Your quick go-to list of things to do on the Gold Coast.
Your quick go-to list of things to do on the Gold Coast.
Obviously we’re aware there are a fair few more than five good things to do on the Gold Coast but in the interest of time saving, we’ve compiled the ones we think are unmissable.
If you’re looking for kid-specific activities, here’s something we prepared earlier, if you’re a fan of drinking on rooftop bars go here and if restaurants with excellent wine lists tickle your fancy, we’ve got that covered here.
Happy doing things.
Beach crawl
That’s a thing we made up but nevertheless a good idea on the Gold Coast. From Main Beach to Coolangatta, there are MANY beautiful beaches to pull up a spot of sand or watch the world famous surfers do their thing. Plenty of spots for an Insta-snap or two and we highly recommend packing a picnic.
Oh and if biking is your thing, here’s a beachside bike crawl you’re gonna love.
Eat all the things
The Gold Coast has quickly become a foodie mecca over the last couple of years with five-star restaurants popping up all over the place. From casual, family-friendly spots to fine-dining beauties complete with ocean views, there’s something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
Of course we’ve got vegetarian restaurants, if that’s your thing, hatted restaurants and oldies but goodies the locals absolutely love.
Sip tasty tipples
Not only eateries though, the Gold Coast is home to many a good time bar serving some of the most creative cocktails you’ve ever come across. We’ve got whisky bars, alleyway bars, fancy bars, Australiana bars. Any kind of bar you could possibly need.
Love a bit of a singalong with your drinking? We’ve got a few good karaoke bars to bust out a tune in too. Find them here.
Head to the hinterland
Beautiful beaches are one thing, majestic mountains are another thing entirely and GUESS WHAT? We’ve got those too. Just a short drive away, Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook National Park and Lamington National park are the perfect spots to get some peace and quiet, take a stunning hike in nature or just enjoy a drive through the trees.
Play at a theme park
The Gold Coast is famous for good times. Including all of the above but also the theme parks that draw many visitors from across the world. We’ve got Dreamworld for animal experiences, Movieworld for movie related rides, Seaworld for ocean-related creature interactions and Wet & Wild for all your water slide needs. It’s quite the selection and one that will keep you busy for quite a few days.
Keen for more animal related activities? Here’s a few to choose from.
Once you’re done with all that, get back to us. There’s plenty more fun things to do where they came from.
Words by Kirra Smith
Make the most of golden hour.
Sunset has to be the best time of the day (some people we know say sunrise, but we wouldn’t know, ahem) – so sunset it is.
Now that spring has sprung, cue the Spotify sunset mix, we’re keen to start enjoying the balmy evenings and appreciate this gorgeous time of day. To get you all inspired, here’s a list of some of the best sunset-chasing adventures on the Gold Coast. Psst – there’s more to do at golden hour than snap the perfect pic (although you must also do that) #everythingiscontent.
This one’s a no-brainer, but hear us out. Sure, it took the Gold Coast a minute to catch up to our southern pals in the rooftop bar game. Odd, right? Especially considering we’ve got the best weather in the country, no contest. But hey, better late than never! These days, we’re spoiled for choice with rooftop spots all over the Coast. So why not make up for lost time? Pick your favorite perch, grab a drink, and soak in that golden hour glow as the sun sets on another perfect day. We love The Exhibitionist Bar for its ever-evolving and always killer cocktail list or Sandfire for a sophisticated (kids free) sip overlooking the North Burleigh headland. Aviary Rooftop brings tropical vibes and DJ beats as the sky turns pink, while feeling fancy types will love Nineteen at The Star for elevated drinks and sweeping skyline views. And if ocean outlooks are your thing, Hyde Paradiso serves Euro glamour with a side of sunset over Surfers.
Check out our full list of rooftop bars here.
Sometimes the best sunsets don’t need a booking (or a bar tab). A golden hour wander along the Burleigh Headland that rolls seamlessly into sunset is hard to beat, especially when the light hits just right. For an easy, feel-good option, take a sunset stroll or bike ride along the ocean pathways, where salty air, pastel skies and that end-of-day glow do all the heavy lifting. If you’re keen to mix things up, the Hinze Dam sunset lookout delivers wide-open skies and a totally different perspective on the Coast. And when in doubt, a Broadwater Parklands wander with an ice cream in hand as the sun dips behind the skyline is always a good idea.
Check out our list of picnic spots here.
