Duration
1 Day
Region
Southern Gold Coast
Distance
52 km
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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

Currumbin Beach

Stand Up Paddle Board, Currumbin Creek

Hire a SUP and explore the calm waters of Currumbin Creek on a leisurely morning paddle.

currumbin-wildlife-koala.jpg

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

See hundreds of native and exotic animals at this beautiful sanctuary in a lush rainforest setting.

Siblings@Kirra

Siblings, Kirra

Enjoy relaxed oceanfront fine dining, pairing Mod Oz and fresh seafood with uninterrupted ocean views.

Balter Brewing Company

Balter Brewing, Currumbin Waters

Enjoy a constant lineup of icy cold Balter beers poured fresh from the source along with food trucks and live music.

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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.
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Deals

  • Deals

    Discount

    20% off Memberships in November

    Become a Frequent Flyer this summer. Meet the Quokkas, spot the Red Panda and come back to see them again whenever you like. Until 1 December, Annual NTAQ Memberships are 20% off, giving you unlimited entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and NTAQ Properties all year.

    Valid until 01/12/26
    GET DEALredirect - external site opens in a new tab

Deals

  • Deals

    Discount

    20% off Memberships in November

    Become a Frequent Flyer this summer. Meet the Quokkas, spot the Red Panda and come back to see them again whenever you like. Until 1 December, Annual NTAQ Memberships are 20% off, giving you unlimited entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and NTAQ Properties all year.

    Valid until 01/12/26
    GET DEALredirect - external site opens in a new tab

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.

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5 Days

Making Memories: 5 Days of Family Fun

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Region
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Escape the chaos on a tranquil Gold Coast getaway that hits the sweet spot between wellness and leisure. With the soothing embrace of our beaches, the serenity of the Hinterland, and blissful wellness experiences, we've crafted the perfect recipe for a truly relaxing getaway that will nourish your nervous system. Spend time in nature on beach walks and bushwalks, indulge in sensory pleasures with fine dining, rejuvenate at tranquil day spas and soak up the serenity.

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The perfect Tweed adventure for solo travellers, friends or families is waiting just a short drive from the Gold Coast.
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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. 

Learn more about the Kombumerri families