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As Australia’s sixth largest city, it’ll come as no surprise that there are plenty of attractions and things to do here on the Gold Coast. The golden beaches and crystal clear ocean stretch for miles, and the city is home to some of the country’s best boutique shopping and high-end gastronomy.
Whether you’re seeking culture, sunshine and relaxation or sightseeing adventures aplenty, the Gold Coast has got you covered. Here are 15 must-see attractions that you’re sure to love.
1. Surfers Paradise
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or prefer to watch the action from the shore, you’re guaranteed to love spending a beach day at Surfers Paradise. Jet skis and jetboats are available for hire, and scuba diving is also a popular pursuit.
This area is also great for people watching from a cafe or indulging in a spot of boutique shopping, and Cavill Avenue is at the heart of the action. For the best sunset views, head up to the SkyPoint observation deck atop the second-tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere (or tackle the SkyPoint climb for a unique view if you’re feeling brave). Be sure to stick around after darkness falls to enjoy some of the best nightlife on the Gold Coast.
2. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Website: cws.org.au
- Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, QLD
Families love spending time at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and there’s plenty on offer for visitors of all ages. Try hand-feeding brightly colored lorikeets and enjoying the free-flight bird show, get an adrenaline rush on the high ropes course, or explore on a Segway — the choice is yours!
3. Coolangatta Beach
If the main beach at Surfers Paradise is too busy for your liking, check out the peaceful Coolangatta Beach instead. Located conveniently near the Gold Coast airport, this charming spot has lifeguards on patrol year-round to keep swimmers safe. Greenmount Point is the best spot for surfing here, and Kirra Beach has ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding.
Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for a beach crawl, Burleigh Head is a perfect stop-off between Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise Beach.
4. Tamborine Mountains
There’s so much to do on and around Mount Tamborine that you could easily spend an entire day exploring the various attractions. Here are a few of our favorites.
Tamborine National Park
- Website: visittamborinemountain.com.au
- Address: Visitor Information Centre, Doughty Park, Tamborine Mountain, Scenic Rim Area, QLD
At the heart of Gold Coast Hinterland is this subtropical paradise where you can hike through lush rainforests to discover dramatic waterfalls. The guided treetop tour takes you into the rainforest’s canopy and provides a unique vantage point.
Tamborine Mountain Glowworm Caves
- Website: tamborineglowworms.com.au
- Address: Cedar Creek Estate, 104 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD
Located at the Cedar Creek Estate vineyard and winery, this incredible cave was created to protect the local species of glow worms. Spending time observing these fascinating creatures is a unique Queensland experience not to be missed.
5. Sea World
- Website: seaworld.com.au
- Address: Sea World Drive, Main Beach, QLD
The Gold Coast’s Sea World is the largest water park in Australia and is a fantastic family day out. Watch dolphins and sea lions perform tricks, see polar bears and penguins, and test your nerve on the New Atlantis theme park roller coasters.
6. Dreamworld
- Website: dreamworld.com.au
- Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, QLD
For even more excitement, check out the thrill rides at Dreamworld. There’s plenty on offer here for visitors of all ages. And, for an Aussie twist on your day out, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an encounter with kangaroos, crocodiles, and many other Australian species.
If you have time, WhiteWater World is next door, and the waterslides and pools are ideal for cooling off on a hot Gold Coast day.
7. Stradbroke Island
As the second-largest sand island in the world, Stradbroke Island is one of the Gold Coast’s most impressive attractions. Located close to Brisbane, this is an ideal day trip where you can enjoy land-based humpback whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking, and many other outdoor activities.
8. Lamington National Park
This spectacular national park is just an hour from Surfers Paradise. Discover the remnants of an extinct volcano and spot lots of native wildlife, including over 190 species of birds. If nature is your thing, be sure to check out Springbrook National Park, too. Its famous Natural Bridge, where a waterfall descends into a cave, is breathtaking!
9. Shopping Centres
The Gold Coast is home to some world-class retail therapy, and these spots will please even the most die-hard shopaholics.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
- Website: pacificfair.com.au
- Address: 2/32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD
This stunning indoor/outdoor mall in Broadbeach boasts over 400 retailers plus plenty of cafes and restaurants to refuel at.
Marina Mirage Shopping Centre
- Website: marinamirage.com.au
- Address: Centre Management, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD
Marina Mirage is home to over 70 designer boutiques and is the best place to go for luxury goods and fine dining.
Australia Fair Shopping Centre
- Website: australiafair.com.au
- Address: 42 Marine Parade, Southport QLD
This air-conditioned shopping center is a great escape from the Aussie heat. With 180 stores, you’re sure to find plenty to spend your dollars on.
10. Warner Bros Movie World
- Website: movieworld.com.au
- Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD
At Warner Bros. Movie World, you can meet Hollywood heroes, watch death defying stunt shows, and test your nerve on high-flying rollercoasters. Many of the attractions are aimed at kids, but there’s plenty to keep adults entertained, too. Don’t miss the parades on Main Street.
11. Miami Marketta
- Website: miamimarketta.com
- Address: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD
This vibrant night market attracts locals and tourists with global food, expertly mixed cocktails, and eclectic live music and entertainment. While in the neighborhood, don’t miss Los Palms Brewing Co. This popular brewery draws in the crowds with its fruity, sour beers that perfectly accompany the Gold Coast’s balmy nights.
12. Wet ‘n’ Wild Gold Coast
- Website: wetnwild.com.au
- Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD
Whether you’ve got children in tow or you’re a kid at heart, you’re guaranteed to love Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast. There are plenty of big thrill rides to get the adrenaline pumping and lots of junior slides and pools to keep younger visitors safely entertained.
13. iFly Gold Coast
- Website: ifly.com.au/locations/gold-coast
- Address: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD
If you’ve ever dreamt of taking flight, this is your chance! iFLY indoor skydiving is a safe way to take to the air without having to leap out of a plane. This attraction is suited to brave visitors of all ages.
14. Paradise Country
- Website: paradisecountry.com.au
- Address: Production Dr, Oxenford QLD
For an authentic Australian adventure, Paradise Country is not to be missed. Discover what life on an Aussie farm is like when you visit this popular attraction. Visitors have the opportunity to watch stockmen and their dogs round up sheep and then learn how they shear them. You’ll also get to taste traditional billy tea.
15. Point Danger Lookout
- Website: queensland.com/gb/point-danger
- Address: Marine Parade, Coolangatta, Gold Coast Area, QLD
Danger Point is located on the Queensland/New South Wales border and is one of the best spots on the Gold Coast to enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean views. Pack a picnic and your camera, and head down for pleasant temperatures and mind-blowing vistas during golden hour.
There’s So Much to See on the Glittering Gold Coast
As one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, you’ll find endless exciting attractions here. The only challenge is to squeeze in as many of them as possible. Where will you begin your adventure?
