How to solo travel your way around the Gold Coast

A melting pot of skyscrapers, surf breaks, and serene countryside the Gold Coast belongs on every bucket list. But you don’t need a group to enjoy yourself around here, we promise - there’s plenty to do along this coastline solo.

As a major tourist hub, the Gold Coast is not only a safe place to travel alone, but one overflowing with potential, from where you choose to stay, to how you spend your time. This guide will show you just how to solo travel your way around the Gold Coast, getting a taste of what the region has to offer for every budget and every interest. 

If you'd like to spend a little longer in paradise, consider Queensland's Working Holiday Maker program.

Where to stay 

When it comes to accommodation for those seeking solo travel on the Gold Coast, your options are in no short supply. Thanks to the southern Queensland coastline being a hotspot for travel, the region is abundant in places to spend the night, no matter your budget.

Save your pennies with a stay in one of the backpacker options sprawled throughout town, which often prove an easy way to meet like-minded travellers. There are plenty to choose from, particularly in bustling Surfers Paradise.

Affordable hotels are also a dime-a-dozen for those seeking a little more comfort (and privacy). There’s Golden Sands on Main Beach, Meriton Suites in Broadbeach, the Novotel Surfers Paradise or the particularly Instagram-friendly options of The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta, and The Island. Check out these boutique motels. 

Or treat yourself to one of the many opulent accommodation options. QT Gold Coast has long been a haven for the interiors-inclined, with a rowdy colour palette accompanied by ocean views. Then there’s Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise, the 77-storey-tall beachfront establishment and 5-star luxury stay The Darling on Broadbeach, at part of the recently revamped The Star Casino.

Things to do

The Gold Coast is overflowing with activities, making it ideal for those exploring the region on their own. Not only is there a flurry of different ways to spend your time (both in and out of doors) but this army of options provides plenty of potential for meeting friends on your travels.

Adventure

Indulge your inner adrenaline junkie with one of the many adventures at your disposal. Take to the waterways, learning to surf at one of the many schools scattered along the coastline. Or pick up a paddle instead, joining Australian Kayaking Adventures for a tour of the region from the sea. You can do this at speed too of course, thanks to the likes of Gold Coast Jet Ski Safari.

Though testing your limits is also an option - jump aboard one of the roller coasters that reside in the string of theme parks that reside here, Dream World and Warner Bros. Movie World included. Not forgetting Gold Coast Skydiving, which will see you soar through the air, out across the glistening skyline of the south coast.

Nature

Get out among the great outdoors, exploring the sandy stretches that call the Gold Coast home. Throw down a towel on one of the best beaches in the district - you may prefer the calm, shallow waters of Tallebudgera Creek, the surf breaks of Snapper Rocks, or the convenience of Main Beach, just a stone’s throw from shops and restaurants galore.

Or forgo time on the sand altogether - grab your walking shoes and make way for the Gold Coast Hinterland. This luscious region awash in national parks and retreats makes for a great escape for the day. Explore your own way like a local, taking in the likes of O’Reilly’s and Lamington National Park’s 320 kms of walking tracks, or take a trip with Gold Coast Boutique Tours or Tour Gold Coast. You could even head into the treetops while catching thrills on a ziplining tour - you'll find Australia's longest, fastest and highest zipline here.

Wildlife

Greet the locals with a wildlife encounter while travelling solo around the Gold Coast. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-negotiable for animal lovers - the heritage-listed zoological garden was built back in 1947 and today remains a popular place to visit for all ages. You’ll be able to spend your time here getting up close and personal with an array of different animals, from meeting koalas and kangaroos to feeding the lorikeets. If you’re so inclined you can also drop by the accompanying Animal Wildlife Hospital for a peek behind-the-scenes at the amazing work the resident vets are achieving.

Or head out to sea, to catch a glimpse of the giants of the deep via a whale watching tour. From Main Beach you can join the experienced team at Spirit of Gold Coast whale watching for your chance to see humpbacks at play.

Culture

Learn more about the first nations people of the Gold Coast with a visit to Aboriginal Cultural Centre Jellurgal, where you'll get insight into traditional life and the Dreamtime.

Or make your way further north along the coast for a visit to vibrant cultural precinct HOTA (Home of the Arts), where performances across live music, theatre, dance, comedy, art, and cinema take place year-round. There are plenty of other events to enjoy of course, across a breadth of different arenas. Keep an eye out for the likes of BLEACH*, Blues on Broadbeach Festival, Swell, and the Gold Coast Marathon.

Eat and drink 

When it comes to solo travel around the Gold Coast, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by options when it comes to eating and drinking, no matter your budget or your dietaries. The dining scene on the southern Queensland coast is something to shout about, with food markets, craft beer breweries, and fine dining options galore.

Burleigh Heads is a notable hotspot, home to some of the best cafes and restaurants in the region. It’s also largely walkable, making it ideal for those travelling solo around the Gold Coast. Splurge on a dinner by the seaside, with a meal at the beachfront Rick Shores or The Tropic. Restaurant Labart, a short stroll away, is also well worth a visit. Though casual options are also plentiful - grab a pizza from local institution Justin Lane, or make yourself a picnic to enjoy on the Burleigh Headland, among the locals.

Foodies will also be tempted to make a visit to Miami Marketta, the street food celebration which takes place three times a week. You can also join one of the Gold Coast Food & Wine Tours, on a curated food-focused romp down the coast. Or focus your efforts on quenching your thirst instead - the Gold Coast is home to more than a handful of specialty breweries and lively bars as well as distillery Grandad Jack’s, where you can make your own gin.