Breadcrumb
Tour summary and feature with map

Your Gold Coast adventure awaits! Visit the region's famous golden beaches, wildlife parks and hinterland, with plenty of time to immerse yourself in the shopping scene or taste the premiere nightlife. Get up close with native and exotic animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and hold a koala for the perfect reminder of your time in Australia. Located on top of the Q1 building and 230 metres above Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint gives you sweeping views over the city. Escape the metropolis and explore the Tamborine Mountains on a full day tour with an expert local guide. Don't end your holiday here, ask your Australian travel specialist about exploring Brisbane or Far North Queensland next!

BeachesNational parksWildlife & nature
Tour map
Tour summary and feature

Self Drive Tour

This suggested tour costs from AUD$1,600 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Brisbane, finishes in Brisbane

5 days/4 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Rental car included

 Viewed 29 times in the last 7 days

price pp from
AUD$1,600
twin share/double
Tour full itinerary
ITINERARY
Gold Coast Highlights Tour - Day 1
Choose your style of rental vehicle

Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. From economy hatchbacks to SUVs, we can help you decide on a car suitable for this leg of your trip. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.

Brisbane to Gold Coast

It's a short and simple drive from Brisbane to Gold Coast, as you will follow the Pacific Motorway (M1) from one city to the other. The journey is about 80km (50 miles) and the time it takes depends on traffic as mornings and afternoons can get quite congested as people travel to and from work. Gold Coast is Australia's premier holiday destination visited due to its stunning beaches, shopping, nightlife, theme pars and surf breaks. Surfers Paradise, the most famous Gold Coast's suburb, offers almost two miles of golden sand, sunny atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle.

Arrive in Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is home to long sandy beaches, world-class surfing and an extensive system of waterways which make this destination unique. Located an hour south of Brisbane, it boasts an incredible shopping scene and is home to an array of theme parks, earning the name, the adrenaline capital of Australia. There is plenty of opportunity to encounter native Australian animals at the many wildlife parks or close-by hinterland. The Gold Coast's night scene is unrivalled, with plenty to taste and discover when the sun goes down.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Sightseeing Buffet Dinner Cruise with Sea World Cruises

Enjoy an evening of sightseeing and dining on the sparkling Gold Coast waterways during this elegant 2.5 hours dinner cruise. A chef-prepared menu is made from the best local seasonal produce, perfectly paired with local craft beer, wine and tasty cocktails. After dinner you can relax on an open top deck to marvel at the stars, Gold Coast skyline and enjoy live on board entertainment. It is an ideal tour to celebrate special occasions or simply experience an unforgettable night out in Gold Coast.

Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

With a prime position in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is moments from sandy beaches, the famous Esplanade, and boasts picturesque views of the Nerang River. Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is an ideal place to return to after a day in the sun and sea of the Queensland’s Gold Coast. Relax and catch some rays on the riverside sundeck by the pool, take a seat in Driftwood Social, or retreat to the privacy and comfort of your spacious hotel room.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 64 kms / 40 miles : 0.9 hours

Return to Top

Gold Coast Highlights Tour - Day 2
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Day Pass Koala Photo

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed zoological garden. The multitude of events, shows, and attractions include dingo encounters, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, free-flight bird shows, and the feeding of the park's massive saltwater crocodile. You will step back in time with a visit to Lost Valley and a journey through the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. Here, you will experience exotic Australian wildlife, including Cotton Top Tamarins, Red Panda, Capybaras, and four Ring Tail Lemurs. You can also visit the Extinction Trail, where you step back in time and learn about prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The park also contains a serious aspect of its work and exhibits, and behind the scenes includes a state-of-the-art veterinary and rehabilitation hospital. The Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that invests in world famous Wildlife Research and Conservation Projects, to help save some amazing species from extinction. Their world famous Wildlife Hospital is one of the busiest in the world; the care and treatment are funded from park admissions, visitors, and donations from the public. You are welcome to visit the hospital and see the day-to-day workings from a viewing deck. Enjoy your day seeing the wildlife and learning about everything from Koalas to Wombats and Reptiles to the ring-tailed lemur.

Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

With a prime position in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is moments from sandy beaches, the famous Esplanade, and boasts picturesque views of the Nerang River. Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is an ideal place to return to after a day in the sun and sea of the Queensland’s Gold Coast. Relax and catch some rays on the riverside sundeck by the pool, take a seat in Driftwood Social, or retreat to the privacy and comfort of your spacious hotel room.
Meals included: Breakfast

Return to Top

Gold Coast Highlights Tour - Day 3
Explore the Gold Coast

Famed for its beaches, including the world-renowned Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast has plenty to offer away from the sand and sea. In order to make the most of your free day make sure you include some of the following:
Beach hop between Coolangatta and Currumbin or take a surf lesson at Surf In Paradise from The Spit near Main Beach. Consider heading over to Wave Break Island with Queensland Scuba Diving and experience the fantastic snorkeling and diving. For the more experienced surfers, head to Burleigh Heads. This beach often has whales from April to September.
If thrills are what you are after, head to any one of Gold Coast's world-class theme parks. Holoverse, Wet 'n' Wild, Sea World, Infinity Attraction and Topgolf Gold Coast are just a few.
For those looking for wildlife encounters, look no further than Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This iconic park gives its visitors the opportunity to wander through open animal enclosures, feed kangaroos and befriend cuddly koalas. It's newest precinct is home to lemurs, cotton-top tamarins, red pandas, capybaras, and exotic birds and reptiles. As a non-profit organisation, all proceeds are put back into wildlife and conservation programs.
Feeling a bit peckish? Rick Shores and the Fish House are popular spots at Burleigh Heads for lunch and dinner. If you're hoping for a craft beer experience, have a pint of one of the award-winning beers from Burleigh Brewing Company, Black Hops, Fortitude Brewing Co., Balter or Lost Palms Brewing Company.

