Adventure | Beach | City | Family | Food and Wine | Road Trip
01 September 2022
10 Things To Do On Your Gold Coast Holiday
With pristine beaches, high-octane attractions, a world-class dining scene and stunning natural sights, the Gold Coast has long been a cherished holiday destination for Australians and international travelers alike.
From the golden sands to the green hinterland there are hundreds of things to do on the Gold Coast, but lucky for you we’ve narrowed this list down to just 10 unmissable sights. Read through our list and start planning your bucket list Gold Coast itinerary now.
1. Swim, surf and sunbake at the beautiful beaches
The Gold Coast is famous for its seemingly endless stretch of beautiful beaches with soft golden sands and world-class surf breaks. From the iconic Surfers Paradise to hip Burleigh Heads and everything in between, you’ll never be short of a patch of sand to call your own.
Most beaches in the area are patrolled year-round and are completely safe for swimming – but make sure you stay between the red and yellow flags!
2. Embrace your inner child at the theme parks
No holiday to the Gold Coast would be complete without visiting at least one of the famous theme parks. Loved by young and old, there are four different parks to choose from.
At Warner Bros. Movie World you can meet all your favourite movie stars, DC superheroes and Looney Tunes characters, while enjoying heart-racing rides, attractions and shows.
Sea World is home to marine exhibits featuring dolphins, polar bears, penguins, seals and more, plus exciting rides and The Reef at Castaway Bay – an aquatic adventure zone for kids.
Wet’n’Wild is a high-energy water park with nine thrill slides, three family slides, a Giant Wave Pool, Calypso Beach lazy river and more.
Home to Australia’s biggest theme park, Dream World boasts exhilarating rides, WhiteWater World water park, a wildlife park and awesome live entertainment.
3. See the coast from above with SkyPoint Climb
See the Gold Coast from great new heights as you climb 270 metres above Surfers Paradise with SkyPoint Climb. One of Australia’s highest external building walks, this exhilarating walk takes you to the top of the towering Q1 building and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the coast, city and hinterland. This is one cool way to grasp a new perspective on the Gold Coast.
4. Meet the locals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Set in lush rainforest a stone’s throw from the beach, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary gives you the chance to get up close and personal with all your favourite Aussie animals. As you explore the open enclosures, you’ll get the opportunity to feed kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets, cuddle a koala or even walk with dingos.
You can also explore the ancient world of Gondwana in Lost Valley, catch an Aboriginal song and dance performance or get the adrenaline pumping with the TreeTop Challenge high ropes adventure.
5. Marvel at Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park is home to loads of peaceful and scenic hiking trails that pass through the ancient Gondwana rainforest. Among them all, Natural Bridge is definitely the most sought-after spot. This stunning natural rock formation, created by the force of water over the basalt cave, is easily accessible by a one-kilometre walking circuit from the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road car park.
6. Have a street food feast at Miami Marketta
Miami Marketta is an absolute feast for the eyes, ears and belly. Enter the vibrant and buzzing space for a curious and fun dining experience with live music and great casual vibes. Along the laneway you’ll find 25 street food vendors of all nationalities, so you can eat your way around the world in just one night.
The Marketta is open to the public every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening and also holds free and ticketed events and concerts throughout the year.
7. Enjoy a wonderfully wicked night at Dracula’s
The Gold Coast isn’t just about nightclubs… it’s also about cabaret clubs. One of the Gold Coast’s top nightlife attractions, Dracula’s Cabaret has been delighting audiences for decades with its spine-tingling live show and dinner package.
The experience begins with an eerie Ghost Train ride before the live entertainment kicks off with music, comedy, burlesque dancers and more. The show is MA15+ and can get a little risqué, so leave the kids at home for this adults-only night out.
8. Soar above the beach with Gold Coast Skydive
With Gold Coast Skydive, you’ll find yourself soaring 12,000 feet above the coastline and city on an aerial adventure you will never forget. After about 60 seconds of heart-stopping freefall, your experienced dive master will pull the parachute and you’ll get to enjoy the incredible views as you glide through the air before safely landing right on the golden sands.
For those who aren’t so keen on jumping out of a plane, you can still get an adrenaline rush at iFly Indoor Skydiving – where even those as young as three can experience the thrill of flying!
9. Explore Tamborine Mountain
Located about 45 minutes from Surfers Paradise, Tamborine Mountain is home to rainforest hiking trails, cascading waterfalls and panoramic lookouts with views over the hinterland and coast.
Explore the rainforest from above on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a 1.5km walk made up of forest floor trails and suspended bridges through the lush verdant canopy. After your sky-high adventure, stop in at Tamborine Mountain Distillery and sample some of their award-winning liqueurs, spirits and cocktails.
10. Catch a show at HOTA
HOTA (or Home of the Arts) is the Gold Coast’s heart of live performances, lakeside strolls, stargazing, cinema-watching, art and more. Catch a live show on the striking outdoor stage or check out a movie at one of two arthouse cinemas.
The grounds are also home to a café, a rooftop bar with views, a popular swimming lake and a hidden adventure trail offering a unique view of Surfers Paradise. Check out HOTA’s website for information on upcoming shows and to book tickets.
Escape on a Gold Coast getaway with Oaks and stay at one of our three conveniently located hotels, right in the heart of all the action.
