Look no further if you’re seeking for things to do in Gold Coast! There’s something for everyone in this busy and dynamic city, and there’s always something unique to see. You may spend as much money as you like in the Gold Coast, but if your budget is limited, you can plan ahead and take advantage of cheap and affordable vacation (in Gold Coast).

From world-famous beaches to intriguing cultural events, there’s enough to keep you engaged. We’ll go through some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast in this post so you can make the most of your visit. From world-class attractions to jaw-dropping beaches in Australia, this cosmopolitan metropolis offers something for everyone.

Table of Contents

Beautiful Beaches of GC

Many believes that the Gold Coast was nothing more than a long expanse of sand separated by a few wooded headlands, blue-water estuaries, and lots of bronzed lifeguards. True, but if you spend some time here, you’ll uncover a incredible Gold Coast beaches and lovely neighborhoods, each with its own charm and eccentricities.

Surfers Paradise Beach

The Gold Coast’s Surfers Paradise beach is one of the most popular in Australia. It is near the Gold Coast Seaway. Many visitors come to this beach to participate in water sports and swim. Restaurants, motels, and retail malls are readily available in this neighborhood. This location is ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends.

Main Beach

Featuring the famous Main Beach and North Avoca as it slopes gradually down to the sea, this Gold Coast holiday accommodation is a secluded setting amongst luxurious tropical gardens. Just moments from the water’s edge, the property offers privacy and lies adjacent to a conservation area.

Broadbeach

Broadbeach is a beach and suburb in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is located in the southeast of the metropolitan area and is the home of the Sea World amusement park. Real estate agents coined the name Broadbeach in 1948 to describe what was then a long, wide, and sandy beach.

Tallebudgera Creek

One of the most popular locations for families to visit on the Gold Coast is Tallebudgera Creek and it’s also a great place to go swimming and picnic.

The protected beach at Tallebudgera Creek is perfect for fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, stand-up paddle boarding and also due to its calm water makes it very popular among families.

Of course, you may always sit back and take in the scenery! When you’re ready for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, take a seat and unwind at one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean.

Rainbow Bay

Rainbow Bay is a tourist attraction focusing on marine wildlife awareness education, a simulated tropical rainforest. It is located on the Gold Coast between Coolangatta and Tugun, Queensland, Australia

Currumbin Beach

This natural wonder is one of the most photographed and widely recognized beaches on the Gold Coast, thanks to the iconic Elephant Rock and lush native vegetation that borders the pristine coastline.

Currumbin Beach is a haven for surfers and families alike, with calm, sheltered conditions ideal for safe swimming.

Kirra Beach

Kirra Beach is a seaside suburb on Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. Kirra Beach is a 2.4 kilometre long patrolled beach on the Gold Coast with a popular surf break. Kirra is a quiet beach with self-catering apartments located directly opposite Coolangatta’s vibrant Marine Parade.

It has all the necessary amenities for a relaxing beach holiday and provides plenty to do if you prefer an adventure away from the sand.

Aquariums, Zoos, and Wildlife Sanctuaries – Things to do in Gold Coast with kids

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was Australia’s first wildlife sanctuary and still proudly remains the Gold Coast’s No. 1 tourist attraction, drawing more than 750,000 visitors a year.

It has various Australian native animals, tons of amazing native birds, and native Australian critters! Everything is up-close and personal here at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Paradise Country

Paradise Country is Australia’s most popular farm tour and a must-do on the Gold Coast. Discover amazing native animals, birds, and reptiles in their natural bushland habitat.

Take part in a memorable animal encounter, learn new Aussie recipes, and enjoy live music and a barbecue lunch.

David Fleay Wildlife Park

David Fleay Wildlife Park (DFWP) is a not-for-profit wildlife park, conservation, and educational Centre. Set at Currumbin Valley on the beautiful Gold Coast, DFWP is a place where visitors learn about nature and experience wildlife firsthand.

David Fleay Wildlife Park also has several walk-through aviaries to get an up-close view of some native birds.

National Parks and Rainforest

World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests

World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests Gold Coast is located in the heart of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. This rainforest region is home to some of the world’s most ancient plant species, including Antarctic Beech trees that have lived on earth for more than 100 million years.

