Tracing Australia’s east coast, from Sydney all the way up to Cairns, has long been the country’s number one road trip, tempting families, couples and solo gap year travellers alike. And with its abundance of attractions and accommodation, the Gold Coast makes for an obvious stopover en route. But even if your clients aren’t driving, the region is still worthy of a visit. Direct flights are available from most Australian gateway cities and regional capital Brisbane is just around the corner.

4am: Rise and shine! Many weekend breakers will only just be heading to sleep after a wild night hitting the casinos, bars and clubs that Surfers Paradise has to offer, but your clients are waking at this ungodly hour to witness the sunrise with their head in the clouds. Local operator Hot Air Gold Coast lets passengers sail almost 1,000 metres into the sky, admiring the farmland and national parks of the Scenic Rim below, while flocks of geese fly over the morning mist that stretches across the ground like a silvery spider’s web. Clients may even spy kangaroos in the fields.

8am: Once your clients have come back down to earth, Hot Air will take them for a well-earned champagne breakfast at O’Reilly’s homestead and vineyard. Or they can simply whizz them straight back to the city where a number of outfits serve up eggs benedict beachside. For those who would prefer a rural daytrip over the city option, the friendly folks at Southern Cross 4WD Tours can help, taking visitors deep into Queensland’s rainforest and national parks.

10am: Families and adrenaline-junkies have a long list of attractions right on their hotel’s doorstep. For high-octane thrills visitors should make a beeline for Warner Bros. Movie World, with its superhero and cartoon-themed attractions. Animal lovers might be tempted by Australia Zoo (owned by the family of the late “crocodile hunter” Steve Irwin), whale watching tours, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or the Sea World Resort. Shopaholics will find their spiritual home at the Pacific Fair shopping centre, which has just undergone a $670 million redevelopment, while bargain hunters can take refuge in the Harbour Town outlet shopping centre.

4pm: If your client’s legs are weary from trawling the shopping malls, or their nerves broken by Warner Bros. Arkham Asylum, send them for a leisurely beach stroll in Burleigh Heads – the region’s most bohemian suburb, with a village-like feel. Young families stroll along the shoreside, while joggers and cyclists patrol the path as the sun starts to sink. If they’ve still got the energy they could try their hand at surfing, or just relax on the sand.

6pm: Time to raise a glass. Pizzeria Justin Lane has a rooftop cocktail bar strewn with fairy lights, while further south the small coastal town of Currumbin has an exciting new development for craft beer lovers. Balter Brewing Company opened in April this year, founded by four local pro-surfers, and hides unmarked in an industrial estate where they brew the beer. The athletes can even be found behind the bar. Both spots offer food.  

8pm: The coast’s highest attraction, SkyPoint boasts a 230-metre-high Observation Deck with 360-degree views, allowing visitors to take in the collision of sea and skyscrapers from above. More intrepid clients can try the SkyPoint Climb – at 270 metres above sea level it’s Australia’s highest external building walk.

11pm: Night owls can get their fix at the many establishments in Surfers Paradise. But for their beauty sleep send clients to the QT. A contemporary yet quirky property; even the minibar is playful, offering gingerbread men and retro games. Rooms are bright with a clean palette and zesty accents, and offer mountain or ocean views. Don’t let your clients miss breakfast – the spread presents everything from the sinful (strudels drizzled with chocolate, doughnuts and fry ups) to the saintly (bircher muesli and acai, or fresh tropical fruit).

•  visitgoldcoast.com