Passport To Paradise: Your ‘Burb To ‘Burb Itinerary To The Gold Coast Passport To Paradise: Your ‘Burb To ‘Burb Itinerary To The Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise

Burleigh

Hinterland

Ask any local, and they’ll tell you the Gold Coast is so much more than its postcard image. Venture beyond the surf, and you’ll uncover a string of hidden laneway bars, vibrant art galleries, hinterland escapes and corner cafes that double as creative studios. And the best part? The locals actually want to share it with you. That’s why we want to help you soak up these getaways to the absolute max. From rainforest escapes to surfing adventures, this list has you covered with eat, stay, play itineraries for the Gold Coast's best kept secrets.

Broadbeach

Southern Gold Coast

SURFERS PARADISE

Most of us know Surfers Paradise for its endless coastline lined with skyscrapers, but this beachside suburb is brimming with unexpected hideaways, cultural gems, and hidden dining spots ready to explore around every corner. Offering the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation—don’t be surprised if you don’t want to leave.

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Featuring dishes inspired by the art that adorns the walls of HOTA (the cultural hub in which Palette is located), prepare for a gastronomic adventure at this three-hatted eatery. Forget bow ties and white table clothes, this is casual fine dining at its best. Indulge in incredible local produce like Sanchoku Wagyu from Chinchilla and Moreton Bay Cuttlefish with native furikake and yuzu.

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PASSPORT

Paradise

Your guide to untapped adventures across the Gold Coast’s beautiful ‘burbs.

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For vibes and views, slip into a booth at Hyde Paradiso. Perched on the golden sands of Surfers Paradise, sip handcrafted cocktails (the Paradiso Punch is a must order), tuck into Mediterranean tapas, and shimmy in your seat as resident DJs drop beats at this Euro summer-inspired gem. Pro tip: book your crew in for the bottomless brunch with free-flowing Aperol Spritz, spiced prawn rolls and eggs benny with truffle hollandaise.

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Palette

Hyde Paradiso

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For a truly unique stay, snooze under the stars at QT’s luxe rooftop cabins. Set among tropical gardens, this open-air sanctuary is an adult’s oasis. There’s six tiny homes for your crew to get comfy at—all kitted out with cloud-like beds, cosy robes and complimentary snacks, plus an iPad for ordering room service. There’s also a communal fire pit to sip cocktails beside and daily morning yoga.

qtQT Cabins

3/6

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Despite its primo location, you’ll be forgiven for not wanting to leave these five-star digs. Expect sprawling suites, a zen-like spa, a huge buffet and a teppanyaki joint. Outside, you can snorkel with tropical fish in the saltwater lagoon, unwind on the white sandy beach and zip down the slide. Post-dip, kick back under the waterfall or sip cocktails from your private cabana.

JW Marriott

4/6

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You could spend an entire day exploring HOTA. Catch a comedy, cabaret or musical in the theatre, check out international flicks at the cinema, discover incredible roving art exhibitions in the gallery and take a wander through the sculptural gardens. Hungry? Try the three-hatted Palette for a decadent dish, or grab a cocktail with a view at rooftop bar The Exhibitionist.

HOTA

5/6

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Perched a stomach-dropping 240 metres above sea level, you’ll scale the Q1 Resort Building summit, and be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Gold Coast, from the ocean right out to the lush hinterland. Post-adrenaline rush, grab sips and snacks at the bistro.

SkyPoint Climb

6/6

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A buzzing hub of beats, bites and boutique finds, this bustling night market (Wednesday through Saturday), is a good time guaranteed just north of Burleigh. Start with a cocktail at the Gin Parlour, then follow your nose to the international food stalls—dumplings, smoked meats, cacio e pepe and Nutella donuts await. Then, catch live music and browse pop-up shops packed with local art and fashion.

Miami Marketta

6/6

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Tighten your core with a SUP session at Talle Creek. The setting is pure paradise, with smooth, aqua waters that fringe a lush national park and a white sand beach. You can rent SUP boards, as well as rashies and wetsuits, and get them delivered straight to the sand.

SUP Tallebudgera Creek

5/6

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Retro charm meets laidback luxury at this restored 60s seaside motel just south of Burleigh. There are six queen rooms and a two-bedroom apartment to choose from, each space featuring cool coastal furnishings and sweet extras like a free mini bar. Lounge by the pool, take a short sun-soaked stroll to the beach or eat your way through the slew of nearby eateries like Balboa Italian.

