Things To Do In Gold Coast

"Surf, Skyline and Theme Parks"

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40 Things To Do In Gold Coast

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1. Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach
Top Attraction 4.7 /5

4 km from city center

Beach

One of Australia’s most popular sea beaches, Surfers Paradise, is a vibrant coastal suburb in the Gold Coast, Queensland, known for its iconic golden beach and high-rise skyline. Located just 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, it offers world-class surfing, bustling nightlife, and a variety of shopping and dining options along Cavill Avenue. Its wide beach, patrolled year-round, is a hub for sunb (Read More)athing, water sports, and family-friendly activities.

2. Sky Point Observation Deck

Sky Point Observation Deck
Top Attraction 4.5 /5

3 km from city center

Observation Deck

Sky Point Observation, operated by Ardent Leisure, located in the Gold Coast, Australia, is 230 meters above the ground. It is the only observation deck in the Australian stretch and can house 400 people. It has 77 floors and an elevator to carry people in 43 seconds. It houses a museum, theatre, weather station, and bar lounge on two levels. It offers an exquisite 360-degree view of Brisbane in t (Read More)he north, Byron Bay in the south, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Gold Coast hinterland in the west.

3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
4.6 /5

16 km from city center

Wildlife

Located in Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that has been nurturing wildlife for more than 70 years while educating and entertaining visitors around the globe. Visitors can cuddle up with adorable koalas or even feed kangaroos. The sanctuary is always buzzing with energy with live performances and shows, and it even includes a tree-top challenge course for thos (Read More)e who aren't happy with just walking around.

4. Warner Bros Movie World

Warner Bros Movie World
Fun For Kids 4.2 /5

15 km from city center

Shows & Theatres

With tons of stalls, games, live performances, big rides, and many attractions at the Warner Bros Movie World, the most famous is the Justice League 3D, where you join forces with the famous superheroes in a bid to save the world! Not just that, there are rides specific to superheroes, too, like the Arkham Asylum and the Superman Escape. The brand new Rio 4D is another fabulous attraction, and at (Read More)the Junior Driving School, children of all ages can learn how to drive. And finally, absorb the best of Hollywood in the Star Parade on Main Street.

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5. Sea World

Sea World
4.2 /5

7 km from city center

Aquarium

Sea World sits on the Gold Coast Spit and is the most family-oriented of the region's major parks, pairing a marine park with theme park rides. The animal side covers dolphins, seals, penguins, sharks and rays, with keeper presentations through the day and paid animal encounters bookable on top of general entry. Rides range from the Storm Coaster and the Leviathan wooden coaster down to a dedicate (Read More)d toddler area, and a monorail links the precincts.

6. Dreamworld

Dreamworld
Great For Family Outing 4.2 /5

19 km from city center

Shows & Theatres

Part of the Gold Coast's impressive collection of theme parks, Dreamworld is yet another memorable experience for the family! Whether you want to get up close and personal with tigers, cuddle with koalas or meet your favourite Dreamworld characters, the park has it all! You'll find yourself surrounded by a buzzing atmosphere and loads of fun rides and activities. Be it an adventure with our favour (Read More)ites from 'Madagascar' or one with the Dragon Warrior Po, or even a fairytale game with Shrek, the fun never ends!

7. Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast

Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast
4.2 /5

14 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

Wet n Wild, one of the most popular tourist theme amusement parks in Gold Coast, home to the tallest water park slide tower in Australia, offers a variety of world-class lineup pools and slides for adventure enthusiasts. The Wet'n'Wild Junior zone, a sizable new area created specifically for young explorers, is the water park's main attraction. Exciting rides to enjoy are AquaLoop, AquaRacer, Surf (Read More)rider, Kamikaze, Blackhole, Tornado, and the Mach-5.

8. HOTA (Home of the Arts)

HOTA (Home of the Arts)
Top Attraction

2 km from city center

Art Gallery

HOTA (Home of the Arts) is a 17-hectare cultural precinct on Evandale Lake in Surfers Paradise, home to the striking multi-colored HOTA Gallery, a 1,139-seat theatre, a cinema, and the Outdoor Stage, one of Australia's busiest concert venues. The Outdoor Stage has hosted sold-out shows by Tim Minchin and, in November 2024, a record 4,300-capacity crowd for The Kid Laroi. With over 780,000 visitors (Read More) and 1,000+ events a year, it is Gold Coast's cultural heartbeat.