Surf clubs are lifesavers, aren’t they? Perched right on your local stretch of sand, they somehow tick every box – prime oceanfront views, affordable drinks and hearty eats, all served up in a setting where thongs are not only acceptable but encouraged. They’re unfussy, unpretentious, and always ready to deliver a reliable palmy when hunger strikes. Come for the sunset, stay for the chilled beer and a classic pub-style feed that won’t break the bank.
It’s casual, comforting and effortlessly coastal – the kind of place where sunset plans require zero planning at all. If there’s a more quintessentially Gold Coast way to soak up the end of the day, we’re yet to find it.
This is where things get a little luxe (and a lot memorable). A sunset cruise on the Broadwater is a classic for a reason – romantic if it’s just the two of you, or equally fun with a group. Prefer to be closer to the action? Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding at sunset is pure magic when the water is calm and glowing, while a jet ski session at golden hour delivers adrenaline with unbeatable views. Take things to new heights – literally – at SkyPoint Observation Deck, where 360-degree sunset views from the Coast’s highest vantage point are hard to beat.
Check out our list of water sports and activity providers here.
Prep your schedules, friends, because another sunset is on its way.
Words by Belinda Symons
When the weather doesn't want to play nice.
The Gold Coast might be famous for its sunshine, but she sure knows how to put on a moody thunderstorm (and don’t get us started on the humidity hair drama). So, when the skies decide to open up, don’t stress, we’ve rounded up 14 fun things to do on the GC that are totally rain-proof.
Yep, Surfers Paradise is home to the big one, and it’s basically an indoor theme park disguised as an arcade. Think bumper cars on a 200sqm track, laser tag to get the adrenaline pumping, a prize shop stuffed with more lollies and collectibles than your childhood dreams could handle, and the brand-new Colour Grid – Queensland’s first glowing digital playground where you can jump, step and race your way through walls and floors that literally light up. Add an onsite café to keep the troops fuelled and Zone Bowling right next door, and you’ve got hours of rainy-day fun sorted.
If you’ve got teens who claim they’re “too cool” for arcade games, MANIAX Axe Throwing (also inside Paradise Centre) is the ultimate trump card – supervised, safe, and wildly satisfying. Rain? What rain?
The ultimate triple threat, Hijinx Hotel, Archie Brothers and Holey Moley in Surfers offer the perfect opportunity to while away a rainy day. With immersive game rooms, all your fave arcade games, bumper cars and mini golf, this epic entertainment precinct is a game-changer for fun-seekers.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise and 3197 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Level 1 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Infinity Attraction in Surfers Paradise is a crowd pleaser, a super fun activity to do with your friends! Infinity’s maze is both challenging and mind blowing. It’s an extraordinary series of 20 multi- sensory environments filled with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, ultra-groovy music and spectacular illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity! Get 10% off entry with our coupon code INSIDEGC.
Where: Shop 31, Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
When the weather’s wet, let the kids bounce, climb and play their hearts out indoors! The Gold Coast is packed with epic indoor play centres: The brand new Area 51 at Westfield Helensvale delivers 1,500sqm of all-ages fun.
BOUNCE in Burleigh Waters is a 3,000sqm trampoline paradise complete with adventure courses, Big Bags, and the adrenaline-pumping X-Park Challenge, and iPlay offers high ropes, Clip n’Climb courses, arcades, redemption stores and heaps of party space. Rainy days never looked so action-packed, or so exhausting!
Where: Area 51, 1-29 Millaroo Dr, Helensvale, Bounce, 5 Sunlight Drive, Burleigh Waters, iPlay Adventure, Westfield Coomera, 103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera and iPlay, Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Keen to channel your inner movie buff and catch the latest blockbuster? Maybe you’re more into the arty side of things with indie flicks and foreign films. Or perhaps you just need somewhere to plonk the kids so they’ll sit still (and quiet!) for a couple of hours these school holidays. Rainy day solved – the GC has you covered with many options, including Event Cinemas at Pacific Fair and Australia Fair and Reading Cinemas at Harbour Town. Popcorn mandatory, choc top highly recommended.
Where: Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Level 1/42 Marine Parade, Southport, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre,1571 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach and Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Gold Coast Hwy & Harbour Town Dr, Biggera Waters
Rain putting a dampener on your dinner plans? Not here. From Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm, Miami Marketta transforms into a buzzing undercover wonderland of street eats, live music and good vibes. Wander through the alley of food stalls serving up flavours from every corner of the globe, sip something delicious, shop the eclectic stalls, and soak up the atmosphere that made Marketta the GC’s original creative precinct. It’s the ultimate rainy-day date night (or mates’ night), and the best part? Entry is free.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Feeling a little trigger-happy? Swap the beach for the Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre, where you can try everything from pistols and rifles to shotguns and tactical weapons – no licence or experience needed (the hardest part is choosing what to shoot!). Check out our experience here. Discount offer available here.
