A Weekend on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is Australia’s quintessential beach city. With high-rise buildings lining the shore and lush rainforests less than an hour away, a weekend will never feel like enough time to explore. To make it easier for you, I’ve come up with a list of the best places to eat and the best things to do while you’re here. Let’s start with the important stuff:
Eat
Paddock Bakery
I’ve never been the biggest sweet tooth but holy wow! Paddock Bakeries desserts are next level insane. I’m talking crème brulee donuts, Nutella cruffins (croissant muffins) and milo and white chocolate cookies. As well as their desserts, they’ve won more awards as a brunch venue than any other café on the Gold Coast so this is one you can’t miss! They don’t take bookings so feel free to just wander on in.
Palm Springs
Located just around the corner from Paddock Bakery, you’ll find Palm Springs. This Californian inspired café, with its white walls and abundance of cacti, is the perfect place to get some cute photos as well as enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch. The menu matches the vibe of the café with waffles, brekkie burritos and salsa scrambled eggs.
Niche and Co
Easily the best acai bowls on the Gold Coast! Niche and Co is a tiny little cafe in Tugun with the most beautiful, guilt-free food. They also have a heap of vegan-friendly options!
Frida Sol
This is hands down, my favourite place to eat on the Gold Coast! As well as being obsessed with Mexican food and margarita’s, Frida Sol is just the coolest venue. Located upstairs with views of the beach, there’s often live music and DJ’s to add to the already buzzing energy. They’re open for dinner most nights and for lunch over the weekend.
Tommy’s Italian
If you’re an Italian foodie, this is the place for you! Honestly the most delicious Italian I have had in years. I ordered the king prawn, garlic and chilli fettucine and it was unbelievable *insert the little Italian pinched fingers emoji here*.
The Tropic
The Tropic is the place to be if you’re looking for food with a view. Overlooking the beach, you get the best view of the city across the water. Offering Mediterranean inspired share plates and mains, The Tropic is a bit pricier than the other options but is so worth it for the location. Pop next door to the Burleigh Pavilion if you’re early for your booking or go there afterwards if you’re keen to kick on.
Do
Bike ride along the coastal trail
A walking/bike path follows the coast, stretching 48km from all the way in Surfer’s Paradise to Coolangatta. Being so long, I highly recommend hiring a bike if you don’t have your own. When I spent a weekend here with no car, a bike was the easiest way to travel everywhere I wanted to go! I hired one from Mike’s Bikes in Miami but there are lots of other places that offer them for hire too.
Cruise along the broadwater on the world’s first superyacht event venue
A restaurant, club, superyacht and event space all rolled into one, the YOT Club offer an experience you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. This is 100% one of the most boujie things I have ever done, in my entire life… ever! Yet surprisingly, it is so affordable! Think sunsets, good food, cocktails, live music and dancing all whilst cruising down the Gold Coast’s broadwater at a leisurely 6 knots. Heaven!
Go chasing waterfalls in Springbrook National Park
Drive less than an hour drive from the Gold Coast and you will find yourself immersed in one of the world’s largest subtropical rainforests. If you don’t have a car, hire one… because you are going to want to see this! For a short introductory walk, I recommend the 1km circuit to Natural Bridge. Keep an eye out for the colony of micro bats in the cave as well as glow worms. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the 4km hike down to the base of Purling Brook Falls is incredible. As is the 4km Twin Falls circuit which leads you through caves, over creeks and behind waterfalls. Pack your bathers and go for a dip when you reach the bottom.
Go for a surf
Hopefully you’ll be more successful than me at this one! With one suburb literally named ‘Surfer’s Paradise’, the Gold Coast is the ultimate place to give surfing a go. There’s heaps of places you can go to hire a surfboard but I hired one from Kirra surf shop. They were $30 for 4 hours. Good luck!
Walk through Burleigh Heads National Park
Boasting some of the best views on the Gold Coast, the Burleigh Heads walk is perfect if you want to escape to nature, close to the city. Spot lizards basking in the sun or humpback whales migrating up the east coast during Winter and Spring. The loop trail takes less than an hour to complete.
Have a shop at one of the many markets
Whether you’re into unique vintage clothing, handmade arts and crafts or fresh produce for your next meal, there is a market for everyone. Some famous ones include the Village Markets in Burleigh, the Palm Beach Farmer’s Market and the Carrara Markets.
If you’ve got any questions at all, are planning a trip to the Gold Coast or have some memories to share, please leave a comment below or Contact Me. I’m always up for a chat!
