14 Gold Coast adventures for adrenaline-junkies

Calling the Gold Coast the capital of adventure is no exaggeration. This hotspot on the southern coast of Queensland has long been recognised for its bright lights, nightlife, and adventure potential, boasting a smorgasbord of offerings for locals and tourists alike to enjoy while in town.

From death-defying amusement parks, to jet ski safaris, and the chance to embrace the country’s highest external building climb, here sit 14 Gold Coast adventures destined for adrenaline junkies.

1. Clamber your way 270 metres above sea level as a part of the Skypoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building climb that sits perched at the tip of the iconic Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. The going may be tough but you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding Gold Coast coastline and hinterland.

2. Indulge your inner adrenaline junkie with a day spent riding death-defying rides at the country’s favourite amusement park, Warner Bros. Movie World. Spend your day slingshotting yourself into space courtesy of the Batwing Space Shot, or riding the loops of the high-speed Green Lantern Rollercoaster among more.

3. Get better acquainted with the latest water sports trend with a hydrofoil foray around the Gold Coast’s famous web of waterways. Fliteboard Gold Coast is an experience like no other, leading you on a convoy of floating eFoil Fliteboards, with conveniently no experience required.

4. There is arguably no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the Gold Coast than above, with a skydive, one of the best Gold Coast adventure experiences on offer. Gold Coast Skydive is an award-winning operation based in Coolangatta that will see you reach 220 km/hr down to the white sands of Kirra Beach.

5. Embrace a twist on the same experience indoors with iFly Indoor Skydiving. The flight simulation will see you float on a cushion of air at the second indoor skydiving facility in Australia. You’ll have an audience too - the resident 365-degree glass tunnel gift friends and family a front-row seat.

6. Grab your walking boots for one of the best outdoor adventure activities on the Gold Coast: the walking trails in the world heritage-listed Lamington National Park, within an hour’s drive of the skyscrapers. While you’re there, get among the rainforest canopy with the Treetop Walk at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

7. Explore a unique underwater world at Wonder Reef - the world’s first buoyant reef. Don your scuba gear and dive beneath to discover nine structural reefs floating above the sea floor - varying in depth from 8 to 30 metres - all teaming with marine life. It's just a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland. 

8. Feel the wind in your hair with a jet boating expedition. Paradise Jet Boating, and Jetboat Extreme are leading operators, with the Gold Coast adventure offering to see you take to the broadwater to do full 360° spins, high-speed drifting, beach buzzing and more.

9. One of the most exciting of the Gold Coast’s adventures can be found at GC Wake Park, where you can put your cable wakeboarding skills to the test with its lengthy obstacle course overflowing with kickers, sliders, and combo boxes. Kids in tow? There are classes for all ages, including school groups and parties.

10. Cruise the waterways aboard the Gold Coast Jet Ski Safari, a self-drive ocean foray with no licence required. You can get to know the locals along the way too - with these waters frequented by dolphins, turtles, and even wallabies on the water’s edge.

11. Take to the skies with Gold Coast Adventure Flights, which offer thrill-seekers a chance to choose their own adventure from a trio of flying packages - aerobatic flights, adventure flights, and scenic flights.

12. Let loose on the race track with the Supercars driving experience at Norwell Motorplex. You’ll suit up to experience this Gold Coast adventure as a passenger before you take to the wheel to drive the performance car yourself.

13. Soar above the Gold Coast with an ABC Heli tour. Keep things cruisey with a scenic tour above the skyscrapers or splurge on a VIP experience of a helicopter picnic for a private group.

14. Learn to fly with a day spent parasailing with the highly skilled team at Gold Coast Watersports. Your skipper will lead you across the Broadwater, safely launching you into the clouds where you’ll drift away for the afternoon.

Inspired? Check out our recommendations for how to spend 48 hours on the Gold Coast for thrill-seekers.