Welcome back to our sun-filled escape to the Gold Coast. For one super glorious three-day weekend, we got to explore this beautiful part of the world, where nature, culture and city-living collide in the most wonderful of ways. For our final day, it felt fitting to end things on a high note. Literally.

Before you get stuck into this itinerary, check out day one and day two.PREDAWN: UP, UP AND AWAY There are only a handful of living creatures that are wide awake around four o’clock in the morning: possums, owls, and Jay, the pilot on the day of our Hot Air balloon ride. Jay was so warm and enthusiastic that even I felt relatively chipper in the wee hours. We clambered into the (surprisingly spacious) basket as our vessel filled with air and then we were off. Soon we were soaring above the Gold Coast hinterland. The view below was like nothing I’d ever seen before – a spectacle of rugged, natural textures bathed in golden light. From up there, the winding roads looked like silver streams and the mountains like rippling waves. The whole hour above ground was a meditative and super special experience – a chance to see a part of this beautiful country the way the birds do. When we touched back down to earth, I still kind of felt like I was floating.

After the flight, we were treated to a hot breakfast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and a ride back down the mountain. Um, can every day start like this please?MORNING: SECOND-HAND HAVEN On the first and third Sunday of every month, The Village Markets (also known as TVM) take over the oval at Burleigh State School. The markets are a treasure trove of artisanal goods, unique art, antique finds and locally-made jewellery and clothing. You could spend hours combing through the stalls, listening to live music and tasting a little bit of everything from the food trucks lining the perimeter. There’s also an entire section of the market dedicated purely to second-hand clothing (otherwise known as TVM Rack Sale) where you can find some killer jeans and jackets that no one else is likely to be strutting around in.LUNCH: UNBEATABLE VIEWS (AND KING PRAWNS) The Tropic is Burleigh’s picture-perfect beachside restaurant, and it’s only a ten minute walk away from the markets. The view is pretty much the most spectacular on offer in… the entire city?! Seriously – there’s nothing but sea for days. The food here is something else, especially if you like your bread spiced and puffed and your king prawns with garlic and butter (which I absolutely do)... and burrata, just in general. If you’re into cocktails, you’ll need to get the one with gin, mango and basil for a fresh little mouth experience. It seems dining at The Tropic is so tear-jerkingly beautiful that when you walk out the door, you’ll legitimately believe you dreamt up the whole thing. Bookings at The Tropic are in high demand, so make sure that you reserve well ahead of time.After three glorious days on the Gold Coast, it’s time to zip back to the airport (it’s only a 20-minute drive) and bring this super rad holiday to a close. There’s been plenty of moreish menus, delectable drinks and nature to boot. I’m leaving full of happy memories, magical experiences and with Vitamin D streaming straight into my bones.

This luxe itinerary and article were brought to you in partnership with our pals at Destination Gold Coast. If you were inspired by our incredible three-day escape, you can plan your own art and entertainment-filled trip over at Destination Gold Coast.

frankie acknowledges and pays respects to Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region of the Gold Coast. We pay respects to all Elders past, present and emerging.