Your ultimate guide to an elevated summer with Dorsett Gold Coast

Sun-bathed days, dazzling beaches and a fun-loving culture which is always up for a good time; the Gold Coast is everything you could want from your summer holiday hit list. With its front-and-centre locale and an invitation to relish the moment, the stylish Dorsett Gold Coast warmly welcomes guests with sleek design-led interiors, direct access to a world of entertainment and the incredibly Instagrammable Isoletto Pool Club.

This is your all-in-one guide to uncovering the city, so check in to chill out, frock up and dive into everything that glitters on the Gold Coast.

Dorsett Gold Coast Exterior — Take advantage of Dorsett Gold Coast’s central locale.

Where to stay

If you’re here for a good time, and, well, who doesn’t come to the Gold Coast for that? Then Dorsett is the only place to stay. Throw yourself onto the generous bed in your ultra-stylish room and take in the surrounding scene of refined interiors, astonishing city vistas and your centre-of-the-action Broadbeach location.

Dorsett Gold coast Deluxe King Panoramic Bedroom — Soak in the views from your Deluxe King room.

Set within The Star Gold Coast’s leisure precinct and an easy five-minute walk from Kurrawa Beach and Broadbeach’s dining precinct and across the road from Pacific Fair shopping centre – Dorsett Gold Coast is at the beating heart of a truly vibrant playground.

Go all in and book an Executive Room to level up the luxe on your stay and unlock access to the loftily located Executive Lounge on level 19. Here you can take in sweeping Gold Coast panoramas and indulge in complimentary daily sunset canapes, evening drinks and a bespoke buffet breakfast.

breakfast at dorsett gold coast executive lounge — Level up to the Executive Lounge breakfast.

Things to do

Gold Coast days can’t get more idyllic than at Dorsett Gold Coast’s covetable Isoletto Pool Club. Slide onto a submerged ‘wet’ sun lounge and dangle your toes in the water as you take in this perfectly styled scene.

Here in this sky-high oasis with front-row seats to the city skyline, the hours drift easily away. Spend them slipping in and out of the pool, sipping cocktails on the deck (the sunset spritz or a margarita pop are particular favourites) and grazing on light dishes of a Californian Prawn Cocktail or Nourish Bowl to fuel your moment in the sun.

When the draw of the ocean lures you away from Isoletto, pack your beach umbrella and head across to Kurrawa Beach to plunge into glassy waves and watch the parade of people flitting between the sea and sand.

Or travel a little further to explore the Gold Coast’s string of glittering beaches from Surfers Paradise in the north, all the way down to Coolangatta on the southern end. Beloved Burleigh Heads is in the middle.

The Isoletto Pool Club — Take a dip at the picture-perfect Isoletto Pool Club.

Should you require a new outfit befitting a glamorous night on the town, you needn’t look too far. Across the way from Dorsett Gold Coast is the sprawling mall, Pacific Fair. You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped onto a cruise ship at this resort-inspired shopping centre that houses everything from favourite high-street fashion to luxury labels, such as Balenciaga, Burberry and Bvlgari. You’ll also find a cinema and casual dining.

Of course, if you’re after a bit of classic Gold Coast fun, you can always spend a day at one of the many theme parks. From Seaworld Marine Park and Warner Bros. Movie World to splash-tastic fun at Wet ’n’ Wild, there are thrills aplenty. Or keep the adrenaline levels low and spend some time meeting adorable local wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

After amassing some incredible Gold Coast experiences, it may be time for a little more relaxation back at Dorsett Gold Coast. Book yourself in to recalibrate body and mind at Azure Spa & Fitness, where you can put your wellbeing first in one of the six treatment rooms or gym. To lean right into the indulgence, opt for a couples massage in one of the Azure cabanas.

aerial view of surfer's paradise gold coast — Explore the famous Surfer’s Paradise. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Where to eat

Inside Dorsett Gold Coast is Jin Bar & Cafe, where you can drop in for everything from a morning coffee and pastry to a cocktail or two and a sharing platter come aperitivo hour. This secret gem is the place to sink into a plush lounge and let the night begin.

An elevator ride away from the gastronomic checklist of The Star’s dining collection, a stay at Dorsett places incredible culinary experiences within easy reach of ravenous appetites.

dorsett gold coast jin bar and cafe — Indulge in a tempting array of delicious bites at Jin Bar.

Take your place at the table for intricately crafted Japanese delights at Kiyomi, or tuck into a trolley-load of treats for a yum cha session at Uncle Su. Also find the elevated 19 at The Star, where a well-finessed cocktail at the lounge bar is a Gold Coast must-do and well worth dressing up in your finery to enjoy. If only carbs will suffice, settle in for a wood-fired pizza at Cucina Vivo.

For evenings slightly further afield, it’s a quick walk to Broadbeach’s buffet of world-class restaurants, such as the warm-hued Miss Moneypenny’s and the intimate fine-dining Social Eating House.

chef putting pizza into woodfired oven at Cucina Vivo — Settle in for classic Italian at Cucina Vivo. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Start planning your luxe, summer Gold Coast getaway at dorsetthotels.com

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

Your ultimate guide to an elevated summer on the Gold Coast