Cheshire Cat

4/6

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Just steps from the beach, check into the Gold Coast’s hottest new hotel. Opening mid-June, unwind in architecturally stunning sun-drenched houses, suites and studios, before blissing out at the unique bio-wellness spa. Take your taste buds to Capri, at Mondrian’s all-day restaurant, LiTO or sip champagne and throw back oysters poolside at Haven day club.

Mondrian Gold Coast

3/6

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The vibes are always immaculate at this neighbourhood wine bar, which comes to you from the same crew behind Restaurant Labart. Cozy up inside on the banquette seating or people watch outside on bustling James Street. Sip spicy mandarin margs, pet nats and local craft beers at this intimate spot. Hungry? Devour plates of fresh oysters and moreish steak frites.

Paloma Wine Bar

2/6

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Snagging the title of Queensland’s best restaurant, a meal at this gem is one you won’t soon forget. The bistro boasts an ever-changing menu brimming with local produce. Feast on dishes like BBQ king prawns with garlic and kombu butter and spaghetti with Ballina pipis. Wash it down with their curated vino menu of lo-fi and international drops, and you’ve got yourself a seriously special culinary experience.

Restaurant Labart

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BURLEIGH

Laid back wine bars, waterfront dining and vibing live venues— Burleigh is the beachfront ‘burb buzzing with effortlessly cool energy. With new restaurants, intimate bars, and events popping up on every corner, this is where you can flex your in-the-know creds with your holiday crew.

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Set within the scenic surrounds of Tamborine Mountain, this award-winning winery produces seriously tasty drops, with fruit sourced from the Granite Belt. Sample their range of cool climate vino at the cellar door, then pick up a bottle of your fave to enjoy with a local cheese board at picnic tables nestled among the vines.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery

6/6

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Inspired by Japan’s wabi sabi philosophy (finding beauty in imperfection), this soul-altering spa opening later this season is like nothing you’ll have experienced before. Encased by water and surrounded by rainforest, release toxins in the organic clay room, soothe your soul in the onsen, find inner balance in the Himalayan salt save, and warm your muscles in the healing saunas.

SOL Elements

5/6

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A reimagining of a 1980s Hacienda-style motel with opulent furnishings, all 23 rooms have been carefully curated to embrace its earthy surroundings. The centrepiece is the outdoor heated mineral pool and spa, with adjoining lounge and bar serving local sips and snacks.

The Tamborine

4/6

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Nestled in the breathtaking World Heritage Lamington National Park, bliss out in nature’s playground with a bucket list worthy stay in one of Nightfall’s luxe safari tents. Your private oasis is kitted out with a fireplace, king size bed, twin vintage baths and freshly prepared fire-cooked meals. By day, picnic by the creek, go on a guided hike, or zen out with a dreamy massage.

Nightfall Camp

3/6

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For another French infusion on Tamborine Mountain, slip into a seat at Saint Marthe, a cosy brasserie slinging authentic Euro plates. Nestled on the main strip, among lush greenery, sip a crisp glass of vino while indulging in fresh figs with goats cheese, local honey and ham. For something truly soul-nourishing, order the confit duck with Paris mash, and beetroot marmalade.

Saint Marthe

2/6

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Tucked in Tamborine’s postcard-perfect village, this French-style bakery is carb heaven. Come hungry for buttery croissants, crusty baguettes stuffed with local meats and cheese and loaves of every variety. But don’t skip their innovative treats: a loaded toastie with caramelised peaches, prosciutto, brie, truffle oil and pecorino, plus their iconic Flankie, a flan wrapped in a cookie crust.

Franquette Bakery

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HINTERLAND

With cosy dining, enchanted escapes, and rejuvenating natural experiences, the lush Hinterland—tucked away in the clouds—is oh-so-dreamy. Towering high above the coastline, head here for slow, wellness-infused days, scenic drives and local produce.

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With over 400 high street and luxe boutiques to shop, cinemas, a drool-worthy dining precinct and a sun-soaked outdoor lounge with day beds, Pacific Fair is a retail paradise. Craving a style glow-up to match your beach glow? Book a free one-on-one styling session in through Pacific Fair. Your credit card is about to do some serious cardio.

Pacific Fair Shopping

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Dive into local life with a splash at Kurrawa Beach, where the waves are glassy and the sand is golden. Rent a board, take a lesson, or if you’ve got the skills, carve it up like a pro. Not a surfer? With patrolled towers dotted along the shore, it’s the perfect place to float, paddle or catch a cheeky sunrise stroll with your crew.

