Travel to Queensland’s Gold Coast – Episode 870

Hear about travel to Queensland’s Gold Coast as the Amateur Traveler talks to Leanne and Lyle from BeachTravelWine.com about one of their favorite beach destinations.

Why should you go to the Gold Coast?

Leanne and Lyle say, “We go for lots of different reasons, but I guess the main one would be, the stunning beaches, and I know lots of places have stunning beaches, but this would have to, I think, be Australia’s best strip of beaches, and it’s the best surfing beach area, in Australia. It has a really interesting nightlife too. It’s the nature, it’s right there at the mountains as well and it’s adventure. It’s got a nickname of the Glitter Strip or, our Glamour Strip. It’s it’s not Las Vegas by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s got that feel about it.”

Leanne and Lyle lay out a week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Start your visit in the middle of the Gold Coast, in Surfers Paradise. Explore Cavill Avenue, a pedestrian-only strip with attractions like wax museums and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Stroll along the beachfront walkways and enjoy the beautiful beaches and surfers. Check out the iconic Surfers Paradise beach area and consider visiting the Q1 building for breathtaking views of the Gold Coast. If you’re adventurous you can climb the outside of the building. Keep an eye out for the meter maids made famous by the Beatles.

Day 2: Head about 40 kilometers inland from the Gold Coast to Mount Tamborine, a mountainous area known for its lush rainforests. Explore the little town of Tamborine and the Gallery Walk, featuring craft shops, pottery, and more. Enjoy the Rainforest Skywalk and explore Lamington National Park, known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and lookouts. Consider hot air ballooning or visit local wineries and coffee plantations.

Day 3: Experience whale-watching cruises starting from South Port Marina. You’ll have a chance to see humpback whales from June to November. After the cruise, explore the South Port Marina area and enjoy the beautiful views. Consider dining at local surf clubs and taking a stroll along the Tweed River with its picturesque views.

Day 4: Visit Pacific Fair, a large shopping center with various shops, food courts, and outdoor areas. Explore Broadbeach, known for its range of restaurants and cafes. You can visit Kurrawa Surf Club for lunch, take coastal walks, and enjoy the park.

Day 5: Explore Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay, where you can visit the iconic Snapper Rocks and enjoy the beach and local restaurants. You can also visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter Australian wildlife, see wild lorikeet feedings, and enjoy various animal encounters and activities.

Day 6: Take a day trip to Moreton Island, known for the Tangalooma Wrecks, sunken ships that create a unique snorkeling experience. Enjoy the underwater scenery with coral and various fish species. You can also participate in dolphin feeding, where wild dolphins swim close to shore to take fish from your hand.

Day 7: Spend a relaxing day, perhaps visiting a spa or wellness center at your accommodation. Enjoy the beach, swim, and unwind, taking in the serene surroundings of the Gold Coast.

Some optional activities would include exploring some of Australia’s best theme parks including Movie World, Dream World, and Wet’n’Wild. Consider purchasing a multi-day park pass to experience all the rides and attractions these parks offer.

You might also check if there are any local sporting events happening during your stay, such as NRL or Aussie Rules games. Fans of racing should think about attending events like the Gold Coast 500 V8 Supercars race or the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia. In both events, cars race through the streets of the Gold Coast.

For a side-trip consider a day trip to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, which is only about a 45-minute train ride away. Explore Brisbane’s attractions, such as the Botanic Gardens, South Bank, and the River City’s waterfront.

You can attend unique cabaret shows like “Dracula’s” or “Outback Spectacular” to add some excitement to your evenings.

Be aware of the two weeks in November when kids Queensland and New South Wales visit the Gold Coast for “schoolies” celebrations. This is Australia’s version of spring break for recently graduated high school seniors. It might not be the ideal time for a visit if you’re looking for a quieter experience.

If you are looking for a mix of glamour, beach, and nature, then consider Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Sponsor

This episode of Amateur Traveler is sponsored by Thrifty Traveler Premium – Travel More for Less. Thrifty Traveler’s army of flight deal experts are searching 24/7 for flight deals so you don’t have to. Use the promo code ‘AT10’ for $10 off your first year at thriftytraveler.com/premium.

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Show Notes

Beach Travel Wine
Gold Coast, Queensland
Surfers Paradise, Queensland
Q1 (building)
Gallery Walk
Rainforest Skywalk
Snapper Rocks
Tamborine Mountain
Gallery Walk
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Lamington National Park
Sirromet Wines
Witches Falls Circuit Tamborine Mountain
G:link Gold Coast Light Rail
Kokomo Cruises
Southport Yacht Club
Coasting Around Canal boat hire
Coolangatta
Coolangatta Surf Club
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Pacific Fair Shopping
The Star Gold Coast
Kurrawa Surf Club
Moreton Island
Tangalooma, Queensland
Wild Dolphin Feeding
Sandboarding on Moreton Island
Warner Bros. Movie World
Wet’n Wild
Dreamworld
Gold Coast 500
Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
Groundwater Country Music Festival
Dracula’s Cabaret
Australian Outback Spectacular’s Heartland
Byron Bay
Kingscliff, New South Wales
Mamasan Broadbeach | Delicious South East Asia Cuisine
Akoya
Hideaway Kitchen & Bar
Beach Travel Wine #39 – Noosa. Travel to the Noosa Shire on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The top things to see and do in Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Community

Hey Chris! I’m just messaging you as I follow your podcast which has been super helpful for my travels. But I just wanted to let you know that one of the elephant sanctuary’s that you reccomended in your kanchanaburi episode is not actually very ethical and the elephants are kept in cages when there are no tourists around. Unfortunately this is very common in Thailand for places to say they are ‘sanctuary’s’ but don’t really let their elephants roam free. I’m asking that you please edit your podcast to not recommend it any further. www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/aug/11/how-ethical-is-the-elephant-sanctuary-youre-visiting This blow lists some conservation approved sanctuary’s. The one in Chiang Mai I have experienced for myself to be of the highest care and free range elephants.

— sorry I lost the poster’s name

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