Duration
2 Days
Region
Central Gold Coast
Distance
85 km
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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.

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Highlights

19 Karen Contemporary Artspace

19 Karen Art Gallery, Mermaid Beach

Prepare to be in awe of contemporary art created by talented Australia and international artists.

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HOTA Gallery, Surfers Paradise

Immerse yourself in exhibitions from international and Australian artists, and explore new ideas and experiences in visual art.

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Jellurgal Walking Tour, Burleigh

Take a walkabout tour and learn about Indigenous culture and the story of the Yugambeh people.

Miami Marketta

Miami Marketta, Miami

This vibrant venue is a must for live music, street food markets, second hand markets and good vibes.

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Day 1
Currumbin > Burleigh Heads > Mermaid Beach > Surfers Paradise > Coolangatta
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7:00AM
Stable Coffee & Kitchen
Start your day the right way with a quality coffee and breakfast at Stable Coffee & Kitchen, housed in the red brick building in Currumbin called Cornerstone Stores. It’s a much loved cultural space for locals and visitors alike with a welcoming community vibe and a sunny courtyard where you can enjoy your morning meal. Enjoy a spot of retail therapy afterwards browse the tempting selection of boutiques at Cornerstone.
9:00AM
Currumbin Creatives
Dust Temple in Currumbin is an old warehouse, newly-refurbished into a creative haven that’s part gallery, part café, part performance space. Peruse the eclectic mix of art on display, grab a coffee and a pastry and nestle down on a comfy couch – often to the soundtrack of live music. Next, head around the corner to Iron & Resin Garage for a spot of lunch. This venue doubles as a meeting place/ retail space/ hang out for motorbike enthusiasts. You’ll see a row of shiny machines lined up outside. Check out the retail store stocked with edgy riding accessories and apparel, then fuel up with a big juicy burger or our perennial fave – a good ol’ toasted sanga.
11:00AM
The Craft Parlour
Unleash your inner artist at The Craft Parlour, – the cutest little studio housed in an original brick Gold Coast bungalow, which has been transformed into a creative haven. Get hands on at one of their regular workshops – you can learn all sorts of skills such as ceramics, basket-making, painting, macrame, screen printing and resin art. Book in advance to avoid disappointment – The Craft Parlous is a local favourite for good reason!
1:00PM
19 Karen Art Gallery
Tucked away in the Mermaid Beach industrial estate, 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace was once a warehouse but is now a thriving contemporary art gallery that showcases a number of epic Australian and international artists and exhibitions. While meandering through the space, you’ll peruse some seriously striking pieces – from brightly painted Pop art and Expressionistic pieces, to gnarly street art styles and everything in between. 19 Karen is a Gold Coast gem that’s a must-do for any avid art lover.
3:00PM
HOTA Gallery
An artwork in itself, this multi-coloured landmark can be spotted from many vantage points around the city. HOTA Gallery is the largest Australian gallery outside a capital city – a six-level, world-class, purpose built facility for exhibitions, education and engagement. While the bright exterior of the building has caused a lot of excitement, it’s what’s going inside that has really created a buzz. Immerse yourself in exhibitions from international and Australian artists, and explore new ideas and experiences in visual art, both indoors and outdoors. Sip sunset cocktails at The Exhibionist – the gallery’s gorgeous rooftop bar, where you can enjoy light refreshments and sensational views (specialty cocktails are inspired by major art exhibitions). Or indulge in fine dining at the gallery’s onsite restaurant, Palette.
5:00PM
The Pink Hotel
You can’t miss The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta. This refurbished 1950’s boutique hotel is bright and breezy beachside accom with a touch of rock n’ roll. Each room has been styled to retro perfection with custom neon signs, Smeg fridges and the type of effortlessly cool vibe you wish you could recreate at home. There’s a rooftop bar with 180-degree ocean views, a hidden piano bar for late night tipples and of course, access to one of the Coast’s most bustling suburbs. Eat at Eddie’s Grub House underneath the hotel for unbeatable burgers and most likely some live, loud music.
Day 2
Burleigh Heads > Miami > Mermaid Beach
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9:00AM
Jellurgal Walkabout
A quest into Gold Coast culture isn’t complete without a stopover at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Nestled on the Tally side of the Burleigh Headland, Jellurgal is the place to go to immerse yourself in the Indigenous culture of days gone by. Take the two-hour tour and learn the story of the Yugambeh people, who have lived here for thousands and thousands of years. Follow the guided walk through the ‘Dreaming Mountain’s’ lush bushland, spot culturally significant sights, watch a traditional smoking ceremony, and hear ancient creation stories of The Dreamtime. Once the tour’s wrapped, you’ll be left feeling invigorated, inspired and even more smitten with this magical corner of the Coast.
3:00PM
Mo's Desert Clubhouse
Mo’s Desert Clubhouse has earned itself a rep for being quite the creative hub, with its chilled vibes, top notch tunes and mixed-bag bohemian décor, all sprinkled with hipster charm and hint of cowboy aesthetic. This hangout is home to some cool shindigs, such as live music gigs showcasing upcoming indie artists, art exhibitions, and crafternoon get-togethers. Mo’s also doubles as a co-working space and houses a rehearsal studio where musos can meet up for a jam or creative collaboration. This place is a hotbed for Gold Coast culture.
6:00PM
Miami Marketta
If you could condense Gold Coast arts and culture into one venue, this would be it. Miami Marketta is vibrant ever-evolving venue which was a trailblazer in Miami’s cultural shift from sleepy beachside suburb to creative hub. A hybrid live music venue, street food market and nightspot, this undercover yet open air creative precinct generates a lovely buzz. The exterior walls are adorned in street art. And the interiors of the many different bars within Marketta are artworks themselves. Sip your drink while you browse boutique retail spaces filled with local designers’ wares. There’s free live music and street food on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Touring and international acts also play ticketed events.
8:00PM
Drinks and Tunes at the Cambus Wallace
Drop anchor at the nautically themed Cambus Wallace in the hip hood of Nobby Beach, a beloved local bar that puts on an awesome Sunday sesh combining (more) acoustic tunes with moody rum vibes in true sailor style. Get to work on a ‘Walk the Plank Sundays’ charcuterie board and wash it down with an ol’ fashioned whisky or rum from the masterfully curated spirits wall (just wait ‘til you see the lineup). The cocktails here are also rather delish – we’re obsessed with the ‘The Old Man’, ironically dubbed after the 23-year-old captain of the ship the bar is named after. Drink up, me hearties!
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Deals

  • Deals

    Bonus Offer

    Super Sundays

    To celebrate the launch of our new Sunday morning Walkabouts, we're offering an exclusive 2-for-1 deal on our Jellurgal Walkabout tours. Simply enter code SUPERSUNDAYS at checkout. Limited availability—don't miss out! One free adult ticket can be booked with at least one paying adult or with two paying child tickets, infants under 4 are free of charge. This offer is only available on selected Sundays

    Valid until 08/12/24
    GET DEALredirect - external site opens in a new tab

Deals

  • Deals

    Bonus Offer

    Super Sundays

    To celebrate the launch of our new Sunday morning Walkabouts, we're offering an exclusive 2-for-1 deal on our Jellurgal Walkabout tours. Simply enter code SUPERSUNDAYS at checkout. Limited availability—don't miss out! One free adult ticket can be booked with at least one paying adult or with two paying child tickets, infants under 4 are free of charge. This offer is only available on selected Sundays

    Valid until 08/12/24
    GET DEALredirect - external site opens in a new tab

FIND AN

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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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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
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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
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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
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1 Day

24 Hours on the Southern Gold Coast

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.

Region
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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