9. Burleigh Heads Beach

Burleigh Heads Beach
4.7 /5

10 km from city center

Beach

Burleigh Heads Beach sits beside Burleigh Head National Park, a rainforest headland with a walking trail and lookout over the coastline. The beach is patrolled by lifesavers and well regarded among surfers for its point break, alongside calmer stretches for swimming and bodyboarding. The sandy 1.5-mile shoreline allows dogs in designated areas and draws walkers and runners, especially around sunri (Read More)se. Marine stingers can appear in the warmer months, so check the beach safety flags before swimming.

10. Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park
4.7 /5

25 km from city center

National Park

Springbrook National park is an excellent mix of traditional wildlife and modern facilities. The park is open every day at all hours. It is part of the Australian Gondwana Rainforests and is located about 100 Km south of Brisbane. The National park is one of the World Heritage sites known for its ecological importance. The settlement also offers one camping area, along with adventures like Horse r (Read More)iding, hiking and exploring caves.

11. Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain
Hidden Gem 4.4 /5

22 km from city center

Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is a plateau in the Gold Coast hinterland, about 45 minutes' drive from Surfers Paradise, covered in rainforest and dotted with waterfalls including Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls. A strip of small wineries, breweries, and distilleries along Main Western Road offers tastings, and the Rainforest Skywalk lets visitors walk an elevated path through the forest canopy. It's a pop (Read More)ular half-day trip for hiking, picnics, and coastal lookout views.

12. Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park
4.7 /5

35 km from city center

National Park

Lamington National Park covers 20,600 hectares of World Heritage-listed rainforest on a plateau about 85km southwest of the Gold Coast. Walking tracks run from the 10.9km Box Forest Circuit up to the 23km Border Track between Binna Burra and O'Reilly's, and the tree top walk at O'Reilly's crosses suspension bridges 15 metres above the forest floor. The draw here is waterfalls, ancient beech forest (Read More) and birdlife rather than beaches.

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13. Kirra Beach

Kirra Beach
4.8 /5

21 km from city center

Beach

Often regarded as Gold Coast's most iconic surfing point, Kirra Beach is the northern break of the Superbank. The Kirra point separates Coolangatta Beach to the south and Kirra Beach to the north. The Beach is the spiritual home of surfing in Australia and is also home to the Kirra Surfriders club. Because of the high barrel waves, it becomes the best spot for surfers to enjoy thrilling and big su (Read More)rfs.

14. Snapper Rocks

Snapper Rocks
Popular among Locals

22 km from city center

Surfing

Snapper Rocks sits at Point Danger in Coolangatta, marking the southern start of the Superbank, a continuous sand-bank wave system that runs roughly 2 kilometres north to Kirra. Built up by the Tweed River sand-pumping project since 1995, it produces one of the world's most consistent barrelling waves and draws surfers from across the globe, with over 500 people sometimes in the water on a good da (Read More)y. A natural rock pool and coastal walking track around the point give non-surfers a reason to visit too.

15. Byron Bay Hinterland

Byron Bay Hinterland
4.5 /5

66 km from city center

Sightseeing

The Byron Bay hinterland lies roughly an hour to 90 minutes' drive south of Gold Coast, just across the border in New South Wales, and makes for a popular day trip. Minyon Falls, one of the region's tallest waterfalls at around 100 metres, is a highlight reached via a rainforest walking track in Nightcap National Park. The area's lookouts are also known for humpback whale sightings during the wint (Read More)er migration season, plus surf breaks and yoga retreats. Byron Bay township itself has its own Holidify guide for travelers planning a longer stay there.

16. Coolangatta Beach

Coolangatta Beach
4.8 /5

21 km from city center

Beach

Coolangatta is Gold Coast’s southernmost suburb where sandy beaches stretch for kilometres. Multiple restaurants, a casual culture, and beachside bars are the main attractions. People can surf in the waters or take a stroll along the walking trail between Greenmount Hill on one side and Rainbow Bay on the other. Every June, Cooly Rocks On comes to town, which is Australia’s largest nostalgia festi (Read More)val. It celebrates the music and lifestyles of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

17. Currumbin Alley

Currumbin Alley
Popular among Locals

15 km from city center

Surfing

Currumbin Alley is a point break on the sandbar at the mouth of Currumbin Creek, about 8 km north of Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast. Waves wrap around the point, giving easier water near the creek and a right-hander further out, making it one of the region's most popular longboard spots. Currumbin Rock marks its northern edge and Elephant Rock the beach's southern end, with the Gold Coast Oceanwa (Read More)y path running alongside. The Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club patrols the sand.

