Welcome to Queensland's famous Gold Coast! Upon arrival at Gold Coast Airport, you'll be transferred to your beachfront accommodation in Broadbeach. After check-in and time to refresh, meet your local guide for an orientation walk along the beachfront esplanade that connects Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise, taking in the stunning coastal views and vibrant atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, we'll ascend to the SkyPoint Observation Deck on the 77th floor of the iconic Q1 Building for breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline, hinterland, and city. Your guide will point out key landmarks and share insights about the region's geography and history.

This evening, we'll gather for a welcome dinner at a popular beachfront restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood and local specialties as the sun sets over the ocean. Your guide will provide a briefing on the exciting days ahead and offer recommendations for how to make the most of your free time on the Gold Coast.

Accommodation: Peppers Broadbeach (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Burleigh Heads, one of the Gold Coast's best beaches for learning to surf. Here you'll meet your professional surf instructors for a beginner-friendly lesson that covers ocean safety, paddling techniques, and how to stand up and ride your first waves. The 2-hour lesson is tailored to all skill levels, from complete beginners to those with some previous experience.

Following your surf lesson, enjoy lunch at a local café overlooking Burleigh Beach, a favorite spot among locals. Afterward, take a guided walk around the Burleigh Headland, a beautiful coastal national park offering stunning views of the coastline and chances to spot whales (seasonal) and sea eagles.

The afternoon is yours to relax on the beach, practice your newfound surfing skills (with boards available for your use), or explore the nearby Burleigh Heads village with its boutique shops and cafés.

In the evening, experience a traditional Australian beach barbecue complete with fresh local seafood, grilled meats, and tropical fruits as the sun sets over the ocean. Share stories of your surfing adventures with your fellow travelers in this relaxed setting.

Accommodation: Peppers Broadbeach (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning after breakfast, we'll board a luxury catamaran for a scenic cruise through the Gold Coast's picturesque waterways. Navigate through the canals of 'the Broadwater,' passing waterfront mansions and super yachts while keeping an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and rays in the crystal-clear waters.

The cruise includes a stop at Wave Break Island, where you can snorkel in the protected waters around the island's artificial reef, revealing colorful fish and marine life. For those who prefer to stay dry, the island offers a perfect spot for beach relaxation or a short nature walk.

After returning to the marina, we'll head to the internationally renowned Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you'll get up-close encounters with Australia's unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and a remarkable diversity of birds. Don't miss the spectacular free-flight bird show and the feeding of the wild lorikeets.

The evening is free for you to explore the dining options of Broadbeach at your own pace. Your guide will provide recommendations ranging from casual eateries to fine dining experiences.

Accommodation: Peppers Broadbeach (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we venture into the lush Gold Coast Hinterland to explore Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. After breakfast, we'll travel through scenic countryside to reach this ancient ecosystem, where your expert naturalist guide will lead you on a journey through some of the oldest rainforests on Earth.

Our first stop is the spectacular Natural Bridge, a unique rock formation carved out by the force of the waterfall over the creek. Here you might spot the rare glow worms that inhabit the cave beneath the bridge (best seen in the early morning or late afternoon).

Continue to the Best of All Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views across northern New South Wales and the Gold Coast. On clear days, you can see all the way to Byron Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Your guide will identify landmarks and explain the geological and ecological significance of the area.

After a picnic lunch in the rainforest, we'll take the scenic Purling Brook Falls circuit walk, a 4km loop that offers magnificent views of the 100-meter waterfall and diverse rainforest vegetation. Your guide will point out unique plant species and explain their evolutionary history dating back to when Australia was part of the Gondwana supercontinent.

Return to the Gold Coast in the late afternoon. This evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner at an award-winning restaurant featuring modern Australian cuisine that showcases the best of Queensland's produce.

Accommodation: Peppers Broadbeach (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed final morning on the Gold Coast, with breakfast at the hotel followed by free time for last-minute shopping, a final swim at the beach, or simply relaxing by the pool. For early risers, there's the option to join your guide for a sunrise walk along the beach, a magical time when the coast is at its most peaceful.

If your flight schedule allows, you might like to visit one of the famous Gold Coast markets—Carrara Markets (the largest permanent weekend marketplace in Queensland) if it's the weekend, or Pacific Fair Shopping Centre for some retail therapy.

Check-out is at 11:00 am, with luggage storage available if needed. Your transfer to Gold Coast Airport will be arranged based on your departure time. As you leave, take with you sun-kissed memories of Australia's favorite playground.

Meals: Breakfast