3 Day Gold Coast Itinerary for nature Lovers
Ready to plan your dream trip to the Gold Coast? This 3 day Gold Coast itinerary (with an optional day four!) is focused on helping visitors and nature lovers see the best of the region – hopefully, that includes you!
I spent nine months living on the Gold Coast, so I’m condensing my favourite (mostly outdoor) attractions into three- or four-day itineraries. Fortunately, many of these activities are close together, as you don’t want to waste your trip to the Gold Coast in the car – you want to be outside, after all, between the beautiful mountains and ocean that make this Queensland city so special.
While some may know Gold Coast for its beachside bars, theme parks, and lively attractions, this itinerary focuses more on nature and outdoor activities, such as hiking through national parks, swimming under waterfalls, and meandering around ethical wildlife parks. Plus, a little beach time is thrown in, too; this is a coastal city in Australia, after all!
3 Day Gold Coast Itinerary
I’ll start off going through what I recommend doing in 3 days on the Gold Coast, but if you plan to spend an extra day, I’ve added on day four below.
Day One: Gold Coast
Depending on your arrival time on the Gold Coast, you may just want to pick one or two of the activities below. If you don’t arrive until the evening, you could still head to SkyPoint Observatory (below) for gorgeous views over the city or enjoy a sunset at a beach near your hotel.
Either way, we’ve kept things close to the coast on day one to ensure a laid-back itinerary after travelling to the Gold Coast. None of these activities take too long, so you may be able to fit them all into one afternoon.
Morning: Coombabah
Want to see kangaroos on the Gold Coast? Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is the place to go!
Koalas live here, too, although you’ll have to peel your eyes a little harder to spot them. There’s no need to see native Australian wildlife in captivity while visiting the Gold Coast; they’re happily hanging out in the wild right here in Coombabah.
The winding walking trails around the park are flat and easy, so you can look out for kangaroos and koalas with minimal effort. Just keep your distance from the animals so they can munch on the yummy Eucalyptus leaves in peace.
Note: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary may be the more famous way to see koalas and kangaroos on the Gold Coast. However, experts and wildlife charities agree that some practices they use (such as allowing guests to take photos with animals) are not ethical. So, if you love animals as much as I do, I’d avoid that and come to Combabah instead. After all, isn’t seeing animals in their natural habitat better anyway?
First and foremost, be respectful to the kangaroos – don’t approach too closely or disturb them.
Lunch: Paddock Bakery
I was happy to stop at the leafy Paddock Bakery in Burleigh. The meals here are delicious, but my fav foodie item was the vegan doughnut we grabbed to eat as a post-hiking snack!
Afternoon: SkyPoint Viewpoint
With views like this over Surfers Paradise, the SkyPoint observation deck helped me see the Gold Coast in a whole new light.
While I generally prefer natural viewpoints, city ones can be a fantastic way to get oriented while visiting a new place (or to see where you live from a different perspective).
Looking over the beautiful beaches and hilly hinterlands that flank the Gold Coast from the observation deck of Australia’s tallest building, level 77, gave me a whole new perspective.
Located 230 metres (750 feet) off the ground, the SkyPoint observation deck offers 360-degree views, plus a restaurant up top. I recommend coming for sunset so you can see the city in the light and then with all the twinkling city nightlights. You can stay as long as you want with your ticket and enjoy a drink or dinner at the observation deck.
SkyPoint Observation tickets – I bought mine in advance, so I didn’t have to join the massive queue. Phew!
For those brave enough, you can also do an external walk around the top of the tower – the SkyPoint Climb. Yikes! Would you be able to handle the height cuz I’m not ashamed to say I would not.
Dinner: Miami Marketta
Have a chilled dinner at one of the Gold Coast’s many restaurants, or head to the Miami Marketta for something livelier. This night market features many street food stalls, live music, bar areas, and weekly events (such as Drag Queen Bingo)!
On the Saturday we visited, I found the crowds a bit overwhelming, so it might not be a great shout for those with social anxiety or if you’re easily over-stimulated. But for everyone else? I’m sure it’s lovely!
Overnight on the Gold Coast
Day Two: Springbrook National Park
Morning: Natural Bridge Walk
Undoubtedly one of Gold Coast’s most popular hikes, this leisurely 1km circular walk through ancient subtropical rainforest leads to the Natural Bridge. This arched rock formation was carved by the artistry of a mighty waterfall, which forced its way through the basalt cave.
Although this is one of the most popular natural attractions on the Gold Coast, it didn’t feel busy on the Sunday I visited.
