Rushing back to the city after spending a low-key day down the coast is the ultimate vibe killer—especially once that dreamy sunrise kicks in. Next time you’re on the Gold Coast for HOTA’s Italian Renaissance instalment or on an autumnal getaway with your partner, skip the traffic and enjoy a sleep-in by spending the night locally.
With land and sea adventures, stellar spots to catch some RnR and a plentiful food scene you’ll want to loosen your belt for, the Gold Coast is bustling with spots worth the trip from Brissie.
To help plan your next weekend or mid-week escape from the city, we’ve teamed up with Destination Gold Coast to compile a hit list of must-try experiences and locally-approved haunts.
For A Mates Weekend

Play
We’re all too familiar with those never-ending messages from mates promising to kickstart your next adventure, without the plans put in place. Take that holiday out of the group chat, load up the car and a picnic of local treats and hit Burleigh Hill for some late-afternoon adventuring.
We recommend leaving space in your basket for a few treats from local institution Paddock Bakery. Better yet, take it out to sea and hire a GoBoat for you and the crew to cruise along the sights.
Keep the good vibes rolling into the night and regroup at Miami Marketta. They've got free and ticketed events—plus Night Markets where you can feast to your heart's content.
Or book in an evening of upscale dining and golden hour views with a seating at Rick Shores. Dishing Asian fusion share plates packed with flavour, book up to seven of your mates and experience their a la carte dining menu or set menus if you're hosting more of a crew. Hot tip, a trip to Rick Shores isn't complete without a serving of their red curry with Sichuan roasted duck.
Stay
When you’re ready to call it a night, we recommend booking one of the cosy cabins at QT Gold Coast. Fit out with board games, a firepit and homemade treats, the cosy two-person cabins are ideal for a tech-free trip away. Hot tip: we recommend exploring their curated group activities.
For A Solo Adventure

Play
The best thing about escaping the city is the prime opportunities to get your steps in along neverending coastlines. For a quick hike under an hour that will get your endorphins pumping, explore the pristine water and rocky coastline along the Burleigh oceanview walk.
It’s all about balance, so post-hike we recommend treating yourself to a round of Challenger-esque cocktails and small plates at The Malibu Racquet Club Burleigh. Fit out with chic cali-inspired tennis club exteriors and inventive cocktails, this is the perfect spot to pick a perch and soak in the sunrays.
There’s nothing better than a self-care day after a workout or hike, and fortunately the Gold Coast is brimming with places to stop by for a stretch and soak. Before your evening plans book an hour or two exploring Native State in Coolangatta. Fit out with soft lighting, curved features and treatments aplenty—get in a guided stretch session before hitting the saunas and massage table to release the excess tension.
Slow down your afternoon with the immersive Italian Renaissance Alive experience at HOTA. From the team that brought the out-of-this-world Van Gogh Alive, this multisensory exhibit features works from the Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa and the Birth Of Venus with a soundtrack of dramatic operatic music. Running until Sunday 4 August, we recommend booking ahead for this one to avoid disappointment.
Stay
If your white noise playlists consist of rain sounds and waves crashing, ditch the machine for the real deal with a booking at Cheshire Cat Motel. Shagged and retro-themed to the nines, this boutique motel has remained on-site since the '60s and is only a short walk to the beach.
Plan your stay over the weekend and get up bright and early to join some new friends on an early morning dip with Sea Gals Gold Coast.
For A Trip With Your Partner

Play
There’s nothing like a mini getaway to stoke the embers of a relationship and what better way than with a wander through an immersive replica of the Birth Of Venus or under a majestic large-scale Mona List at Italian Renaissance Alive. With tickets available for all-day explorations or specific times, we recommend starting the night with drinks and small plates at Paloma before heading along to the exhibit.
Beyond the endless coastlines and immersive exhibitions, the Gold Coast boasts some of the best gourmet produce and vineyards in the region. For a date with all the romantic frills, spend an afternoon vineyard and winery hopping along the hinterlands. Our top picks for a tipple? You can’t skip a sample at Witches Falls sprawling estates and wander around O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.
In the morning, we recommend packing a picnic breakfast and booking a stand-up paddle board to explore Tallebudgera Creek. Our tip? Go during high tide to enjoy pristine conditions and—if you're lucky—a dolphin or two.
Stay
The crew at JW Marriott understand that coastal views, plush beds and room service are the makings of a successful romantic getaway, and they more than deliver. Expect ocean and hinterland views in their king and queen suites, balconies for stargazing and nightcaps, and couples massages in their luxury spa facilities. Oh, the serenity.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Destination Gold Coast and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied.