Planning a Gold Coast Long Weekend? Here’s the Perfect 3 Day Itinerary

If you’re planning a short escape and wondering how to make the most of your time, this 3 day Gold Coast itinerary has you covered. From sunrise swims and bakery runs to rooftop cocktails, waterfront dining and hinterland discoveries, you’ll experience the best of the coast in just a few unforgettable days.

Start your mornings with salty hair and fresh coffee by the ocean, explore the city’s thriving arts and shopping precincts, and wind down with craft brews, buzzing night markets and live music. Then on day three, trade the coastline for rainforest air with a scenic day trip to Mount Tamborine, where waterfalls, wineries and spectacular sunset lookouts await.

Whether you’re visiting over a long weekend or planning a quick coastal escape, this itinerary blends iconic experiences with local favourites so you can Get Up and Gold Coast with the best of them.

Day 1

7am: Beach and Bakery

There’s no better way to Get Up and Gold Coast than with a dip in the ocean. (Or surf if you’re that way inclined.) You’ll be feeling fresh, energised and ready to rip in to an epic few days of fun, adventure and relaxation. 

Now it's time to refuel at one of Gold Coast's famous bakeries. Grab a coffee and pastry to take with you to the sand, or swim first and pop in for a sit down breakky complete with sandy feet and salty hair. Here are a few classic beach/ bakery combos around town.

Tarte Beach House + Currumbin Alley
Bam Bam Bakehouse + Mermaid Beach
Custard Canteen + Tallebudgera Creek (pictured)
Paddock Bakery + North Burleigh Beach

11am: Explore the HOTA Gallery and rooftop bar

HOTA (Home of the Arts) is the Gold Coast’s cultural precinct and if you haven’t been before, you’re missing out! HOTA Gallery is the bold centre-piece with five levels of thought-provoking visual art to explore - most of it is completely free. Right at the top is The Exhibitionist Bar - a fabulous rooftop venue where you can enjoy crafted cocktails, an enticing wine list and tasty bar bites designed to share. Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch while you take in the panoramic views of the city and then take a walk around the shady parklands surrounding the Gallery.

1.30pm: Shopping at Pacific Fair

Pacific Fair is no ordinary shopping centre - with over 400 stores, it’s one of Australia’s largest. Shop til you drop at luxury brands including  Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada along with Australian labels, major department stores, beautiful boutiques, homewares, jewellers, supermarkets and lots of shops for those who love a bargain. 

7pm: Dinner at River House

Treat yourself to fine dining at this waterfront restaurant in Southport where the food and the views are equally incredible. Executive Chef Grant Madgwick infuses every dish with passion, precision and creativity to create a dining experience that is internationally inspired, yet distinctly Gold Coast. It's a challenge to choose just one dish from the mouthwatering menu at River House - try “Trust the Chef”.  A five-course degustation that you’ll want to linger over for as long as possible in such a sublime setting.

Day 2 

9.30am: A breezy brunch

The best bit about a long weekend is you don’t need to rush. Enjoy a slow start and ease into Day 2 with brunch - a meal this city does very well. Palm Springs in Burleigh, Pasture & Co in Currumbin Valley or Hot Shott in Main Beach are all local faves. If you fancy a boozy brunch, opt for an hour of bottomless mimosas at The Winey Cow in Main Beach.

12.30pm: An adventure on the waterways plus picnic

All aboard GoBoat for the best way to explore Gold Coast’s stunning waterways at your own pace - no experience or boat licence needed! These cute and comfortable electric boats seat up to 8 people and are perfectly set up for a leisurely picnic experience while cruising along the Nerang River. It’s all style and no stress - you get clear instructions and a driving demonstration when you arrive. Pick up point is at Isle of Capri right next door to Harris Farm Markets, where you can gather supplies for a gourmet picnic.

4pm: Sundowners at Padre Brewing Co.

