The Gold Coast is a popular holiday region in Australia known for long beaches, warm weather, and outdoor activities. The surf beaches stretch along the coast, while forested hills and national parks sit just inland. The things to do in Gold Coast include beach time, short hikes, family attractions, and areas built for food, shopping, and nightlife.
This guide focuses on places that are easy to visit and worth your time. Each section shares practical details, so planning stays straightforward once you arrive.
- 1. Surfers Paradise Beach
- 2. SkyPoint Observation Deck
- 3. Warner Bros. Movie World
- 4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- 5. Burleigh Heads National Park
- 6. Dreamworld
- 7. Lamington National Park (The Hinterland)
- 8. Sea World
- 9. HOTA (Home of the Arts)
- 10. Cavill Avenue
- 11. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
- FAQs
1. Surfers Paradise Beach
Surfers Paradise defines the Gold Coast for many visitors. A wide sandy beach runs alongside tall buildings, with steady waves that suit both experienced surfers and casual swimmers. This area remains a clear priority among the things to do in Gold Coast, especially for first-time visitors.
You can stroll along the Esplanade, take a surf lesson, or simply soak up the sun. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards year-round, making it one of the most reliable must see places in Gold Coast for a safe dip in the Pacific Ocean.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Queensland, Australia
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free; Set aside 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the sun and surf
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2. SkyPoint Observation Deck
Located on Level 77 of the Q1 Building, SkyPoint offers the only beachside observation deck in Australia. It provides a stunning 360-degree view of the entire coastline, from the sea to the distant mountains. This stop ranks among the top things to do in Gold Coast for tourists who want to see the full layout of the region at once.
An outdoor climb option allows visitors to step outside the building and walk along secured platforms. The views from this level make beaches, waterways, and city towers easy to place on the map.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Q1 Building, Level 77, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
- Timings: Wednesday to Monday 7:30 AM–8:30 PM, closed Tuesday
- Price: $33 AUD/ INR 2077 for adults; Set aside 1.5 hours for your visit
3. Warner Bros. Movie World
Warner Bros. Movie World brings film-themed rides and characters together in one place. The park features DC Super Heroes, large roller coasters, and stunt-style attractions inspired by popular movies. This stop ranks among the fun things to do in Gold Coast, especially for families and thrill ride fans.
The daily shows and the Star Parade add variety between rides, with characters moving through the main street area. The high-speed attractions sit alongside gentler options, which keep the park suitable for different age groups.
- Google Rating: 4.0/5
- Location: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford, QLD 4210, Australia
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Price: $119 AUD/ INR 7490 for adults; Set aside a full day for the experience
4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers close contact with native Australian animals in a natural setting. The visitors can feed lorikeets, see crocodiles up close, and take photos with koalas.
A working wildlife hospital operates on-site and allows visitors to watch veterinarians care for injured animals. The time here fits well into the things to do in Gold Coast for tourists who want a meaningful visit focused on conservation and animal care.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location:28 Tomewin St, Currumbin, QLD 4223, Australia
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Price: $70 AUD/ INR 4406 for adults; Set aside at least 4 hours for a full visit
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5. Burleigh Heads National Park
Burleigh Heads feels calmer and more local than Surfers Paradise. A rocky headland separates the beach, with walking tracks running through the nearby national park. These paths look out over the ocean and back toward the city skyline, with clear views along the coast.
The winter months often bring whale sightings from the headland. Cafés and small food spots sit close to the beach, which makes this area a well-balanced part of the things to do in Gold Coast, Australia, for visitors who want scenery without crowds.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; Set aside about 2 hours to explore the trails and enjoy the viewpoints.
6. Dreamworld
Dreamworld is Australia’s largest theme park, featuring over 40 rides and attractions. It is unique because it combines a theme park with Tiger Island, where you can see majestic Bengal and Sumatran tigers.
The park also celebrates Indigenous culture with its Corroboree exhibit. It is a premier choice for the top things to do in Gold Coast for those who want variety in their entertainment.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209, Australia
- Timings: Wednesday to Thursday and Monday to Tuesday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM, Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Price: $99 AUD/ INR 6231 for a single-day adult ticket; Set aside a full day to explore both the rides and the wildlife areas
7. Lamington National Park (The Hinterland)
Just a short drive from the coast lies the Green Behind the Gold. Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. It features ancient trees, cascading waterfalls, and the famous Tree Top Walk at O’Reilly’s.
