Planning a Valentine’s getaway, or wanting to savour the summer with your soulmate? The city of Gold Coast is the perfect vacation destination for all kinds of tourists. Boasting clear and sunny weather, a rich biodiversity, and a fun and chill culture, a Gold Coast holiday is just what you and your partner need to veg out this summer.
From breathtaking adventures, to laid-back one-on-one time, here are 20 of the best and most romantic things to do in Gold Coast for couples. Trust us, your partner will thank you!
1. Parasailing
What better way to conquer your fear of heights than hand-in-hand with your partner? Enjoy the breeze as you glide several feet above sparkling blue waters on your very own parasailing adventure. The flight lasts about 10 minutes, during which you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for stunning panoramic views of Surfer’s Paradise, including some of Gold Coast’s most famous sites, such as Tamborine Mountains and Wavebreak Island.
Two is always better than one! Try out a tandem parasail now on Klook to experience this exciting adventure with your other half. Experienced and professional crew will be right there to make sure everyone has an enjoyable time that will surely be one for the books.
2. SkyPoint Climb Experience
Reach new heights when you take on the SkyPoint Climb Experience. Take it step-by-step as you scale the 322-metre Queensland Number One (Q1) Tower, the tallest building in Australia. When you arrive at the building’s ground floor, there’s no time to listen to elevator music as you zoom to the observation deck on the 77th floor in just 42 seconds! From there, you’ll begin your ascent to the summit of the building, where you’ll get a one-of-a-kind view of the city—best appreciated with loved ones.
Book your tickets now on Klook and choose how you want to view the city from morning to twilight. At the end of your climb, you’ll receive a group photo, a cap, and a certificate to commemorate your journey to the top!
3. Natural Bridge and Springbrook Waterfalls Tour
For couples who can’t say no to wanderlust, this exciting excursion through Springbrook National Park is just the thing to satisfy you! Springbrook National Park spans 6,559 hectares and is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. With so many natural wonders to discover, you won’t know where to look or want to leave! An expert tour guide will accompany you through the evergreen rainforests to the park’s highlights.
Prepare to be in awe at the Natural Bridge, featuring impressive rock formations, and a cascading waterfall over a basalt cave. It honestly all seems too good to be true, but believe us, it’s au naturel! Enjoy a blissful afternoon tea amongst the trees with deliciously flaky scones and some jam and cream to replenish your energy before you head over to Canyon Lookout for scenic views of gorgeous waterfalls.
4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Since 1947, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been a loving home to various native fauna, and now houses one of the largest collections of Australian species in the world. It is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife and providing visitors with opportunities to learn about and interact with various animals.
Take part in close-up encounters with koalas, red pandas, and capybaras. Grab the opportunity for a Grazy Arvo with the sanctuary’s koalas for a date with antipasto delights, a glass of wine or beer, and, of course, our furry friends. They also have interactive educational experiences, including an augmented reality experience called the Extinction Trail where guests can travel back in time to the Mesozoic Era and roam the Earth alongside dinosaurs!
5. Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
What’s a couples vacation without a fancy dinner to end a fun day, or even kick off an exciting night out? One of the most unique things to do in the Gold Coast for couples, Dracula’s Cabaret redefines what a dining experience should be like. This dinner theatre combines entertainment with a delicious gastronomical experience, featuring music, burlesque, aerial performances, and a three-course dinner.
Come one, come all! Get the classic Dracula’s Cabaret experience with Cabaret seating, or live a little lavishly with VIP seating—take your pick on Klook. Either way, you can kick back with a refreshing cocktail, while admiring the performers’ talents and the unique decorations that fill the restaurant.
6. Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s, and Vineyard Tour
Come along on this chill outdoor excursion through the lush rainforests of Lamington National Park. With the help of an expert guide, visit Kamarun Lookout for seemingly unending views of undulating hills, valleys, and exquisite sunsets. You’ll also be taken through O’Reilly’s, a previously-family owned property that’s home to the Canungra Valley Vineyards. The thriving vineyard is famous for producing award-winning fine wines, due in part to Canungra Valley’s soil being well-suited for grapes. O’Reilly’s is also widely known for Bernard O’Reilly’s role in the discovery of the 1937 crash site of a Stinson airplane.
Enjoy hiking, historical fun facts, wildlife sightings, and more on this small group tour through Lamington National Park. Have a spot of complimentary morning tea before you embark on your adventure, and have a picnic lunch on the beautiful green grass of the park with your partner—what could be more romantic?