Gold Coast’s newest craft brewery is bringing good times and great beer to Miami. Sip on an icy cold brew in the sun-drenched courtyard at Padre Brewing Co or pull up a pew at one of the communal tables inside. Try the Mango Weiss beer (inspired by the icecream) or one of the other 14 house-brewed beers on tap. There’s a tasty menu of pub classics to snack on and it’s the kind of vibe where arvo drinks can stretch into a night of fun.

6.30pm: Dinner and drinks at Miami Marketta 

From Padre it’s a short stroll around the corner to Miami Marketta. This lively night market is a fabulous fusion of creativity, good food and live music. Wander down the alley of tempting street food and fill your belly on a variety of delicious cuisine. Order a drink from one of the very cool bars and rock out to free live tunes every night. 

Miami Marketta is open 5 - 10pm, Wednesday to Sunday with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made this place a local fave for over a decade. 

If you're not ready to call it a night, head to Cambus Wallace at Nobby Beach for a night cap. After all, you get to sleep in tomorrow. This is when the perks of a long weekend really comes into play!

Day 3 

9.30am: Day trip to Mount Tamborine

Day 3 delivers a change of scenery with a short road trip to the Hinterland. Mount Tamborine is about an hour’s drive from Broadbeach and offers a completely different experience to the coastline.  Spend a delightful day exploring mountain-top villages, National Parks, ancient rainforests, waterfall walks and natural attractions.

No car? No worries! Jump aboard the Pineapple Tours Mount Tamborine shuttle bus. Departing from convenient central pick up points on the coast, this service runs throughout the day between wineries, breweries, distilleries, cafes, Gallery Walk and key attractions. You’re free to choose where you go and how long you stay at each location so you can curate your own itinerary. In the afternoon enjoy a comfortable return trip to your original departure point.

10.30am: Gallery Walk

Have a wander down Gallery Walk - a village street lined with over 60 artisan shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and boutiques selling everything from fashion and homewares, to curiosities and collectibles, artworks, antiques and bric-a-brac. 

12.30pm: Lunch and a local drop

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch locations in Mount Tamborine. If the weather is good, find a venue with outside seating and bask in the sun as you graze delicious meals made with local produce. Tambourine Mountain Coffee Plantation or Main St. Providore are both highly rated options.

Wash it down with a local drop made on the mountain. Boxer Brewing is a laid back tap house among the trees, conveniently found in the same location as Witches Falls Winery. 

Fancy local spirits instead? Sip on award-winning gin at Cauldron Distillery (pictured above). Set on an 18-acre property with rolling green hills, you can enjoy your drinks at picnic tables provided, or BYO picnic rug settle in for a delightful afternoon overlooking lush meadows and vineyards. 

3.30pm: Natural Attractions

If you’re in the mood for a leisurely, scenic experience, walk the Curtis Falls Track. A 1km return track through beautiful rainforest that leads to a stunning waterfall scene. 

For an elevated nature walk, visit the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk which gives you a unique perspective of the rainforest. The 1.5km track is a combination of forest floor trails and steel bridges that allow you to stroll through the canopy 40m above the ground. There’s a beautiful creek running alongside the track, and a colony of incredible Richmond Birdwing Butterflies, which you can see flitting about between September and April.

If you prefer some adrenaline and action to relaxing rainforest walks, head to Happitat Adventure Park in Binna Burra. Perched on a clifftop overlooking Lamington National Park and you can explore the sky high terrain on a thrilling zipline course that takes you soaring across the cliff face or navigate the Via Ferrata, an exhilarating climb that includes crossing a wobbly bridge hundreds of feet above the ground that will really test your courage. 

5.30pm: Sunset at Hang glider’s lookout 

Head to Robert Sowter Park (pictured in main image) for the perfect ending to a perfect long weekend. You’ll be treated to spectacular sunset views across plains and mountain ranges, with the ocean off in the distance and the sky lighting up in glowing, gorgeous colours. 

Take home a cute and comfy souvenir from your epic long weekend - your own pair of Get Up and Gold Coast pyjamas.