Gold Coast: How Many Days Do You Need to Stay?

Are you in the middle of building your Gold Coast itinerary and can’t determine how many days you need to spend there? Knowing how this urban jungle is packed with boundless activities, it can easily make you think you should stay for weeks.

Matt and I have lived nearby, particularly in Brisbane, for the past 30 years, making the Gold Coast one of my go-to holiday destinations.

So, not only will you get my best recommendations, but I’ll also help you plan your itinerary and tell you the best attractions below!

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How Many Days do you need on the Gold Coast?

I recommend first-time visitors start with a 5-day intinerary on the Gold Coast. This will allow you to explore the stunning stretch of coastline, the central hub of Surfers Paradise, the hinterland rainforest, and some of the water activities.

⏱️ Short on Time?

Save time and grab my sample 5 day Gold Coast Itinerary below and other helpful links to help get you booked quicker.

• Day 1 – Skypoint Observation Deck for highest beach lookout, an hour or two at the Beach hang-outs, hike to Tumgun Lookout
• Day 2 – Visit to Hinterland and Natural Bridge Waterfall (See Glow Worms on the night tours)
• Day 3 – Take a Whale Watching tour, ride the waves on a Jet Ski or Jet Boating Tour, soar through the sky in a Helicopter Rides
• Day 4 – Find wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and end the day with a Sunset River Cruise
• Day 5 – Theme Park Day (choose from Movie World, Dreamworld or a Water Park)

• 🏨 Where to Stay: Surfers Paradise Accommodation is always a convenient location for First-timers.
• 🚗 Transport: Car Rentals are available, but also a Tram & Bus network to most parts.
• 🚌 Shuttle: Book Shuttles from Gold Coast Airport, or Fly into Brisbane to use Public Transport.
• 📱Stay Connected with Airalo ESim Data Plans.
• Best time to visit is Summer (Nov to April) for more swimming, Winter (Jun to Aug) for hiking and land activities, shoulders seasons for less crowds and better prices.

The Best Highlights on your Gold Coast Itinerary!

From the beach to the urban jungle and the hinterland, the Gold Coast is a must-see destination, and you’ll never run out of things to do. While I’m all about the entertainment, adventure and activities, there is still room for those luxury indulgences and relaxing the days away in front of the pool or beach.

However, to give you an idea, here are some fun activities that will surely make your trip memorable!

➡  Find Gold Coast Accommodation HERE with Booking.com

1. SkyPoint Observation Deck.

A trip to the Gold Coast would not be complete without seeing the skyline from the SkyPoint Observation Deck. This famous 230-metre-high lookout point is located in the Q1 Building in Surfers Paradise and is recognised as the highest and the only beachside observation deck in Australia.

Even better that purchasing a ticket allows entry for complete day (in and out multiple times)!

Another thing that makes this attraction exciting is its insanely fast elevator ride, which takes less than a minute to 77 floors! Once you reach the platform, you will be greeted by the stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the beach and hinterland.

If you want, you can also use the binoculars on-site, sit in one of the comfy chairs, or order a delicious meal and refreshing drink from its all-day dining bar and bistro.

2. Walk to Tumgun Lookout

If you prefer the outdoors and want some exercise, head to the Tumgun Lookout. It is located between Tallebudgera Creek and Burleigh Heads (south of Surfers Paradise).

This particular lookout point is FREE to visit and offers a particularly high vantage point over the coastline, especially at times like sunrise.

You can access the short walking trail (1.7km loop) through different areas in the Burleigh headland. Most tourists go here to take in the sights, capture travel photos, or do morning or late afternoon exercises.

However, from June to October, it’s extremely popular to watch migrating whales swim across the waters. Although, if you Want to get closer – Take one of the whale watching tours into the open waters when in season.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

3. SkyPoint Climb Challenge

If you are up for some challenge, try the Sky Point Climb – the highest building ascent in Australia!

This challenge starts from the same area as the Observation Deck, but instead, you step outside into the open air. I’ve tried it a couple of times, and it was sure nerve-wracking but rewarding at the same time.

You’re strapped into the custom-built railing system, then climb the stairs around the exterior of the building until you reach the highest point (270 metres above ground, where you see the Spire).

While it’s available throughout the day, don’t dismiss the option for sunset or night-time views from a different perspective.

4. See the Natural Bridge Waterfall

Want to see other natural attractions other than the beach? Then, explore one of the nearby UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, the Springbrook National Park!

Hiking through this lush rainforest in the hinterland will lead you to the Natural Bridge Waterfall.

➡  Book Springbrook National Park Tours HERE

Unlike the other waterfalls in Australia, this particular waterfall cascades over ancient volcanic rock, creating a natural waterhole into a cave below.

The walking trail circulates around the falls and allows you to view either from above or below. Conveniently, there are also day tour options to get you there if you don’t want to drive yourself.

5. See Glow Worms in the Cave.

Staying at the Natural Bridge after sunset will introduce you to another fantastic natural phenomenon. At night, the entire track, and in particular the cave walls, allows you to find thousands of incredible glow worms.

