The Ultimate Guide to the Gold Coast for Fun-Loving Couples

Gold Coast beach

The Gold Coast is a bucket-list regular for good reason. From lush landscapes and azure waters to thrilling attractions and world-class dining, it’s ready for a short break year-round. Not to mention, the GC offers adventurous couples outstanding value for money. So much to do in one sun-kissed destination! 

Craving an action-packed weekend with a splash of luxury? You’ve come to the perfect place. Here’s the scoop on how to get the most out of your trip to the Gold Coast.

Photo: Destination Gold Coast

WHY GO?
How can the colour blue be a feeling? Well, it’s hard to explain, but a trip to the Gold Coast may just hold the answer. Here, clear blue skies and endless turquoise waters create an incredible sense of peace, tranquillity, and wellbeing — and that’s not all. Right on Brisbane’s doorstep (just an hour south of the CBD), the Gold Coast also ticks the boxes for an action-packed couple’s weekend. With this holiday-ready combo in play, how could you resist?

WHERE TO STAY

Cue your GC sanctuary: Xanadu Main Beach Resort, directly opposite the white-sand shores of Main Beach. When it comes to perfectly positioned Gold Coast accommodation, these luxury apartments are hard to beat, with many of the spacious rooms offering breathtaking views of one of Australia’s most stunning coastal stretches. 

Xanadu Main Beach Resort Gold Coast
Photo: Xanadu Main Beach Resort

Walking distance from everything you might need for a relaxing weekend, Xanadu offers apartments so well-appointed, you’ll feel right at home. Choose from one or two bedrooms with fully equipped kitchen, laundry, and lounge room, plus balconies perfect for catching a sea breeze (sunset drinks, anyone?). With second-to-none facilities, including a fitness room, sauna, spa, two pools (heated and non-heated) and a barbeque area, it’s our go-to holiday address on the Gold Coast.

PLAY ALL DAY

Gold Coast
Photo: Destination Gold Coast

One of the most appealing aspects of a weekend on the Gold Coast is you can experience so many different worlds — beach town, dining mecca, and adventure playground — all in one glittering escape. Meaning an endless itinerary of we’ve-always-wanted-to-try-this moments.

Hop to it
Want to take a look around? The Hopo Cruise is a hop-on, hop-off style sightseeing ferry, stopping at five of the Gold Coast’s most renowned landmarks (including Surfers Paradise, Sea World, and shopping hub Marina Mirage). Plus, day passes start at just $18! 

Cycle the coast
Alternatively, grab a pair of electric bikes and explore the beaches south of Surfers at your own pace. Crooze Electric, just a short stroll from Oasis in Broadbeach, is a fantastic option. Cycle to Burleigh Heads in about 20 minutes and stop for coffee overlooking the ocean or check out the area’s vibrant restaurant scene. 

Sea World Cruises Gold Coast
Photo: Sea World Cruises

Take to the seas
Of course, exploring the scenic waterways is a must during any trip to the Gold Coast. Take in the majestic attractions and enjoy fresh prawns and local craft beers on a Sightseeing Lunch Cruise or watch for whales and dolphins as you ply the deep blue waters aboard the Spirit of Migaloo II on a Whale Watching Cruise with Sea World Cruises

SUP with Go Vertical - Gold Coast
Photo: Destination Gold Coast

SUP with your sweetheart
Want to try stand-up paddle boarding? See Go Vertical hire in Budds Beach, a small area behind the famous Surfers Paradise strip. Besides the chance to take in the beauty of the Gold Coast Broadwater, there’s an exceptional range of tours on offer. Discover some fantastic spots through the Nerang River, look out for the peacocks of Macintosh Island, and if you’re REALLY lucky you might even find yourselves paddling beside a pod of dolphins!

Paradise Jet Boating Gold Coast
Paradise Jet Boating. Photo: Destination Gold Coast

Go fast
Looking for something a bit more hardcore? We’ve got you. Paradise Jet Boating, located in Mariners Cove, is heaven for thrill-seekers. A word of warning though: you’ll need to be comfortable with both speed and getting soaked! For nearly an hour, you’ll be spinning — as in some 360-degree spins! — and zipping along the Broadwater, all the way up to South Stradbroke. 

Sea World Helicopters Gold Coast
Photo: Sea World Helicopters

Go high
If you’re dreaming of those Insta-ready Gold Coast vistas (aren’t we all …), there’s no better way to see them than through the window of a helicopter with Sea World Helicopters. Panoramic views of the beaches or hinterland offer a breathtaking backdrop (hello, perfect proposal!) or a rock star arrival to your winery tour or island day trip.  

Drop it like …
The Gold Coast might be known for its theme parks but a truly exhilarating way to round out your getaway is on Australia’s highest external building climb — Skypoint Climb at the landmark Q1 building. Staring down a 270-metre vertical drop is a moment best enjoyed with your favourite daredevil by your side! See the Surfers Paradise skyline sparkle to life on a Night Climb or rise with the sun on the Sunrise Climb where you can soak up sunrise over the ocean before coming back to earth with a Champagne breakfast. 

That’s how they do it on the Gold Coast!  

Gold Coast
Photo: Destination Gold Coast

WHERE TO WINE & DINE

Your choice of activities may be optional; however, great food is unquestionably not. Foodies are spoiled for choice on the Gold Coast! 

Some of our favourite dining experiences for a Gold Coast short break include: 

  • Shiraz Persian Restaurant which offers an exciting menu of Middle Eastern delicacies, including plenty of delicious vegan/vegetarian options.
  • No trip to the Gold Coast is complete without splurging on fresh seafood! Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant, tucked away in the luxury Marina Mirage, is second to none for its superb dining and water views. 
  • Nestled in Main Beach’s Tedder Avenue, Main Wave Restaurant is just a short stroll from Xanadu Resort. Enjoy a cosy and comfortable atmosphere and their modern coastal take on fine dining.
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