Located on the east coast of Australia, Gold Coast is home to gorgeous beaches, excellent surfing spots, tropical rainforests, and the most exciting theme parks! Whether you’re looking for things to do in Gold Coast on a budget or looking for a taste of luxury, the city certainly has something to offer. Discover a vast selection of attractions and destinations you can visit through this helpful travel guide!
Sea World is a marine park in Southport that features thrilling rides, spectacular shows, and unique performances all dedicated to the gorgeous marine life. Dive below the surface and get up close and personal with a variety of species such as polar bears, jellyfish, stingrays, and seals. Have a memorable experience as you not only watch the dolphin show but also get a chance to shake hands with the friendly dolphins. Throughout your visit, you will learn more about the wonders of underwater life and the conservation and rehabilitation efforts taken to protect it.
Enter Warner Bros. Movie World and relive your favorite films from the studio! This theme park may be smaller in size compared to Dreamworld, but it certainly has its charm and unique sets of attractions such as stunt shows, the adrenaline pumping Hypercoaster, and the thrilling Wild West Falls Adventure Ride. Watch out also for the chance to meet famous characters like Scooby-Doo, Superman, and Green Lantern at the Main Street Parade. Spend your day having a blast at this exciting theme park in Oxenford!
No surprise that a trip to Dreamworld is at the top of the list of fun things to do in Gold Coast. With over 40 rides and attractions, there is no shortage of things to eat, see, and do in the largest theme park in Australia! Meet various wildlife species in the zoo, such as cute koalas and kangaroos to ferocious tigers, where you’ll also get the chance to feed and hold some of these creatures. On a hot summer day, beat the heat and prepare for a splash in the water park and log ride! For families with children, this kid-friendly theme park matches that of Warner Bros. Movie World and gets packed especially during school holidays.
If you’re looking for top things to do in Surfers Paradise, climb up the highest point in the Gold Coast! The 230-meter SkyPoint Observation Deck on the Q1 building is the best place to witness unparalleled views of the city’s skyscrapers as it meets the ocean. Claim your ticket and ride the elevator up 77 floors where you can dine at the breakfast buffet, enjoy a lovely high tea, or have drinks at the bar, all with a lovely view.
Discover the beauty of nature along with Australia’s native animals and exotic wildlife at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Have a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with adorable creatures like koalas, kangaroos, emus, and more, who consider this their home. Get to watch amazing shows, experience bird feeding, or even hug and take photos with some of the animals, among many other interactive activities that are perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
Soak up the sun and splash in the refreshing waters at Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, a water park located near Warner Bros. Movie World in Oxenford. You won’t have a dry moment with the variety of heart-pumping water slides, wave pool, and other rides in the park, which include the popular Aqualoop and Black Hole. Feel the summer rush all year round, as the park is open even during the winter season with heated pools and slides. During school holidays, the queues for the attractions can get long, so don’t forget to plan your trip accordingly!
About 100km south of Brisbane is one of the most breathtaking Gold Coast attractions: Springbrook National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes several waterfalls, pools, and swimming holes, is definitely a must-visit for those looking to immerse in calming waters. Go on an adventure as you explore the lush rainforests and follow the different hiking trails. One thing you can’t miss is the renowned Natural Bridge, a beautiful rock formation over Cave Creek which is at its most charming view when sunlight flows in through the cascading waterfalls or at night when the cave is filled with thousands of lights from the glow worms.
Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, fast-food chains, and other urban developments, Burleigh Heads is a coastal suburb that keeps the natural landscapes of the Gold Coast. One of the best things to do here is to head to the Burleigh Heads Beach which is known to be an excellent playground for surfing and other fun water activities. The area is also home to numerous parks, from the Burleigh Heads National Park where visitors can have a stunning view of the deep blue ocean or the forested mountains, to the David Fleay Wildlife Park where animal lovers can spot a variety of resident wildlife in their natural habitat.
More popularly known as Broadie to the locals, Broadbeach is a more sophisticated area in the Gold Coast. This coastal suburb is known for its glamorous shopping centers, out-of-this-world festivals, gourmet restaurants, and lively bars. If you’re looking to spice up your stay, some top attractions one can visit include the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Kurrawa Beach, Kurrawa Pratten Park, and the Star Gold Coast.
Extend your fun in Dreamworld and get a pass that connects you straight to WhiteWater World! From the relaxing wave pool to the popular heart-racing Wedgie and Hydrocoaster water slides, create unforgettable memories with your entire family at this water park in Coomera. After soaking in the refreshing waters, you can spend the rest of the day enjoying treats at any of the restaurants and food stalls, relaxing at the luxurious cabanas, or shopping at the surrounding retail stores. If you want to avoid long queues, visit during the winter season, but check beforehand as some of the rides may be closed. Prepare sunscreen, swimwear, and lots of energy on your exciting day under the sun!
Gold Coast is a city of glistening beaches, diverse wildlife, fresh seafood, vibrant nightclubs, and adrenaline-pumping activities. Embrace the great outdoors of the coastal city enjoy all that it has to offer!
See the adorable koala at the Dreamworld Theme Park. Seek the thrill by skydiving, jet boating, parasailing, and more! Embark on a Gold Coast City Sights tour to explore a giant aquatic playground. Board a cruise, catch crabs from the ocean, try yabby pumping, or simply stroll along scenic shores.
Gold Coast is perfect for travelers who love the outdoors because of its long sandy beaches, fun theme parks, and beautiful mountain ranges that are filled with wildlife and lush rainforests. The city also has plenty of options for dining, shopping, and nightlife.
There is guaranteed sunshine on most, if not all, days of the year in the Gold Coast. To enjoy the beach and other water activities in the hot weather, it’s best to visit from May to October.
Stay at either Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach to be at the heart of the city yet still close to the beach. The former caters to the younger crowds who wish to enjoy the nightlife while the latter has a more laid back and relaxing atmosphere.