The Gold Coast
Your Invitation To :
With the temperature dropping into snuggle season, it's an ideal time to get away with your number one for a loved-up retreat. Bursting with natural landscapes, stunning cultural offerings and prime food and drink scene, the Gold Coast is a premium dual relaxation and adventure escape for two.
Quickly becoming the MVP cultural hub of the east coast with hundreds of experiences and activities on offer, the Gold Coast is the ultimate cheeky, loved-up weekend getaway. Where else can you start your day sipping coffee while gazing at the Pacific, wander through waterfall-filled wilderness, or a world-class art gallery in the afternoon, and finish your day fine dining at some of the country's best venues?
From hiking in lush rainforests for those whose idea of indulging is to surround themselves with nature, to diving into bespoke degustations and spa treatments, the Gold Coast has everything you need for an equal parts relaxing and adventurous holiday with your special someone. We’ve teamed up with Destination Gold Coast to do the heavy lifting for you and have curated a cheeky four-day GC getaway to give you a taste of what this coastal gem has to offer.
Accommodation -
Choose Your Adventure
Before we dive into the perfect GC getaway, let’s talk accommodation. This is where you get to choose your own adventure and set your ultimate holiday vibe. Whether you’re up for a cosy stay, a chic cabin experience, or a modern hotel room with all the trimmings, GC has you covered.
If you want to start your trip in a central location, you can’t beat Q1 Resort. This baby has everything you need for an iconic GC stay, complete with the option to enjoy breakfast on level 77 at SkyPoint Observation Deck, with panoramic views of the Gold Coast, as well as a relaxing wellness spa—hello couple's massage. You can even order their flavour-packed grazing boxes and freshly shucked oysters directly to your room for a romantic bite.
Lunch: Light Years
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation it’s time for a lunch that will transport you straight into relaxation mode and Light Years will send you as far into it as its name suggests. If we were to rate this place on the ambience alone, we’d be dishing up a big, fat 10. Boasting a coastal holiday vibe with bright fresh decor and velvety seats ideal for sinking into, this modern and distinctly upbeat Asian diner is quintessential GC vibes.
Just a quick glance at the share-style menu and pretty much everything from the raw ocean trout, to the honey and sesame king prawns or mud crab and scallop dumplings will jump out at you. We’re also a big fan of the deconstructed spicy Korean fried chicken or eggplant katsu bao, so you can build your own to your liking.
Afternoon:
Visit HOTA Gallery
The next on the agenda is a healthy dose of culture and art. The Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts Gallery is an iconic landmark designed to capture your imagination and champion art that changes the world. On any given day they have a range of exciting exhibitions taking place as well as workshops, screenings, gigs, comedy nights, theatre, and special events.
Head to HOTA before 19 May to explore Pop Masters: Art from Mugrabi Collection, New York showcasing never-before-seen works in Australia by iconic pop artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Katherine Bernhardt and Kwesi Botchway.
Once you have had your fill and could use a change of scenery, we know a waterfall with your name on it. The hikes at Tamborine Mountain have achieved legendary status for a reason, leading you to picturesque swimming holes that invite you in to feel the fresh mountain water cascade upon you from the many mini falls above.
After working up an appetite thanks to your refreshing dip in the Cedar Creek Falls, lunch at the Cedar Creek Estate Winery will be the perfect pitstop. The two-course lunch and wine tastings come with exceptional views and a taste of delicious local flavours and drops. If you're keen for a mini adventure before you begin the journey back to your digs, make sure you hit up the Mountview Alpaca Farm for a unique and heart-meltingly fluffy experience.
Hike at Tamborine
Mountain
To wrap up the day, and refuel in style, reserve a table at the restaurant that perfectly harmonises fine food and art, Vanitas. Located in the Palazzo Versace, this is sophisticated fine dining at its best, showcasing an impressive set menu of Italian classics in a beyond-elegant space. Think views of the sparkling lagoon on one side of the room juxtaposed with an epically exquisite 13-metre art piece depicting the life of Gianni Versace himself on the other. Your only option here is to go all out and order the nine-course degustation—trust us, it’s worth it.
Dinner:
Vanitas
To balance out your journey through GC’s opulent dining experiences, greet your third day with a humble granola (with a twist) and top-tier coffee. Refinery Coffee is our pick for a breakfast to kickstart a day of calming activities. Pair your choice of coffee with whipped tofu yoghurt with miso caramelised nut crunch and fresh fruit, or a classic avocado on sourdough with sweet beetroot, goats cheese and grilled kale.
The best part is you'll only be a stone's throw from your next zen-inducing activity down at Tallebudgera Creek.
Breakfast:
Refinery Coffee
Speaking of hitting the water, day three is about time you took advantage of the watersports the Gold Coast is known and loved for. What better way to get in touch with the flow of the ocean than by getting your ‘ohm’ on with a spot of paddleboard yoga?
Pure Aloha runs affordable and vibey stand-up paddleboard yoga classes atop Tallebudgera Creek. Simply book your spot and show up on the day to experience a new type of grounding upon the gentle waves as they lap against
your board.
