Whether you're in the mood for relaxing, exploring or partying, these activities have you covered
Photograph: Tourism Australia | Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast
With its golden sands and laid-back holiday vibe, the Gold Coast has always been a favourite destination for those seeking a relaxed seaside escape. However, this famous Queensland holiday spot offers more than just a day at the beach.
With its rich Indigenous heritage, vibrant markets, heart-pumping adrenaline activities and thriving live music scene, there is plenty to keep you entertained along the coastal strip. For a change of pace, head to the naturally beautiful Gold Coast hinterland where you’ll find an oasis of calm and stunning scenery. Bring your swimsuit and your sense of adventure. It’s time to discover a different side of the Gold Coast.
What is it? At 270 metres above street level, this is one of Australia's highest external building walks and begins on level 77 of Surfers Paradise’s Q1 building.
Why go? Trust us, it’s worth facing your fears and swapping the beach for the clouds on a twilight climb. Upon reaching level 77 and stepping out onto the SkyPoint Observation Deck, you'll get to admire stunning 360-degree views of the Gold Coast region, including its golden beaches, city skyline and lush green hinterland.
What is it? An ocean-facing natural headland featuring two scenic walking tracks through rainforest, mangroves, rocky foreshore and sand.
Why go? Stretch your legs on the leisurely and flat 1.2-kilometre Oceanview Track, which winds around the rocky headland, connecting Burleigh Head with Echo Beach and Tallebudgera Creek. For a bite more adventure, tackle the 2.3-kilometre Rainforest Circuit. This route rewards you with a climb to the 88-metre summit at Tumgun Lookout, where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching towards Snapper Rocks. Keep an eye out for humpback whales during winter and spring.
What is it? Take to the seas on an intimate excursion aboard this comfortable 38-foot yacht. Husband and wife team, Catherine and Grant (plus their canine companion, Wilson), offer morning, midday, afternoon and sunset tours for up to ten guests, with bites and bevs included.
Why go? Soak up the sunshine and feel the breeze in your hair as you cruise along the beautiful Gold Coast waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for playful bottlenose dolphins dancing in the crystal-clear waters as you enjoy breakfast on board or sparkling wine and snacks at sunset.
What is it? A world-class fine art gallery spread across six levels, including a 1,000msq special exhibition space for touring shows, a children's activity zone, and four permanent exhibition floors showing an entertaining and vibrant selection of Australian contemporary art.
Why go? The multi-coloured high-rise building is fun to navigate, offering various views to enjoy as you climb the stairs. The art is equally captivating, with strong collections in 1970s abstraction, ceramics (through the International Gold Coast Ceramic Art Award), photography (through the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award) and Indigenous art. Naturally, there is a strain of art inspired by the Gold Coast itself.
What is it? An uber-luxe, European-inspired bathhouse and holistic gym studio that sits on the picturesque shores of Kirra Beach.
Why go? Find your ultimate state of zen with a sneaky session at Native State. Warm your insides with a ten to 15 minute session in the infrared sauna, steam room or traditional cedar sauna. Then transition between the heated 37-degree vitality pool and the ice-cold plunge pool. Native State also offers more than 35 weekly fitness and yoga classes for those who like to stay active on holiday, ranging from strength and circuit training to breathwork and meditation.
What is it? Forget Surfer’s Paradise. The Gold Coast boasts more than 35 beaches spread across 70 kilometres of coastline, offering plenty of secluded spots to watch the sun go down.
Why go? While the Gold Coast’s beaches are beautiful during the day, we think they’re even more magical at golden hour. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds at Main Beach or Surfers Paradise, try the equally majestic Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads or Rainbow Bay. Pack a towel and a picnic, and watch as the sky paints the water in vibrant hues of orange, yellow and pink.
What is it? The Gold Coast's only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre, located at the foot of Burleigh Head National Park. Their Indigenous guides run walkabout tours in the national park.
Why go? Connect with the Gold Coast’s rich Indigenous culture on an engaging two-hour walking tour around the 'Dreaming Mountain', Jellurgal. As you wander along the 1.2-kilometre beachside rainforest walkway, you'll hear Dreamtime stories about the creation of Jellurgal and learn facts about bush tucker, fishing, hunting and the traditional sites used by the Yugambeh people.
What is it? Splash some cash on your next getaway and sample Champagne living, Queensland style.
Why go? You’ll find plenty of glitzy places to stay on the Gold Coast, but our top pick is the five-star Langham hotel. The three crystalline towers are like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, complete with a health club and day spa, two swimming pools, six dining venues and panoramic ocean views. Further south, you'll also find the brand-new Kirra Point Holiday Apartments. This coastal-luxe accommodation sits moments from the sand offering fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and uninterrupted ocean views from the expansive balconies.
What is it? A home for native Australian animals – big, small, thriving and endangered – offering exciting daily talks and shows, behind-the-scenes tours and adorable animal encounters. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to one of the world’s busiest wildlife hospitals, caring for more than 12,000 animals per year.