The area includes three major national parks: Mt Barney National Park, Lamington National Park, and Springbrook National Park.

Mount Barney National Park

Located in the rainforest of Southern Queensland, Mount Barney National Park is an isolated mountain range close to the Gold Coast. Formed some 60 million years ago by volcanic activity, its wide-ranging views over nearby islands and beaches have made it one of the region’s most mesmerizing natural landmarks.

Burleigh Head National Park

Located in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Head National Park is one of the most popular attractions for animal lovers and beach-goers alike.

Featuring a variety of animals and birds to see, tourist facilities such as clean restrooms, food stalls, and picnic tables, Burleigh Head National Park is the perfect place to spend a day with friends or family.

Lamington National Park

The Lamington is a world-class destination on Australia’s Gold Coast. Bundled by the World Heritage rainforest, park offers to the thrill-seeker and outdoor adventurer an array of activities, including 4WD tours, shark cage diving, sky diving, paddle boarding, swimming, or camping amongst the natural wonders of the Lamington National Park.

Lamington National Park is a great destination to visit, with natural beauty, stunning vistas, vast walking trails, ancient trees, high ecological value, and , lush rainforests.

Tamborine National Park

Tamborine National Park, Gold Coast–Springbrook Section covers much of the plateau and escarpment above the resorts of the Gold Coast. It’s a short drive from South East Queensland’s major urban centers and a rewarding place to take the family on a relaxing day trip.

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the rainforest. The skywalk takes visitors over 30 meters above the ground.

You will encounter three viewing platforms where you can stop and enjoy the spectacular views over the rainforest canopy.

Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves

Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves is located on the Gold Coast, North of Brisbane. Experience the natural beauty of the caverns and unique animal inhabitants, with over 1 million glow worms, including Saturniidae, Arachnocampa Flava [Lightning Bugs], and Arachnocampa Luminosa [Glow worms].

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park is situated on the Gold Coast just west of Brisbane and is approximately 10 kilometre from Helensvale. The park has some rainforests, springs, streams, and a waterfall.

It features a short, easy walking track with spectacular views down to the ocean and across to South Stradbroke Island.

Natural Bridge

At the heart of the Gold Coast and set in the tropical rainforest of Springbrook National Park, Natural Bridge is a rock formation created by water erosion over millions of years.

Millions of years in the making, Natural Bridge should be experienced at dawn or dusk when the resident colony of glow worms lights up their underground world. It’s truly a special experience!

Entertainments

Jetpack Events and Entertainment

Jetpack Events and Entertainment are one of the best event management companies on the Gold Coast. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate, or a party, we know what is most important for your perfect day.

A wide range of services is presented for smooth planning, including but not limited to lighting, amp systems, furniture erections, equipment hire, and dressing room setups. Jetpack Events and Entertainment is constantly looking for the latest cutting-edge technologies and ideas to help create a unique entertainment experience on Gold Coast and Australia.

Infinity Attraction

Infinity Attraction is located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and this nightclub and late-night venue combine nightlife, world-class entertainment, and modern party vibes to create an experience.

Infinity Attraction offers four different theme rooms, each with a distinct atmosphere. Each room features music provided by Infinity’s resident DJs and an open dance floor. Clubbers can move from room to room or stay in a favorite area for the ultimate nightclub getaway.

Paradise Centre

Paradise Centre is the Gold Coast’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. The resort boasts a wide range of fashion, lifestyle, food, and service retailers, including the cinema complex.

The Centre is adjacent to the beachfront on Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise. There are 900 underground parking spaces, and street parking is also abundant.

Yatala Drive-in

The Yatala open air drive-in on the Gold Coast is a family-friendly attraction with free wifi, a bar and cafe, and all from the comfort of your car.

Before sunset, load up the car with cushions, food, camp chairs, a torch, and the dog and go out to find a suitable parking area.

Dracula’s Haunted House

Head to Dracula’s Haunted House for an unforgettable and terrifying night full of frights. This family-owned and operated attraction has reigned as one of the Gold Coasts’ best-haunted houses for over 19 years, scaring more than 1 million visitors.

