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Things to do on the Gold Coast Gold Coast Attractions, Theme Parks, Tours and More

The Gold Coast is Australia's favourite holiday playground - it's been that way since the 1950s when Surfers Paradise was established as a one hotel, beachside town. The city has grown up over the last half century with plenty of accommodation choices and great things to do while visiting, making the region one of the most tourist-oriented in the country.

The Gold Coast is a top spot for vacations in Australia, offering loads of attractions and outdoor activities for everyone. You'll find stunning beaches , lush rainforests, and a variety of activities perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers. Every day on the Gold Coast offers something special, rain or shine, day or night. With countless activities available, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re struggling with all the exciting options the Gold  Coast has to offer and can’t decide on what to do then maybe some of the following  day plans  can help you plan out your holiday and find the perfect activity.

We've compiled a brief guide to some of the most popular things to do and the must-visit destinations on the Gold Coast. Click through to learn more about the various activities and destinations on offer and book tours and experiences online .

Popular Activities & Destinations 

The main tourist attractions.

The Gold Coast is a dedicated tourist town and there's enough things to do to keep you occupied for months. It's not just mini-golf and wax museums either; take a tour of the river and canals in an aqua-bus, see the  Australian Outback  without leaving the Gold Coast, learn about our  native wildlife  or learn to surf on one of our pristine beaches. Check out our list of the best Gold Coast tourist attractions!

The Spit is a 5km long, relatively undeveloped, sandy isthmus starting at Main Beach and finishing at the seaway, where the Broadwater meets the Pacific Ocean. The Spit is home to some popular destinations including Fisherman's Wharf, Marina Mirage, Peter's Fish Market (for the freshest fish, and best fish and chips on the Coast), Palazzo Versace and Sea World, as well as a large 3-4km open area with several dog exercise, picnic spots and places to anchor.

Stradbroke Island

One of the largest sand islands in the world, Straddie is one of Australia’s national treasures and the perfect place for an island getaway. The island is popular among locals who know of the kilometres of white, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters while only a one hour drive and a ferry away. It’s a subtropical area with sunshine almost all year round and temperatures ranging from 20C in winter and 28C in summer and is split into North and South Stradbroke.

Gold Coast Beaches

The Gold Coast has more than 70km of fantastic beaches and Surfers Paradise is one of the most iconic beaches along this huge stretch of sand. However, there are plenty of beaches that are much prettier, are more patrolled, and have better swells if you care to explore the area. Read our comprehensive guide to all the golden Gold Coast beaches, including information on beach safety, the best Gold Coast beaches, a history of shark attacks and surfing.

Natural Attractions & Farms

With beautiful weather pretty much all year round, visiting Natural Attractions and Farms on the Gold Coast are popular with both tourists and locals. You can book a tour which will take you to one of the beautiful wonders up in the Hinterland or visit a 'working' farm to get a feel for the Aussie lifestyle. To experience some of this beauty first, we recommend trying out some of these great farm tours and natural attractions! 

Sightseeing Cruises

Blessed with a few hundred kilometres of canals and rivers (446km to be precise), the Gold Coast's waterways are more than ten times longer than those of Venice. The Nerang River is the main aquatic artery and if you've ever had the chance to follow its course past Surfers Paradise and into the Broadwater with the sun setting behind the Mountain tops, it's an experience you won't forget. Book a cruise today!

Gold Coast Breweries

Many of the Gold Coast breweries have been winning both Australian and international awards for their beers and if you visit them you’ll see why; Queenslanders love beer! To these local brewers what they do is not just a job, it’s their lifestyle. Drop in for a delicious tasting and hear them talk with passion about the brewing process, what beers go with which dishes and what their favourite brews are at the moment - you won't regret it! 

Hinterland Bushwalking Trails

Enjoy this beautiful region on foot and trek through the rainforest, under waterfalls and the ancient rock formations which wildlife, such as the mysterious glow worm, call home. With hundreds of square kilometres of bushland, stretching from Mt Tamborine in the north, down south to the NSW border, the number of treks you can do is really only limited to the amount of time you have and the thickness of the tread on your boots.

Cinemas & Theatres

Rainy day or public holiday? You can always catch a movie! The Gold Coast has quite a few cinemas with one bound to be near you, so you can make sure to catch the latest films from Hollywood and home grown ones on the big screen. See something at VMax Robina, or get the full service at Gold Class (with recliners, drinks and food brought to you by your waiter). You can even still catch a flick at the drive-in!

