10 Best Things to Do in Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise is where world-class entertainment meets the beachfront. As the Gold Coast's headline destination, this bustling shoreline's vibrant atmosphere runs from dusk to dawn. Spanning the high-rise skyline, you will discover boundless sunny spots, top-notch al fresco restaurants, and upbeat nightlife activities.

The famous Surfers Paradise Beach is the perfect place to spend a hot day, with golden sand and lively waves providing endless outdoor fun. Meanwhile, the foreshore offers restaurants and bars serving local cuisine and ice-cold drinks. Along with weekly markets, retail shopping, and buzzing clubs, Surfers Paradise is a beachy playground like no other.

Warner Bros. Movie World is an exceptional destination, whether you are looking to spend quality time with family or simply want to give yourself a thrill on a mind-blowing roller coaster. Themed around the movie studio's most famous properties, including Batman, Superman, Scooby-Doo, and Looney Tunes, there is a remarkable array of activities to enjoy.

With fun-loving rides for kids of all ages, older children are bound to get a kick out of the DC Rivals Hypercoaster, which reaches 115 kph as the Southern Hemisphere's tallest, longest, and fastest rollercoaster. In addition, electrifying performances, interactive experiences, and delicious dining ensure that your visit is unforgettable.

Dreamworld is Australia's largest theme park, featuring 40 incredible rides and attractions across a sprawling outdoor space. Across famous thrill rides like Pandamonium and The Claw, where riders soar above the ground at 240 degrees, this massive destination is also home to Tiger Island – a wildlife conservation park dedicated to its namesake species.

Welcoming crowds of locals and tourists for over 40 years, Dreamworld also offers a standout collection of daily entertainment shows, food and beverage outlets and shopping experiences that help you remember your visit to the Gold Coast. Plan your trip to Dreamworld with the whole family to see what all the fun is about.

Currumbin's idyllic coastal scenery makes it one of the most enchanting neighbourhoods in the Gold Coast region. However, you can make your visit even more special by adding a stop at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to your itinerary. Set across 27 hectares of lush rainforest, there is a fascinating variety of local and international wildlife to encounter.

With many of the animals in the sanctuary living in open enclosures, you are invited to wander the landscape, keeping your eyes peeled for remarkable species hidden in the treetops or beneath the brush. Head along to feed colourful lorikeets, attend free-flight bird shows, ride a miniature train, and contribute to protecting wonderful wildlife.

The SkyPoint Observation Deck is the only beachfront viewpoint of its kind in Australia, with visitors rising 230 metres above the sandy shoreline. Providing 360-degree views that stretch from Brisbane to Byron Bay, this staggering perspective from the 77th floor of the Q1 Tower is a must-see on the Gold Coast.

However, it's not just about soaring views at the SkyPoint Observation Deck. It also features the SkyPoint Bistro and Bar, serving an appealing menu from breakfast to dessert, including burgers, pizza, and beer-battered fish. Plus, a signature cocktail list ensures that you can sip the perfect drink as the sunset sweeps across the nearby ocean.

Burleigh Head National Park is a serene coastal destination located approximately 15 km away from the heart of Surfers Paradise. Bordering Tallebudgera Creek and overlooking the ocean, this tranquil 27-hectare landscape offers dense rainforests, eucalypt groves, rocky foreshores, and virtually everything in between.

As expected, Burleigh Head National Park is a haven for captivating local wildlife, with koalas, sea eagles, rainbow lorikeets, and brahminy kites known to call this place home. Additionally, this tranquil green pocket is a popular spot to watch migrating whales make their seasonal trips along the coastline.

Currumbin Beach is one of the most popular spots to bask in the Gold Coast's endless sunshine. Located just a 30-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, this legendary shoreline is a hotspot for swimming and family activities. However, if you're an avid surfer, The Alley is the place to be for top-notch right-hand waves that promise a thrilling experience.

For those seeking a more relaxed outing, nearby estuary beaches and rock pools provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. A welcoming selection of restaurants, cafes and retail shops located just off the beachfront make spending a leisurely day exploring the Currumbin community highly rewarding.

Snapper Rocks, situated at the southern end of Rainbow Bay, is renowned for offering some of the finest surfing experiences on the Gold Coast. However, this famous break is not for the faint-hearted, as large crowds of experienced surfers gather day in and day out to tackle its barreling waves in search of an unforgettable ride.

Despite the incredible waves at Snapper Rocks, it may come as a surprise to learn that it is primarily a human-made creation. Since the mid-1990s, sand has been pumped into beaches along this stretch of coastline to aid shipping and prevent coastal erosion. This effort resulted in the beloved 'Superbank' surf break.

Point Danger Lookout sits on the border between Queensland and New South Wales, offering unparalleled views across Duranbah Beach from a picturesque headland vantage point. This destination is home to the Captain Cook Memorial and the Point Danger Lighthouse, making it a must-visit on any coastal adventure.

With walking trails leading in all directions along the beachfront from Point Danger Lookout, this landmark is also an excellent spot for wildlife spotting. If you're fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins leaping above the waves out at sea. On a clear, sunny day, you can enjoy views of Surfers Paradise to the north and Byron Bay to the south.

Tamborine National Park is one of the Gold Coast’s most enchanting outdoor destinations. Set about a one-hour drive from Surfers Paradise, this massive protected area features 14 separate reserves bursting with natural landmarks, including dramatic waterfalls, rainforests, basalt columns and soaring gorges.

This place is hard to beat for those who love the outdoors. Across nine walking trails, you’ll roam from one dramatic landscape to the next, meeting fascinating native species like lyrebirds, lorikeets, whipbirds and even platypus along the way. Explore Tamborine National Park’s hinterland to understand why this part of the world is so special.