Home to the country’s largest theme parks, beautiful beaches and premium shopping destinations, Gold Coast has so much to offer for every type of holiday. Whether you prefer to spend your days relaxing by the shore or adventuring through coastal towns, we’ve listed must-do experiences for two days on the Gold Coast.
An Elevated Experience
Start your 48 hours on the Gold Coast with breathtaking views atop Australia’s tallest building at SkyPoint, and a breakfast buffet with the works. After all, there’s no better way to begin your morning in a new region than with an unbeatable dining experience. At 230 metres tall, SkyPoint at the Q1 Building remains one of the most visited attractions in the region, and the buffet at the Bistro + Bar gives you a delicious start to your day backdropped with expansive views across the coast and the city. Raise a glass to the beginning of your Gold Coast adventure before wandering the observation deck to spot landmarks and attractions near and far. After you descend 77 levels back to the ground, spend the rest of your morning in beachside bliss with a stroll along the shore at Surfers Paradise Beach. In town on a Sunday? Fill your bags with treasures for your wardrobe, gift items and handcrafted wares from the HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets. Set between the Home of the Arts Lake and the greenery of the Peace Pavilion, the Markets are the perfect place to delve into the local culture and community of the Gold Coast. 
Shop the Day Away
If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping during your visit, there’s no better place to browse than at Queensland’s second-largest shopping centre - Pacific Fair. In the stylish city of Broadbeach, you won’t have to travel far in your rental car to shop at the number-one premium shopping, dining, and entertainment destination on the Gold Coast. With 400 stores to explore, trend hunters and shopaholics can fill their day perusing everything from luxury brands to electronics and hobby shops. With an array of cuisines on offer in the dining precinct, your appetite will be satisfied regardless of whether you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Asian food. Plus, you can catch the latest films on the big screen at Event Cinemas. After a day of luxury shopping and local sightseeing, a dinner reservation at T’ang Courtat The Langham is a fine idea. Serving delicious Cantonese cuisine in an elegant setting, T’ang Court is one of the most highly regarded restaurants in the Gold Coast and guarantees an impeccable dining experience. 
A Burleigh Heads Adventure
As the glorious Queensland sun wishes you a warm good morning, it’s time to begin your second day in the Gold Coast. Take the rental car for a drive over to Burleigh Heads for a dose of sun, sand, and sea. Start the day right with a barista-brewed coffee from one of the locals’ favourite spots at Commune. Grab your coffee to-go or take a moment to start your morning slowly and soak up the holiday feeling with a seat in the outdoor seating area. Burleigh is known for its beautiful surf beaches, so it’s the perfect place for a mid-morning stroll along the golden shores before heading out for the day. Make your way through parklands opposite the beach to arrive in the city’s shopping epicentre at Justin Lane and James Street. Here you can browse boutique stores with a coastal vibe before lunching at The Tropic on the waterfront. Fresh seafood is the focus at The Topic with oysters, caviar, and ocean prawns on the menu, as well as a range of refreshing cocktails and mocktails. Remember to assign a designated driver to ensure a safe and memorable holiday. 
Take to the Seas
End your evening on the Gold Coast with aprivate sunset cruise onboard a sailing catamaran. As your 48 hours of Queensland adventure comes to a close, watch the sunset as you sail the Broadwater estuary and admire the transformation from sundrenched shores to dazzling city lights.
From tourist spots to hidden gems, the Gold Coast is a broad region, encompassing something for every type of traveller. Foodies relish in delectable cuisine across the area, art fanatics awe at galleries and museums, and luxury shoppers are surrounded by choice. Travelling across the Coast is a breeze with the flexibility of a Hertz rental car.
