Where To Eat, Imbibe And Stay On A Long Weekend To The Gold Coast

There’s a reason they call it Surfers Paradise – the Gold Coast is home to a number of Australia’s best surf beaches. Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay, Currumbin Alley, Duranbah Beach and Burleigh Heads cater to rookies and pro surfers alike with the consistent breaks and right-hand point breaks.

For a change in scenery, pack a picnic and make a beeline for Lamington National Park or Mt Tambourine. Hike through the third oldest national park in the world, speed through the air on a zip-line, or reserve your spot on a glow worm tour. If you’re too weary for the 55-minute journey back to the coast, cosy up in one of the treetop cabins nestled high above ground.

If all of the above has worked up your appetite, prepare to indulge at one of the coast’s many quirky cafes, hatted restaurants, street food stalls or alfresco wine bars. Because nothing says ‘holiday’ quite like returning home with a little padding around your middle.

BLEACH* FESTIVAL

Now in its eighth year, Bleach* Festival draws thousands of people to the Gold Coast every year, and is famed for being the country's most dynamic contemporary arts program. Collaborators from Australia and across the globe are invited to the sunny coast to share their art with the festival's diverse audience during the line-up unique arts and cultural experiences. From dance performances to circus acts, contemporary music and major public events, Bleach* Festival seeks to challenge expectation and perception, while offering guests a unique and authentic sense of place.  April 17 – 28

SURFERS PARADISE LIVE

Never fear, festival season lives on with Surfers Paradise Live, a beachside festival spread across four days. The line-up looks to homegrown Australian talent, including the likes of The Living End, Jebediah, Reece Mastin, Hoodoo Gurus, Thirsty Merc and more. The best part? This all-ages festival is free to attend. How great is that? May 2 – 5

It's time to brush up on your surfing lingo; you're going to need it if you're planning to head along to the Coast's biggest surfing competition. The 2019 Gold Coast Open (formerly known as the Burleigh Pro) is spread across six days, and will see some of the world's top surfing talent flock to Burleigh Heads to battle it out against the locals for valuable Qualifying Series points. The 2019 Gold Coast Open marks the third qualifying event on the World Surf League Australasian calendar, and will host the men's and women's division, as well as the new pro junior category. May 7 - 12

SEAFIRE

If Guy Fawkes Day rates as one your favourite public holidays, then you're not going to want to miss this. Flock to Surfers Paradise and watch in awe as four nations compete for the 2019 title at Australia's only international fireworks competition, SeaFire. Set atop ocean barges, and perfectly choreographed to renowned soundtracks, these jaw-dropping pyrotechnic displays by teams from America, South Korea, New Zealand the Philippines are sure to blowyour mind. May 31 – June 1

NOOSA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL 

We hope you've packed your stretchy trousers – things are about to get a little snug. Spread over five delicious days, Noosa's Food and Wine Festival is back for 2019 with new events added to their already mouth-watering line-up. At the heart of the festival lies the Festival Village, where you can dine at one of the many pop-up restaurants, enjoy live music, or head along to a cooking demo. The Drinks Lab is a new addition to the Festival Village, which will see the nation's best mixologists, sommeliers and connoisseurs team up to keep whistles whetted. Similarly, beer lovers will froth over the schedule of hop-based events, while foodies can forage with modern food pioneers, or rub shoulders with leading chefs and local artisans at a master-class or cooking workshop. May 16 – 17

FESTIVAL OF FILM, MUSIC AND DANCE

GETTING THERE

Travelling there is easy; Virgin Australia flies direct to the Gold Coast from Auckland International Airport.

Should the Gold Coast be just the first stop on your Aussie adventure, there is plenty more of the country to explore. Virgin Australia flies to over 40 domestic destinations includingSydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Byron Bay, Townsville, Canberra, Mackay, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Adelaide, Hobart, and Darwin.

Leave your cabin-sized baggage at home because Virgin Australia’s all-inclusive fare includes 23kg of checked baggage, so you can come home heavier than you left (and that’s not just from the food). If that wasn’t enough, regular jetsetters will love the increased Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits earning potential.