Awol: A Weekend Exploring Nature Around the Gold Coast

Awol: A Weekend Exploring Nature Around the Gold Coast

06 Jun 2023

This article was brought to you in partnership with Awol, written by Alex Mitcheson.


Introducing your go-to guide to a glorious weekend exploring all the natural wonders the Gold Coast has to offer — just follow in Awol, travel writer Alex Mitcheson’s footsteps.  


DAY ONE

 

Morning


Refinery Coffee, Currumbin

This whitewashed ex-industrial warehouse is perfect for enjoying sensational coffee beside tasty breaky favourites – the go-to is always their Chilli Scram and Avocado on Sourdough with Picked Heirloom Tomatoes.  


Mid morning


Visit Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the ancient history of this area and the people who call it home. Take part in one of their regular Walkabout tours and absorb the undeniable synergy and continuing connection the Kombumerri people have with country and the natural environment for thousands of years. 


Afternoon


After checking in at Tessa’s on the Beach, there was no better way to spend the early afternoon than relaxing at this newly renovated beach motel. Think: ’70s beach chic meets Palm Springs.


See Surfers Paradise from a completely different viewpoint with GoBoat Gold Coast. These fun-filled electric vessels meant me and my friends could hop aboard and cruise the many canals and waterways.



DAY TWO


Morning


As an açaí bowl fanatic and vegan breakfast enthusiast, I rejoiced at discovering Tugun’s Niche & Co. — there’s nothing better than delicious food and brilliant coffee.


20 minutes down the road and I was passing paddocks of grazing cows, gurgling streams, and endless green fields. At the end of this winding scenic drive, Cougal Cascades are a series of natural rock pools and streams originating in nearby Springbrook National Park, where forest bathing is taken to a whole new level.


Pasture and Co. have long been a local’s haunt for morning coffee and superb fare.


Afternoon


Following lunch, I left the greenery behind and made use of the free bike hire at Tessa’s on the Beach, and headed for Coolangatta. Riding the Gold Coast Oceanway past Kirra headland — where you can regularly catch glimpses of dolphins and whales.

What better way to round off the weekend than with beachside dining at its best with a reservation at Siblings on Kirra Beach? I enjoyed an unrivalled golden hour underscored by a contemporary and smart Italian meets modern-Australian menu.

This article was brought to you in partnership with Awol, written by Alex Mitcheson.



 

 

Read the full itinerary at Awol

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Destination Gold Coast
Destination Gold Coast

Welcome to the Gold Coast. As a city that boasts 300 days of beautiful sunshine, unmatched stretches of white sandy beaches, breath-taking landscapes and skylines, as well as the local’s best-kept secret, the Hinterland, it’s not surprising why many flock to experience The Gold Coast - Australia’s favourite playground.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. 
 
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.