Michelle Cacija

Ready for the ultimate getaway? Gold Coast is your ticket to paradise! Spend four unforgettable days exploring this coastal gem, starting with Surfers Paradise, where golden sands meet turquoise waters — and where towering skyscrapers rise hilariously close to the beach, creating a skyline like no other.

Dive into the magic of the H2O: Just Add Water series as you explore spots that will make you feel like you’re on set! Take a speedboat ride around the city, gliding through the waves for an adrenaline-pumping tour of Gold Coast’s iconic skyline. Complete your adventure with the SkyPoint Climb, an exciting adrenaline rush that takes you to breathtaking views of the city and the endless Pacific Ocean — an experience you’ll always remember. Servus, Gold Coast is calling. Are you ready to answer? If yes, then welcome to my 4-day itinerary for Australia’s golden city.

As always, I want to remind you, that this blog isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and all trips involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all of my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Australia
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities
6. Other Australian Blogs

The Basics about Australia

When to visit

The Gold Coast has quite a subtropical climate, making it a year-round destination. Bad weather days are very rare. If it comes to pleasant temperatures, the best time to visit is probably between April and May or September and November, when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. During these months, daytime temperatures range between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Summer (December to February) can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winter (June to August) is cooler but still pleasant, averaging 16-21°C (61-70°F).

Time Period

A stay of 3 to 5 days is ideal for exploring the highlights of the Gold Coast. During this time, you can enjoy the famous beaches, take day trips to nearby national parks, experience thrilling theme parks, and explore its vibrant nightlife. If you have more time, consider venturing into the stunning hinterland, where you can discover lush rainforests, charming mountain villages, and spectacular waterfalls.

Getting there

Gold Coast Airport (OOL) offers international flights from New Zealand and parts of Asia. Travelers from other regions will typically need to connect via major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne. Domestic flights to Gold Coast Airport are frequent, with options from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and others. Alternatively, you can drive or take the train, depending from where you come from.

Where to stay

The Gold Coast offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style. Surfers Paradise is the vibrant hub of the region, known for its iconic skyline of high-rise hotels and hostels, perfect for those seeking excitement. For a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, Broadbeach provides many accommodation types, along with great dining and shopping options. Meanwhile, Coolangatta, located near the airport, is a famous spot for surfers looking to catch some waves.

The Gold Coast is also known for its backpacker culture, offering numerous budget-friendly hostels that attract young travelers. Many of these hostels organize social events, making them ideal for meeting fellow adventurers, and provide easy access to local tours, nightlife, and activities.

Getting around

The Gold Coast has a good public transport system, including buses and the G:link light rail, which connects areas like Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and Southport. Renting a car is ideal for exploring further afield, such as the national parks or beaches outside the main tourist zones.

What to pack

Pack lightweight clothing for the warm weather, including swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes are essential if you plan to hike in nearby national parks or go to the theme parks. During winter, bring a light jacket or hoodie for the cooler evenings.

Additionally, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and language. If you’re coming from outside Australia, don’t forget to bring a Type I power adapter.

Cost of traveling

The Gold Coast offers a range of travel experiences to suit every budget, though costs can vary depending on your preferences. Backpackers and budget travelers can find plenty of affordable options, such as hostels, as well as cheap places to eat and a good public transport system, making it easy to explore without spending too much. However, those seeking luxury experiences will encounter higher costs.

Attractions such as theme parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and adventure activities can quickly add up, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Public transport or walking are great ways to save money while getting around. Renting a car is helpful for visiting places further away, but it will cost more because of fuel and parking fees. In the end, the Gold Coast can be a budget-friendly trip or a luxury getaway — it all depends on how you plan it.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Australia. Australia is known for having some of the safest and highest-quality tap water in the world, with strict regulations ensuring its cleanliness and safety for consumption. Most cities and towns have reliable and accessible water supplies that meet high health standards, making it perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap. In many areas, particularly in urban settings, you’ll find public water fountains and refill stations.

Toilet situation. Public toilets in Australia are free and well-maintained, with facilities available in cities, national parks, and most tourist areas.

Tipping in Australia isn’t as customary or obligatory as in many other countries, such as the United States or Europe. While service workers do appreciate tips for exceptional service, it’s not expected. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is a nice gesture if you are particularly pleased with the service, but it’s common for Australians to simply round up the bill or leave small change.

The Currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). ATMs are widely available across the country, and credit cards are commonly accepted in most establishments. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases, especially in more remote areas or markets, but in general, Australians prefer using cards over cash for transactions. The country has seen a significant shift towards cashless payments in recent years, with cards being widely accepted across various sectors.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

After a quick 1.5-hour flight from Canberra, my partner and I landed at Gold Coast Airport in the late morning, greeted by sunshine and warm coastal breezes. Our first stop was the hostel to check in, and then we were off to grab some lunch: Mexican! With our appetites satisfied, we went to explore the city. The vibrant streets of Gold Coast felt alive with a mix of beach vibes and urban charm.

