A Girl's Guide to the Gold Coast
From endless beaches to unlimited rollercoasters and all the cocktails in-between, welcome to the land down under.
By Scarlett Kennedy January 2025
Photo: Wikipedia
Located on the east coast of Australia, the Gold Coast is the second largest city in the state of Queensland. With miles upon miles of golden sand and open water, the Gold Coast is a beach lover's dream. Add lush nature, vibrant city life, theme parks, and scrumptious restaurants... it's heaven.
So, get ready to text the group chat. For your next girls' trip, this is a girl’s guide to the Gold Coast.
For the sun chasers:
Broadbeach, image courtesy of Airbnb
A city built along the coastline, there's a beach at the end of every road. If you're looking to work on your tan,
Surfer’s Paradise Beach is a hallmark spot, but if you want something slightly quieter try Mermaid Beach. If you want to swim, lifeguard towers are generally within a half mile of each other and well-patrolled. Broadbeach or Kurrawa Beach are particularly nice swim spots as there are fewer children, and they are generally easier on the rips.
The Spit, looking back towards Main Beach. Image courtesy of Gold Coast Waterways Authority
You can even walk most of the city along the beach. A 3.5-mile walk from Main Beach, The Spit is an impressive sand bypass extending from the northernmost beach on the mainland with a cute little lighthouse at the end. A super zen walk with the gentle waves and warm sand, especially early in the morning. There’s just something poetic about standing at the edge of the world and looking out into the ocean.
For the nature girlies:
Cedar Creek Falls in the Tamborine National Park, image courtesy of Australian Geographic
Speaking of walks, with national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, there aren't just beaches to explore. With a waterfall, natural waterslide, and lush bush, a day trip to the Tamborine National Park is the perfect break from the shore and a gorgeous look into Australian nature.
Koala at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, image courtesy of the Sanctuary.
Australia is home to several native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and capybaras. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to nearly 1500 animals from over 140 species. With unique opportunities to have breakfast with koalas or go on a twilight tour, the Sanctuary offers numerous animal encounters and opportunities to see the beautiful wildlife of Australia.
For the thrill seekers:
The DC Rivals Hypercoaster at Movie World, image courtesy of Movie World.
If you’re after a little more adrenaline, the Gold Coast has not one, not two, not three, but FOUR theme parks. Dreamworld is the biggest theme park in Australia, with its own Zoo inside and over 40 rides and attractions. If you’re feeling brave, The Giant Drop and The Claw are sure to get your heart racing. Warner Bros. Movie World is a must for movie fans, with an epic DC Rivals Hypercoaster, Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, and elaborate sets that feel straight out of Hollywood. Enjoy being a kid again and grab a picture with all your favorite characters during the daily star parade.
The Tornado at Wet’n’Wild, image courtesy of Wet’n’Wild.
If you’re seeking more H2O-style adrenaline, Wet’n’Wild has eight-lane racer slides, rapids, a whirlpool to play mermaids in, and more. Sea World is more interactive with animal adventures such as swimming with small sharks, as well as rides, exhibits, animal shows, and the funniest dolphin aptly named Nudge. Sea World is on the mainland, and a super handy public bus route stops by Movie World, Dream World, and Wet’n’Wild. Definitely worth hitting up one wet and one dry park, but do check online or call ahead when planning, as there is often maintenance occurring that closes some of the rides.
For the shopaholics:
Inside Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, image courtesy of Pacific Fair.
Hello, my fellow material girlies. Welcome to clothing heaven, also known as Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach. Featuring over 400 stores, international brands from Hermes to Victoria’s Secret, and the best of Aussie brands like Charcoal Clothing. If you need a break, there are plenty of comfy loungers, or catch a flick at the cinema. Grab a coffee (or two) and get ready to shop til you drop.
The Polo Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors Outlets at the Harbour Town Premium Outlets, image courtesy of Experience Gold Coast.
Let’s be real; we all love a good bargain. A little further from the main townships, the Harbour Town Premium Outlets have some of the best deals on this side of the globe. From Coach to Levi’s to Nike, the Harbour Town Premium Outlets is Australia’s largest outlet, featuring over 200 stores up to 70% off. Stocked with cafes and restaurants and featuring a mini neon light studded Chinatown, you’re all set to shop the day away.
For the foodies:
Neon sign at Hail Mary Burleigh Heads, personal image.
Speaking of cafes, the Gold Coast is loaded with restaurants to satisfy all your cravings. Located in Burleigh Heads, Hail Mary is a Mexican meets coastal Barbie restaurant. With a special deal for each day of the week, stop by for Sangria Sunday, Margarita Monday, or my favorite, Taco Tuesday. Hail Mary has plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Load me up with the Chipotle Cauliflower Taco (or three) and a Strawberry Colada, and best believe I have never related to a neon sign more.
Neon sign at Hail Mary Burleigh Heads, personal image.
As a vegan girlie, I know the struggles of finding delicious and affordable food for different dietary needs. Never fear the Gold Coast has you covered. BSKT Café is a family-owned and operated beachside health café in Nobby Beach, with gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and keto options, and even a pop-up of the legendary Oakberry Acai. For the vegans, check out the Spiced Tofu Poke Bowl for a nutritious and divine meal that will have you begging the chef for the recipe.
Inside Miami Marketta, image courtesy of Miami Marketta.
If you are after a change of pace, the Miami Marketta is a lively night market with local businesses bringing you the best global street food. With live music and ticketed events, grab your dancing shoes and take a quick trip around the world.
For the cocktail connoisseurs:
Beachside brunch at Hyde Paradiso, image courtesy of Queensland.com
And if you need something to wash down the food, day or night the Gold Coast has you covered. Check out Hyde Paradiso for your it-girl beachside boozy brunch, featuring super fun specialty cocktails, Aperol Spritz (of course,) and mass cocktails to share (or ‘share’.) There’s even a Red Bull energy menu to help you rally. If you want to take matters into your own hands, Hyde also offers a mixology masterclass, the perfect girls' trip activity. Be sure to get any bookings in early.
Watermelon Sugar Cocktail at Marilyn’s, image courtesy of Inside Gold Coast.
Located in Broadbeach and the Gold Coast’s first vinyl bar, Marilyn’s is so girls' night coded. Baby pink and green with velvet seats, marble surfaces, and vintage Western art,Marilyn’s is straight off a Pinterest board. A cocktail bar and diner, Marilyn’s has an impressive book of cocktail options, or you can spice it up and have the bartender create a surprise first impression cocktail. I guess I give Watermelon Sugar with chili on the rim vibes, and I am so here for it.
For the sports fans:
With endless beaches comes an affinity for surf sports. With several clubs, fierce rivalries, and brutal conditions, The Shaw and Partners Iron Series is a highly entertaining surf sport competition featuring the best male and female surf sport athletes from across Australia and New Zealand. Or, if ball sports are more your thing, catch an NBL game at the Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre.
Gold Coast Open 2024, image courtesy of World Surf League.
There also comes an affinity for surfing. The Gold Coast Open is a renowned annual surfing competition in Burleigh Heads, a World Surf League Qualifying Series event showcasing the best local and global talents. Even if you don’t know much about surfing, the open is a super fun event. Grab a bite from the Surf Club or picnic on the hill and enjoy the celebration of surfing culture. If you’re feeling inspired, hit up any of the towns’ surf schools for a lesson.
With endless entertainment and quality R&R, the Gold Coast is truly a girl’s paradise.