GoRoam

Queensland, Australia, Australia · Trip plan

4 days in Gold Coast

Surf beaches, theme parks and rainforest hinterland.

Best time
Sep – May
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$250 per person
Trip for two
about $2,000

Planning a 4-day trip to Gold Coast? Here's a day-by-day Gold Coast itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Summer on the Gold Coast means warm water, school-holiday theme parks and long days on the beach.

The Gold Coast is Australia's playground: 57 km of beaches, theme parks and lush hinterland.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep: a good time to go
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to February: 22–29°C.

Create my Gold Coast trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Gold Coast

  • 01

    Surfers Paradise

    The famous beach and skyline.

  • 02

    Theme parks

    Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World.

  • 03

    Burleigh Heads

    A surf point and national park.

  • 04

    Springbrook

    Rainforest waterfalls and glow-worms.

Day by day

Gold Coast itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Surfers Paradise

    Morning
    Hit the beach at Surfers Paradise.
    Afternoon
    Take a surf lesson at a beginner-friendly break.
    Evening
    Sunset from the SkyPoint observation deck.

    Swim between the red and yellow flags.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Theme parks

    Morning
    Spend the day at Movie World, Dreamworld or Sea World.
    Afternoon
    Afternoon rides and shows.
    Evening
    Dinner in Broadbeach.

    Arrive at opening to beat the queues.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Hinterland

    Morning
    Drive into Springbrook National Park's rainforest and waterfalls.
    Afternoon
    Walk to the Natural Bridge.
    Evening
    Watch the glow-worms after dark.

    Glow-worms are best on a dark, still night.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Home

    Morning
    Walk the headland at Burleigh Heads.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    The airport is 25 minutes from Burleigh.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Gold Coast in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in Gold Coast

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in Gold Coast

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef.

What it costs

Gold Coast trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$120$960
Mid-range$250$2,000
Luxury$600+$4,800

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Gold Coast is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Gold Coast for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Surfers Paradise

    Surfers Paradise

    Near the beach.

    from $40 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Apartments in Broadbeach

    Broadbeach

    Beach views.

    from $200 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    The Langham Gold Coast

    Surfers Paradise

    Luxury on the sand.

    from $500 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Gold Coast

  • Fish and chips

    On the beach.

  • Barramundi

    Local.

  • Pavlova

    Summer dessert.

Getting there

How to reach Gold Coast

Travel
Gold Coast airport, or Brisbane (1 hour).
Getting around
G:link tram and a car for the hinterland.
  • Swim between the flags.
  • Buy a multi-park pass.

Before you go

What to pack for Gold Coast

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Gold Coast trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Gold Coast?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: Surfers Paradise, Theme parks, Burleigh Heads. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day Gold Coast trip cost?

Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $250 mid-range and $600+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,000 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit Gold Coast?

Sep – May. Summer on the Gold Coast means warm water, school-holiday theme parks and long days on the beach.

Where should I stay in Gold Coast?

Budget: Hostels in Surfers Paradise (Surfers Paradise), from about $40 a night. Mid-range: Apartments in Broadbeach (Broadbeach), from about $200 a night. Luxury: The Langham Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise), from about $500 a night.

How do I reach Gold Coast?

Gold Coast airport, or Brisbane (1 hour).

Is 3 days enough for Gold Coast?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Gold Coast?

December to February: 22–29°C.

What food should I try in Gold Coast?

Fish and chips: On the beach. Barramundi: Local. Pavlova: Summer dessert.

How do I get around Gold Coast?

G:link tram and a car for the hinterland.

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