20 (almost) free things to do on the Gold Coast

If you visit the Gold Coast and don’t set foot on any part of the 70 kilometres of coastline, then you’re seriously missing out. From top to toe, you’ve got: Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Kurrawa Beach, Mermaid Beach, Miami Beach, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach and Kirra Beach, just to name a few.

So, take your surfboard, put up a beach umbrella and wave hello to the beaches that hold a special place in every local and visitor’s heart.

Is it free? Yes, but make sure you bring extra cash for lunch.

2. Get back to nature 

Here, there’s so much to uncover and explore. From awe-inspiring national parks (in the middle of the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests) you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take your pick at the Natural Bridge rock formation in Springbrook National Park, the and waterfalls of Lamington National Park’s Green Mountains or the rugged mountain peaks of Mount Barney National Park.

Don’t want to venture too far from the coastline? Head to Burleigh Head National Park for views with its ocean and rainforest circuits of the rocky headland.

Is it free? Yes.

3. Say cheers

Drink in the Gold Coast’s thriving craft beer culture one brewery at a time. Our picks? Balter Brewing in Currumbin, Lost Palms Brewing Co. in Miami, plus Black Hops and Burleigh Brewing Co. in Burleigh. But to find out exactly where to go, follow our guide here.

Is it free? No, but a beer (or two) will set you back approximately $15.

4. Dinner with a show

Your Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights have stepped up a notch. Head to Miami Marketta from 4pm for delicious street food and to watch the sunset.

From tapas to gelato and French crepes, you’ll smell an array of cuisines as you enter this foodie haven. With live music setting the vibe, this is the perfect place to spend a late night.

Is it free? No, however, it depends on how hungry you are.

5. Meet some locals 

Meet Wally the platypus, say hello to a bilby and get up close and personal with a friendly lizard at the David Fleay Wildlife Park.

You almost feel like you’re out in the wild yourself when you stroll through the natural habitats of this wildlife park with a difference. Their philosophy, pioneered by the man himself, is that animals should be kept in similar conditions to their natural environment, so take your time spotting Queensland’s native animals as they roam around loving life in their naturalistic enclosures.

Is it free? Adult admission will only set you back approximately $26.15

6. Catch a barrel of knowledge

If ‘sun, sand and surf’ is your life’s motto, then you can’t go past a trip to Queensland’s only surfing museum, Surf World. Take a peek at Australia’s largest collection of surfboards and learn about the evolution of design and technology from the early 1930s to today. There’s also amazing photography depicting early surf scenes and the changing beach culture, as well as surfing memorabilia and artworks on show.

Is it free? Entry is only $10 for adults. Oh and there’s also free parking.

7. Hit the market 

Why go shopping inside a mall when you can peruse the racks at the beach or in a park? Whether you’re hunting for a bargain, a yummy treat, or you’re just happy to get out of the house and have a browse, the Gold Coast has creative local knick-knacks and fresh produce by the basket-full at their many (and we mean many) markets.

Is it free? Free entry but you’ll want to splurge on the vintage treasure or acai bowl.

8. Take a bike 

Why not hire a bike and explore the beachside on two wheels? Or, if you’re more of an avid rider, escape to the hinterland and test your endurance on the cycling trails through the ancient Gondwana Rainforest.

Is it free? Yes if you’re got your own set of wheels. Or, you can hire a bike for just $25 for half a day.

9. Soak in a natural spa 

Get that pampered feeling without the big bill when you head to the Currumbin Rock Pools for a dip. Set in the lush Currumbin Valley, the drive to this natural spa is relaxing in itself, passing by beautiful farms, gardens, cottages and local fruit stalls.

Is it free? Yes except travel.

10. Light, cinema, action 

Catch the latest drama or nail-biting thriller at the Yatala Drive In. With tickets as cheap as chips, you will never have to choose between popcorn, Skittles or a choc top again because you can binge on the lot without it costing you an arm and a leg.

Is it free? A car load of people costs just $40. That's less than $10 per person. 

11. Be our plus one 

In a place that’s known for entertainment, going to one (or two) of the events while you’re here is a no-brainer. From larger than life sculptures on the white sand of Currumbim beach to stand up comedy and theatre preformances across the coast, there's so much to see and do. What to know what’s on? Check out our guide to the best events on the Gold Coast.

Is it free? While it depends on the event, there are loads of free days out to be had.

12. Go bare or go home 

It’s no secret this old-timers’ sport has made a pretty big comeback, with people taking their shoes off all around the state to get in on the action. So, grab your mates, heck, your grandparents too and make your way to the Burleigh Heads Bowls Club on a Sunday afternoon.

Is it free? $5 per person Tuesday–Thursday and $10 per person Friday to Sunday. Bookings are essential. 

13. Feast in the outdoors 

Nothing says Australia like a BBQ by the beach. Enjoy your lunch or dinner with stunning views to match at the best outdoor BBQ spots. More of a cheese and crackers fan? Grab your picnic blanket and pack a basket of goodies, then set yourself up at the beautiful Gold Coast Botanic Gardens or at Point Lookout at Burleigh Head National Park.

Is it free? Yes if you bring your goodies from home. 

14. Find your zen

Practice your downward dog and breathe in that fresh, sea air with a morning yoga session in Coolangatta. Running weekly at Queen Elizabeth Park, the class is perfect for all skill levels (including beginners), and no bookings are needed. 

Is it free? No, but it will only set you back $5 a class. 

15. Feed a lorikeet 

If you don’t want to pay the admission fee to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can flock to the bird feeding for free. At 8am and 4pm every day, you can feed the wild lorikeets straight from your hand - don't worry, they're friendly. These colourful creatures - who founded the sanctuary over 75 years ago - still know the exact time and place to come feed every day. 

Is it free? Yes.

16. Take a swing 

Who needs a golf course when you can tee-up for a day of fun at Putt Putt Mermaid Beach or Holey Moley Surfers Paradise. Instead of greener pastures and sand dunes, you’ll find spinning windmills, haunted houses and glow-in-the-dark caves, and encounter mummies, King Kong and a baby dinosaur.

Is it free? Prices start at $19 for adults and $16 for kids at Putt Putt Mermaid Beach.

18. Say what-SUP 

Get around the Gold Coast's pristine waterways in style with a SUP (that’s stand-up paddleboard for those not in the know). From the calm waterways of Budds Beach to the glittering ocean at Tallebudgera Creek, this is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast. Check out the ultimate guide here. 

Is it free? BYO your own board or hire one for 1.5 hours from Currumbin Creek’s Boatshed for $20.

18. Spot a whale 

Between June to November, the whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm Queensland waters. You can spot a whale (or two) if you’re lucky for free at the naturally elevated lookouts along the coastline including Greenmount, Kirra Hill or Currumbin Rocks. Prepare for serious goosebumps as you see these gentle giants play in the Gold Coast's big blue frontyard. Want to get even closer? Check out these awesome whale watching tours. 

Is it free? Yes.

19. Get cultured 

Heart art? Get cultured and see the latest exhibition at HOTA - Home of the Arts. Wander amongst the halls and explore national and international collections - there's always something new and inspiring to see. Post viewing, grab lunch and drink at The Exhibitionist Bar. Perched high above HOTA, soak up sweeping views from the hinterland to the coast. 

Is it free? Free entry. 

20. Go for a run 

The best place to be on the Gold Coast is outdoors. With lush hinterland tracks to paths that fringe the coastline, there's a track for everyone. So bring your best walking (or running) shoes and hit the pavements.

Is it free? Yes.