Day Spas & Pampering

While the Gold Coast's history as a tourist destination is steeped in flashing lights and iconic high rise skyline, the last couple of decades have seen a boom in luxury amenities for discerning travellers who want to be pampered. Plenty of uber-rich travellers pass through the Gold Coast each month and while you may not be Paris Hilton, or an Arabian oil sheik, if you're staying on the Coast you have the chance to be treated like one.

Driving Experiences & Go Karting

Driving probably isn't the first thing you think of when going on a holiday to the Gold Coast. Driving around to see the sights or visit destinations, yes, but for some, the act of driving is an experience in itself - it's all about the journey! Thanks to the mix of terrain, types of driving adventures range from off road ATV adventures to screaming around go karts, to obtaining maximum traction on the smooth tarmac.

Extreme Adventures

Experience the excitement of jumping from a plane, speeding over the water in a jet boat or doing loop-the-loops high in the sky over Surfers Paradise. What a rush! Along with all the more sedate activities, the Gold Coast also has heaps to offer those looking for an adrenalin rush. Here are some suggestions that will get your heart racing - book extreme activities such as sky diving, jet boating and bungy jumping online. 

Fishing & Charters

Undoubtedly the best way to catch fish on the Gold Coast is from a boat but there is something to say for the romance of throwing in a line off a jetty or from the beach. While there are plenty of fish which hang around the shoreline, unless you are prepared to do some serious secret spot hunting you're only going to end up with smallish bream, whiting and flathead - see our guide on where to fish and book a charter online.

Golf Courses

The Gold Coast is a golfers paradise with more golf clubs and courses per square kilometre than just about any other region in the world! Whether you are looking for a world class championship course designed by one of the world's best players, or a driving range to whack a few balls, you'll find exactly what you're after - nine are ranked in the top 100 in Australia! View our list of courses around the Coast. 

Horse Riding

Even if you've never been on a horse before, trail riding through the Australian bush is something you will never forget. The gentle motion of the horse, the steady clip clop of their sure feet on the land and the sense of comradeship with your fellow riders are all things you will remember long after the experience is over. The Hinterland offers some excellent scenic horse riding experiences through spectacular rainforest & mountain trails.

Major Events On The Gold Coast

With magnificent beaches, a fantastic climate, a huge range of accommodation and a strong business infrastructure the Gold Coast is a helluva place to hold an event. That's why there's so much happening in this town. Whether you like car races, golfing tournaments, tennis, musicals or surfing, there's guaranteed to be something on the calendar to suit you. Read our  brief guide to some of the major events held on the Coast each year.

Gold Coast Markets

Once upon a time the Gold Coast was home to one market place and that was the Carrara Markets. While they're still a favourite, now there are dozens of markets that line the coast. Some follow the rules that one man's trash is another man's treasure and others nurture the local arts, crafts and fashion scene. Get out into the sunshine (or moonlight, depending on which markets you choose to visit) and check out one of these markets!

Nightlife & Entertainment

If you're after nightlife then the Gold Coast won't disappoint! The lights shine brighter at night and the cocktails flow until the early hours of the morning here. Check out the bars, pubs and clubs scattered throughout Surfers Paradise, the restaurants and wine bars of Broadbeach, the southern dining (and drinking) precincts, The Star Gold Coast casino, dozens of live music venues and more. Find out where you should head out tonight!

Restaurants & Dining

As you'd expect with any tourist town, the Gold Coast has a restaurant on every corner - except that unlike a lot of other tourist towns, most Gold Coast restaurants are really quite good. If you're after a cheap meal by the ocean pretty much all of the surf clubs (found in every oceanside suburb of the Coast) have a bistro where no matter what you choose. Read our guide to where to go for a meal on the Gold Coast.

Hinterland Scenic Drives

Driving through the winding mountain-side roads of the Hinterland can be an awe-inspiring and thrilling adventure as you make your way from one National Park to the next, stopping at all the country towns, lookouts and roadside stalls. If you like the view of the world from behind a windscreen or you appreciate the winding mountain roads then you simply must get out and do a scenic drive. Here's a few options!

Gold Coast Scenic Flights

Up, up and away... if you have a hankering to be up with the birds in the clear blue sky, the Gold Coast is one of the best places in the world to do it. The view is amazing - with the deep blue Pacific Ocean in the east, the canals and highrises of the Gold Coast on land, stretching to the beautiful mountain scenery of the hinterland in the west and beyond, you'll be amazed. We've included some operators for you to check out. 

