Get up and Gold Coast! This catch cry captures the spirit of this city - the salty ocean air, bright sunshine and that feeling when you can’t wait to start your day because you know it’s going to be epic. In case you needed a little inspo, here are four mini morning itineraries to start your day the right way in true Gold Coast style.
Northern Gold Coast Itinerary
Wake up at: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Awake in a supremely comfortable Sheraton Signature bed and step outside to wander through lush gardens, past the sparkling lagoon pool and straight onto the sand. This 5-star resort accommodation has direct beach access. Head south for a leisurely 20 minute stroll to your breakfast venue.
Location: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Breakfast: The Winey Cow
Enjoy a memorable alfresco breakfast, with a cheeky tipple from the mimosa menu to start your day with a sparkle. Pair with excellent coffee and inspired all-day brunch dishes like lemon curd and raspberry waffles, or prawn benedict for something different and delicious. This beloved breakfast spot is open from 5.30am daily so you can catch sunrise on your morning walk.
Location: 5 Woodroofe Avenue, Main Beach
Get Up And Gold Coast: Sun Sailing
Set sail on a Morning Cruise with Sun Sailing, which departs at 8.30am from The Spit. It’s a magical and relaxing way to experience the city from a different perspective as you watch the Gold Coast come to life. Glide over gorgeous waterways, admire waterfront homes, and spot marine life on this relaxing 2-hour cruise.
Location: Seaway Pontoon, Muriel Henchman Drive, Main Beach
Central Gold Coast Morning Itinerary
Wake up at: Turtle Beach Resort
Less than 500m from the beach, Turtle Beach Resort makes for an easy family-friendly stay with self-contained apartments (1, 2 or 3 bedroom) and endless onsite fun. There’s a waterpark for kids, and an adults only pool and spa where parents can take a break and a Kid’s Club, plus mini putt putt, a games room, tennis courts and more. Wake up, pack the togs and towels and walk a couple of blocks to the beach - then follow the Gold Coast Oceanway north along the coastline to your breakfast destination (20 minute walk).
Location: 2346 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Breakfast: Raffiki By the Sea
Sit out in the sunny courtyard and soak up the sunshine at this buzzing cafe, where the people of Mermaid Beach gather for their morning meal and coffee. Tuck in to superb smoothie bowls, flavoursome toasties oozing melty cheese and a tempting range of beverages like banana bread matcha and caramel Biscoff latte. Yum!
Location: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
Get Up & Gold Coast: Beach, surf, swim, repeat
Get up and Gold Coast like the locals do. Rafiki is right across the road from a stunning stretch of sand at Mermaid Beach (Mermaid is a beach as well as the name of the suburb). Swim safely in patrolled areas between the flags, splash, play in the waves and build sandcastles. Follow the Oceanway back south, stopping at beach viewing platforms and playgrounds dotted along the way.
Southern Gold Coast
Wake up at: Kirra Point Holiday Apartments
Wake up to the soothing sounds of the ocean and watch a dazzling sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from your private balcony at Kirra Beach Holiday Apartments. Decorated in a calming coastal aesthetic with sweeping views, these immaculate apartments encapsulate 5-star style. Everything from the interior fittings to the pillows are luxurious, not to mention the shimmering pool which looks out over the sea.
Location: 4 Miles St, Coolangatta
Breakfast: Sun Devil
There are dozens of excellent cafes within walking distance of Kirra Point Holiday Apartments so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfast. But if you want to try a drink with a difference, head to Sun Devil. Housed inside Strange Days vintage store with a cowboy kinda vibe, Sun Devil serves up divine cold brew coffee concoctions that are having a viral moment. There are no hot beverages here -but one sip of their orange infused cold brew and you won’t mind a bit. Open 7am - 1pm (closed Monday).
Location: 30 Bay St, Tweed Heads.
Get Up & Gold Coast: Surf lesson at Kirra Point Surf School
Since you're staying in a place world-famous for its waves and surf culture, then it’s almost compulsory that you paddle out and give it a go. Book a lesson with Kirra Point Surf School, where friendly instructors will show you the ropes and get you up and riding in no time. If you’re a keen surfer, why not get some pro coaching with video analysis to improve your skills? Whether you're a complete beginner, or regular wave rider, the level of stoke is the same. Yeeeew!!
Hinterland Morning Itinerary
Wake up at: The Tamborine
Wake up feeling fresh in sleek, Scandi style simplicity at boutique hotel, The Tamborine. Open your curtains to reveal a calming view through graceful gum trees across the valleys and escarpments of the Hinterland. Ease into your morning with a heavenly dip in the heated mineral pool.
Location: 9 Alpine Tce, Tamborine Mountain
Breakfast at: Franquette
This artisanal French bakery is at the top of the mountain and top of their game, with Franquette’s almond croissant voted the best on the Gold Coast. Assemble a feast of freshly baked goods from this local favourite - perhaps a croissant loaf filled with delicately flavoured custard, a beautiful baguette sandwich or a French classic. Get your treats takeaway or wolf them down right away (along with a coffee of course) on the outdoor deck and courtyard. (Closed Tuesdays.)
Location: 157 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain
Get Up & Gold Coast: Mountain top views or rainforest hikes
If you feel like a low-key and relaxing experience take your pastries to Robert Sowter Park Lookout, spread out a rug for a breakfast picnic and take in the panoramic vista spread out before you. You can see the mountains of the Scenic Rim, the plains below and out to the ocean in the distance. If you’re feeling energetic choose one of the many hiking trails in the region - Curtis Falls WalkingTrack for a short walk, Jenyns Circuit for a longer one.
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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.