As soon as you enter the house, you will be taken on a journey through hell with multiple levels to explore in this eerie and terrifying inner-city attraction.

Theme Parks

Movie World

Movie World on the Gold Coast is Australia’s leading special effects studio and home to one of the country’s largest collections of movie memorabilia.

Posing with Catwoman in Movie World - Things to do in Gold Coast on a budget — Posing with Catwoman in Movie World – Things to do in Gold Coast on a budget

Famous for its stunning film-set quality backdrops. It promotes talented filmmakers by offering work with some of the biggest entertainers in Hollywood.

Whitewater World

Whitewater World, located at Dreamworld on Australia’s Gold Coast, is pure Gold Coast water fun. Join the world’s ultimate surfing icon, Kelly Slater, and negotiate your way through multiple levels of barrels and tunnels in the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, or have an exhilarating ride on The Green Room or The Rip

Australia’s Sea World

Australia’s Sea World is the perfect destination for everyone, young and old and go and experience the shows, animals, and rides. Its family-friendly environment means that Sea World will be a special day out for the whole family.

It is open every day of the year, so make Sea World Gold Coast a must on your holiday agenda with tickets to our theme park and slides and shows and wildlife displays.

Dreamworld

Dreamworld is Australia’s biggest theme park, with rides and attractions based around Australian wildlife. Dreamworld stands amid lush rainforests and palm trees on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Meet kangaroos and koalas in Dreamworld Corroboree, one of the world’s largest koala sanctuaries. Ride roller coasters at DreamWorks Animation Zone, featuring characters like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.

Visit Tiger Island to watch tigers’ daily routines, which expert keepers demonstrate. Dreamworld’s FlowRider surf pool: ride the waves or learn to surf from local pros. Take part in some less extreme family-friendly activities like panning for gold nuggets or taking a wildlife safari bus tour through Dreamworld’s scenery grounds.

Tropical Fruit World

The Tropical Fruit World Gold Coast’s the best place to visit, only a twenty-minute drive from Gold Coast airport. Enjoy the stunning scenery as our fruit bus winds its way up the mountain to the Tropical Fruit World Orchard.

See the largest variety of three-season tropical fruit trees in southern Queensland. Visit the fruit experience tours or relax in the unique ambiance that you only find at Tropical Fruit World.

Art, Cultural Centre and Gallery

HOTA – Home of the Arts

HOTA, Home of the Arts, is the Gold Coast’s premier cultural facility, which delivers world-class music, theatre, dance, and visual arts experiences year-round.

Situated in a beautiful parkland setting on the edge of Lake Orr, HOTA features a regional gallery, theatre, outdoor amphitheater, lawns, and a range of multi-purpose spaces.

Jellurgal Cultural Centre

Jellurgal Cultural Centre is located opposite the beach at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. The Cultural Centre has FREE parking, air-conditioned public galleries, auditoriums, and working theatre and meeting rooms available for hire.

Jellurgal is a hub for learning and engagement in the arts, culture, and education and is home to a diverse range of programs and services for all ages.

Other Places

Burleigh’s beloved The Village Market

Burleigh’s beloved The Village Markets are held on the first and third Sunday of each month from 8:30 am to 1 pm at Burleigh Heads State School and has free entry, free parking on site.

A free shuttle bus from Burleigh Heads State School drops you off at Palm Beach or Broadbeach. Catering for the young, old, health-conscious, and hip, a diverse range of market stalls showcasing everything from organic fruit and veg to fashion and homewares.

The markets have built a reputation as the go-to spot for fresh food, coffee, live music, and family-friendly activities. This is Gold Coast shopping at its best!

Freeman’s Organic Farm

Freeman’s Organic Farm is an organic fruit and vegetable farm that supplies wholesale markets with its delicious produce. Founded in 1995 to preserve the traditional family farming heritage of the Gold Coast, Freeman’s Farm provides education programs to schools that teach children about growing and eating organic produce.

