Things To Do
Soak Up the Sun on the Gold Coast’s Best Beaches
Watch the sun rise above sandy beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean – you’ll be spoiled for choice with the 57 kilometres of coastline this city boasts. Walk along the sand with the locals, or head to Surfers Paradise for seaside fun and easy access to drinks and ice cream. Catch amazing waves at The Spit or Mermaid Beach.
Enjoy Thrills and Spills at the Gold Coast’s Theme Parks
Find water parks, extreme rollercoasters and favourite movie characters at the Gold Coast theme parks. Experience the Justice League 3D ride and meet cartoon characters on Main Street at Warner Bros. Movie World. Splash down at Wet’n’Wild, frolic with dolphins at Sea World or head to Dreamworld and experience its Big Eight thrill rides.
Explore the Gold Coast’s Lush Hinterland
Turn away from the beach and explore the magic of the Great Hinterland Walk. Pass through World Heritage rainforests Lamington and Springbrook, where you access an ancient volcano and spectacular waterfall amidst incredible beauty and native wildlife. Get up close with a crocodile or cuddle koalas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tour the Villages of the Gold Coast
Explore the Gold Coast’s distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own vibe. Hire a bike and ride Old Burleigh Road, from buzzy Surfers Paradise to chic Broadbeach with its array of cafés, such as vegetarian delight Cardamom Pod. Stay in upmarket Southport or Main Beach, while Nobby Beach and Burleigh Heads are hip and chilled-out surfie neighbourhoods.
Stay in the Gold Coast’s Hip Hotels and Five-Star Resorts
Indulge yourself at fabulous five-star hotels like the Palazzo Versace, the high-rise Hilton in the heart of the action, the Sofitel at Broadbeach, or funky QT at Surfers Paradise. For luxe resort stays by the best pools, try the Sheraton Mirage or Marriott Resort and Spa.
Get Close to the Rainforest on the Tree Top Walkway
See nature from a different angle as you stroll through the rainforest...15 metres above the ground! The Tree Top Walkway, which spans nine suspension bridges, puts you right in the midst of the canopy, where you’ll be surrounded by birds, flowers and – once you reach the 30m-high Observation Deck – the sky. The Walkway is free, and requires some climbing.
Take to the Water for Sports and Fun on the Gold Coast
Ride jet skis on an exhilarating coastal tour. Get your adrenalin rush on a jet boat. Learn to paddleboard or surf at one of the many great schools along the coast. See turtles, stingrays and seahorses as you dive, or for beginners, learn via the Discover Scuba Diving experience.
Graze at the Gold Coast’s Top Restaurants and Cafés
Pull up a waterview table at Bumbles on Budds Beach. Hit Black Coffee Lyrics in Surfers Paradise for sublime coffee and a cool night scene. Try the lamb at fantastic Hellenika at Nobby Beach, or hit the high-end food at celebrity chef Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill.
Shop at the Gold Coast’s Best Boutiques and Markets
Find vintage threads and an eclectic bohemian vibe at the Village Markets on Sundays at Burleigh Heads. Or head to Carrara Markets, where 500 stalls and lots of free entertainment will keep you entertained all weekend. Hit up Harbour Town outlet mall for some serious bargains and get a fashion fix at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
Play a Round of Golf at the Gold Coast’s Top Courses
Beautiful, challenging golf courses await you on the Gold Coast. Choose a resort course like Palmer Gold Coast, carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands, the RACV Royal Pines Resort which holds the Australian PGA Championships or the Intercontinental which give you access to Sanctuary Cove’s The Palms and The Pines courses. Alternatively try the public courses Parkwood International, an18 hole course set in contoured bushland, or Links which is located on Hope Island just a 20 minute drive from the Gold Coast.