30 of the best things to do on the Gold Coast
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By Sophia McMeekin
Where hinterland meets the beach, the Gold Coast offers much more than shopping, surf, and skyline - though we have miles of those. If you’re looking for things to do on the Gold Coast, you’re spoilt for choice. Slow down and fill up your tank at a luxury spa retreat, dine right on the beach with the waves at your feet, or go eye-to-eye with the sea’s gentle giants.
What are you waiting for? We’ve saved you a spot on the sand.
Skypoint Climb, Surfers Paradise
1. Ascend the awe-inspiring SkyPoint Climb – Australia’s highest external building climb on top of the Gold Coast’s iconic Q1 building – for a view that stays with you long after you’re back on solid ground.
2. Connect with the gentle giants of the deep on a whale-watching cruise. Spirit of the Gold Coast, Whales in Paradise and Sea World Cruises offer great tours.
3. Treat your body and your spirit at the spa and lifestyle retreat, Gwinganna. Set in the tranquil Tallebudgera Valley with views all the way to the coast, Gwinganna is an eco-retreat that offers wellness and stress management therapies as well as spa treatments. Let the bush soothe your soul as you detox with organic produce sourced from on-site gardens. Bliss.
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Tallebudgera Valley
4. Change your perspective and explore the Gold Coast’s diverse hinterlands and 70 kilometres of coastline as you’ve never seen them before: from a hot air balloon, with Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast.
5. Hit the water with Seaway Kayaking tours and you might just bump into some new friends – dolphins, sea turtles and stingrays are spotted regularly.
6. For a meal with a view you won’t forget anytime soon, dine right on the beach at Rick Shores. The Moreton Bay bug rolls are a must. For more culinary delights, check out the Gold Coast's best restaurants here.
7. Retreat into the silence of the bush with a Nightfall wilderness glamping experience. Nightfall offers luxury eco-conscious camping in the ancient Lamington National Park rainforest. It's a real bucket list experience.
Nightfall Camp, Lamington National Park
8. When was the last time you set off into nothing but blue? Jet Ski Safaris offers riders the chance to explore the stunning beaches and hidden islands of the Gold Coast at their own pace on a self-manned jet ski.
9. Feel the wind in your hair, meet your heroes, and get guaranteed goosebumps at the Gold Coast’s iconic theme parks: Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild.
10. Meet the region’s first inhabitants, hear stories older than the rainforest and take a guided tour of the magical Jellurgal mountain at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
11. Get in the driver’s seat and take your holiday up a gear with a Supercars Driving Experience at Norwell Motorplex.
HOTA, Home of the Arts, Surfers Paradise
12. Experience something completely unique at the Gold Coast’s cultural heart, Home of the Arts. Offering art, theatre, dance, movies, a hidden adventure trail, rooftop bar and dining, Home of the Arts has an experience to inspire every member of the family.
13. Let a local show you how it’s done. Kiff & Culture offers a local guide to the best tastes in the region.
14. Raise a glass to the Gold Coast’s thriving brewery scene. Home to some of Australia’s best small breweries, the Coast’s own Burleigh Brewing Company, Blackhops, Precinct and Balter Brewing Company are all local favourites.
15. If you’re looking for a spot to throw down a towel, dive into this list of the best beaches on the Gold Coast.
16. A truly unique experience, Infinity will blow your mind and ignite your senses. This multi-sensory maze-like environment has to be seen to be believed. Children over eight years and up are welcome.
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
17. The stars aren’t the only thing lighting up the night in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Visit the glow worms that live under the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, a natural wonder which has grown even more beautiful over the last few million years. Or book a spot on a guided glow worm tour at the purpose-built Glow Worm Cave in Mount Tamborine, to learn even more about this magical phenomenon and support the operator's conservation programme.
18. Don’t just spectate – the next wave has your name on it. Get off the beach and hit the surf with the help of one of the Gold Coast’s friendly surf schools.
19. Bump elbows with the locals at Miami Marketta, a bustling laneway dining experience where the tastes of the world come to you. With live music and over 25 street food vendors to choose from, all that’s left to do is find a seat.
20. Truly let go with a skydive experience. Enjoy the views of the beaches and skyline on the way up, then freefall into paradise, landing on beautiful Kirra Beach with Gold Coast Skydive.
21. A jet boat tour with Paradise Jet Boating is one of the best ways to experience the Gold Coast’s waterways, with a few thrills thrown in for good measure.
TreeTop Challenge, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
22. Make some new mates at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and be sure to take the treetop challenge - one of the best ziplines in the state.
23. Hike through lush rainforest and discover the Green Mountains Section of Lamington National Park where you can conquer the waterfall circuit and find Elabana, Chalahn and Box Log Falls or explore the rainforest canopy with a Tree Top Walk. Or, visit Mount Tamborine and explore Witches Falls.
24. Make family memories at Slideways Go Karting. A three-storey go-kart facility which includes a tunnel and outdoor racing areas, Slideways has a special track that allows you to drift like crazy.
25. Support local artists and hear the voice of emerging and established musicians. The Gold Coast plays host to many local music and cultural festivals, including SWELL Sculpture Festival, Blues on Broadbeach, and Bleach*.
26. Feel the breeze off the ocean and watch the stars come out as you peruse local produce and artisans’ wares at Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – a twilight market operating year-round. Or head down south to Burleigh and grab yourself a new locally-made outfit and listen to live music at The Village Markets. Want more? Fill your basket at the Gold Coast's best markets.
27. Whether you’re a golfing novice or a total pro, Topgolf is a family-friendly option when you’re looking for things to do on the Gold Coast, with games suitable for all types of groups and full wheelchair accessibility.
28. Take a ride into the Australian Outback without leaving your seat at the Australian Outback Spectacular.
29. Feel the adrenalin rush of skydiving in the safety of an indoor arena at iFly Indoor Skydiving. Accessible and open to all ages (children as young as three are able to take part), IFly is a completely exhilarating Gold Coast experience the whole family will want in on.
30. Catch the best show in town with this guide to the Gold Coast’s best spots to view the sunrise and sunset.
Ready to visit but need somewhere to stay? Check out the ultimate Gold Coast accommodation guide.
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