Gold Coast Scuba Diving

Few cities in the world have better scuba diving (and snorkelling) conditions at such easily accessible locations than the Gold Coast. Couple this with spectacular weather and you'll see why the Gold Coast truly is a scuba divers paradise. From the natural diversity of the Gold Coast seaway, to the numerous wrecks and reefs sitting just off the coastline, there's great coral, marine life, and intrigue in the Gold Coast waterways. 

Shopping Guide

With some of the biggest shopping centres in the Southern Hemisphere as well as boutique strip mall shopping, the Gold Coast is the retail therapy capital of Australia. While the major centres are mostly full of large retail chains and boutiques, there are also plenty of cool alternate stores on the edges of the main shopping districts.  If you need it, chances are you can buy it on the Gold Coast, you just have to know where to look.

Gold Coast Surfing

The Gold Coast has some of the best and most consistent waves in the nation; it's home to round one of the Association of Surfing Professionals world tour; there are 70km of beaches and four epic point breaks. It would be appropriate to call it a surfers' paradise; and they did. In fact, getting a wave on the Gold Coast is as easy as heading east. When the wind is right and the swell is from the east, surfers are almost guaranteed a wave.

Sightseeing Tours

You're on holidays so sit back and let someone in the know take you to all the best places on the Gold Coast! There are heaps of options - half day tours, day tours and even quick little jaunts to a couple of destinations. Often the tour will combine a number of Gold Coast attractions in the one journey with time available at each to stop and experience. Stops are also provided for snacks and lunch with some tours including it in the price.

Whale Watching Tours

Each year majestic Humpback Whales migrate from the Antarctic to the warmer waters off the coast of Queensland. Every year around 1200 whales make the 5000km journey - the first ones arriving on the Gold Coast in early June. There are plenty of options when it comes to seeing these majestic creatures on their migration, with tours ranging from a few hours to a whole day, with the typical season lasting from June to October. Make sure you don't miss it!

Winery & Vineyards

As one of Queensland's fastest growing wine regions, the Gold Coast hinterland is making its mark. With a range of wineries located at Mount Tamborine, Mount Nathan, Canungra, Scenic Rim and Lamington, you can fill a couple of days visiting them all. Go on a day trip to the major wineries so you can enjoy a few tasty drops and some delicious food and views at the cellar doors whilst being driven around in comfort.

Family-friendly activities

Discover the diverse array of family-friendly activities on the Gold Coast!

Begin your adventure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary , where you can get up close with native animals. Feel the excitement at Warner Bros theme parks with thrilling rides, perfect for school holidays. 

Don't miss the natural beauty of Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park, where you can hike and witness breathtaking waterfalls. And make sure to relax at stunning beaches like  Burleigh Heads  or  Mermaid Beach , which offer beautiful views and perfect waves. Whether it's the adrenaline of rides or the tranquillity of nature, the Gold Coast has it all. With popular spots, serene landscapes, and stunning views it's an ideal destination for family fun, creating lasting memories for everyone.

Click through to learn more about the various activities and destinations on offer and  book tours and experiences online .

Warner Bros. Movie World

Experience a fun-filled day with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood at Warner Bros. Movie World. Meet your favourite stars, superheroes and Looney Tunes, see action-packed stunt shows or experience one of the tallest, longest and fastest HyperCoasters in the Southern Hemisphere plus awesome movie-themed rides (think DC Comics, Superman, Batman and more). Get a discount combo pass for unlimited entry to 3 theme parks!

Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210

Sea World has a fantastic range of animal exhibits featuring sharks, penguins, polar bears and other marine life in realistic, natural environments. Be entertained with spectacular stunt/water shows; giggle at the seals and marvel at the playful dolphins. Throw in some roller coasters, get wet at Castaway Bay and see the Ninja Turtles in 3D. You'll see that Sea World is perhaps the best all-round theme park. Grab a combo pass and save.

Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217

Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast

Wet'n'Wild is a fantastic day out, summer or winter, rain or shine. Have fun in the sun and cool off in the water. With nothing but amazing water slides, kids' pools, a whirlpool and a giant wave pool, Wet 'n' Wild is one of the greatest water parks in Australia. In winter everything is heated so you won't get cold and on a hot summer day, you'll have a hard time finding a better place to be. Wanna relax instead? Book your own Chill Cabana.

