The best things to do on 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. 

Time Out tip: Don't go for a boozy lunch before your climb! If your blood alcohol level is over 0.05%, you won’t be allowed to summit (yep, just like the road rules).

Address: Q1 Building, Level 77/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Opening hours: Daily 7.30am-8.30pm

Price: From $69

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 bit 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. 

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for humpback whales during winter and spring.

Address: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

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.  

Time Out tip: If you need to shake off your sea legs post cruise, drive a little further up the road to Doug Jennings Park, Here, you can walk along the 700-metre path beside the Gold Coast Seaway, taking in views stretching all the way over the ocean to South Stradbroke Island.

Address: Pick up from Seaworld Drive Boat Ramp, Muriel Henchman Dr, Main Beach

Opening hours: Cruises from 8.30am-10.30am, 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm

Price: $119 for adults, $89 for children

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. 

Time Out tip: HOTA Gallery isn't just a feast for the eyes. It's also home to Palette – one of the Gold Coast’s top fine-dining restaurants, plating up exceptional art-inspired set menus. 

Address: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Opening hours: Daily 10-4pm

Price: Free (some exhibitions and events are ticketed) 

What is it? The largest theme park on the Gold Coast (and that’s really saying something), home to a dizzying variety of rides, as well as live performances, interactive shows and animal attractions. 

Why go? Adrenaline addicts can put their tonsils to the test on scream-worthy rides like The Giant Drop, the world’s tallest vertical free-fall tower ride. If terror isn’t your drug of choice, there are plenty of rides with a lower fear factor, like the Rocky Hollow Log Ride, plus 11 rides dedicated to smaller children, including the Bananas in Pyjamas Maze and the Dorothy’s Rosy Tea Cup Ride.

Time Out tip: If you’re planning to visit WhiteWater World too (conveniently located just next door), we recommend getting a combo ticket that scores you entry to both. 

Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 10.30am-4pm, Fri 10.30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm

Price: From $99 for one-day ticket

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. 

Time Out tip: Native State also offers more than 25 weekly fitness and yoga classes for those who like to stay active on holiday, ranging from strength and circuit training to breathwork and meditation.

Address: 3/2 Creek St, Coolangatta

Opening hours: Daily 8am-7.30pm

Price: From $49

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.

Time Out tip: More of an early riser? Head to The Spit, Snapper Rocks and Elephant Rock for the best sunrise views.

Address: Dependant on beach

Opening hours: The sun typically sets between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, depending on the season

Price: Free

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. 

Time Out tip: Treat the kids to an extra special day out by slotting in breakfast with the koalas, a farmyard encounter or a twilight tour featuring traditional bush tea.

Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin 

Opening hours: Daily 9am-4pm

Price: $70 for adults, $50 for children

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.

Time Out tip: The Cultural Centre is free to explore and features an art gallery, gift shop, coffee station and an insightful boardwalk display that shares the stories and traditions of the Yugambeh-speaking people.

Address: 1711 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 9am-1pm

Price: The Walkabout tour is $59 for adults and $29 for children aged five to 14

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 – a golden brioche bun loaded with fried Moreton Bay bug, Sriracha mayonnaise and crisp gem lettuce.

Time Out tip: Australia's first floating beach club, La Luna, offers its own twist on the bug roll with sweet and sour sauce, while Broadbeach's glamorous bar and grill, Kōst, serves it with their mysterious "signature sauce".

Address: Burleigh Pavilion, 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 11.30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm

Price: $24 for a bug roll

What is it? Australia’s biggest movie-themed amusement park, with superhero rides, daily parades, live stunt shows, and character meet-and-greets.

Why go? If you’ve ever wished you could step through the big screen and into the thrills and spills of your favourite action movie, a trip to Warner Bros. Movie World might just be the closest thing. Inspired by the cinematic adventures of the eponymous film studio, this theme park is packed with white-knuckle attractions, just as you might expect from a theme park, but also a roving troop of live performers bringing beloved film characters – including Batman, Catwoman and the Joker – to interactive life. Both live-action and animated filmmaking underpin every adrenaline-filled, edge-of-your-seat experience in the park, from the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster to the Hollywood Stunt Driver show.

Time Out tip: Thinking of visiting SeaWorld and Wet’n’Wild? You can get a combo ticket for triple the fun and save big bucks. 