7. Strike Bowling Bar
Laugh the night away with an endless list of things to do at Strike Bowling Bar. Perfect for group dates or just a fun way to get to know each other, Strike Bowling Bar is guaranteed to keep anyone and everyone entertained. Get ready to crack your knuckles with a game of bowling. They’ve got 10 lanes to make sure everyone gets a chance to show off their skills!
If you’ve struck out of bowling, give their escape rooms a shot! Flex your couple synergy as you and your partner work together to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out. If you still lucked out, everyone is always welcome in their karaoke room. You don’t even have to worry about being a great singer—everything sounds great after you’ve had a few drinks. . No wonder why this is a local favourite for things to do in the Gold Coast.
8. Mount Tamborine Tour
Feast your eyes on captivating views of the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim on this half-day tour through the region all the way to Tamborine Mountain. Begin your journey with a jungle-like experience as you explore the beautiful green rainforests in a modern off-road vehicle. Then, you’ll make your trek to Curtis Falls, where you’ll be soothed by the sounds of running water and rustling leaves. We recommend keeping your eyes peeled for turtles, platypus, and other wildlife in the area.
After a day in the trees, cap off your nature trip with shopping at a variety of local shops boasting unique finds and hand-crafted pieces. You’ll also get the opportunity to learn how to launch the traditional hunting weapon in a fun boomerang class. Catch it if you can!
9. Queensland Scuba Diving Company
Discover a new hobby or passion with a scuba diving lesson at the Queensland Scuba Diving Company. With no prior experience required, you can take your partner out on a spontaneous date to see the fishes at Wavebreak Island. Accompanied by a certified PADI instructor, learn all about the basics of scuba diving, and even bring home a certificate to commemorate your first dive!
10. Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience at Tamborine National Park
Indulge in a romantic night under the stars and amongst the beauty of nature. Watch Tamborine National Park twinkle with the light of thousands of glow worms in this one-of-a-kind evening rainforest experience. The national park is home to 85% of all animal species and 65% of all plant species in the Gold Coast area, and you’ll be able to learn all about the native nocturnal wildlife that call the park home. Feel free to ask your expert tour guide about any flora or fauna you spot during the adventure.
To make the experience even better, the trip includes a delicious pit to stop at a charming restaurant right by the mountain. It’s all about the cosy vibes on this tour, making it a mini Gold Coast retreat for couples who want to keep exploring together, even at night.
11. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Soar through the sky in a romantic hot air balloon ride 2,000 feet over the Hinterland. This scenic ride is an unmissableGold Coast activity. Get a bird’s-eye view of the sunrise filtering over some of the city’s popular landmarks, such as Lamington National Park and Mount Tamborine.
Scared of heights? No need to worry, the balloons are operated by highly-skilled pilots, making the experience perfectly safe. All you have to do is appreciate the view—whether that’s your partner or the city beneath you. In the end, you might not want to come back down, but the prospect of a delicious champagne brekkie at Marcos at the Italo-Australian Club might do the trick!
12. Jet Boat and Helicopter Adventure
Thrill-seeking couples will absolutely love this Jet Boat and Helicopter Ride Combo for a date of adrenaline-filled fun. Embark on a jet boat adventure like no other, filled with speed, snazzy tricks, and captivating coastline views. Keep your hands in the air for 360-degree spins, power slides and beach buzzing. There’s no time to catch your breath on this boat ride, except maybe when trying to spot some wild dolphins at Moreton Bay Marine Park.
The thrills don’t end there. At the Sea World Helicopters base, you’ll board a helicopter that will give you a scenic tour of the Gold Coast. Admire the city from a new angle in this spectacular experience, and who better to be there with you than your significant other?
13. Currumbin Beach
Chill out for a simple beach day at Currumbin Beach. Take an afternoon or evening stroll on the sandy shore, or catch a wave with a surfing lesson if you want to try something new. You’ll have real life waves as white noise to a quiet day of rest and relaxation with your partner whom you can get to know more about without any distractions.
We also recommend dropping by Elephant Rock nearby for its stunning large rock formations. It can even make for a shady spot for a beach picnic! The beach is also popular for its fishing spots and water sports.
If, after some rest, you find yourself craving something more exciting, check out this list of thrilling things to do in the Gold Coast!
