It's no secret that Australia's Gold Coast is one of the best places to get outside and explore.

From secret hinterland hideaways to crowded surf breaks, stellar cafe culture and more than one way to party down after sunset, we want to share some of our favourite Gold Coast adventures for the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy, and we hope to see you out there!

Holiday Adventure Guide to the Goldie

Nature: Mount Tamborine

Located only an hour drive from the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine is located in the lush hinterland of southeast Queensland, drawing in visitors from all around the globe with its assortment of natural beauty, wineries, shops, markets, outdoor activities and world class views. 

Where to Stay: The Escarpment Retreat - Don't miss their amazing spa treatments! 

What to See: Cedar Creek Falls (the only swimming hole on the mountain), Curtis Falls, Glow Worm Caves, Botanic Gardens 

What to Do: Wine Tasting, Cheese Tasting, Hot Air Ballooning, Hang Gliding & Paragliding, Hiking, Cooking Classes, Fortitude Brewing Company, Shopping, Art Galleries, Horseback Riding, Spa Services

What to Wear: Swept Away Leather Jacket, Roamer Leather Sandals, Love Me Knot Ring

We absolutely love this area, and due to its close proximity from popular areas of the Gold Coast, it's perfect for a romantic weekend holiday! 

Music: Falls Festival  

Alright, so it's a little south of the Gold Coast (again, about an hour), but we still couldn't resist mentioning one of our favourite annual music festivals in Byron Bay, the oh-so-tempting Falls Festival. With a stellar lineup and plenty of classic Byron attractions, this festival is one of the best excuses to ring in the New Year in style. 

While tickets are unsurprisingly selling out quickly, we're looking forward to excellent live music performances, the fashion, food and a 2017 to remember!

Who to See: Childish Gambino, Fat Freddy's Drop, The Avalanches, Grandmaster Flash, Matt Corby

What to Wear: Lucita Play Dress, Valient Boots, Black Nomad Vest

See more of our Festival Fashion Inspiration on Pinterest. 

Happy Hour: Broadbeach to Coolangatta

It goes without saying that life is better with a cocktail, right?! Right. And while there are hundreds of spots to choose from on the Gold Coast, we offer our suggestions for successful happy hours from Broadbeach to Coolangatta. No offense, Surfers. It's just... been there, done that, moving on. 

Monday: Apres Surf, Mermaid Beach - $5 Cheeseburgers, plus Drink Specials from 5pm - 6pm (Did we mention Makers Mark was their house bourbon?!). Pro Tip: Get there early! 

Tuesday: Mandala Organic Arts Cafe, Mermaid Beach - $20 All You Can Eat Pizza

Wednesday: Forty Two 20 Beach Cafe & Restaurant, Burleigh Heads - 4 Share Plates & 1 Bottle House Wine for $50, plus BYO Playlist to listen to your own tunes while you dine! 

Thursday: Bonita Bonita, Mermaid Beach - $5 Tacos, plus delicious margaritas. Pro Tip: Get there early! 

Friday: Bine Bar & Dining, Nobby's - 50 Cent Wings, $5 Draft Beers from 4pm - 6pm. Yep, that's right. FIFTY CENT WINGS. 

Saturday: The Cooly Hotel, Coolangatta - $19.90 Surf & Turf with a pot of beer or glass of wine. 

Sunday: Aloha Bar & Dining, Broadbeach - $1 Sydney Rock Oysters from 5pm - 7pm

What to Wear: Viviana Maxi Skirt, Savanna Bag, Blush Tallulah Bohemian Sandals 

And don't forget - Uber is your friend! 

Arts: Gallery Browsing / Craft Making

Even if you don't consider yourself an art enthusiast, it's great to feel a little more enlightened every now and then. While the Gold Coast doesn't tend get much attention for its artistic side, there are plenty of options for browsing work from excellent local artists, or even alternately, signing up for a class to test your arts & craft skills yourself!

Galleries to Visit: Gold Coast City Gallery, 19KAREN Art and Sculpture Gallery, Gallery One 

Classes to Take: The Craft Parlour Workshops - Learn how to make cool items like dreamcatchers and rompers, or even candles, illustration books and more. 

What to Wear: Analena Mini Skirt, Quenti Leather Wallet, Larimar Yandi Rope Ring

Camping: South Stradbroke Island 

If you've yet to venture to the tiny offshore island locally known as South Straddie, you're missing out. A long time staple for surfers and fishermen, this is one of the best places for a low key summertime camping trip. Book a boat taxi from Runaway Bay and arrive on the sandy shoreline in less than 15 minutes, and enjoy stellar views of the Gold Coast shores, a visit from the local island wallabies, and a short walk to the long stretch of uncrowded, gorgeous beach on the east side of the island.

How to Get There: Chris of Broadwater Taxi is your man! Give him a shout at watertaxi@broadwatertaxi.com.au. 

Where to Camp: South Currigee Campground - Equipped with restrooms, showers, fire pits, designated campground sites, covered picnic tables and BBQ grills 

What to Bring: Besides a tent, you'll need plenty of drinking water, as well as food, cooking utensils, firewood (available for purchase at the campsite, but it's pricey) and lots of bug spray! 

What to Wear: Soul Searcher Sandals, Runaway MuMu, Luna Coin Purse

Thanks for reading our holiday adventure guide to the Gold Coast. Wishing you lots of happy exploring this upcoming summer season, and be sure to share photos of you rocking the latest Mahiya goods with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!