As the afternoon rolled in, it was time for something a little more adventurous — a speedboat ride that turned out to be an adrenaline-packed highlight. We’d been on speedboat tours before, but this one was next-level. The sharp twists and turns had us gripping our seats, the ocean spray left us soaked, and our guide kept us entertained with fascinating insights about the city.

After drying off, we strolled along the Nerang River, enjoying the calming views. Just as we thought the day couldn’t get better, the sky put on a spectacular show. The colors in the sky were absolutely stunning — one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever witnessed. And just so you know, the photos are completely unfiltered – Goldie (Gold Coast) is very golden and that’s the proof just there!

To round off our first day, we had tickets for the famous Dracula’s Cabaret, a show that draws crowds from all around Australia. I’ll admit, I expected it to be scary given the name and the creepy entryway, but surprisingly, the show wasn’t scary at all. Instead, it was a mix of dark humor, extravagant costumes, and unusual theatrics — a truly unique experience. The slogan sums it up perfectly: A Collection of Curiosities, Oddities & Delights. While it’s definitely a matter of taste (I probably wouldn’t see it again), my partner enjoyed it though. One thing we both agreed on, was the three-course meal — it was really delicious and made the evening even more special. Our first day in Gold Coast was a perfect mix of excitement, discovery, and relaxation.

Day 2

We started our second day with another adrenaline-packed adventure: The SkyPoint Climb. This unforgettable experience takes you to the top of the Q1 Tower, the tallest building in Australia. Available only as part of guided group tours, you can choose to climb up during the day for panoramic views of the sparkling coastline or at sunset, when the sky bursts into colours of orange and pink.

We opted for a daytime climb, and let me tell you — it was both exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking! Even though I’m not usually afraid of heights, the size of the climb made my heart race. As we stepped out onto the open-air platform, 270 meters above sea level, the realization of just how high we were truly hit me. The Q1 climb isn’t just about the views; it’s about conquering fears, the adrenaline rush, and creating memories you’ll cherish. If you’re after a one-of-a-kind experience on the Gold Coast, the SkyPoint Climb is a must!

After returning to our hostel for a quick rest and a change of clothes, we set off for our next adventure: The Australian Outback Spectacular. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like we’d been transported straight into the heart of the Australian bush. The arena was alive with the sounds of galloping horses and classic aussie songs, setting the stage for a truly immersive experience.

The show tells the moving story of Reg and Marge, two Aussie farmers battling the tough challenges of life in the Outback. Their journey, filled with resilience, love, and hope, was brought to life through amazing visuals, set changes, and a talented cast — including real horses and cattle! As we watched the drama, we were served a delicious three-course meal inspired by classic Australian flavors. We really enjoyed the performance and highly recommend to attend the show when you’re in the area!

Day 3

On the third day, we met up with a friend who lives nearby. Together, we headed to Warner Bros. Movie World, the only theme park in Australia based on movies. Compared to other theme parks I’ve visited, it’s relatively small, but there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re seeking thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, or the chance to step into the world of your favorite films. One of the highlights of the park is the opportunity to meet iconic movie characters up close. From superheroes like Superman and Batman to beloved Looney Tunes characters.

Day 4

On our final day in Gold Coast, we started the morning with a visit to Sea World, a marine-themed park that blends animal experiences with classic amusement park thrills. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you’ll probably know I usually avoid zoos or facilities where animals are kept in captivity. But this visit was a little bit different — it was driven by a sense of nostalgia and excitement as a fan of H2O: Just Add Water, the iconic Australian TV series I absolutely loved as a kid. It was one of my favorite shows growing up, and visiting a place tied so closely to its scenes felt like a childhood dream coming true.

Walking into Sea World felt like stepping onto the set of the show. The highlight for me? Seeing the famous dolphin pool where Cleo worked and spent so much time in the series. Sitting there and watching the dolphins jump in the air, I couldn’t help but imagine the characters bustling around.

But Sea World isn’t just for H2O fans. The park offers an incredible glimpse into marine life with its educational exhibits and shows featuring dolphins, seals, and penguins. Beyond that, it has all the excitement of a traditional theme park, with thrilling rides and attractions to keep the adrenaline going.

Whether you’re visiting for the marine life, the rides, or a touch of TV nostalgia, Sea World is a place where you’re definitely going to have fun! For me, it was a perfect way to wrap up our adventure in Gold Coast, blending childhood memories with new experiences. After this adventurous day, we headed back to the city and walked around one last time, soaking in the warm ocean breeze before returning to the hostel to pack our things for our early morning flight.

Summary of activities

• Surfers Paradise beach
• Gold Coast beach
• Skypoint Climb
• Speedboat
• Dracula’s Cabaret Show
• AustralianOutback Spectacular Show
• Wet’n’Wild Water Park
• Warner Bros. Movie World
• Sea World

Other Australian Blogs