The walk is based in Springbrook National Park, which is part of Australia’s Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, named after the Gondwana supercontinent, which dominated much of the Southern hemisphere around 500 million years ago. Australia is a fragment of the once giant continent, which broke apart around 180 million years ago, and as tectonic plates shifted and volcanoes roared, the origins of this rainforest began.
Due to its ancient beginnings, the larger region is renowned for its biodiversity, plant life dating hundreds of millions of years, and protected species. And today, as you follow the river through giant old trees, you’ll pass the descendants of some of Earth’s earliest primitive plants and wildlife.
Viewpoints in Springbrook
Winburra Lookout: Enjoy stunning views towards the Gold Coast from 561 metres high in Springbrook National Park from Winburra Lookout.
Best of All Lookout: While this lookout confidently proclaims itself the best one, it’s more of a drive than some others, so it may not be the best option if you’re short on time.
Canyon Lookout: Named after the sheer cliffs that flank the valley, the 780-metre-high Canyon Lookout is another roadside viewpoint that requires no walking to reach —just park up and enjoy! You can spot a few waterfalls peeking between the overgrowth, including the glorious Rainbow Falls, which cascades 30 metres down the valley.
Afternoon: Twin Falls Walk
This easy, four-kilometre walk is genuinely outstanding; Twin Falls Walk is undoubtedly one of my favourite things to do on the Gold Coast!
It’s one of those gorgeous walks where the whole pathway is stunning despite the main event being the elegant Twin Falls – I loved walking through the towering cave-like rock formations, over bubbling streams, and under the giant rusting canopy.
One of the most unique things about this hike is that you get to walk behind the waterfall, which is absolutely as fun as it sounds!
The power of the spray is delightfully refreshing if hiking on a hot day, but if you really want to cool off, you can also swim in the pool at the bottom!
Where to stay in Lamington National Park
Binnaburra
Spending two nights at Binnaburra’s eco-friendly Sky Lodges was a sublime experience.
So… Binnaburra is possibly (definitely!) one of the loveliest places I’ve ever stayed. Except, perhaps, the teeny drawback of its proximity to giant spiders, but isn’t that an integral part of any authentically Australian experience? 👀
Not only did a stay at Binnaburra grant exceptional views from the private balcony, but it’s also well-located near the starting points for many of Lamington National Park’s stunning hikes, alongside its onsite restaurant/cafe.
But back to those views – located 800 metres above sea level, the views over Lamington National Park’s subtropical rainforest are the perfect way to disconnect from the bustling city and reconnect with nature.
If sustainability is as important to you as it is to me, you’ll be pleased to know that Binnaburra was the first Australian property to obtain the Green Globe certificate for its environmental practices.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Besides Binnaburra, O’Reilly’s would be my pick for where to stay next time I head to the national parks. While less private than Binnaburra, it has more budget- and family-friendly options, from campgrounds and safari tents to villas and serviced lodges.
There are also quite a few brilliant onsite activities, including guided tours, glowworm walks, and vineyards. For the kids, there’s ziplining, wildlife encounters, and eco ranger sessions.
Oh, and it has an insane infinity pool that looks right out onto the rainforest. Count me in, pls.
Day Three: Lamington National Park
Morning: Rainforest Walk / Caves Walk
Several walks leave directly from the Binnaburra trailhead, so this is a nice way to begin the day and get acquainted with the rainforest.
We chose the easy 1.2km Rainforest Circuit walk and soon spotted a charming little creature hiding in the undergrowth! A little research suggested it was a red-legged pademelon. (From now on, if anyone asks, red-legged pademelons are my favourite animal.) The towering trees were pretty cool, too, and I would have loved to see more of the forest on the 5km (90-minute) Tullawallal circuit.
However, if I had had more time, I’d have loved to have done the 7km (2-hour) Caves circuit. Besides the caves, also winds an open forest which is home to koalas and white-throated treecreepers (an old species of songbird). This track is a bit trickier than the others, so wear your hiking boots.
See all Lamington National Park Walks.
Afternoon: Witches Falls Walking Track
Following my run-in with a red-legged pademelon, the next stop was the Witches Falls Circuit.
The 3,8km hike weaves through a steep forested mountainside before passing through a gorgeous rainforest with giant strangler fig trees. Walking under those massive trees made me feel like a teeny, lil bug.
When arriving at the waterfall, you can look over the lookout to see it rushing down into the valley below.
Be aware that the waterfall won’t be very powerful on a dry day – it’s at its best after heavy rain. However, despite it being more of a trickly during my visit, I still found it worth it for the endless lush green views over Tamborine National Park.
Plus, dry days equal fewer leeches, so I was delighted not to see any!
