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Travel Bestie

27 Apr 2023 - 3 min read

20 of the Best Things to Do on the Gold Coast

This inspirational article is a part of the collaboration between Traveloka and Tourism & Events Queensland.

Where hinterland meets the beach, the Gold Coast offers much more than shopping, surf, and skyline - though we have miles of those. If you’re looking for things to do on the Gold Coast, you’re spoilt for choice. Slow down and fill up your tank at a luxury spa retreat, dine right on the beach with the waves at your feet, or go eye-to-eye with the sea’s gentle giants.

What are you waiting for? We’ve saved you a spot on the sand.

Day Climb on Australia's highest external building adventure

1.
Ascend the awe-inspiring SkyPoint Climb – Australia’s highest external building climb on top of the Gold Coast’s iconic Q1 building – for a view that stays with you long after you’re back on solid ground.
2.
Connect with the gentle giants of the deep on a whale watching cruise. Spirit of the Gold Coast, Whales in Paradise and Sea World Cruises offer great tours.
3.
Change your perspective and explore the Gold Coast’s diverse hinterlands and 70 kilometres of coastline as you’ve never seen them before: from a hot air balloon, with Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast.
4.
For a meal with a view you won’t forget anytime soon, dine right on the beach at Rick Shores. The Moreton Bay bug rolls are a must.
5.
Retreat into the silence of the bush with a Nightfall wilderness glamping experience. Nightfall offers luxury eco-conscious camping in the ancient Lamington National Park rainforest.
6.
Feel the wind in your hair, meet your heroes, and get guaranteed goosebumps at the Gold Coast’s iconic theme parks: Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild.
7.
Experience something completely unique at the Gold Coast’s cultural heart, Home of the Arts. Offering art, theatre, dance, movies, a hidden adventure trail, rooftop bar and dning, Home of the Arts has an experience to inspire every member of the family.
8.
Raise a glass to the Gold Coast’s thriving brewery scene. Home to some of Australia’s best small breweries, the Coast’s own Burleigh Brewing Company, Blackhops, Precinct and Balter Brewing Company are all local favourites.
9.
If you’re looking for a spot to throw down a towel, dive into this list of the best beaches on the Gold Coast.
10.
A truly unique experience, Infinity will blow your mind and ignite your senses. This multi sensory maze-like environment has to be seen to be believed. Children over eight years and up are welcome.
11.
The stars aren’t the only thing lighting up the night in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Visit the glow worms that live under the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, a natural wonder which has grown even more beautiful over the last few million years. Or book a spot on a guided glow worm tour at the purpose-built Glow Worm Cave in Mount Tamborine, to learn even more about this magical phenomenon and support the operator's conservation programme.
12.
Bump elbows with the locals at Miami Marketta, a bustling laneway dining experience where the tastes of the world come to you. With live music and over 25 street food vendors to choose from, all that’s left to do is find a seat.
13.
Truly let go with a skydive experience. Enjoy the views of the beaches and skyline on the way up, then freefall into paradise, landing on beautiful Kirra Beach with Gold Coast Skydive.
14.
A jet boat tour with Paradise Jet Boating is one of the best ways to experience the Gold Coast’s waterways, with a few thrills thrown in for good measure.
15.
Make some new mates at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and be sure to take the treetop challenge - one of the best ziplines in the state.
16.
Hike through lush rainforest and discover the Green Mountains Section of Lamington National Park where you can conquer the waterfall circuit and find Elabana, Chalahn and Box Log Falls or explore the rainforest canopy with a Tree Top Walk. Or, visit Mount Tamborine and explore Witches Falls.
17.
Support local artists and hear the voice of emerging and established musicians. The Gold Coast plays host to many local music and cultural festivals, including SWELL Sculpture Festival, Blues on Broadbeach, and Bleach*.
18.
Feel the breeze off the ocean and watch the stars come out as you peruse local produce and artisans’ wares at Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – a twilight market operating year round. Or head down south to Burleigh and grab yourself a new locally-made outfit and listen to live music at The Village Markets.
19.
Take a ride into the Australian outback without leaving your seat at the Australian Outback Spectacular.
20.
Catch the best show in town with this guide to the Gold Coast’s best spots to view the sunrise and sunset.

Ready to visit but need somewhere to stay? Check out the ultimate Gold Coast accommodation guide.

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