
When I picture a shoulder-season weekend on the Gold Coast, I picture sunshine, bikinis, beach walks — and maybe an overpriced coconut margarita by 3pm.
What we got instead? Rain. For three straight days.
As someone with family up north, all I usually hear is, "It's 26 degrees in the middle of July!" and "Oh, is it raining down there again?". So, of course, the one weekend I fly up for a girls trip, the Sydney weather follows me.
Watch: While we're on the topic of travel — here's what the Mamamia team had to say about modern travel etiquette (yes, we're looking at you, armrest hoggers). Post continues below.
Still, the trip was far from a write-off. With a borrowed car and my best friend riding shotgun, we turned a soggy weekend into something we'll be talking about for years.
Here's your guide on how to make the most of a weekend in the Gold Coast, sun or no sun…
If you eat with your phone first.
An essential part of any girls' weekend (or any weekend at that) is the food. As a certified Sydney food snob, I'm happy to report that one Mermaid Beach restaurant has officially topped my phone notes' restaurant picks: Etsu Izakaya.