Gold Coast Adventures: Beaches, Wildlife & Highrise Living
Welcome back to FollowTheImprints! This time Sudeshna and I explored the stunning Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. From staying in a highrise apartment with sweeping views, to spotting kangaroos and koalas in the wild, to walking along the buzzing streets of Surfers Paradise—this trip had it all.
🏨 Our Stay at Main Beach
We spent 5 nights at an apartment hotel called Maldives, located right at Main Beach. The apartment was airy and spacious with a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, washer/dryer, and a balcony that opened up to the iconic Gold Coast skyline and beach views. At $108 per night, it felt worth it for the space and independence—though the service wasn’t the most attentive. Compared to Sydney, accommodation here was pricier but having our own kitchen helped save on meals.
🌿 Day Trip to Coombabah Lake Conservation Park
Just an hour away by tram and bus lies the Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, a 1200-acre wetland teeming with wildlife. Entry is free, and while there are no facilities (bring your own food and water), the reward is priceless—spotting koalas in eucalyptus trees and kangaroos hopping freely across open fields. For us, it was the first time seeing kangaroos in the wild, and even a mother kangaroo carrying her joey in its pouch!
🦘 Wildlife Encounters
Australia is home to unique species, with over 80% found nowhere else in the world. In the park we spotted multiple koalas (including a baby!) and dozens of kangaroos—some lounging, some bouncing across the fields. We also saw turkeys and the famous white ibis, jokingly called the “bin chicken” in Australia. Watching these animals in their natural habitat, free and untamed, was easily the highlight of our Gold Coast trip.
🍽 Picnic Lunch with Kangaroo Views
Thanks to our apartment kitchen, we packed our own lunches. One afternoon, we had a simple meal of chicken and rice right in the park, overlooking kangaroos in the distance. With groceries from Woolworths, we enjoyed affordable home-cooked meals—avocados for breakfast, chicken for lunch, and coffee breaks in between. Simple joys that made the trip extra memorable!
🏖 Surfers Paradise: The Heart of Gold Coast
No Gold Coast trip is complete without Surfers Paradise. With its 3 km stretch of golden sand, towering skyline, shopping streets, cafés, flea markets, and vibrant nightlife, it’s the entertainment hub of the city. The waves are powerful, and only designated swimming areas are safe under the lifeguards’ watch—everywhere else is for surfers, from beginners to pros. We strolled Cavill Avenue, explored souvenir shops (cheap finds starting at $5), and soaked in the buzzing beach-town vibes.
☕ A Coffee to End the Day
We wrapped up the day with coffee from a local spot called Stairwell Coffee. Normally, we’re not coffee drinkers, but with perfect beach weather and the energy of Surfers Paradise all around, it was the perfect ending to our Gold Coast adventure.
✨ Travel Tips for Gold Coast
- Public transport is cheap: trams cost only 50 cents per ride with a credit/debit card tap-on system.
- For buses, you’ll need a Go Card or paper ticket—cards are easy to buy from machines.
- Coombabah Lake Conservation Park is free but has no amenities—carry water and snacks.
- Stay near Surfers Paradise or Main Beach for easy access to beaches and nightlife.
🎥 Watch Our Gold Coast Journey
From wild kangaroos and koalas to skyline beaches and buzzing nightlife, Gold Coast proved why it’s one of Australia’s most loved destinations. For us, it was a blend of nature and city life that made this stop truly special. Subscribe to FollowTheImprints for more adventures as we continue exploring South America and beyond!