24 Hour Central Gold Coast Itinerary

Don’t get stuck in old-school thinking – this is not the Gold Coast of yesteryear. Our central ‘hood is home to charming, sun-soaked cafes, kilometres of coastal walking paths, craft breweries, revamped shopping centres, urban marketplaces, and some of the best live music venues on the Coast . Consider this your back-pocket travel guide – you’re in for a good time.

FUEL UP AT ELK ESPRESSO

If, like us, your morning mantra is “first I drink the coffee, then I do the things”, then we’re going to let you in on a little local secret… start your day with a pit stop at Elk Espresso in Broadbeach. You may have to wait a few minutes for a table but we promise it’ll be worth it. Grab a seat in the sun-filled dining room overlooking the parklands and ocean across the road and choose from the seasonally inspired menu (this is the hard part!).

WALK IT OFF ALONG THE ESPLANADE

Burn off that brekkie by strapping on your sneakers, jumping in the car and heading south to Miami. At the south end of this walkway you’ll find the rainbow stairs up to North Burleigh. The views at the top are seriously something else. From here, get your breath back and walk the four kilometre round-trip to Burleigh Heads, where uninterrupted ocean views will reward you. Don’t forget to bring your togs – you’re going to want a dip.

DINE AROUND THE WORLD AT THE KITCHENS

A four kilometre hike (okay, walk) is certainly going to burn off a few calories, so your reward is a trip to one of the Coast’s foodie playgrounds – The Kitchens. Located at Robina Town Centre, this massive urban marketplace is going to take you around the world (passport not necessary), with over 30 fresh food outlets, restaurants, bars and cafes spread across two levels. Souvas, wood-fired pizza, dumplings, ramen, burgers, vegan eats, raw treats, bagels, teppanyaki, empanadas, curries, gelato, espresso martinis… you name it, they’ve got it.

REFRESH THE WARDROBE AT PACIFIC FAIR

We’re sure you don’t need any encouragement in this department, but if you’re looking to update the wardrobe with a few new pieces, you’ve come to the right place. Pacific Fair will blow your mind – and your budget – so consider this your friendly warning. And regardless of whether you’ve got champagne tastes (hello new Gucci tote), or get your shopping thrills from browsing the bargain racks, we can assure you, you won’t be going home empty handed.

AFTERNOON TIPPLE IN THE GARDEN

We know that an arduous day of shopping can be thirsty work (all that walking…), so we’re calling it now – it’s happy hour people! And we know just the place for cool refreshment. Cross the road and find yourself in the GardeKitchen & Bar where manicured lawns, vibrantly coloured beanbags and frozé (that’s frozen rosé in case you’re wondering) awaits you. Still not sold? Well how about the fact that it’s home to Australia’s first Moet vending machine which proudly boasts hundreds of miniature bottles of fizzy goodness? Oh, and it’s located at The Star Gold Coast – so you can even have a little dabble if you’re feeling lucky.

LIVE TUNES AND STREET FOOD AT MIAMI MARKETTA

It’s time for a change of scenery (and another bite to eat) – Miami Marketta is calling. Picture a revamped industrial-style shed – decked out with graffiti wall art – that comes to life every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night with epic food trucks and live music. This is where some of the biggest local and international indie artists come to play, so don’t’ be surprised if you find yourself making a b-line to the d-floor when the beat drops.

REST YOUR HEAD AT PEPPERS BROADBEACH

It’s been a big day and you’ve certainly covered some miles, so sign up for some Peppers Broadbeach indulgence. When it comes to luxury digs in the heart of Broadbeach, this is where you’ll find it– massive balconies overlooking the beach, modern kitchens (in case you feel like cooking… ha!), multiple pools, a Zen garden, gym, sauna, spa, tai chi lawn… AND you’ve got some of the Coast’s best restaurants and coffee spots on your doorstep.