Some people describe this experience as “stargazing” while the tiny lights illuminate all around you.

➡  Find Glow Worm Tours HERE

These glow worms are free too see, unless you are booking a guided tour that drives you from the Gold Coast. This tour is also a great way to learn from a local guide and provide detailed information about these creatures.

Additionally, it is best to view these wonderful glowing creatures in summer, between December and March.

6. Go Jet Skiing or Jet Boating.

The Gold Coast has kilometres of beaches and plenty of canals running through the urban streets. That only means that you have plenty of opportunities to try various water sports.

I find two of the most popular water activities are Jet Skiing and Jet boating, but there are alternatives with Paddle Boarding and Kayaking.

➡  This was the Jet Ski tour we booked!

Aside from the incredible views from the waterways, driving a jet ski with a reputable tour company is convenient for tourists as it does not require previous experience or license, making it exciting even for beginners.

Please read my Jet Skiing review for in-depth details, but know you couldn’t get the smile off my face.

7. Join the River Cruise.

Another fun, relaxing or Romantic way to explore this area is to embark on one of the River Cruise tours. You will be taken to the waterways and canals, learning who owns the expensive housing and how much they are worth.

Ultimately letting you see the other side of the city, which is often an unexplored part.

Several tours operate throughout the day, so depending on your preference, you can book a river cruise tour in the morning, afternoon, or during sunset (Matt and I enjoy the Sunset one).

Also, depending on the package, some will provide delectable snacks and refreshing drinks while taking in the stunning city view.

TIP: This is very similar to the AquaDuck ride, except that the duck offers day tours on land as well. Therefore, I would only book one, not both!

8. Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride

For a different yet equally thrilling experience, take a scenic helicopter flight and see how big the Gold Coast really is.

I wouldn’t book unless the weather is good and the skies are clear, but you can purchase anything from 5 to 15-minute helicopter rides at any time of the day.

Matt and I tried this during one of our visits, and it was nothing short of fantastic!

While the helicopter ride may seem relatively short, it was memorable enough (at least for me!) to see the Gold Coast from a whole different perspective. It’s even better to see the breaching whales from this angle.

9. Check out the Theme Parks

Gold Coast is recognized and well-known for holding several popular theme parks in Australia. Some of these include:

• Dreamworld,
• White Water World,
• SeaWorld,
• Movie World,
• Wet ‘N Wild,
• Outback Spectacular
• and Paradise Country.

Visiting any of these theme parks will require a whole day, but you can purchase 2, 5 or 7-day passes for multiple parks and save you some money overall.

While I love visiting the water slide parks for fun and adventure, the animals and rides are amazing to see as well.  

10. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

I highly rate the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, especially if you want to see Australian and international animals within a short distance of where you’re staying.

This green oasis is home to over 1,400 wild animals and birds, some of which you can interact, without glass or barriers.

➡  Purchase Currumbin wildlife Tickets HERE

These include koalas, kangaroos, Emu, lemurs, and crocodiles. Not forgetting that the free-flight bird display (with Wedge Tail Eagles) is definitely worth a look.

By purchasing a ticket online you can save money, and I don’t think you will be disappointed with interactive exhibits and attractions that are both educational and respectful to the animals.

Tip: While Australia Zoo is the animal park everyone wants to visit, the 4-hour return travel time from the Gold Coast is too much driving for me!

Where to Stay?

Gold Coast offers a wide range of accommodations and cater to your different needs, budget, and style. For the best nightlife and beachside lifestyle experience, stay at Surfers Paradise.

Try looking into the Novotel or the Surfers International Apartments to get you started.

On the other hand, if you want a quieter and more refined environment, Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads is the place to be.

➡  Find Gold Coast Accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Main Beach and Burleigh Heads are also great options if you are looking for family-friendly spots. But know that typically, beachfront accommodation comes with a higher price tag.

So, if you want to cut some costs, consider looking for affordable deals a block or more away from the beach.

Do you need Car hire?

Considering hiring a car really depends on your budget and the places you want to explore. Personally, I like the flexibility, but if you’re just staying in Surfers Paradise, you can easily get around on foot since most attractions and amenities are within walking distance.

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

However, if you want to explore attractions outside the central hub and the Hinterland/Rainforest areas, then having a car will give you more freedom. Especially if you plan to stay on the Gold Coast for a week or more.

Is there Public Transport?

Gold Coast has a very reliable public transport system, with buses, trains, and ferry services available across the city on the Translink Network.

Some of them are also connected to other cities like Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Conveniently, you can also purchase a Go Card (or use your device or Credit/Debit card with Smart Ticketing) to Tap On/Off, which is 30% cheaper than paper tickets.

Wrap Up!

I think the Gold Coast has so much to offer, while you can explore some of the city in a day, staying for the five I’ve suggested, will allow you to enjoy the highlighted attractions and venture into the hinterland.

In the end, if you want to learn more about it, please read my other Gold Coast features to help with your planning and research.