If you’re as intrigued by the name Witches Falls as I was, a plaque in the park tells the story of a local child who was certain the forest was haunted, with the long branches looking ike witches’ brooms after dusk, thus the name Witches Falls was born.
The Witches Falls Winery is also right around the corner from the falls.
Afternoon/evening
If you’re on a 3-day itinerary, return to the Gold Coast for your trip home. If you’re short on time today, you could also spend the afternoon in Coolangatta – it’s right next to the airport with plenty of lovely beaches and short trails.
If you’re on a 4-day itinerary, enjoy a stunning Gold Coast sunset, hopefully right from your accommodation, before enjoying a BBQ or restaurant dinner.
4-Day Gold Coast Itinerary (Optional Extra Day)
If you’ve got time for an extra-long weekend in the Gold Coast, this final itinerary section is for you!
Your final day has three main options, depending on how long you have before your flight.
Explore more of Lamington National Park.
- Follow O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk for 180 metres across suspension bridges, all while being close to fifteen metres above the ground. The highest of two observation decks is 30 metres high, giving you a really unique perspective of the rainforest canopy.
- Take the 4km return trail to Moran Falls, a popular walk that usually takes just over an hour to complete. The views across the rainforest and the 80m waterfall are absolutely breathtaking.
- A 7.2km return walking track accesses the beautiful 25 m-tall Elebana Falls. The way it cascades into the creek below is so dreamy that it’s well-deserving of being known as one of the most gorgeous falls in the region.
Return to the Gold Coast for a beach day.
- Of course, the beautiful Gold Coast beaches are always worth another look! While Surfers Paradise Beach is perhaps the most famous, I prefer the quieter beaches further towards the airport, such as Miami Beach (the photo below is taken from Miami North Head) and the dreamy Palm Beach. Broadbeach is busier but family-friendly, with tons of restaurants nearby, including the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
- Since the airport is in Coolangatta, there are also some lovely things to do in Coolangatta while you wait for your flight, including absolutely gorgeous beaches and places to watch some of the city’s best surfers in action.
- Alternatively, if you have the time and energy, head to Burleigh National Park for a final walk. Right next to Burleigh Beach, the pretty pathway winds through woodland and looks over the ocean and Tallebudgera Creek, a local favourite spot where you’ll often see people sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking.
Gold Coast Travel Tips
How many days do you need on the Gold Coast?
Three or four days is perfect for a trip to the Gold Coast. In one or two days, you’ll barely scratch the surface, but in four days, you can see a real mix of Gold Coast scenery, from the city beaches to the hills and waterfalls beyond
If you have a week to spend in the Gold Coast, you’ll certainly not run out of things to do! Besides adding some of the traditional GC activities (such as theme parks or sunbathing), there is also loads more to do inland, such as Treetop Walk, blah, blah. There’s also plenty of boat trips available to nearby islands…
Basically, you can spend as long as you want in the Gold Coast and have a great trip,
I, for one, would love to go back and see Purling Brook Falls, and am sad I never got to visit Minyon Falls (accessible on a Byron Bay day trip).
Getting to the Gold Coast
Coolangatta Airport is reachable from most Aussie cities, as well as quite a few international ones. From here, it’s a short taxi ride to most Gold Coast accommodations.
Brisbane, Queensland’s biggest city, is right around the corner, so it’s also possible to fly into Brisbane and take the bus or an innercity taxi (available on Uber) from here. I’ve flown to or from both Gold Coast and Brisbane airports and found both pretty easy to navigate.
There is also a train and bus from Sydney, though this takes a long 12-hour journey through New South Wales. My friend also drove here from Sydney when visiting family, but she had her mom for company so they made a little road trip out of it.
What are the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants on the Gold Coast?
I’m vegan myself, so I’ve tried quite a few vegan restaurants here!
You can’t go wrong when it comes to finding vegan and veggie food, and it’s easily one of the best vegan travel destinations I’ve come across.
The city has so many options that even most non-veggie eateries have at least a couple of genuinely good options just to keep up! (Honestly, the number of times I needed a quick meal and ordered a vegan burrito bowl from Guzman y Gomez is a bit silly.)
- Doko Demo V (Burleigh Waters) is plant-based HEAVEN and my number one favourite place to eat on the Gold Coast! The vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and creative menu make every visit a delight, as I enjoy exploring their diverse offerings. Honestly, I’m so, so, so sad I can’t order the sticky Korean ‘chicken’ salad over to England. Booo.
- Siam Purity (Pacific Fair) – After visiting the shopping centre for a Specsavers appointment (your hag knows how to live it up), I was so happy to find a veggie restaurant here. And Siam Purity delivered on delicious vegan Thai food! It also blew my mind when a ROBOT (yes, a ROBOT styled as a cat-slash-waiter?!) delivered my food.