Brewery

The Gold Coast Hinterland is such a beautiful and tranquil environment that it’s sometimes all you need is a drink to soak it all in. You may not realise it, but you’re in the ideal place to do so at some of the most gorgeous boutique breweries in the country, all of which are packed with fantastic beer and personality.

It’s difficult to pick just one brewery in the Gold Coast because there are so many, such as Balter Brewing Company, Black Hops, Burleigh Brewing Co., and so on.

SkyPoint Observation Deck

Observation Deck - Expensive things to do in Gold Coast — Observation Deck – Expensive things to do in Gold Coast

The sleek and stylish observation deck SkyPoint on top of the luxurious residential tower Q1 Resort and Spa has a breathtaking 360-degree view that offers visitors a sweeping panorama from Australia’s iconic sunsets to the glittering city skyline and picturesque tropical beaches.

The SkyPoint Climb is Australia’s only beachside viewing deck and tallest exterior building climb, and it takes 90 minutes from start to finish. Once outdoors, you’ll ascend 40 meters and roughly 300 stairs while being safely harnessed to a purpose-built rail system. Climbers may take in the 360-degree sights and have their photos taken individually or as a group once they reach the peak.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a drink at the observation deck’s open-air cafe or grab a bite in the adjacent Restaurant and Bar at SkyPoint. The observation deck is equipped with high-quality audiovisual equipment, which provides an unparalleled touring experience.

With various facilities, including a kids’ play area, souvenir shop, gift shop, and more, the building observation deck will surely become your favorite destination and an iconic tourist spot on Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens (GCBG) is a non-profit organization that exists to promote the natural environment’s love, appreciation, and conservation through the development, promotion, and management of gardens, greenways, parklands, and reserves. GCBG was established in 1994 upon the amalgamation of three existing projects owned by Gold Coast City Council.

The Wax Museum

The best place to see over 100 of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, some political figures, sporting heroes , musicians and so on, all under one roof! The dazzling, extensive collection of wax figures and authentic costumes extends over six huge galleries, with an exciting new gallery opening in September 2017.

Located right near the beach at Surfers Paradise, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Gold Coast Main Beach precinct while you visit Australia’s largest wax museum.

Hinze Dam

You can enjoy the water and sun on the water’s edge at Hinze Dam, one of the most picturesque places in Gold Coast, Australia. Here, you will find a unique blend of natural and built assets, characterized by the curving river reaches, best fishing spot, winding paths, picnic areas, bustling cafés and shops, barbecues for hire with tables and benches overlooking Hinze Dam, changing rooms and toilets.

Miami Marketta

On the Gold Coast, Miami is a popular destination for locals, and its only eight minutes from Broadbeach. Miami Marketta comes alive with street cuisine from across the world every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and there is seating for around 1,000 People at this family-friendly place.

The four onsite bars offers boutique wines, signature cocktails, and locally made beer. Local blues, jazz and musicians performs on the main stage. Marketta is the first and original street food market on the Gold Coast, and its completely free and open to the public from 5 p.m. onwards.

Cavill Avenue, Surfer’s Paradise Suburb

Cavill Avenue is a suburb of Surfers Paradise and is located directly along the Gold Coast Highway. In this location, you can find Cavill Mall – which includes supermarkets, specialty shops, and a Coles supermarket.

The area also contains last-minute shopping needs such as; Woolworths, Target, and Officeworks. Cavill Mall also has several cafes and restaurants, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Hungry Jacks. Some great restaurants just up the road are located within the famous Cavill Avenue precinct. Some of these are located at the Hard Rock Café & Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

Whale Watching

Humpback Whales travel from the Antarctic to the warmer oceans off the coast of Queensland throughout the winter and spring months. Nearly 1210 whales make the 5000-kilometer trek every year, with the first visiting in early June on the beautiful Gold Coast.

When it comes to whale watching on the Gold Coast, there are plenty of alternatives, with trips ranging from a few hours to a whole day, in a variety of vessels and groups.

End Note:

You’ve come to the right place! This city has something for everyone, from world-renowned beaches to exciting cultural events. In this post, we’ll outline some of the top things to do on the Gold Coast so that you can make the most of your trip. Don’t miss out – check out our website for more information!