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford 

Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm

Price: From $109

What is it? A day trip to explore Queensland’s oldest national park in the picturesque Gold Coast hinterland.

Why? Just an easy 40-minute drive from the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine feels like a world away. Stroll the charming main street lined with cosy cafés and art-filled galleries, then head into Tamborine National Park for sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, scenic short hikes and stunning waterfall lookouts.

Time Out tip: 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.

Address: Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

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 a giant eclair that feeds six people.

Time Out tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends, as it gets busy! We think it's worth the wait, though.

Address: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Opening hours: Daily 6am-2.30pm

Price: $6.50 for a plain croissant, $8.90 for a Nutella cruffin

What is it? The biggest and most popular water park in Australia, open daily with huge slides, tube drops and a massive wave pool.

Why go? Unlike other water parks, Wet’n’Wild is accessible year-round, even during the winter months – courtesy of Queensland’s famously mild climate. It has water play areas perfect for little kids with slides so extreme that even the bravest of thrill seekers would be wise to pack a second pair of trunks. But don't worry if you prefer your dips a little more relaxing. Between its four pools, 17 slides and two dedicated children’s areas, visitors of every age are well-catered for at Wet'n'Wild.

Time Out tip: Every summer evening at 5.30pm, Wet’n’Wild’s Giant Wave Pool transforms into an open-air cinema for Dive’n’Movies – screening blockbuster hits on the big screen.  You can float in a tube, relax in a comfy deck chair or reserve a private cabana.

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

Opening hours: Daily 10am-3pm (during the cooler months) and 10am-5pm (during the warmer months)

Price: From $89

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.

Time Out tip: If you're hoping to spot these gentle giants from the shore, head to popular spots like Burleigh Hill, Point Danger and The Spit.

Address: Tours depart from Main Beach, Mariners Cove and Surfers Paradise

Opening hours: Tours depart daily from May to October

Price: Tours from $75

What is it? A live music venue and hawker-style street food market in the Gold Coast suburb of Miami, with seating for 500 people.

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.

Time Out tip: Miami Marketta hosts heaps of cool events, including everything from live gigs and life drawing to drag bingo, open mic nights and vintage markets. You can check out what's on here.

Address: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami 

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5pm-10pm

Price: Free entry

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. Get Wet runs surf classes for adults, kids and families, along with multi-day programs for those who want to become pro fast! Wetsuit on.

Time Out tip: Experienced surfers are spoilt for choice with ripper surf beaches on the Gold Coast. Top spots to catch a wave include Snapper Rocks, Burleigh Heads, Kirra Beach, Currumbin and Surfers Paradise (did the name give the last one away?).

Address: Doug Jennings Park, 507 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Opening hours: Daily 9am-3.30pm

Price: Beginner surf lesson is $75 for adults and $70 for children 

What is it? A vast, tropical-inspired shopping centre in Broadbeach, complete with 400 stores, a flagship fashion strip, alfresco dining and an Event Cinemas.

Why go? When you’ve had enough sun for the day, escape to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre for some cool retail therapy. This mecca has pretty much every big department store – think Myer, David Jones, Kmart and Target – plus plenty of high-end boutiques like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Shopping is hungry work, so you can refuel at one of the alfresco eateries or rest your legs in the tropical Resort area featuring sunbeds and water features. The Visitors Lounge is another great spot to freshen up with chilled water, free WiFi and restrooms.

Time Out tip: Pacific Fair runs free shuttles, with pick up from 9am to 4pm daily. You can check the timetable here. 

Address: 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters

Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm

Price: Free

What is it? Queensland's only surfing museum that is 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). 

Time Out tip: The terrific gift shop is ideal for those seeking a souvenir that’s a little different. 

Address: First floor, 35 Tomewin St, Currumbin

Opening hours: Daily 10am-4pm

Price: $10 for adults, $5 for children

What is it? A fascinating (and refreshing) tour of one of the Gold Coast’s most famous craft breweries.  

Why go? Explore the boutique Burleigh Brewery Company with a Backstage Brewmaster tour 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, and get some special gifts to take away. 

Time Out tip: Swing by the taphouse on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights for a cheeky frothie and bar snacks. With 15 beers on tap – including rotating Taphouse Exclusives and non-alcoholic options – there’s something for every kind of sipper.

Address: 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: Last Saturday of each month at 3pm

Price: $75