Morning:
Standup Paddle Boarding at Tallebudgera Creek
When your final day arrives, make the most of whichever stunning accommodation you opted for and stay in for breakfast in bed. Order up a grazing box if you’re staying at Q1 or relax in the cabin with coffee and pastries available at qtQT and soak up the last of that luxe-stay feeling.
Breakfast:
At the Cabin
Post brekky is your opportunity to reflect upon your Gold Coast trip of a lifetime and debrief your favourite moments with your love. Leave your bags with reception and take your time to enjoy your final day with a coastal walk. If you're keen to make the absolute most of your change to relax before heading back to reality, book a morning massage at Earth & Skin day spa, or a soak under the stunning fig trees at The Bathhouse at Ground, before your final lunch.
Morning:
Coastal Walk
End your trip with a farewell lunch at another
of the Gold Coast's stunning restaurants,
Rick Shores. This iconic spot overlooks the water, giving you chance to say goodbye to the GC in its best light as you enjoy melt-in-your-mouth Pan-Asian flavours and your final round of freshly shucked oysters.
Lunch:
Rick Shores
Day 1
Touch Down
After dropping your bags at your chosen stay, head to Nook Espresso for a post-flight coffee pick-me-up. This vibey espresso hotspot brews exceptional coffee on the daily, complete with a picturesque coastal walk in the front yard. If you’re feeling peckish, grab one of their legendary slices or a slab of banana bread while you caffeinate with a shot of espresso and soak in the beach view that lured you to the GC.
Post-Flight Coffee:
Nook Espresso
Dinner: Pablito's
Pablito’s was born from a love of delicious food and quality tequila—with love in the air and the food, it’s the perfect date night spot. This isn’t your average Mexican cantina. Pablito's showcases Caribbean influences and a largely plant-based and gluten-free menu (don’t worry carnivores, you are well catered for too).
This colourful gem serves up sharing boards perfect for two, including the hot bites board complete with smoked chorizo, esquites, cashew cream poppers and pickled watermelon rind, and the choose-your-own-adventure taco share board. Choose from over 50 tequilas, mezcals and flavoured margaritas and cheers to your love.
The Outdoors
Day 2
Begin your first full day by embracing nature with a picnic breakfast at North Stores. Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t your standard picnic of ant-covered homemade sandwiches.
North Stores is the sustainably designed and architecturally stunning food, art and nature precinct celebrating the beauty of Tamborine Mountain. It’s home to Picnic Real Food Bar where you can order a picnic box packed with wholesome breakfast goodies that you can enjoy anywhere, though we vote you set up shop nearby and bask in those valley views.
Breakfast:
Picnic At North Stores
Adventure Time
Day 3
After your water-top yoga sesh, carry your aquatic zen vibes through to Burleigh Hill for a picturesque picnic by the rocks. Pack a lunch or grab some takeaway from one of the many nearby cafes and chipperies—we recommend a classic fish and chip combo from Burleigh Heads Fishmongers—and settle in at John Laws Park. Sounds simple, sure, but nothing quite hits the spot like fried goodness, relaxing with your boo and a sea breeze after a salty workout.
Lunch:
Picnic At Burleigh Hill
Follow your beachside lunch with a siesta and rise fresh for an arvo of fun. We have a few options here depending on your vibe. If you’re a homebody at heart and need a refresh from your adventures, stay in with a few board games or explore the in-house activities your accommodation has to offer.
For those who can't go past a little friendly competition to shake things up a little, your best bet for some afternoon shenanigans lies at Hijinx Hotel or Holey Moley. Hit up the former to work your way through a series of gamified challenge rooms, all with unique and visually stimulating aesthetics. The latter boasts an amped-up mini-golf course complete with an in-house bar.
Can’t choose? These fun factories happen to be located next door to one another, so why not try both?
Afternoon:
Hijinx Hotel Or Holey Moley
Dinner:
Etsu Izakaya
Refuel after your busy day with a relaxing evening at Etsu Izakaya. This is the place to indulge in a long rolling dinner, with the dishes specifically designed to be shared and steadily ordered throughout the evening so that you can continue to graze for hours.
What will you be grazing on? Just the best sushi, sashimi and modern Japanese favourites in town. All these flavours are perfectly paired with an impressive cocktail menu and a lengthy selection of Japanese beer, sake, and shochu.
The Wind
Down
Day 4
Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland.
Finally, it’s time to head to the Gold Coast Airport and make your farewells. In case you missed it, the GCA has undergone a pretty epic transformation of late, launching a swath of fresh outlets, stunning architecture, and a few impressive eateries to see you off. Arrive early for some high-quality retail therapy followed by a few cheeky share plates at the ever-stylish Wollumbin Cafe and Bar—the perfect end to the perfect GC holiday with your number one.
Departure
1
2
3
4
For a more laid-back vibe paired with a stunning pool and nightcap cocktails to boot, qtQT is the place to unwind. Fitted out with a series of calming cabins, this is a place to recapture your zen and connect with your number one. Stay in with complimentary board games and tasty goodies or explore their communal oasis featuring a firepit, free yoga classes, and many a curated experience to be had.
Day
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