Miami Marketta as well – a lively night market with a variety of food stalls and live music. These places are perfect for enjoying some retail therapy and grabbing some souvenirs before heading back to the airport to catch your onward flight. With this, your 3 Days in Gold Coast experience comes to an end.

Essential Tips For Visitors

• It is entirely up to you how you want to explore the Gold Coast. Self-drive tours are a great way to see this Australian destination. If you are confident driving on international roads, rent a car and save your valuable time waiting for public transportation. If you plan on getting around on your own, a GO Card will come in handy as it provides great discounts and access to Gold Coast bus, train, tram, and ferry services. 
• If you love the outdoors and want to try surfing while you are in Gold Coast, make a reservation for a surf lesson with Get Wet Surf School on Day 1. 
• Visiting with friends and family? Spend your entire Day 2 at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards or Tamborine Mountain as these attractions have so many nature activities to offer. You can take part in activities like Segway Safaris, E-Bike Tours, glow-worm watching, Wildlife Encounters, and more at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley. At Tamborine Mountain, you can book a Hot Air Balloon ride and have a great time at the Adventure playgrounds. They also have well-appointed rooms where you can stay after a long day of excitement. 
• There is no scarcity of accommodation options on the Gold Coast. You will get a wide array of options that suit all genres and the budget of visitors. Some of the popular hotels to check out for an elegant comfort stay are Peppers Soul, Q1 Resort & Spa, Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa Gold Coast, and Hilton Hotel. For affordable, comfortable stays, At Tropez Resort, Oaks Gold Coast Hotel, and Novotel Surfers Paradise are some hotels to check out. 

 

Know About Australian Visa

A leisure visit to Australia would require an Australian tourist visa. Citizens of New Zealand can avail of visa-on-arrival benefits. All other citizens of countries from around the world must apply for an Australian visa and get it approved before landing in Australia. There are various types of visitor visas that you can avail of depending on your nationality. Certain citizens are eligible to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization, which has a quicker and easier online application process. Few European citizens can apply for an eVisitor visa. Those who do not fall in this eligibility criteria should apply for an Australian Visitor Visa. An Australian visa for leisure travel is valid for 12 months and tourists can stay for 3 months at a time. It is essential to secure a valid visa before you commence your Australia trip hence, it is best to start processing at least one month before your travel plans. 

Choose the Gold Coast!

When you imagine the Gold Coast, you probably envision the sparkling towers that make up the Gold Coast City Skyline, flanked by crystal-clear waters lapping on pristine sandy shores. But if you look closer, you will discover that the Gold Coast has an unparalleled collection of natural wilderness, gorgeous cafes and breweries, exciting theme parks and fascinating nightlife. Although 3 days are quite less time to explore all that Gold Coast has to offer, this Gold Coast itinerary still gives you a gist of this beautiful city. A short trip to Gold Coast is one of the most amazing ways to enjoy a getaway from your daily grind.