Duration
1 Day
Region
Southern Gold Coast
Distance
52 km

Surf some of the world’s best waves, explore the freshwater swimming holes and rainforest of the Hinterland or splash around in the clear waters of some stunning creeks - there are many ways to spend a dreamy day on the southern Gold Coast.

You could hang out with hundreds of Australian animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, down beers at a craft brewery or while away a sunny morning at one of our gorgeous cafés. The southern Gold Coast gives visitors a taste of a sub-tropical life as part of a beachside community that defines coastal chill. We've carefully curated the ultimate itinerary for an unforgettable 24 hours on the southern Gold Coast.

itinerary

Highlights

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itinerary

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Day 1
Currumbin > Currumbin Valley > Kirra
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7:00AM
Coffee at The Salt Mill, Currumbin
Say yes to a cup of the best coffee on the southern Gold Coast at Currumbin’s most famed café – The Salt Mill. There’s usually a line-up because it’s that good – local surfers perch on rough-hewn bench seats out front, watching the waves roll in. While the coffee’s king, the smoothies, juices and pastries (and let’s not forget the Gold Coast’s mandatory acai berry bowls) have earned The Salt Mill its iconic reputation.
7:30AM
Stand Up Paddle Board on Currumbin Creek
Paddle board with dolphins in the mirrored waters of Currumbin Creek. While waves crash onto the point just a few hundred metres away at The Alley, paddle boarders and swimmers can enjoy the sheltered waters of Currumbin Creek, which winds its way out to Currumbin Valley. Visit Currumbin Boatshed Bait & Tackle on Thrower Drive for paddle board and kayak hire.
9:00AM
Swim in Fresh Water Rock Pools
Take a short drive west and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a rainforest, travelling between the rocky escarpments of a long-extinct volcano. Currumbin Valley is the easiest hinterland escape to access – it’s just 12 minutes drive from the coast, past organic farms and stunning rainforest. Stop in at the Currumbin Rock Pools – freshwater swimming holes where families come to escape the heat in summer, picnicking on grassy banks as kids launch into the cool waters of the rock pools.
10:30AM
Meet the Locals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been saving injured and sick animals since it opened over 70 years ago. While it's most famous for the resident rainbow lorikeets, the sanctuary is also home to hundreds of native Australian animals – from salt-water crocs, koalas, kangaroos (which you can hand feed) to Tasmanian Devils and dingoes. Marvel at the aerial prowess as the stars of the daily bird show swoop and soar, or gain an insight into our local First Nations culture at the daily performance by the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dance Group. Look through viewing windows to watch vets help sick and injured animals in the sanctuary’s animal hospital, which admits 8000 animals a year.
1:00PM
Lunch at Siblings Kirra
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been saving injured and sick animals since it opened over 70 years ago. While it's most famous for the resident rainbow lorikeets, the sanctuary is also home to hundreds of native Australian animals – from salt-water crocs, koalas, kangaroos (which you can hand feed) to Tasmanian Devils and dingoes. Marvel at the aerial prowess as the stars of the daily bird show swoop and soar, or gain an insight into our local First Nations culture at the daily performance by the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dance Group. Look through viewing windows to watch vets help sick and injured animals in the sanctuary’s animal hospital, which admits 8000 animals a year.
1:00PM
Beer at Balter Brewing
This beloved brewery was founded by pro surfers and Gold Coast locals Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson. They've since handed over the reigns but Balter has gone from strength to strength, serving up award-winning craft brews and rolling out a refurb of the Balter Brewing Taphouse, which is now the hippest hangout on the Southern Gold Coast. Head brewer, Scott Hargrave, creates some seriously drinkable beer, and you can enjoy them Wednesday - Sunday alongside live tunes, food trucks and good vibes. Brewery tours are on offer too!
6:30PM
Dinner at Kirra Beach House
The views from the Southern Gold Coast are seriously spectacular and one of the places to enjoy them is from the rooftop bar and restaurant of Kirra Beach House. This luxe new dining destination offers panoramic vistas of our gorgeous coastline, shimmering sea and the iconic skyline of Surfers Paradise in the distance. The sundrenched terrace makes for a lovely lookout point where you can enjoy the amazing Med-inspired menu and premium drinks list for sundowners, celebrations and casual catch ups over a cocktail. This versatile venue encompasses indoor and outdoor dining, a wine bar and events space. Ascend the stairs for an elevated experience in more ways than one.
8:30PM
Overnight at Nirvana By The Sea
Catch the sun rising across the Pacific through the floor-to-ceiling windows of your luxury apartment at Nirvana By The Sea. Built right on the beach at Kirra, you can see all the way to Surfers Paradise and South Stradbroke Island, while just below, surfers battle some of the best waves on Earth on the point at Kirra. Kirra’s streets are lined with cafes and restaurants, though you might consider cooking for yourself in the apartment’s designer kitchen – it would be worth it just for the views.

Deals

  • Deals

    Special Rate

    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Koala Grazy Afternoon

    Relax and enjoy an afternoon with our Koalas. Spend some time with our Aussie icons in our exclusive Koala Habitat area while you indulge in a scrumptious grazing platter with hand-selected cheeses, breads and antipasto delights prepared by our Sanctuary chefs, plus a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Surrounded by Koalas, chat with our keepers, enjoy a koala interaction, and have the moment captured by our professional photographer to take home and cherish forever.

