Meg Goes Global

Now I’ve spent a fair bit of time on the Gold Coast over the last few years, and it’s come to feel like a second home to me. But it’s safe to say the Goldy has a mixed reputation and some interesting stereotypes. I’m going to try my best to give you some inspiration and shift your perspective.

Many describe the coast as fake, full of influencers or fame hunting people, and I’ve even heard it referred to as a subtropical Essex. In some aspects, I don’t think this is too far off the mark. However, I do think a lot of people confuse the Gold Coast as a whole, with just the Surfers Paradise area. The Gold Coast is a happening place, full of brilliant cafes, beautiful hinterland, nightlife, restaurants, social clubs, and not to mention, the world class beaches. If you know where to go, or more to the point, where to avoid, you’re on to a winner.

For the purposes of this post, I (and you) will consider myself a fully qualified Gold Coast advocate, and guide you with just where to go to have the best time here. Or maybe remember why you actually love the coast if you’ve been living here for ‘too long’ and need to see it through some fresh eyes. I love this place and I want you to see it for its beauty.

My top recommendations in no particular order:

Head up Mount Tamborine for some beautiful nature walks, tiny shops, and a stunning sunset view. You can drive up here yourself, or go with a tour group. Mount Tamborine is also home to the only glow worm sanctuary in the world. You can take a guided tour here and be shown around by knowledgable experts. I know a glow worm tour is on your bucket list (or it should be).

Springbrook National Park is breathtaking area with natural pools and waterfalls to take a refreshing dip in. It’s a must do for me, and ideal to get your walking shoes on. Some gorgeous hikes of all lengths are here so perfect for a levelled up hot girl walk, or somewhere to cool off in the summer. Don’t worry there’s not tooooo many snakes.

Other places with a similar vibe to check out are Purling Brook Falls, Cougal Cascades and Currumbin rock pools. For a taste of natural water swims, and to touch some grass if you got carried away at your Sunday sesh.

Emerald Lakes is an area referred to as the Europe of the coast, and if you get yourself there you’ll see why. Lots of cutesy cafes and restaurants, you can take a walk or bike ride around the lake and look at some of the houses. It’s nice for a change of scenery and something a bit different.

If you’re big into your walks, then you’ll fit right in on the Gold Coast that’s for sure. My favourite coastal walk is the Tallebudgera to Burleigh walk, through the Burleigh Heads National Park. It’s a little slice of paradise in there and then you can finish off by sitting on Burleigh Hill, the perfect spot to watch the surf. This is where they often have comps on as well, so be sure to check if there’s any coming up.

Another favourite walk spot is the to Miami lookout. If you’re out and about, and up with the sun, you won’t find yourself alone. A sunrise walk is just the way to start the day. Maybe you want to rent a lime bike and do the whole length of the coast too.

If wildlife is your thing, there’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or head to the Coombabah Lakeland’s conservation area to see kangaroos and koalas in the wild. It can get quite busy, make sure to be respectful of the animals in their natural habitat, but it’s for sure worth it. Don’t forget that Australia zoo is not too far a drive either; even if you’re not normally a massive fan of zoos, the work they do here is unreal, and the croc shows are something of their own, I couldn’t recommend it enough.

The Gold Coast has heaps of gorgeous markets. My favourite being the HOTA Markets, every Sunday. But also check out the Carrara markets, Yatala boot bargains market and Burleigh farmers markets. While we’re here, HOTA regularly have events on, and have an art gallery, so it’s a good choice to spend the day if it’s raining.

There’s loads of perfect beach spots and surfing hotspots if you’re into that too. Take a lesson or hire a board at Currumbin beach. It’s probably my favourite area and beach to check out. Other beaches I would recommend are North Burleigh, Tallebudgera beach, and even the Spit which is further north, and a perfect place to watch the sunset on the water. If you have a car then it will make life a million times easier, but there are an abundance of bus routes and a tram line so you can manage either way.

I couldn’t make a post about the Gold Coast without giving some cafe recommendations because obviously the coffee culture is strong. Here are some honourable mention cafes:

Paddock

Black Dingo

Rafiki

Currumbin Valley Harvest

26 and Sunny

Castaway

Milkman’s Daughter

Palm Springs

As for the evening time, there’s loads of bars and restaurants. So here some of my faves:

Coast

Balboa

Frida Sol

The Island Rooftop

Justin Lane

Malibu Racquet Club

The Local

Sandbar

The Collective

Tommy’s Italian

Jimmy Wahs

One of the best things about the gc in my opinion, is its vicinity to so many other hotspots. Especially within the scale of Australia, the fact you have so many options for places within a short driving distance to visit is pretty rare. You can easily day trip or spend a night in Byron, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Public transport to Brisbane is just a 50c train straight into the city so it really couldn’t get easier.

There’s also some gorgeous quieter coastal towns south of the Gold Coast with some stunning beaches. I love Kingscliffe, Fingal Head and Brunswick Heads too. You have to check out Cabarita beach aswell.