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The Gold Coast is a glittering beachside city and a hugely popular tourist destination just south of Brisbane. Perched on Australia’s east coast, it’s home to an array of white-sand beaches and is a world-class surfing and watersports destination. There’s also plenty to do on land, with a vibrant shopping and dining scene and some of the country’s best national parks all on offer.
If you’re planning a trip to the region, here are 16 of the very best things to do on The Gold Coast.
1. Go Beach-Hopping
The Gold Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Queensland, and hopping between them is a great way to spend a day. Here are the Gold Coast beaches not to be missed:
- Main Beach: this extremely popular beach is a top pick for swimming, surfing, and watersports, including snorkeling and jet-skiing.
- Surfers Paradise Beach: with its vibrant atmosphere and abundance of amenities, tourists and Aussies alike flock here to swim and sunbathe.
- Coolangatta Beach: head to the south of the Gold Coast to enjoy this peaceful, picturesque spot. This family-friendly beach is a favorite among surfers.
- Broadbeach: this is a quieter option to the neighboring Surfers Paradise beach but still offers lots of amenities including restaurants and stores.
- Burleigh Heads Beach: this beach is known for its natural beauty where families can swim, stroll, and explore rock pools.
- Palm Beach: you’ll find this slice of paradise nestled between Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek. Head here for fishing and swimming or to explore the beachside parklands.
2. Taste Local Wines on Mount Tamborine
Australian wines are popular around the world, and those who enjoy a tipple shouldn’t miss out on a Mount Tamborine tasting experience. Witches Falls Winery is a highly recommended option where knowledgeable staff will guide you through a tasting of some of their best bottles. You can even create your own cheese platter to accompany your tasting experience.
3. Go Whale Watching
The Gold Coast is located in the perfect position to witness the annual migration of humpback whales from early June to November. If you happen to be in town during that time, don’t miss the magical opportunity to join a whale-watching tour. If you’d prefer to see these incredible creatures from land, one of the best spots is Greenmount Hill located near Miami Headland.
4. Climb the Q1 Skypoint
The Q1 Skypoint Observation Deck is one of the tallest residential buildings in the world and is the best spot for panoramic views of the glistening Pacific Ocean. Grab a drink from the cafe or a bite to eat at the restaurant while you take in the sights from high above the city.
If you’re brave enough, the Skypoint Climb is Australia’s highest external climb and is the ultimate adrenaline rush.
5. Feast on Street Food at Miami Marketta
Miami Marketta is the city’s most popular night market, and the array of global cuisine on offer is a foodie’s dream. You can try Spanish tapas, Thai noodles, and French desserts without having to leave the Gold Coast.
6. Take a Hike
The Gold Coast is home to some of the best Aussie hiking around. Here are a few of the most popular spots.
Springbrook National Park
Just one hour from the city is where you’ll find the lush Springbrook National Park. Spend the morning strolling through the spectacular Australian countryside before seeking out the Natural Bridge — an impressive rock formation created by a waterfall — and the unique glow worm caves.
Burleigh Head National Park
Located to the south of The Gold Coast, Burleigh Head National Park offers fantastic trails along the coast that deliver lush rainforest scenery and spectacular city and ocean views. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales during winter, or watch the surfers ride waves throughout the year.
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park is a Hinterland highlight and part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. If ancient trees, epic waterfalls, and dense rainforests are your thing, you won’t regret spending a day exploring Lamington.
7. Enjoy an Underwater Adventure
Scuba diving is a popular pursuit off the coast of Australia, and whether you’re a seasoned pro or want to explore underwater for the first time, the Gold Coast is the ideal location.
Palm Beach has a striking artificial reef home to rays, fish, and octopi, and Kirra Reef is slightly shallower, making it a great option for less confident divers. For a real adventure, head to the Scottish Prince Wreck, a 64-meter-long shipwreck located just off Southport.
8. Get a Birdseye View of the Australian Coastline
Take to the skies for a unique perspective of Australia’s glittering coastline. A hot air balloon over the Gold Coast Hinterland is a unique sightseeing experience, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Brisbane.