Or head to The Shooting Centre Gold Coast, a custom-built facility just minutes from Surfers, with expert instructors, top-notch safety, and an arsenal ranging from beginner-friendly pistols to beastly .50 calibre hand cannons. Rainy days don’t stand a chance when you’ve got this much firepower. Discount offer available here.
Where: Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre, 1/76 Ferry Road, Southport and The Shooting Centre Gold Coast, Unit 5, 41 Ferry Road, Southport
Believe it or not, but Ripley’s is a great indoor attraction for you, your family and yes, even your friends. It’s a museum full of odd, unique and incredible artefacts, art, photographs and stories of the 200+ countries Mr Ripley has visited over the years. Discount offer available here.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
The Wax Museum is one of the longest-standing attractions on the Gold Coast. Head in for a guided tour and discover some of the more gruesome torture methods that were used in ancient times. Or prepare to be starstruck, get up close and personal with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and grab a photo with royalty. Discount offer available here.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Rain = the perfect excuse to go shopping undercover. The Gold Coast is a haven for indoor shopping centres, so if you’re in Broadbeach hit up Pacific Fair Shopping Centre or The Oasis Shopping Centre, if you’re in Surfers Paradise, the Paradise Centre or Australia Fair Shopping Centre in Southport.
Round up your crew, stash the phones, and dive headfirst into some brain-bending fun! Surfers Paradise is stacked with escape room action: test your wits at Fox in a Box Escape Rooms, Eclipse Escape Rooms, or Padlock’d, where you’ve got just 60 minutes to follow the clues, crack the codes, and make your grand escape. Feeling extra adventurous? Other World HQ takes it up a notch with immersive, pulse-racing scenarios that’ll have you questioning reality (in a good way). Rainy day? More like game day – click here for discount vouchers and get ready to see who really is the mastermind of your squad.
Where: Various locations in Surfers Paradise
Car lovers, start your engines – Muscle Car Museum in Bundall is a full-throttle Aussie muscle car heaven, rain or shine. Get up close to jaw-dropping Monaros, Toranas, SL/R5000s, and even a spot-on replica of the legendary Mad Max Interceptor. It’s not just for grown-up gearheads – kids (and big kids) can demolish pinball machines, battle on the Scalextric track, or explore the mega retro arcade. Throw in free soft drinks from a vintage machine and you’ve got a perfect rainy-day pit stop for the whole family. Discount offer available here.
Where: 76 Bundall Rd, Bundall
Slideways Go Karting Centre, just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise, is your ultimate rain-proof adrenaline fix. Their indoor track is specially designed to let karts drift and slide for max fun, no matter the weather – rain, hail or shine! Take the wheel of one of 20 state-of-the-art European Sodi karts, powered by 9hp four-stroke Honda engines, and see if you’ve got the skills to nail a perfect lap. Feeling competitive? Discount offer available here.
Where: 10 Spencer Road, Nerang
Dracula’s and Australian Outback Spectacular both offer nights of total entertainment! The Australian Outback Spectacular is dinner and a show with a true-blue twist – think incredible arena effects, Aussie animals, and whip-cracking action, all served up alongside a hearty three-course meal and drinks. It’s family-friendly, wow-worthy, and guaranteed to have you yee-hawing in your seat.
Leave the kids at home for this one – Dracula’s is strictly MA15+ and unapologetically outrageous. Think a wild mash-up of comedy, live music, burlesque and jaw-dropping aerials, all wrapped up in a cabaret where fantasy and reality collide. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you’ll probably blush… and you’ll definitely have a bloody good night out. Bonus: you can even sink your fangs into a discount offer right here.
Where: Dracula’s, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach and Australian Outback Spectacular, Pacific Motorway, Oxenford
Sometimes a little self-love is exactly what the doctor ordered, especially when the rain is tapping on the windows and all you want to do is stay snug inside. Treat yourself to a day of bliss at one of the Gold Coast’s top spas: think soothing massages, indulgent facials, hot saunas, and maybe even a dip in a heated pool while the storm does its thing outside. From luxe day spas to boutique wellness havens, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of pampering. Check out our hand-picked favourites here and make it a rainy-day retreat to remember.
