Seeking to spoil yourself silly with an epic Gold Coast getaway?
Then this GC weekend guide is for you. We’re covering the top spots to eat, drink, and be merry, plus cool cultural experiences and sleek boutiques to lay your weary head.
Gold Coast Suburbs
Naturally, you’ll want to stay near the beach. But which spectacular sandy stretch is best for your next Gold Coast getaway?
Palm Beach is a hip, up-and-coming foodie hotspot blending natural splendour with urban style. To the north, Burleigh is your best bet for laidback vibes, barrelling surf breaks, and sweeping skyline views. Both neighbourhoods put you close to Burleigh Head National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.
Down south, Coolangatta is more about old-school charm and slow-paced, easy-going lifestyles.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch with us and we’ll use our expert local knowledge to tailor and host the perfect private experience.
Gold Coast Hotels
Keen to stay smack bang on the sand?
You can’t go past Tessa’s on the Beach. All 15 luxurious rooms ooze So-Cal panache—think floral murals, velvet couches, and slick designer bathrooms.
Crystal Pacific is a sleek Palm Beach boutique with whitewashed walls and a refreshing fern-shrouded pool. Also in Palm Beach, Mysa wows style-conscious guests with its pastel hues and chic, individually decorated rooms.
Gold Coast Cafes
You’ll need to stay caffeinated to power through an action-packed Gold Coast getaway.
Paddock Bakery is a trendsetter’s mecca famous for its delicious sourdough creations and leafy courtyard patio. Get in early to snag a seat as the place packs out fast. Over in Burleigh, Palm Springs brings bundles of So-Cal style through its smooth minty hues and cactus-clad garden.
Both serve next-level coffee.
Gold Coast Wine Bars
The Gold Coast has a multitude of wine bars for a cheeky after-dinner tipple or a Rosé all day session.
In Burleigh, Rosella’s is a light-hearted Aussie-themed haunt featuring native animal prints, budgie smuggler artwork, and a wattle-festooned bar. On the other side of the block, Paloma Wine Bar serves a broad array of international varietals in a sleek, low-key setting.
Gold Coast Restaurants
A smorgasbord of sensational Gold Coast restaurants serves lip-smacking fare.
Our all-time fav is Rick Shores, a glam Burleigh institution specialising in contemporary pan-Asian cuisine. Don’t miss their Insta-famous Moreton Bay Bug Rolls.
Down in Coolangatta, newcomer Siblings pumps out enormous portions of hearty meat and seafood dishes, from chimichurri steak tacos to prawn risotto. Both venues straddle the shoreline so you can dine with a view.
Sunset Drinks
There’s nothing like a sunset tipple to cap off a carefree Gold Coast day.
In the same building as Rick Shores, the Burleigh Pavilion whips up delicious drinks on a sunny terrace with an ocean view. If you’d prefer something more romantic (or don’t want to pay pub prices), grab your poison-of-choice and lay down a blanket at the top of Burleigh Hill.
Gold Coast Cultural Experiences
A Gold Coast weekend isn’t just about stuffing your belly with fabulous food and drinks.
Part café, part exhibition space, Dust Temple is where the city’s bohemian set hangs out. The fact this thriving artistic enclave sits in the centre of a nondescript industrial district makes it even more hip.
For an insight into indigenous history, sign up for the two-hour Jellurgal Walkabout tour. An aboriginal guide will lead you through Jellurgal (Dreaming Mountain, A.K.A Burleigh Heads) while regaling tales of traditional customs and early hunting practices.
Enjoy a Weekend Gold Coast Getaway with Kiff & Culture
Pumped for a decadent Gold Coast getaway?
Then sign up for our Gold Coast Boutique Stay & Play tour. We’ll whisk you between the city’s finest culinary highlights and small-batch booze-makers in one indulgent weekend. Chic boutique lodgings and scenic rural escapades come as part of the package.
