What to do in Gold Coast

Activities, attractions and tours

Gold Coast
Coolangatta showing a high-rise building, a city and general coastal views
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Gold Coast

Gold Coast Tourist Attractions & Activities

You don’t have to travel too far from home to find a holiday destination that’s just right. Pack your bags for a getaway to the Gold Coast, a beach-front region in Queensland known affectionately as “Goldie”. There are plenty of sun-drenched things to do in Gold Coast—from surfing and snorkelling to hiking—plus indoor options like shopping and fine dining. Each district has its own unique atmosphere, and you can see, taste, and do it all. Whether you’re ready to chase waves in Surfers Paradise, itching to make some feathered friends in Currumbin, or anything in between, the travel experts at Expedia.com.au can’t wait to tell you about some fun-filled and awe-inspiring Gold Coast activities. Keep reading!

What to Do in Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise is hands down the most popular place to be in the Gold Coast. Locals and travellers agree that’s because of the beautiful 3-km beach and big-city skyline, which includes the SkyPoint Observation Deck—a 230-m-high platform on level 77 of the Q1 Building. Climb to the top and take a look around the 360 degree views covering the city, surf, hinterland and everything in between. Can you see the theme parks from there? This is the “Theme Park Capital of Australia”, after all. Get your kicks on the coasters of Movie World, meet some marine life at Sea World, and slide the day away at Wet’N’Wild water park. The thrills are endless in Gold Coast.

When you’ve had your fun and you’re ready for a walk on the quiet side, trek into the lush hinterlands for a hike through Lamington National Park, located on the south side of the Goldie. Besides the secluded scenery, this smashing natural reserve is home to extensive walking trails, waterfalls, and a kingdom of colourful wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, don’t miss your chance to meet and learn more about Australia’s indigenous creatures at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Yes, you can get cuddly with a koala and even sponsor a rescued animal. Crikey, that sounds like fun!

There’s plenty more fun where these activities came from. All these and more great Gold Coast attractions await along one of Australia’s most beloved shorelines for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Book your holiday to Queensland’s glittering southeast coast with Expedia.com.au and get ready for waterfront fun and hinterland beauty. Get all your travel details—airfares, accommodation, and activities—booked in one place and save extra money for trotting the globe and cruising the coast.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Gold Coast

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Private & custom tours

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Winter activities

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What to do in Gold Coast


Discover the most popular places to visit in Gold Coast

Explore areas of Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise showing a sunset, a beach and a city

Surfers Paradise

Visit one of Australia’s most popular vacation spots and dive in the waves, spot humpback whales, go shopping or enjoy the fun family attractions and nightlife.

Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach featuring skyline, a sandy beach and a high-rise building

Broadbeach

Visit one of Queensland’s most popular holiday spots with sparkling beaches, scenic canals, high-rise hotels, nightclubs, festivals and modern malls.

Broadbeach
Coolangatta showing a high-rise building, a city and general coastal views

Coolangatta

Enjoy the beaches, sip a coffee at a groovy café and enjoy the simple pleasures of an ocean-front vacation.

Coolangatta
Burleigh Beach featuring city views, a skyscraper and tropical scenes

Burleigh Heads

Enjoy this perfect weekend getaway destination with world-class surf breaks, white sands, restaurants, bars and nature walks to suit every type of traveller.

Burleigh Heads
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Palm Beach

Palm Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach while in the area.

Palm Beach
Main Beach showing a coastal town, a high-rise building and a city

Southport

This stretch of coast in the heart of the Gold Coast offers the perfect mix of sun-soaked beaches, wildlife encounters and leisurely shopping.

Southport

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Gold Coast

Frequently asked questions

Is Gold Coast worth visiting?
Known for its surfing and cafes, discovering awesome things to do in Gold Coast is simple. Don't forget to add Surfers Paradise Beach to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Gold Coast?
After you've visited leading attractions like Surfers Paradise Beach and Slingshot, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Gold Coast.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Gold Coast and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Gold Coast?
Three days in Gold Coast is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers spend three days on average. Surfers Paradise Beach, Broadbeach Beach and Dracula's Cabaret are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Tweed Heads.
Is Gold Coast a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Gold Coast is a good destination to experience on foot. Wander between Surfers Paradise Beach and Broadbeach Beach. Then take a stroll around Surfers Paradise, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Broadbeach, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Gold Coast with kids?
What to do in Gold Coast for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Gold Coast for adults including Burleigh Brewing Company and Balter Brewing Company.
Are there free things to do in Gold Coast?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Gold Coast is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Surfers Paradise Beach is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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