Words by Belinda Symons
Live your best Gold Coast life on a budget.
There have been about 53 public holidays of late, meaning more time for activities and more money going out of your wallet. Meanwhile, the sun is shining (most of the time) and it’s almost summer, so there are still plenty of good times to be had.
Thankfully we have the answer, FREE THINGS TO DO on the Gold Coast. They do say the best things in life are free!
Bike crawl to Burleigh
There are many sweet spots to cruise along on the Gold Coast. Start at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach and head south to the hill at Burleigh Heads. You’ll mostly be on the Esplanades but there are bike lanes on the roads for max safety. Wear your helmet.
Sunset at Burleigh Hill
Everybody’s favourite picnic spot. Roll out a blanket and kick up your heels for one of the best sunset views on the Gold Coast. People watching is at an all-time high here too if that’s your thing. Take some sport-related things to throw/kick and join in with the rest of the revelers.
Cruise through the markets
The Coast is home to lots of epic markets including beachside ones at Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Broadbeach, the ever-popular Village Markets at Burleigh Heads State School every second Sunday and the HOTA markets every Sunday. So many goodies.
Stroll through the national park
We are lucky enough to boast some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world (if we do say so ourselves). Take a stroll over Burleigh Hill through the national park and around to Tallebudgera Creek and then return on the Oceanview path. Make sure to keep an eye out for breaching whales.
Paddle in Tallebudgera Creek
The water in Talle Creek is all of the absolutely stunning shades of blue and green and it’s truly a sight to behold. Swim out into the middle, float around on your back and think about how lucky you are to experience it.
Check out The Spit
Main Beach is home to a spot called The Spit which is home to a dog beach and a sweet pier-style situation so you can both make lots of hairy new friends and take some sweet snaps to remember it all.
Feed the birds
Okay, so this one is almost free but well worth the gold coin donation. Head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and feed the hundreds of lorikeets who gather there twice a day (8am and 4pm). They’re beautiful and loud and it’s an amazing experience.
Splash at Currumbin Rock Pools
Just a short drive from Currumbin are the Currumbin Rock Pools, complete with a jumping rock and little waterfalls to splash around in. It can get busy but it’s a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon.
Take a hike
Actually. There are TONS of hikes you can take around the Gold Coast from short little easy ones (yes please) to more challenging, mountainous ones and all with absolutely stunning views and lots of natural goodness to soak up.
Swim in a waterfall
Also just a short drive from Currumbin are Cougal Cascades, a collection of beautiful waterfalls you can swim under and take pretty pics of. You can also laze about in the rock pools and slide down the rocks themselves. It’s a delight. There are plenty more around too.
Slide into a playground
The Gold Coast is home to many epic playgrounds for kids. Most of them have tables and BBQ facilities, so pack an esky and make a day of it. The perennially popular Pirate Park in Palm Beach has just had an upgrade and it’s now bigger than ever. Other unmissable parks include Bim’bimba Park, Pimpama, named the 2020 Best New Park in Queensland and the new Broadwater Parklands North with a 5 storey slide!
Find the frog
Down south a little further, there’s a stunning walk around the ocean from Coolangatta to Snapper Rocks. Go in search of the big green frog on your way, he’s overlooking a secluded little beach called Froggies (for obvious reasons).
Gaze at local art
The Gold Coast is home to several art galleries showcasing our talented local artists plus, of course, some from further afield. Find 19 Karen in Mermaid Beach, Dust Temple in Currumbin and the impressive contemporary HOTA Gallery in Bundall. Grab your Nikes, a LIME bike, skateboard, scooter, or your choice of wheels and hit the trail of the Gold Coast’s best street art with Art Roll. Their easy-to-navigate maps will have you rolling to the best street art by suburb.
Frolic on the beach
We’re lucky enough to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Surfers Paradise to Snapper Rocks, the options are endless and each one more beautiful than the last. Don’t forget water and sunscreen of course, that Gold Coast sun is unrelenting.
Make your way up the mountain
Mt Tamborine is only a 40 minute drive from the Coast and the views from up there are next-level. Not only that, there are more beautiful walks than you can poke a stick at, waterfalls and the main street is a sight to behold in itself. Plenty of shops to scope out if you’ve got some spare change too.
Enjoy, friends, those should keep you going for awhile.
Words by Kirra Smith
