9 days in Gold Coast & Byron Bay Itinerary

A city of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches, and tree-lined streets, Gold Coast has an unpretentious air complemented by a citywide focus on sports and the arts.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Sat): tee off at Surfers Paradise Golf Club and then stroll through Burleigh Heads Beach.

To find maps, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Gold Coast road trip planning tool.

Melbourne to Gold Coast is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Melbourne in January, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Gold Coast, with lows around 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to drive to Byron Bay.

Named after Lord Byron's grandfather, Byron Bay is not only famous as the easternmost point of Australia, but even more so as one of the liveliest vacation spots in the country.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Pippi Beach and Belongil Beach. Take a break from the city and head to Cape Byron Walking Track and Turners Beach. Go for a jaunt from Byron Bay to Angourie to see Spooky Beach about 1h 50 min away. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sea views from Cape Byron Lighthouse, kick back and relax at Broken Head Beach, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and explore and take pictures at Broken Head Nature Reserve.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Byron Bay trip planner.

Traveling by car from Gold Coast to Byron Bay takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in January, and nighttime lows around 21°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) so you can go by car to Gold Coast.

On the 30th (Sat), relax and rejuvenate at Burleigh Heads Massage.

Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your Gold Coast trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

You can drive from Byron Bay to Gold Coast in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Sun) so you can travel back home.