One Day SkyPoint Admission

SkyPoint offers panoramic views of the Gold Coast from the top the iconic Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. The 360° views extend to the New South Wales border and out to the magnificent, lush Gold Coast Hinterland. SkyPoint is one of Queensland’s most iconic tourist attractions as it gives you a bird’s eye view of the ‘Famous for Fun’ Gold Coast from a unique vantage point 230 metres above Surfers Paradise.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Whale Watching Gold Coast

Half-day cruise departing from Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable whale watching experience. It provides the most intimate and memorable encounter with Humpback Whales on the Gold Coast. You will enjoy 360-degree views from all three decks of the purpose-built vessel accompanied by experienced crew.Witness one of the animal kingdom's most breathtaking spectacles and feel dwarfed by their size as they curiously approach the vessel. Keep you camera ready as whales are not the only stars of the show - you might see also dolphins, sea turtles and numerous seabirds.

Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

With a prime position in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is moments from sandy beaches, the famous Esplanade, and boasts picturesque views of the Nerang River. Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is an ideal place to return to after a day in the sun and sea of the Queensland’s Gold Coast. Relax and catch some rays on the riverside sundeck by the pool, take a seat in Driftwood Social, or retreat to the privacy and comfort of your spacious hotel room.
Meals included: Breakfast

Return to Top

Gold Coast Highlights Tour - Day 4
The Tastes of Tamborine Mountain Tour with Southern Cross Tours

This is a Tamborine Mountain tour like no other. Experience the Gold Coast's most famous national park and mountain top village through the eyes of a local, with a guided walk through the rainforest, a taste of locally grown produce at lunch and also a chance to try the region's best coffees, wines and artisan spirits. Meet passionate local producers, buy handmade art and crafts then take in the waterfalls and lookouts of the Gold Coast's most famous mountain top village. Whilst on the tour your guide will tell the stories of the local people, history of the region, show you their favourite spots and share their knowledge on the rainforest’s unique flora and fauna.

Your accommodation: Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

With a prime position in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is moments from sandy beaches, the famous Esplanade, and boasts picturesque views of the Nerang River. Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is an ideal place to return to after a day in the sun and sea of the Queensland’s Gold Coast. Relax and catch some rays on the riverside sundeck by the pool, take a seat in Driftwood Social, or retreat to the privacy and comfort of your spacious hotel room.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Return to Top

Gold Coast Highlights Tour - Day 5
Gold Coast to Brisbane

It's a short and simple drive from Gold Coast to Brisbane, as you will follow the Pacific Motorway (M1) from one city to the other. The journey is about 80km (50 miles) and the duration depends on traffic as mornings and afternoons can get quite congested as people travel to and from work.

Return your rental car

Return your rental vehicle to your designated depot before your next adventure.

Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 55 kms / 34 miles : 0.7 hours

Return to Top

Contact form
Enquire about this tour

Fields marked * are mandatory

Your contact information
Subscribe to our Regular Newsletter for Inspiring Holiday Ideas
Tour quick quote rework
Get an Instant Quote or Book this Tour
Gold Coast Highlights Tour
Step 1:
Step 2: Select preferred car type or size
No pricing loaded - please make sure you have selected a car type or contact us
Step 3: Select number of passengers and room configuration
Step 4: Add these options

Enter phone number to get a call from a travel planning expert within in 24 hours

Enter email address to receive your instant quote

Tick this box if you do not wish to receive emails about special offers
No pricing loaded - please choose another date or contact us
Your quote for this tour:
Start date:
End date:
Guests:
Rooms:
Car type:
Total cost for this tour package is:
AUD$0
or
This quote is based on vehicles to accommodate your party in the vehicle type. We suggest changing the car type or contacting us for the best options.
The package cost above excludes rental vehicle hire as you are requesting a price for a vehicle outside of our designated season. Please reach out direct for rental vehicle rates.

NOTE: Quotes are subject to the availability of specific accommodations and other inclusions. Our Australia touring experts will be in touch with you regarding this. Costs quoted in currencies other than Australian dollars (AUD$) are based on today's exchange rate and are subject to change. Terms and Conditions apply.

Remember - we can create this itinerary with any accommodation style or customise it to suit your interests and timeframe.

Tour recommendation
Other tours you might like
5 days Map
Great Ocean Road Classic
View Tour
 
5 days Map
Contrasts of Northern Territory Tour
View Tour
 
5 days Map
Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour
View Tour