Surfing Kurrawa Beach

5/6

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An epicenter of fun, The Star is the ultimate spot to stay for an unforgettable GC getaway. Perfect for families, couples or a crew of your best mates, there are endless entertainment options, from the casino, to the pool (complete with a bar slinging epic cocktails), to the spa, plus nine restaurants to feast at, your itinerary will be stacked.

The Star Gold Coast

4/6

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The first of its kind in Australia, a stay at Dorsett is one you won’t soon forget. Swanky rooms, unreal views, the beach just five minutes away—and yes, the room service is next level. But the best bit? Isoletto Pool Club. Sip a spritz on wet lounges, snack by the pool, and soak up that stunning GC weather.

Dorsett Gold Coast

3/6

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Level up your brunch game at Elk Espresso where the dishes look like works of art and taste so good you’ll shimmy in your seat. Think: blueberry and apple breakfast panna cotta and fried chicken waffles with burnt maple butter. Make your best meal of the day a boozy one—for just $49 you can snag bottomless mimosas (classic, strawberry lime and tropical) for an hour. Cheers to that.

Elk Espresso

2/6

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A local gem, this spot nails relaxed fine dining with a playful twist. Tuck into king prawn risotto with truffle crème fraîche and caviar, or melt-in-your-mouth 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Don’t sleep on their dessert menu either—the dark chocolate and salted caramel tart with artichoke ice cream is a game-changer.

Social Eating House

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BROADBEACH

For a holiday packed with poolside cocktails, fine dining and live entertainment, Broadbeach is the suburb to bookmark. Pack your suncream, an appetite for adventure, and an appetite—this spot has it all.

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Get up close and personal with the cutest Gold Coast locals on a turtle safari. The intimate tour begins with a 20 minute boat ride to Jungurra-Ngarrian reserve - home to a turtle nursery. Led by a knowledgeable instructor, you’ll descend into the bewitching underwater labyrinth for a snorkel alongside turtles, dolphins, tropical fish and rays.

Swimming With Turtles

6/6

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When the sun sets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, step into the cosmic wonderland of Astra Lumina, where a starlit symphony will unfurl across 27 hectares of beautiful bushland. Merging soundscapes with a kaleidoscope of light and colour, prepare to have your mind blown over an hour-and-a-half long stroll.

Astra Lumina

5/6

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Just a two-minute stroll from the sugar-white sand of beautiful Bilinga Beach (and a five minute walk from the airport), lies these achingly cool two-storey villas. Blending Palm Springs with The Med, each villa boasts three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms, a private plunge pool, sprawling lounge and designer kitchen - perfect for families or a group of friends.

Billinga Beach Abodes

4/6

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Solo sojourns, romantic escapes and family vacays are all catered for at Kirra Point. The cool seaside digs offer one, two and three bedroom apartments decked out in beautiful furnishings. Soak up uninterrupted beach vistas from the pool, head downstairs for a meal and cocktail at Kirra Beach House, or rent a bike from reception and explore the area.

Kirra Point

3/6

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Slip into a leather booth at this 70s-inspired Italian diner, sip a negroni and feast on fresh oysters, hand-stretched pizzas and pasta dishes you’ll dream about long after you’ve finished. Think: spanner crab pappardelle with garlic butter and white wine sauce, or mushroom ravioli with goats cheese, egg yolk and brown butter.

Bar Evelyn

2/6

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This breezy, Hamptons-style spot on Currumbin Creek serves up baked goods with riverside dining. Grab smooth coffee, stuffed bagels and pastries from the cafe or head upstairs for lobster rolls, steak frites and grilled barra with mango salsa. Fight off the food coma with a paddle—Tarte rents SUP boards straight from the cafe.

Tarte

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SOUTHERN GOLD COAST

With old-school coastal charm, the Southern Gold Coast is a laid-back destination for those keen to escape the hustle and bustle and truly slow down. No-frills dining, beachfront lounging, and afternoons spent scoping epic surf breaks are all on the cards on a trip the Southern Gold Coast.

Discover more of your Gold Coast adventure here

Eat, Stay, Play

Itinerary

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Eat, Stay, Play

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Eat, Stay, Play

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Eat, Stay, Play

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Eat, Stay, Play

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Eat, Stay, Play

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Eat, Stay, Play

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Eat, Stay, Play

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Eat, Stay, Play

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