    Valid until 28/09/24
  • Deals

    Special Rate

    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Tree Tops Challenge

    Located inside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Tree Top Challenge will get the adrenaline pumping! View Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary from a bird's eye view while conquering over 100 obstacles, including 14 insane ziplines. All safety equipment is supplied and qualified supervisors are present throughout to guide thrill seekers along the course. Allow approximately 3.5 hours to complete the entire challenge and enjoy exploring the Sanctuary after an action-packed adventure!

    Valid until 08/11/24
  • Deals

    Special Rate

    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Koala Breakfast

    Head to our Koala Habitat, home to everyone’s favourite Aussie icon, for a breakfast experience like no other. Indulge in a gourmet breakfast, surrounded by Koalas, chat with our keepers, enjoy a koala interaction, and have the moment captured by our professional photographer to take home and cherish forever. Learn about their unique adaptations, and the conservation efforts that Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are involved in. Afterwards, explore more of the Sanctuary at your leisure.

    Valid until 28/09/24

Deals

  • Deals

    Special Rate

    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Koala Grazy Afternoon

    Relax and enjoy an afternoon with our Koalas. Spend some time with our Aussie icons in our exclusive Koala Habitat area while you indulge in a scrumptious grazing platter with hand-selected cheeses, breads and antipasto delights prepared by our Sanctuary chefs, plus a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Surrounded by Koalas, chat with our keepers, enjoy a koala interaction, and have the moment captured by our professional photographer to take home and cherish forever.

    Valid until 28/09/24
  • Deals

    Special Rate

    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Tree Tops Challenge

    Located inside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Tree Top Challenge will get the adrenaline pumping! View Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary from a bird's eye view while conquering over 100 obstacles, including 14 insane ziplines. All safety equipment is supplied and qualified supervisors are present throughout to guide thrill seekers along the course. Allow approximately 3.5 hours to complete the entire challenge and enjoy exploring the Sanctuary after an action-packed adventure!

    Valid until 08/11/24
  • Deals

    Special Rate

    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Koala Breakfast

    Head to our Koala Habitat, home to everyone’s favourite Aussie icon, for a breakfast experience like no other. Indulge in a gourmet breakfast, surrounded by Koalas, chat with our keepers, enjoy a koala interaction, and have the moment captured by our professional photographer to take home and cherish forever. Learn about their unique adaptations, and the conservation efforts that Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are involved in. Afterwards, explore more of the Sanctuary at your leisure.

    Valid until 28/09/24

FIND AN

itinerary

Holiday planning is half the fun… These multi-day itineraries showcase the best of our destination. Create your perfect trip to the Gold Coast with ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to do and how to make the most of your time here.

19 karen.jpg
2 Days

A 2-Day Art & Culture Journey Through The Gold Coast

Colourful and creative, loud and lively, the Gold Coast arts and culture scene is exploding with new talent, vibrant venues and a supportive environment for the arts. When it comes to music, design, fashion, performing arts, sculpture and more, our homegrown talent is turning heads and gaining our city some well deserved cultural clout.

While we've got a world-class art gallery and an epic events calendar, you'll get a good taste of Gold Coast’s unique, coastal culture as you stroll past street art, uncover revamped warehouse spaces, dine at eclectic eateries that double as music venues, delve into our ancient Indigenous culture and mingle with the local creatives at markets. This 48-hour itinerary shines a light on some local favourites so you can take a deep dive and experience the best of Gold Coast arts and culture.

Region
Central Gold Coast
@PLAY Campaign Assets
3 Days

Going Solo on the Gold Coast

Travelling solo is the ultimate freedom. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want at your own pace, without having to accommodate anyone else's schedule or preferences. There's no shortage of incredible solo adventures and unique experiences to be had on the Gold Coast. And since we were recently voted in the Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities on earth by booking.com, you can be confident you’ll get a warm welcome from the locals. The only thing we love more than this special part of the world is sharing it with others. So come as you are, come on your own and discover why the Gold Coast is the ideal destination for solo travellers.
Region
Gold Coast
Kiff & Culture Tours
3 Days

The Perfect Girls' Weekend

Set against a backdrop of golden beaches, sweeping cityscapes and with an unmatched offering of eateries, shopping precincts, natural beauty and exciting places to play, there's nowhere better to indulge in the ultimate girls weekend, than the Gold Coast. Squeezing in as much of the good stuff as possible is of the utmost importance, as is a little downtime to soak it all up. With that in mind, here is a three-day itinerary to ensure you and your lady loves experience the best possible girls weekend on the Gold Coast.
Region
Central Gold Coast
Currumbin Beach
5 Days

The Perfect Boys' Weekend on the Gold Coast

Gentlemen! It's time to stop talking about that boy's trip and book it. No need to debate the destination - the Gold Coast is the obvious choice as the place to gather the lads. There's enough action-packed pursuits to keep you entertained for days, alongside a thriving nightlife and dining scene, a stunning coastline and lots of leisurely activities when you want to dial down the pace.

If you need a reason to justify a holiday with your homies, here it is. Harvard research has shown that going away with your mates is good for your wellbeing. Spending quality time with friends can cut the risk of heart disease and increase your longevity. So there you go. Gold Coast isn’t just ideal for a holiday - it’s also good for your health. We’ve created a three-day itinerary that will transform any long weekend into quality bonding time (and a damn good time) with the boys.

Region
Gold Coast

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.