As the biggest theme park in Australia, Dreamworld has it all. With their exciting thrill rides, plenty of family rides and kid's precincts like the ABC Kids World, animal shows and attractions, Dreamworld is really your one-stop-shop for all things FUN! Don't miss the daily Tiger Presentation or Koala talk. Get the 1, 3 or 7 day pass for unlimited entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Skypoint and save stacks off admission prices!

Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a walk on the wild side and get close to some native Australian and exotic wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary . View stacks of interactive displays, and wide-open enclosures while walking through the lush rainforest and see all of your favourite animals - cuddle cute koalas, get up close to crocodiles, hand feed the kangaroos or exotic birds like the Rainbow Lorikeets. Or, for the adrenaline junkies, go through the Adventure Park High Ropes Course and experience breathtaking views from the tree tops. 

Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin

Paradise Country Farm

Paradise Country  is one of Gold Coast's most popular attractions for kids and is an authentic Aussie homestead where visitors can experience true blue farm life. Enjoy a meal at the Farm House or roll out the picnic rug on the hill. You can wake up to the call of the kookaburra and the bleating of sheep when you choose to stay on the farm in one of the onsite offerings. This experience is perfect for young and old as you immerse yourself in the Aussie farm lifestyle.  Although pony rides cost extra on top of the entry fee, it's totally worth it

Location: Production Drive, Oxenford

WhiteWater World

Located next door to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World is one of the largest, and most fun-filled, water parks in the country! Experience the eight-lane 'BRO' waterslide, the 20m high Green Room, The Rip, The Wedgie, The Triple Vortex and Wiggle Bay for kids, and many, many more. It's the perfect way to escape the Queensland heat and have some fun in the water. Visit Dreamworld and WhiteWater World with a special ' World Pass ' for discounted entry over 1, 3 or 7 days.

Quack'R'Duck Boat & Bus Tour

Experience a Gold Coast tour with a fun difference aboard the Quack'R'Duck! Set off from the heart of Surfers Paradise on this  Gold Coast duck bus tour  for a journey both along the roads and continuing to the Gold Coast Broadwater. Then enter the water aboard the same vehicle as it's amphibious! Kids love the excitement and watery fun as we splash into the water, transitioning seamlessly into a relaxing and informative and entertaining cruise around the Marina Mirage and its surroundings.

Location: 7 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise 

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images

Things to do and see On the Gold Coast in Queensland

Theme parks, combo passes & packages, free things to do.

Northern Gold Coast

Australia’s theme park capital and home to an awe-inspiring stretch of beach, Gold Coast’s northern region is an absolute must.

Central Gold Coast

Home to cute cafes, craft breweries, modern shopping centres and marketplaces, plus some of the best live music venues on the Coast.

Escape the seaside and head to our lush hinterland. Unearth a piece of the city that’s as magical as the sandy coastline that made it famous.

Southern Gold Coast

With a world famous point break, sprawling beaches, the Southern Gold Coast’s laidback vibes is renowned for its casual coastal culture.

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Culture & Tours

We’re a bunch of dreamers..

Water Tours

Land Tours & Sightseeing

Indigenous Culture Experiences

Galleries & museums

Historical locations

Food & Drink Tours

Accessibility Audio Guide

Frequently asked questions.