For a more high-speed flying experience, book a helicopter tour instead. In one flight, you can enjoy views of the city’s highrises, sandy beaches, and lush countryside. Or, for the very brave, skydiving is an extremely popular activity on The Gold Coast.
9. Sample Spirits on a Distillery Tour
Australia might be famous for its wines, but the Gold Coast also boasts its very own gin, whiskey, vodka, and liqueur at Grandad Jack’s Craft Distillery. This family-owned, award-winning business has been handcrafting spirits since 2018, and visitors can see the entire production process in their tasting room.
10. Make Friends with Koalas
Australia is a paradise for animal lovers, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place to meet some of the most famous native species. Here, you can hang out with koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and watch emus wander. You can also feed colorful wild lorikeets, and the high-flying treetops rope course will inject even more excitement into your visit.
11. Hit the Links
There are more golf courses in the Gold Coast per square mile than in pretty much any other region in the world, so it’s no surprise that golf fans flock here for a game or two. Around a dozen courses are open to the public and several of them are ranked the best courses in the country, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
For a more family-friendly golfing experience, head to Putt Putt mini golf at Mermaid Beach. There are three themed 18-hole courses to choose from, plus a bar and BBQ zone.
12. Place a Bet
If you’re feeling lucky during your visit to The Gold Coast, you can’t beat The Star’s casino. Located on its very own island in Broadbeach, guests can place bets on more than 70 table games and over 1,400 gaming machines. The Star offers a whole range of nightlife options, including live music, several dining options, and fantastic bars.
13. Get an Adrenaline Rush a Gold Coast Theme Park
Many think of The Gold Coast as the thrill ride capital of Australia, and several great options are catering to adrenaline junkies, families, and everyone in between.
Dreamworld
Dreamworld is the largest theme park in Australia and offers attractions, thrills, and spills for visitors of all ages. Located in Coomera, you can spend a full day here zipping around on rollercoasters, getting up close to tigers, and learning about Indigenous Australian heritage and wildlife.
Warner Bros Movie World
Billed as Australia’s number one theme park, movie buffs and thrill seekers shouldn’t miss this spot. As well as a huge array of rides and rollercoasters, visitors can also meet their favorite cartoon characters and superheroes, and witness exhilarating stunts and performances.
Sea World
For a great day out for the whole family, head to Sea World. This amusement park combines rides with marine life that kids and adults alike will love. Don’t miss the chance to get up close with penguins, dolphins, and polar bears. you can also learn about marine life rescue here, thanks to Sea World’s thriving conservation program.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World
Cool off in the Australian heat with a visit to Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World. Super-steep waterslides cater to guests seeking an adrenaline rush, while shallow pools give young visitors a safe place to splash around in.
Australian Outback Spectacular
This isn’t technically a theme park, and there are certainly no thrill rides, but this popular attraction offers an exciting, authentic look at Australia’s outback heritage. Head here for dinner and a show where you’ll be fed a hearty meal while watching an immersive animal-packed show that tells the tale of the rugged Aussie outback.
14. Explore Surfer’s Paradise
Surfers Paradise is one of the best places for shopping, drinking, and dining. Cavill Avenue and Cavill Mall are named after Jim Cavill, the hotelier who started the Surfers Paradise tourism boom and are at the heart of the action. Here, you can find talented buskers, cheap and delicious Asian food, and plenty of lively venues for those who are looking to party.
15. Enjoy the Aussie Arts
HOTA (Home of the Arts) is a contemporary cultural space with a huge range of art mediums on offer. Head here for live performances, arthouse cinema, gallery exhibitions, and even a spot of stargazing.
16. Go Kayaking at Stradbroke Island
Try a kayaking tour to Stradbroke Island for a relaxing day on the waterways. Kayakers can spot stingrays, dolphins, and topical fish while traversing the calm waters. Once you reach Stradbroke, which is the fifth-longest sand island in the world, you can stroll, sunbathe, or even test your surf skills.
Experience All the Best of the Gorgeous Gold Coast
With so many things to do on The Gold Coast, you’re guaranteed a magical time when you vacation here. All that’s left to decide is what you’ll do first!
