Burleigh beach surfing
Holiday mode is closer than ever
Beaches, theme parks, great food, shopping and sunshine, with plenty more waiting beyond the beach.
Hamilton to Gold Coast flights operate three days a week with Jetstar (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday) and swap everyday mode for holiday mode in just a few hours.
Get a little wild at Currumbin
Colourful lorikeets are just the beginning at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Meet koalas and kangaroos, discover native Australian wildlife and, if your timing’s right, find yourself surrounded by a very enthusiastic flock at the daily lorikeet feeding.
Set in the leafy southern Gold Coast, it’s an easy addition to a beach holiday, especially if you’ve got kids in tow.
Images via ExperienceGoldCoast.com
Pick your perfect Gold Coast day
Slow it down or dial it up. Here are two ways to spend a day on the Gold Coast.
Beach mode 🌴
Morning - Start with breakfast by the beach, then swim, surf or simply claim your patch of sand.
Lunch - head somewhere coastal for a long lunch with a view.
Afternoon - wander the shops or markets, then back to the beach as the day cools down.
Evening - dinner and drinks somewhere overlooking the water.
Big day out 🎢
Morning - pick a theme park and get there early. Rides, slides or wildlife, depending on your appetite for adrenaline.
Late morning - keep the fun going with lunch on the run.
Afternoon - squeeze in the things everyone swore they absolutely had to do.
Evening - head back to the coast for an easy dinner and some very tired feet.
Do the Gold Coast your way ...
With the kids
Theme parks, wildlife, water parks and plenty of ways to burn off their energy.
Beach break
Swim, surf, long lunches, bare feet. Repeat as required.
Couples' escape
Great food, rooftop drinks, beach walks and absolutely no rush.
With your mates
Surf, shopping, bars, nightlife and a healthy amount of doing very little.
(Image via Tourism Australia)
Beach, thrills or hinterland?
From famous beaches and big-ticket thrills to rainforest walks and mountain towns, there's a lot more to the Gold Coast than just sand and surf.
(Images via ExperienceGoldCoast.com)
Events on the Gold Coast
Global Drone (11-13 November) a premier drone event - more info here.
Pan Pacific Masters Games - 6-15 November. One of the biggest participation sporting events on the calendar, featuring more than 40 sports and thousands of competitors. Particularly relevant to active Kiwi travellers and supporters. More info here.
Phoenix Queensland Triathlon (15 November) - more here.
Ministry of Sound Summer Dance Festival - 4 December. Major outdoor dance music festival featuring Roger Sanchez, Seb Fontaine, Utah Saints and the Ministry of Sound Orchestra. Strong potential for a music-focused weekend getaway. More info here.
Spilt Milk Festival -13 December. Headliners include Lewis Capaldi, RAYE, Baby Keem, Maisie Peters, Remi Wolf and DMA'S. More info here.
Gold Coast Open (17-21 February) - world's best surfers from all corners of the globe battle it out. More info here.
Cooly Classic Ocean Swim (15-16 May 2027) - a rare opportunity for swimmers - more info here.
For more awesome things to do on the Gold Coast, check out Experience Gold Coast and Queensland.com
Things to do on the Gold Coast
Check out some fabulous itineraries already put together for you here ... choose from adventure, food & drink, nature & wildlife, wellness & spas ... whatever your heart desires!
Village Roadshow Theme Parks - Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild bring the rides, slides, shows and family favourites. More info here.
Gold Coast Day Tours - Adventure Day trips - It's not just about the destination. It's about the journey and the memories you make along the way. From cozy accommodation to handpicked tours, they've got everything covered to ensure your adventure is nothing short of amazing. More info here.
Down Under Party Tours - Every Friday and Saturday night Down Under conquer the world-famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip with an epic party tour. Working with the Gold Coast's wildest and most prestigious bars and nightclubs they show you and your friends what it means to party Down Under true Aussie style! Join their experienced party team for a crazy nightlife experience, chock-a-block with inclusions and memories that will last a lifetime! More info here.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, proudly home to over 100 koalas and more than 70 species of native Australian wildlife. More info here.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Meet Australian wildlife, explore the sanctuary and catch the famous lorikeet feeding. More info here.
Dreamworld - Big rides, family attractions, wildlife and plenty of theme-park thrills in one place. More info here.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre - One of Australia's largest shopping centres, with hundreds of stores, dining and plenty of places to give the credit card a workout. More info here.
For more things to see and do on the Gold Coast, visit Queensland.com and ExperienceGoldCoast.com.
Gold Coast FAQs
Can you fly direct from Hamilton to the Gold Coast? Yes. Jetstar operates direct flights from Hamilton Airport to Gold Coast Airport.
How long is the flight from Hamilton to the Gold Coast? Around 3 hours, 30 minutes direct.
Which airline flies from Hamilton to Gold Coast? Jetstar operates Hamilton to Gold Coast flights direct from Hamilton Airport.
Do I need a passport to fly from Hamilton to the Gold Coast? Yes. The Gold Coast is an international destination, so you'll need a valid passport and must meet Australian entry requirements.
How early should I arrive at Hamilton Airport? Allow plenty of time for international check-in, security and border processing. Check out our Hamilton Airport Traveller Guide before you fly.
Where can I park when flying to the Gold Coast? Hamilton Airport has two car parks, just a few minutes walk from the terminal. Check out our parking page.