Why go? Make friends with koalas, echidnas, capybaras, reptiles and more at the Gold Coast’s top wildlife sanctuary. Plan your adventure around the free experiences, including rainbow lorikeet feeding and free-flight bird shows. You can even slot in breakfast with the koalas, farmyard encounters or a twilight tour featuring traditional bush tea.
What is it? A live music venue and hawker-style street food market in the Gold Coast suburb of Miami.
Why go? Transport yourself to the bustling back streets of Thailand, Barcelona or New York City with a visit to this neon-lit open-air night market. The free live music line-up showcases homegrown talents and is just as impressive as the street food line-up, where you'll find food from Japan and Korea to Greece and Spain. Miami Marketta opens Wednesday through to Saturday from 5pm, with seating for 500 people.
What is it? A day trip to the picturesque Gold Coast hinterland.
Why? Mt Tamborine is an easy 40-minute drive from the Gold Coast but feels like a world away. Galleries and cafés line the cute main street, and Queensland’s oldest national park, (Tamborine Mountain National Park) offers impressive views of the distant Pacific Ocean. Stop by Cedar Creek Falls for a swim in the park's only natural swimming hole and soar high above the canopies on the leisurely 1.5-kilometre Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
What is it? Australia’s ‘theme park capital’ offers six thrilling parks to suit every thrill-seeker's appetite.
Why go? If you’re into theme parks then the GC is the place to be. There’s Warner Bros Movie World for buffs, Dreamworld for thrillseekers, Sea World for dolphin lovers, Wet’n’Wild for waterslides and WhiteWater World for – well, more waterslides. Buy tickets online to avoid the queues.
What is it? The Gold Coast’s most iconic snack typically features beer-battered Moreton Bay bug, sandwiched between a soft milk bun with gem lettuce, mayo, lemon and herbs.
Why go? You'll be hard-pressed to find a waterfront diner on the Gold Coast that doesn't serve these pint-sized bug rolls. The celebrated Rick Shores in Burleigh serves up arguably the city's most famous version, featuring fried Moreton Bay bug with bug mayonnaise and sriracha. Australia's first floating beach club, La Luna, offers its own twist with sweet and sour sauce, while Broadbeach's glamorous bar and grill, Kōst, serves it with their mysterious "signature sauce".
What is it? Queensland's only surfing museum that's home to Australia’s largest surfboard collection and loads of other surfing-based souvenirs.
Why go? You'll find more than 100 surfboards dating from 1915 to the present at Surf World Gold Coast. This museum takes you back in time with its impressive array of boards, trophies, photographs, clothing and other memorabilia. Exhibitions and events change frequently so you'll never get board (oops, bored). Plus, the terrific gift shop is ideal for those seeking a souvenir that’s a little different.
What is it? A fascinating (and tasty) tour of one of the Gold Coast’s most famous craft breweries.
Why go? Explore the boutique Burleigh Brewery Co. with a brewmaster to learn the tricks of the trade and drink beers with the guy who created them. You’ll sample four of their most popular beers, like the signature slow-brewed Burleigh Beer. Tours run at 4pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What is it? A chance to see the gentle marine giants from a boat, available from May to October.
Why go? The Gold Coast has one of Australia’s longest whale-watching seasons and offers the chance to see humpback whales and even the occasional orca whale if you’re lucky. Dolphins, flying fish, turtles and sharks are also spotted regularly during these scenic boat tours run by Spirit of the Gold Coast or Whales in Paradise.
What is it? Bam Bam Bakehouse captures the maximalist, fun-loving nature of the Gold Coast in the form of baked goods.
Why go? Sitting a block back from the crashing waves of Mermaid Beach, the popular bakery and café is all about rich flavours in fun vessels, like their popular, positively oozing Nutella cruffins. Traditionalists won’t be disappointed here, though, with to-die-for almond croissants that they also sell in bake-at-home form. Don’t leave without ordering their luxurious salted caramel eclair, which you can order at the counter, or pre-order for a giant eclair that feeds six people.
What is it? An award-winning surf school on the Gold Coast.
Why go? The Gold Coast is famous for surfing so you would be crazy not to try it at least once. It’s a fun atmosphere as everyone practices their surf moves on the beach before the instructors charge into the water with the class to help everyone learn how to hang ten. Wetsuit, on.
What is it? Hold onto your hats for this thrilling jetboating trip which leaves from Surfers Paradise.
Why go? Get your heart racing with an adrenaline-packed hour spent zipping around sandbars and zooming past pelicans. Hang on tight as the driver cuts across the wake from larger boats, teasing the wheel so the jetboat dances across the waves.
What is it? A historic guesthouse located in the heart of Lamington National Park.
Why go? Detox from city stress at this luxury resort in the heart of one of Queensland's most precious natural wonders. If you prefer to spend your downtime a little more active, Lamington National Park is filled with walking trails, gushing waterfalls and jewel-bright native Australian birds. Don’t miss the tree treetop canopy walk which has a 30-metre-high observation deck.
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