- Tian Ran Vegetarian Restaurant (Mermaid Beach) – I’m so obsessed with the food here, there are endless vegan options, either with tofu or mock meats – I just wish I could have tried everything on the menu.
- Easy House Vegetarian (Mermaid Waters) – When I needed a lazy Friday dinner, I loved ordering from here or Tian Ran for Chinese takeout!
- Govinda’s (Burleigh Heads or Coolangatta) – with veggie Indian snacks, salads, and pasta, this vegetarian spot wasn’t my favourite (I prefer things a little spicier), but my meat-eating friend was obsessed. It’s one of the most budget-friendly spots, though, and I’d happily grab something from there again.
- Izakaya Midori (Reedy Creek) – A vegan twist of Japanese food, such as katsu curry and sushi, this 5* plant-based restaurant is worth trying!
- Milkman’s Daughter (Mermaid Beach) – while most options are veggie (not vegan), I enjoyed a healthy brunch here. It has a very breezy, Bali vibe, and is a great one for meeting friends over coffee.
- Greenhouse Canteen and Bar (Tallebudgera Creek) – I didn’t make it to this one. Southport also has many highly reviewed vegan cafes, though I never visited that suburb… there’s always next time!
Gold Coast Weather and When to Visit
Ideally situated between the beach and mountains, this dreamy city sits right on the Southern end of Queensland, Australia. Thus, it has a subtropical climate that’s sunny and mild in Winter and hot and humid in Summer, though temperatures are cooler higher p in the Gold Coast hinterlands all year round.
If you can’t take the heat, I recommend avoiding summer altogether, and for outdoor activities like hiking, even the shoulder seasons or Winter months will be best.
The region does get some crazy storms, especially in the summer, though these are often in the evening and don’t last all day. That said, bear in mind when packing for your Gold Coast trip. (I lived on the Gold Coast when the cyclone hit this year, so I ain’t taking my chances!)
Other popular things to do on the Gold Coast
- Take a surf class! This top-reviewed two-hour surf lesson is rated 4.9 out of 5, with over 800 reviews.
- Visit one of the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks: Dream World (one of the biggest, with many attractions including rollercoasters) and the adjoining WhiteWater World, Warner Bros Movie World (for movie-inspired rides, coasters, and shows), or Wet’n’Wild with its pools, slides, and rides. (I don’t recommend SeaWorld or any animal attractions within these parks, as these have received criticisms in the past, raising ethical concerns.)
- Go on a top-rated whale watching cruise to see humpback whales swimming in the water, both above deck and from the view of the crew’s underwater camera.
- For those visiting for a special occasion, there’s always a hot air balloon flight and vineyard breakfast to start things off with a bang!
After many quiet months inside my flat since moving to the Gold Coast, I’m so grateful I had the energy and funds for this weekend away and thank you so much Twilli for driving us. The privilege of waking up so close to views like this will never be lost on me; you never know when you’ll no longer be well enough to explore with the same freedom.
I hope this 3 day Gold Coast itinerary comes in helpful when you plan your Australia trip!
What a great list of recommendations! As someone who’s unfamiliar with the area, this is a great guide to see the most in just a few days!
Your photos are SO beautiful! The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area looks amazing. I would love to see a koala one day!
This sounds like a great itinerary, I would love to see kangaroos and koalas in the wild:)) And the pictures are awesome!
I would love to see the koalas and visit the winery! But it all sounds great 😊
I love the itinerary and thr kangaroo. Thank you for the info. I must visit the Gold Coast soon.
I would want to do ALL these nature walks and see the cute critters too like the kangaroos! I visited the Gold Coast for a conference but we really didn’t have time to go on any hikes (sadly). I missed out.
Honestly, I never found Australia, gold coast specifically, so fascinating, until I came across this itinerary. Kangaroos are so cute and adorable. I would like to see them in person on e day.
Every time I visit the Gold Coast I always spend a day or two in the hinterland enjoying the national parks with their waterfalls. I always feel alive when I get back to nature!
Great itinerary. I love exploring National Parks and this itinerary is full of them. I would also add a beach day, a theme park day and a whale watching cruise. Seeing animals in the wild is the best.
I couldn’t make it to the Gold Coast the last time but this 3-day Itinerary has got me thinking about a quick visit to the region.
I love the Gold Coast. There is so much to see and do. This is a wonderful 3 day itinerary.
To be completely honest I have never been too excited to visit the Gold Coast but this 3 day Gold Coast itinerary has made me change my mind! I have indeed wanted to to see kangaroos! And btw I love your photos!