• What is the best way to see most of the Gold Coast? Seeing most of the Gold Coast is dependent upon how much time you have and what transport you have arranged. One of the easier and most flexible ways to explore the Gold Coast is to hire a car and set up the satellite navigation system to guide you to some of our most notable attractions. We recommend you call into a Visitor Information Centre for suggestions and directions before you depart, which will ensure you maximise the time you have to explore. But if you are considering joining a tour, consider focusing on a certain area of the Gold Coast - such as the Gold Coast Hinterland, and by exploring beside a local, you’re likely to learn so much more than if you head out on your own.
• How do I get to the Great Barrier Reef from the Gold Coast? One of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets is that a one-of-a-kind day tour departs from the Gold Coast Airport to reach the southernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Elliot Island. It’s an early start, but you may see first light illuminate the Surfers Paradise skyline before marvelling at spectacular views of Moreton and Fraser Islands as you track towards Lady Elliot Island. This tiny coral cay is on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and with a day to explore, join a guided snorkel safari in clear waters to hover over vibrant corals and meet some of the curious creatures that call the Great Barrier Reef home. You’ll likely see sea turtles, myriad fish and perhaps even some majestic manta rays. A sumptuous buffet lunch is included also, and time to join a fish feeding tour and admire nesting sea birds (in season). Enjoy an equally scenic flight home and land on the Gold Coast in time for dinner.
• How do I arrange to go on a whale-watching tour? There are several Gold Coast operators providing whale watching tours, which run seasonally (late May to October) departing from many locations including Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Runaway Bay. Some consider the best time for whale watching to be August, which is the peak time for whale migration and when mating season is in full swing. All whale watching cruises follow the same route, and tours work with each other to advise when a whale is spotted so everyone has the best chance of seeing these magnificent creatures. Whales can also easily be spotted from the shore at some of the Gold Coast’s headlands including Burleigh, Currumbin and Point Danger and during whale season, if you are underwater, you may also hear them singing.
• What are the best Indigenous experiences on the Gold Coast? Connect deeply to the Gold Coast’s ancient Indigenous culture on a walking tour guided by traditional custodians of the Yugambeh language group at Dreaming Mountain (Jellurgal), located at the base of Burleigh Headland. Be welcomed onto country by traditional owners and listen to dreaming stories that share the creation of Jellurgal, while following a rainforest fringed walkway learning about traditional life, spotting bush tucker and native Australian animals and discovering the deep spiritual connection Yugambeh peoples have with country. Visit the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre’s Art Gallery to admire stunning Indigenous art and artefacts including boomerangs, null nullas and dilly bags and visit the gift shop after to take home a unique souvenir. Kids-specific Walkabout Tours are available on school holidays.
• What are the most unique tours you can do on the Gold Coast? You’ll find some of our more unique tours located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, which is easily accessed on a day trip from the Gold Coast. From visiting caves filled with glowworms, having a picnic date with an alpaca and sampling liquors from the oldest craft Distillery in Queensland that holds the enviable record of the most awards achieved in Australia this century! If staying closer to the coast is your preference, there’s plenty to do. Hop aboard a scenic city tour that turns into an immersive aqua adventure on a purpose-built amphibious tour bus. Join a whale watching tour to see the Humpback Highway at close range or join a jet-ski tour to explore our beautiful waterways.
• Are there any tours that offer accessible options? Accessibility is an integral part of the Gold Coast visitor experience and there's a wide range of tours that cater for all abilities. From whale watching, jet boating, theme park visits, wildlife encounters, cruises and skydiving - to name just a few. Planning is key, and online information is readily available on most tour operator websites, however, we would also suggest calling ahead to speak to the tour organiser to discuss the assistance you may need and ensure the tour you are interested in is suitable for you. You can find more information in the official  Queensland Government Accessibility Guide to the Gold Coast  to help with planning the perfect holiday to the Gold Coast.
• What are the best tours to do with families on the Gold Coast? Families are well catered for on the Gold Coast, with several exciting tours on offer that will thrill kids and adults alike. From unique animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours to the chance to become a ranger for a day at our animal sanctuaries to hosting an alpaca picnic. Complete thrilling tree top challenges, take a river cruise and whale watch or see glow worms light up a cave at night. There are also family surf lessons to try, escape rooms to conquer and private tours that can build your family the perfect itinerary with the time you have available to explore, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy quality time together.
• What’s the best way to see the Gold Coast Hinterland? A number of tours depart from the Gold Coast and take the scenic hour-long drive to the Gold Coast Hinterland which offers a completely different experience to the coast. Depending on your tour preferences, you can arrange a visit to the ancient Gondwana rainforest, watch waterfalls tumble, embark on a bush walk, step into caves illuminated by glowworms and feast on fabulous fresh local fare. The Gold Coast Hinterland is where most of our vineyards live, so a winery tour will take you on a pleasant day of cellar door tastings and gorging on gourmet goodies for lunch, or perhaps you’d like to take a hot air balloon flight that concludes with a champagne breakfast? All is possible on the GC.
• Is there a central place I can go to book my tours? Yes, you’ll find two Visitor Information Centres located on the Gold Coast. One at the Gold Coast Airport and another on Cavill Ave in Surfers Paradise. Friendly assistants can help you find the perfect tours that will suit the length of time you are staying and also, suggest activities you might like to try. Bookings for tours can also be made at these Visitor Information Centres and a range of brochures, itineraries and options are available for you to peruse and take with you if you are not ready to decide.
• Can I book a tour that has guides that speak my language? Yes, JPT Tours provides tours to all the most popular Gold Coast attractions with English, Japanese, and Chinese-speaking guides, plus other languages on request. From arranging your airport transfers to your hotel, tours on the ground while you are visiting and helping you to make the most of your stay, the friendly team at JPT will be happy to assist you.