18. Whale Watching in Gold Coast

Whale Watching in Gold Coast
4.6 /5

0 km from city center

Whale Watching

Gold Coast is great for whale watching because of the annual whale migration to the coast. The best season for visiting is between May and October, with sightings usually increasing in early June. Cruises carrying tourists go to the sea throughout the day. The waters are calmer in the mornings, and evenings are windy, but the chances of whale watching any time in these months are high.

19. Pacific Shopping Centre

Pacific Shopping Centre
4.6 /5

3 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Pacific Fair is the Gold Coast's premier shopping destination. The Shopping Center has approximately 400 retailers, including beauty and wellness brands, clothing stores, housing and lifestyle stores, children's clothes, toys, electronics, international designer brands, and hefty discount brands. The Shopping Center is conveniently located on the Gold Coast Highway, about 30 minutes from the airpo (Read More)rt. About 6500 outdoor and shaded parking spots, including parking spots for the disabled and visitors with baby strollers.

20. Paradise Country

Paradise Country
Great For Family Outing

15 km from city center

Wildlife Sanctuary

Paradise Country is a Village Roadshow Theme Parks wildlife and farm attraction on Production Drive in Oxenford, Gold Coast, open since 2005. Visitors get close to koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, meerkats and marmosets, and can watch farmyard shows including billy tea making, a stock horse demonstration, sheep shearing and boomerang throwing. A Farmhouse Restaurant, tractor rides, pony rides (Read More)and gold panning round out the day. The park holds Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia animal welfare accreditation.

21. Jet Boating on Gold Coast

Jet Boating on Gold Coast

Adventure Sports

Jet Boating on the Gold Coast offers thrilling rides through the scenic waterways of Broadwater, with high-speed spins, power slides, and adrenaline-pumping maneuvers. Established as a popular water adventure, it operates from locations like Main Beach, providing easy access to the coastline's stunning views. The activity combines excitement with sightseeing, showcasing landmarks such as Wave Brea (Read More)k Island and South Stradbroke Island during the ride.

22. Cavill Avenue

Cavill Avenue
4.5 /5

3 km from city center

Shopping Market

Surfers Paradise Cavill Avenue is one of the main attractions of the East coast. The street is famous for shops, nightclubs and bars that stretch to the Surfers Paradise Beach on the Esplanade. In addition, the Avenue is renowned for live musical performances throughout the year, along with tattoo parlours and surfboard ships. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, see vibrant Beachfront markets for shop (Read More)ping all kinds of arts, jewellery and handmade artefacts.

23. Watch Sunrise at The Spit

Watch Sunrise at The Spit

6 km from city center

Beach

The Spit, located at the northern end of Main Beach on the Gold Coast, is a man-made sand bypass system created in the 1980s to stabilize the coastline and improve access for marine traffic. Known for its tranquil beaches, scenic walking trails, and the iconic Seaway, it offers diverse experiences like fishing, picnicking, and water sports. Home to the Sea World theme park and Federation Walk, The (Read More) Spit is a popular spot for both locals. Sunrise here are exquisite.

24. Vineyard and Winery Tours in Gold Coast

Vineyard and Winery Tours in Gold Coast
4.7 /5

0 km from city center

Things To Do

Gold Coast, just like other major cities in Australia, is home to some of the best vineyards and wineries. They offer group and completely private excursions, gathering tours where you'll join others for a great day out, with custom-tailored tours where you can pick exactly where you'll travel and what you'll see. This trip also includes a tasty two-course lunch, snacks, & bottled water, as well a (Read More)s the chance to stop at stunning lookouts.

25. David Fleay Wildlife Park

David Fleay Wildlife Park
Great For Family Outing

11 km from city center

Wildlife Sanctuary

David Fleay Wildlife Park is a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service reserve at West Burleigh, on the Gold Coast, founded in 1952 by naturalist David Fleay. The heritage-listed park houses native Australian wildlife including koalas, cassowaries, dingoes, saltwater crocodiles, platypuses and the rare bridled nailtail wallaby. Rangers run daily talks such as a bird-of-prey display and crocodile-fee (Read More)ding sessions. The park includes a nocturnal house, an animal hospital for injured wildlife, walking boardwalks, a cafe and picnic areas, and is open 9am to 4pm daily.

26. Parasailing

Parasailing
4.5 /5

0 km from city center

Paragliding & Parasailing

Parasailing is one of the best outdoor activities for travellers to get the thrills of flying over the water in Gold Coast, Australia. Enjoy the beauty of the aerial view with your partner or alone. GC Jet Boat & Parasail and Surfers Paradise offer parasailing for kids above eight years and six years of age, respectively. Keep a valid photograph id handy and sign a waiver to enjoy parasailing on t (Read More)he Gold Coast. However, the sport is not recommended for pregnant women.

27. Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

0 km from city center

Adventure Sports

Scuba diving in Gold Coast offers an exquisite experience to explore the region's abundant marine flora and fauna. The subtropical climate makes for an excellent diving experience year-round, and some of the most popular dive sites are the Palm Beach Reef and the historic wreck of the Scottish Prince. It is appreciable to go for the dive 15 minutes before the high tide to 60 minutes after the high (Read More) tide. In addition, there are protected inshore sites, offshore shipwrecks and reefs, and some shore-diving places for freedivers, snorkelers, and beginners.

28. Heli Skydiving

Heli Skydiving
4.3 /5

0 km from city center

Sky Diving

Heli Skydiving in Gold Coast takes you up by helicopter instead of a plane, with jumps running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The freefall starts at 10,000 ft above Surfers Paradise and reaches around 200 kph. The parachute lands on Main Beach, so the ride down gives a long, open view over the coastline and the city behind it. Worth booking for the jump itself rather than as a sightseeing flig (Read More)ht.

29. Snorkelling

Snorkelling
4.5 /5

0 km from city center

Diving & Snorkeling

Snorkelling around Wave Break Island in the Broadwater is the most accessible option near Surfers Paradise, in shallow, sheltered water reached by a short boat transfer. It suits beginners, with visibility generally best on calm days. For deeper reef and wreck diving further south (Palm Beach Reef, the Scottish Prince wreck), see the separate Scuba Diving entry on this page.

30. Sightseeing and Dinner Cruise

Sightseeing and Dinner Cruise
4.3 /5

0 km from city center

Sightseeing

Gold Coast’s sightseeing dinner cruise is one of the most unforgettable experiences for tourists. It’s a complete package that includes a spectacular view of the Gold Coast skyline, accompanied by live entertainment on board, and covering local landmarks like the Sea World, Palazzo Versace, Marina Mirage and many others. It is a 2.5 hours dinner cruise with exotic cuisines and beverages. They also (Read More) provide Veg, Non-Veg, Lactose-free, Gluten Free and Nuts-free sample menus.

31. Broadwater Parklands

Broadwater Parklands
Great For Family Outing

6 km from city center

Garden & Park

Broadwater Parklands is a free, 24-hour public park along Marine Parade in Southport, opposite the Australia Fair shopping centre. Built through a two-stage, $42-million-plus redevelopment completed between 2009 and 2010, it stretches along the western shore of the Gold Coast Broadwater with a 100-metre pier, tidal rockpools, the ANZAC Park war memorial, a wetland, playgrounds, and casuarina-lined (Read More) paths. It sits beside the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and a light rail stop, and draws families, joggers, and picnickers, rating 4.7 stars across more than 8,000 Google reviews.

32. Paddle Boarding

Paddle Boarding
4.6 /5

0 km from city center

Adventure Sports

Paddle boarding is an adventurous activity along the exquisite beaches of the Gold Coast in Australia. Paddle-boarding enthusiasts flock to the city yearly because of the moderate winters and great summers. There are multiple rivers, canals, and dams to paddle across, and it’s a paradise for surfers and canoe lovers. The abundance of bird life is another attraction. It is advisable to check the wi (Read More)nd conditions before starting.

33. Sunset River Cruise in Gold Coast

Sunset River Cruise in Gold Coast
4.3 /5

0 km from city center

Boating & Cruises

Sunset river cruises on the Gold Coast run along the Nerang River and Broadwater, usually as private charters rather than scheduled group tours, and are commonly booked for weddings, anniversaries, or small private parties. Boat size, minimum booking hours, and pricing are set by the individual operator. For a scheduled group cruise with a set dinner menu and onboard entertainment instead, see the (Read More) separate Sightseeing and Dinner Cruise entry.

34. Treetop Challenge

Treetop Challenge
4.2 /5

25 km from city center

Adventure Zone

One of Gold Coast's more 'hands-on' attractions, the Treetop Challenge is a massive area of unadulterated bushland where you take on more than 100 pulsating and thrilling challenges! Spread over six courses, covering an area of 10 acres, you will find yourself hanging and swinging from trees, tackling risky-looking bridges, and jumping on some long-flying foxes! All the equipment is provided at th (Read More)e venue and is super safe, with several qualified supervisors looking after you as you take on countless adventures!