The cool air and shaded trails make this area one of the must see places in Gold Coast for visitors who want quiet surroundings.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Queensland, Australia
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free to explore; Set aside a half-day to a full day to truly experience the area
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8. Sea World
Sea World Gold Coast combines animal exhibits with rides and family attractions. The park places strong focus on marine care and learning, with habitats for dolphins, penguins, and polar bears.
The animal presentations explain behavior and conservation in a clear way. A helicopter pad inside the park also allows short scenic flights over the coast for those interested.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia
- Timings: Daily 10:30 AM–3:30 PM
- Price: Starting from $99.00 AUD; Set aside 5 to 6 hours to fully experience the exhibits and shows
9. HOTA (Home of the Arts)
HOTA (Home of the Arts) brings together art, film, and live events in one open space by the river. The main gallery building stands out for its bold design and holds rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
The outdoor lawns host performances and events, while nearby spaces include a cinema and a public swimming lagoon. The locals often come here to relax, attend shows, or spend time by the water.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Price: Free to explore; Set aside at least 2 hours to explore the art and the grounds
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10. Cavill Avenue
Cavill Avenue runs through the center of Surfers Paradise and stays busy from morning until late at night. The shops, casual restaurants, bars, and street performers fill the space, creating constant movement. This area plays a big role in the fun things to do in Gold Coast, especially after sunset.
The retail options range from well-known brands to novelty attractions like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gold Coast. The music, lights, and crowds give the street a lively feel that many visitors expect from the Gold Coast.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217, Australia
- Timings: Shops typically operate from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Price: Free to explore; Set aside about 2 hours to wander the mall and enjoy the street performances
11. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Pacific Fair is a shopping destination that combines an outdoor tropical-resort feel with over 400 stores, including luxury global brands and local Australian designers.
The comfortable seating areas and covered sections make time here easy, even during bad weather. Cafés and restaurants spread throughout the complex allow breaks between stores without leaving the area.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
- Timings: Friday to Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:30 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Thursday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; Set aside 3 to 4 hours to explore the vast layout.
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in the Gold Coast for first-time visitors?
For first-time travelers, it’s best to start with Surfers Paradise Beach and the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Spend a day at one of the major theme parks, then visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy the city’s top highlights.
What shouldn’t you miss in Gold Coast?
You shouldn’t miss the Springbrook National Park Glow Worm caves or a sunset at Burleigh Heads. A jet boat ride through the Broadwater and fresh seafood at Peter’s Fish Market round out your visit.
What are the best things to do in Gold Coast during the day?
The mornings are perfect for the beaches, whether you want to surf, swim, or simply relax on the sand. The Hinterland rainforests offer cool walking trails and waterfall lookouts. A boat tour to Moreton Bay or Stradbroke Island adds snorkeling and dolphin spotting to your day.
What are the best things to do in the Gold Coast at night?
The Beachfront Markets in Surfers Paradise bring food stalls and local crafts to the waterfront after dark. You can also enjoy world-class dining in Broadbeach, catch a show at Dracula’s Cabaret, or go on a nighttime rainforest tour to see bioluminescent fungi and glow worms.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Gold Coast?
The kids enjoy the theme parks like Movie World, Sea World, and Dreamworld. The rock pools at Southport Broadwater Parklands and the interactive exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are also very popular with families.
What are the best cultural things to do in the Gold Coast?
HOTA (Home of the Arts) hosts exhibitions, live performances, and outdoor cinema screenings throughout the year. The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Burleigh Heads shares stories and traditions of the local Yugambeh people. The festivals like Bleach and the Sand Safari Arts also celebrate the city’s creative spirit.
What are the top food experiences in the Gold Coast?
A barefoot barbecue on the beach captures the relaxed local lifestyle perfectly. Miami Marketta serves global street food under string lights with live music in the background. The trendy brunch spots in Burleigh Heads and fresh seafood restaurants at Main Beach satisfy every craving.
What are the best shopping areas in Gold Coast?
Pacific Fair in Broadbeach is the top destination for luxury brands and designer stores. Harbour Town Premium Outlets offer discounted prices on popular labels. The boutiques along James Street in Burleigh Heads stock local fashion and handmade goods.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Gold Coast for sightseeing?
The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is sunny and mild without summer humidity. This period is ideal for outdoor things to do in Gold Coast, from beach days to rainforest hikes. The whale-watching season also falls within these months, adding another reason to visit.
