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The Gold Coast is a glittering jewel on Australia’s east coast. Home to some of the country’s best-known tourist attractions — from surfing in some of the southern hemisphere’s most famous spots to sampling the country’s much-loved wine varieties — you’ll never be short of exciting things to do here.
If you’re hoping to beat the crowds and get off the beaten path, you will want to bookmark this article. Here are the ten most incredible hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
1. Burleigh Head National Park
- Website: parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/burleigh-head
- Address: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD
The Gold Coast is a vibrant, buzzing city, but if you’re looking for a nature fix, you can’t beat Burleigh Head National Park. Visitors can wander along walking trails to discover lush rainforests and breathtaking ocean views. Keep an eye out for Tallebudgera Creek — this area of natural beauty is a great spot for photos.
2. Secret Swimming Spots
Most visitors will head to Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Broadbeach to swim and sunbathe, but if you’re looking for quieter swimming holes, you’ll want to head to one of these gorgeous locations instead:
Currumbin Rock Pools
- Website: queensland.com/gb/en/things-to-do/attractions
- Address: Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley QLD
This Currumbin Valley gem is where locals head to leap into the clear waters from the rocky outcrops above. Join them if you dare, or bring a picnic and watch them from the safety of the grassy shoreline instead.
Cougal Cascades
- Website: alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/australia/queensland/cougal-cascades-track
- Address: Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley QLD
This freshwater swimming hole is just 12 miles from Currumbin Beach and boasts a walking track that weaves through the lush rainforest, making it a top choice for nature lovers.
Cedar Creek Falls
- Website: queensland.com/de/de/things-to-do/attraction
- Address: 76 Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD
This swimming hole is nestled in the Tamborine Mountains and sits at the base of a spectacular waterfall. Keep an eye out for the kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and colorful Australian birds that call these mountains home.
Warringa Pool
- Website: parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/journeys#warringa
- Address: 57 Gwongorella Parade, Springbrook QLD
This refreshing waterhole makes the perfect stop on the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, there’s no greater place for a tropical dip.
Froggie’s Beach
- Website: goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do/Gold-Coast
- Address: Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta, QLD
This lesser-known strip of sand is located between Point Danger and Snapper Rocks and is a real slice of paradise. Bask in the shade of palm trees, spot tropical fish while snorkeling, or splash around in shallow rock pools — the choice is yours!
Kirra Beach
- Website: www.queensland.com/us/kirra
- Address: Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
Kirra Beach between Coolangatta and Tugun is mostly known for its killer breaks that attract surfers from far and wide. However, it’s often overlooked as a beach destination, so you’re likely to have the sands to yourself.
Tipplers
- Website: tipplers.au/camping-and-kiosk/
- Address: South Stradbroke Island, QLD
Tipplers is a resort on South Stradbroke Island that offers a camping ground and cafe. This swimming spot can only be reached by ferry, making it a fun, family-friendly day trip.
3. Gloworm Caves
- Website: parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook
- Address: Old School Rd, Springbrook, QLD
Springbrook National Park is a must-do activity for hiking fans visiting Queensland, and the Natural Bridge (a cavern that developed from erosion caused by a waterfall) is a must-see while in the area. But many visitors don’t know that it’s also home to a unique glowworm cave. Come along to see these fascinating creatures from December to March.
4. Walk Alpacas
- Website: oreillys.com.au/canungra-valley-vineyards/alpacas
- Address: 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra, QLD
A visit to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards is a great day out for wine lovers, but few tourists realize that you can also walk the resident alpacas while you’re there! This special experience is a great way to round up a fabulous day of wine tasting.
5. Paradise Country
- Website: paradisecountry.com.au
- Address: Production Dr, Oxenford, QLD
The Gold Coast is known by many as the theme park capital of Australia, and Paradise Country is a top pick for animal lovers. Here, you’ll get up close to Australian farm animals including sheep, cows, horses, pigs, and dogs. You’ll see sheep shearing and learn about wool production, and you can even try your hand at boomerang throwing.
6. Gold Coast Ghost Tours
- Website: goldcoastghosttours.com
- Address: 237 Queen St, Southport, QLD
Discover the dark paranormal side of the Gold Coast when you take a spooky ghost tour. You’ll see a side of this glittering city that most tourists avoid and hear tales of terror as you wander down dark alleys and linger in shadowy streets.
7. Sanctuary Markets
- Website: currumbinsanctuary.com.au/what-to-see-and-do
- Address: The Village Green, 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, QLD
Burleigh Heads Village Market and Miami Marketta are where most tourists head for their street food fix, but those in the know head to the Sanctuary Markets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary instead. Expect eateries serving food from all over the world, from sizzling Brazilian BBQ to spicy Thai noodles.
8. Visit Sydney
Brisbane is a popular side trip from the Gold Coast, but it’s also possible to visit the stunning city of Sydney during your time on Australia’s east coast. The flight time is just 1.5 hours, making it the perfect weekend escape. Or, for an epic road trip, you can complete the journey in around nine hours or stop off in Cessnock, Newcastle, and Nelson Bay along the way.
9. Dracula’s Cabaret
- Website: draculas.com.au/gold-coast
- Address: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach, QLD
This adult-only attraction has been wowing visitors since the 1980s and is a quirky show not to be missed. Expect live music, risque comedy, and even some partial nudity at this spooky and hilarious show. Choose from show-only tickets or treat yourself to a three-course feast for the best dinner and a show experience imaginable.
10. The Gold Coast’s Hidden Bars
The Gold Coast has a thriving gastronomic scene with charming bistros and five-star restaurants scattered throughout the city. The drinking scene is equally as exciting, and many incredible hidden gems are serving delicious drinks and inviting ambiance aplenty. Here are a few of our favorites.
Lockwood Bar
- Website: instagram.com/lockwood.bar
- Address: 7B Justin Ln, Burleigh Heads, QLD
This speakeasy-style bar’s entrance is cleverly concealed and guests have to text a number on arrival to be welcomed in. Once inside, you’ll be greeted with an extensive cocktail menu and a superb selection of whiskies.
Veladora
- Website: star.com.au/goldcoast/bars/veladora
- Address: The Star, Lobby Level, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach, QLD
Most people head to this sprawling venue for the casino, but this Mexican-inspired speakeasy is the real star of the show. A red palm tree signals you’re close, and once you’ve made your way inside, you’ll be rewarded with warm hospitality and a thoughtfully crafted drinks menu.
Janitor’s Closet
- Address: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225, Australia
- Opening hours: 7 pm till late Friday and Saturday
This ultra-cool spot is located in The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta and is only open to hotel guests. Entry is via a false wall in a broom closet. Make your way inside and enjoy a nightcap in this dimly lit piano bar.
Roosevelt Lounge
- Website: therooseveltlounge.com.au
- Address: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD
Experience the roaring 1920s at this classy establishment in the heart of Broadbeach. This bar is all about gilded decadence, sink into a leather Chesterfield sofa with a glass of champagne in hand and toast to the good old days.
Discover the Best Gold Coast Hidden Gems
You’ll fall in love with this vibrant, eclectic city from the moment you land at Gold Coast Airport, and it’s safe to say that you’ll never run out of amazing things to do here. Which hidden gem will you discover first?