35. Point Danger

Point Danger
4.7 /5

22 km from city center

Viewpoint

Located on the border between New South Wales and Queensland, Point Danger is a headland on the southern end of the Gold Coast. The presence of dangerous coral reefs in the ocean near the region is the reason behind its name. There are multiple walking trails that provide breathtaking views of the coastline, and it is a popular tourist destination. Sightings of whales and dolphins, though rare, ha (Read More)ve also been reported. Round-the-year visits are permitted here.

36. Federation Walk Coastal Reserve

Federation Walk Coastal Reserve
4.6 /5

8 km from city center

Garden & Park

The Federation Walk Coastal Reserve in Gold Coast, Queensland has a three-kilometre-long shoreline and is one of the few remaining areas with an established dune system in the city. It is known for its vibrant birdlife and the vegetation in the reserve stretches on for hectares. Birdwatching, running, biking, and bushwalking are a few popular activities here while a dog park facilitates off-leash (Read More)walking in certain areas.

37. Australian Outback Spectacular

Australian Outback Spectacular
Great For Family Outing

14 km from city center

Shows & Theatres

Australian Outback Spectacular is a bush-themed dinner-and-show arena in Oxenford where stockmen, horses and cattle perform alongside pyrotechnics and a three-course meal, currently marking its 20th year. Seating is tiered around a sand arena and the show runs in the evening, so it fits after a day at the nearby parks rather than instead of one. Sister attraction Paradise Country, a wildlife and f (Read More)arm park, sits about a kilometre away on Production Drive.

38. Marina Mirage

Marina Mirage
4.1 /5

6 km from city center

Shopping Mall

Marina Mirage is one of the most premium shopping centres on the Gold coast. Lined up with more than 70 high-end designer shops and pet care places, and offers options like Anthony Leigh Dower Boutique and Arden and Calleija. Marina Mirage is also famous for seafood dining services with Ave Wasabi Sushi, Cafe Mirage, Gods of the Sea and many others.

39. South Stradbroke Island

South Stradbroke Island
4.8 /5

20 km from city center

Beach

South Stradbroke Island sits just north of Main Beach and can only be reached by boat, roughly 40 minutes out from Surfers Paradise. Known locally as South Straddie, the 21km sand island was joined to North Stradbroke until storms cut the Jumpinpin Channel through in 1898. An 1,800-hectare conservation park covers much of it, and with only about 140 permanent residents, camping, bushwalking and be (Read More)ach fishing are the reasons to make the crossing.

40. Holoverse

Holoverse
3.8 /5

6 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

Holoverse is a hologram entertainment centre on the Gold Coast, built by Euclideon and open since 2016. Its 40 rooms project holograms you can walk around and interact with, and the dinosaur experience that gives this listing its name is one of roughly six on offer, alongside sessions where you explore ancient civilizations or battle opponents with swords and guns. It suits older kids and teenager (Read More)s, and works as a wet-weather alternative to the theme parks. Book tickets online beforehand to avoid the queue.

FAQs on Gold Coast

What are the top hotels in Gold coast?

There are 1310 Hotels in Gold coast which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Gold coast are Holiday Home Coveside @ Sanctuary Cove, The Pinnacle Apartments, 2 BED APT SAND CASTLES ON CURRUMBIN BEACH, Ocean Plaza Unit 835 - Beachfront in Central Coolangatta, Shoreside Unit 1 - Absolute beachfront ground level unit in Tugun - Wi-Fi included, Parco Vista Unit 9 - Central Coolangatta easy walk to beaches and shops. You can see all the hotels in Gold coast here

What are the top activities in Gold coast?

The top activities in Gold coast are Warner Bros Movie World Entry Ticket, SkyPoint Observatory Deck Entry Ticket in Gold Coast (304412 East), Gold Coast Theme Parks Combo Ticket, Shared Gold Coast Airport Transfers (OOL) for Gold Coast, Gold Coast Sea World Entry Ticket with Optional Helicopter Scenic Tour, Aquaduck Safari City Tour and River Cruise.

What are the top sightseeing places in Gold coast?

The top sightseeing places in Gold coast are Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Beaches in Gold Coast, Dreamworld, Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.

How can I commute within Gold coast?

The city is very well connected by an efficient public transport system. Be it by bus, trams, cars or taxis, you will never be inconvenienced. That being said, trams are perhaps the best connected form of transport in the city. They run from 0500 to 00:00 during the weekdays and well into the mornings during Friday and Saturday. Buses mostly run along the main roads but are 24x7, while cars are also a good option since traffic isnt't very bad. For a fresher and healthier mode option, however, grab a bike and cycle down the Gold Coast Oceanway and enjoy a wonderful and breezy ride down the 36km path!
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