Words by Shalbha Sarda
There is a reason that Australia’s Gold Coast has a hype among luxury vacationers. It caters to many different types of tourists including those most interested in luxury and adventure, and the luxury of long stretches of beaches to walk, as well as the slow-life luxury of being in the peaceful hinterland, are big draws.
Some hotels make you feel like you’re living on the beach, some of the best in the country, others as if you are living in a mountain paradise. And if you’re unsure of where to start when planning your adventures to this coastal city, tour companies can create a private customised itinerary with plenty of activities for high-end travellers who enjoy doing something off the beaten path.
Read on to find out the top places to stay and some of the unmissable things to do if you seek a golden holiday on the Gold Coast.
Luxury accommodation
The Langham, Gold Coast
The Langham high-rise resort brings unparalleled luxury and coastal charm. It is not just the newest addition to the array of luxury hotels on the Gold Coast, but it’s also the first beachfront property built in 30 years and the hotel has 169 hotel rooms and 170 plush residences. What’s common to all are the sweeping views of the ocean or the hinterland, and if you’re lucky, both! Be sure to book a junior or executive ocean suite on the higher floors for uninterrupted ocean views.
The indoor swimming pool rejuvenates with magnesium therapy for the skin, while the stylish outdoor pool, overlooking a sandy lagoon, features a swim-up bar. The Langham is renowned for having one of the best breakfast buffet spreads, so make sure to book a room with breakfast for a truly indulgent experience.
Verandah House Country Estate
If cottage core is your aesthetic for a luxury statement and you appreciate the slow life, then Verandah House Country Estate is your perfect retreat. Situated in the picturesque Tambourine region of the hinterland of the Gold Coast, this eight-suite property offers the best of country life without sacrificing modern-day luxury.
Think Ralph Lauren furnishings, Hermes blankets, and double bathtubs with misty mountain views for your room. Beyond your room, inside the property, indulge in hot tubs, picnic lunches, bonfires, and dinner in a charming barn restaurant. The highlight of your stay will be the hospitality of the owners, Laurence and Judy Pereira, who make you feel right at home with their personal touches.
JW Marriott, Gold Coast
Think sandy shores, turquoise waters, lagoons with fish, caves with waterfalls, and bridges to stroll—all part of your stay at the JW Marriott on the Gold Coast. It is known as one of the best resorts in the region, and there are plenty of reasons for this. The tropical pool is, of course, one of them, along with the spa by JW and the farm-to-table dining experience.
The foyer is breezed by old-style punkah fans, and the grand staircase is the focal point of the lobby. While there are many other accommodations on the Gold Coast, this one just underwent a whopping $35 million renovation, rebranded and upscaled altogether, making for another reason to stay here.
Explore in style
Hot air balloon
Soaring over the breath-taking landscapes of the Gold Coast in a hot air balloon is an undeniably enchanting experience. In an age dominated by supersonic travel, this timeless adventure holds a unique romanticism. Unlike sophisticated aeroplanes controlled by scientific gadgets, a hot air balloon glides gracefully with the gusts of the wind. Open from all sides, standing in a wicker basket up in the air feels as close to the flight of a bird as one can get.
The Gold Coast offers two entirely unique hot air balloon experiences: one above the stunning coastline and ocean, and the other over the endless green vistas of the hinterland. Each option promises a breath-taking adventure that will leave you in awe. The best hot air balloon experience is provided by Go Ballooning.
Helicopter
While balloon rides provide an up-close sky encounter, the helicopter ride offers up more adrenaline. Gold Coast Helitours will treat you to a fantastic view of the Gold Coast that should not be missed! With two decades of experience providing helicopter fun with state-of-the-art helicopters, they will sweep you over the landscape with expert narration by their experienced pilots.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to make your day extraordinary, there are various packages available, such as picnic tours, bespoke tours, and restaurant and winery transfers. In the fly-and-feast option, you can even indulge in a hearty meal after landing.
Sunset sailing
Don your captain’s hat and navigate through the posh neighbourhoods and billionaire’s houses on the Gold Coast’s Broadwater in a Duffy Boat. These electric, eco-friendly boats are the only ones that can go under the low bridges of the canals, giving you the freedom to explore anywhere you’d like. Sign up for a sunset ride, bring your picnic basket, champagne, and music, and enjoy an up-close view of the waterfront mansions.
You can steer the boat yourself or relax and let the experienced skipper, who doubles as an expert guide, take the helm. The Duffy boats provide a perfect setting to enjoy the sunset on the canal with friends and family. They are equipped with all necessary safety gear, a toilet, an ice chest, a shaded canopy, window enclosures, sunroofs, Bluetooth, and a table with comfortable lounge-style seating. For smaller groups, the Classic Snug is an excellent choice, accommodating up to nine people comfortably.
Jetcar
The newest sensation on the Gold Coast’s water scene, the Jetcar is a part convertible car and part jet ski. This super cool vehicle lets you zip around the canals in a car-shaped jet ski that seats two. All you need is a driver’s license and a boat license, and the canals of the Gold Coast, which could rival Venice, can be explored in the Jetcar. Equipped with a sound system for playing your favourite tunes, the Jetcar promises to turn heads and get you a few handfuls of waves!
Top tours
Pineapple Tours offer personalised guided tours that provide luxury car pick-up and drop-off, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide tailored to your dream experiences on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re interested in a winery tour, hop-on-hop-off routes, or spotting koalas and kangaroos in the wild, Pineapple Tours customises every detail for you. Just ask, and they will make it happen!
Kiff and Culture provide authentic travel experiences by collaborating with the region’s top chefs, wine experts, and wildlife specialists. One of the most popular tours offered by Kiff and Culture is the Alfresco Dining in the Hinterland. This comprehensive package includes a walk through the stunning Hinterland Rainforest Skywalk, wine and cheese tastings at a mountain winery, and a personalised ‘Taste of the Coast’ lunch at the beautiful, private Gold Coast Hinterland Country Estate.
Factbox
For more details on Gold Coast attractions visit destinationgoldcoast.com