14. Miami Marketta
Check out the Gold Coast’s first street food market, the Miami Marketta. Take a mouth-watering stroll through the outdoor area lined with a variety of restaurants and bars serving international cuisine. The restaurant line-up is always changing, so each visit is an experience all on its own. Satisfy your cravings with a food crawl through every restaurant, or try out a dish you’ve never heard of before.
Whether you’re in the mood for noodles or pizza, or Korean or Thai, the Miami Marketta’s got everything couples who are foodies. As a bonus, they’ve got live music pumping to drive the good vibes. . Open from 5 p.m. with good food and good music, Miami Marketta is one of Gold Coast’s best things to do at night.
15. Surfer’s Paradise Sunset Kayak
What better way to enjoy a sunset than right on the water? Discover the unique beauty of Gold Coast’s waterways aboard a kayak. Take a relaxing pace as you wade through the calm waters with your partner. To cap it all off, take home a gorgeous memory of the sunset where you can marvel at the glinting colors reflected on the waters of Surfer’s Paradise. You’ll have plenty of time to talk with your partner, enjoy each other’s company, and even work on your teamwork as you learn to kayak together.
16. Minigolf at Putt Putt Mermaid Beach
Have some friendly competition with a game of minigolf at Putt Putt Mermaid Beach. Pick from three themed 18-hole courses colorfully decorated to keep the ambience light and fun. Their Fun Run course has come straight out of a story book, featuring whimsical creatures, majestic castles, and a haunted house. They’ve also got a safari-themed course named “Jungle Trail,” with various animals cheering you on as you make your way through each hole. They’ve even got a Waterways course which is inspired by a tropical sanctuary home to turtles, dolphins, pirates, and waterfalls. Just don’t be distracted by the rainbow light displays that come alive at night!
Putt Putt Mermaid Beach’s Twilight Golf experience is also something you won’t want to miss. The whole location will be glowing from its golf balls, to the courses, to the arcade! Plus, place your bets on some games of air hockey and car racing, or win a cuddly prize from the claw machine.
17. Spirit of the Gold Coast Whale Watching
A Gold Coast holiday would not be complete without a trip to see the whales that also call the city home. Climb aboard a ship purposefully built for whale watching, offering 360-degree views for observing the blue waters. Doesn’t a morning cruise sound like the best way to start your day? Keep your cameras ready to snap a photo of giant humpbacks, bottlenose dolphins, and whale sharks peeking out of the water.
The best time for whale watching usually runs between the months of June and October. For everything you need to know about whale watching on the Gold Coast, including where to join the experience, check out this extensive guide.
18. Skydiving
Brace yourself for the ultimate ride back down to Earth! Falling can feel a lot like flying, especially from 12,000 feet in the sky. There’s nothing to think about except jumping with Gold Coast Skydive’s tandem skydive, where you’ll be jumping out of a plane with a skilled instructor. They’ve literally got your back! All you have to do is appreciate the truly unique perspective to the city spread out right below you.
Who better to experience the thrill of a lifetime with than your partner in crime? Take the leap together for an unforgettable summer memory for you to reminisce on in the future.
19. Yatala Drive-in Theatre
A favourite for couples to do in the Gold Coast, Yatala Drive-In Theatre is a classic and one of the most romantic date ideas there is. Place the popcorn in the middle, snuggle in a comfy blanket, and grab some fluffy pillows to complete the experience. Lounge back from the comfort of your own car’s trunk and in the arms of your partner.
They screen everything from the latest blockbusters to the greatest films of all time. You can also grab a snack at the 50’s style Yatala Diner decorated with full-size statues of Old Hollywood celebrities and posters of classic movies. Fill up on classic movie theatre snacks, such as hotdogs, burgers, and milkshakes.
20. Lady Elliot Island
Fall in love with the underwater treasures hidden at Lady Elliot Island. Lady Elliot Island is an absolute must on the list of things to do in the Gold Coast, Lady Elliot Island is renowned as one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Australia. The coral cay is located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef and boasts a pristine coral reef and over 1,200 marine life.
Dive into the glinting waters to meet starfish, manta rays, and even reef sharks up close and with your own eyes! There are also glass bottom boats available to roam about the island, without missing a single thing of what’s beneath you.
Never miss an anniversary or holiday date again with these 20 Gold Coast activities for couples! Simply pick and choose depending on you and your partner’s interests and hobbies. Though, it doesn’t really matter where you are or what you’re doing, as long as you’re with your favourite person.