Want to know all the best things to do on the Gold Coast so you can pull together the perfect trip? This comprehensive Gold Coast bucket list includes 30+ activities, attractions and experiences to tick off during your time in this sunny paradise.
Though it’s best known for theme park thrill rides, world-class waves and an unbeatable brunch and cafe culture, this sunny stretch of Australia’s East Coast has so much more to offer than most travellers realise.
Want to get up close and personal with local wildlife? The Gold Coast has options on land, at sea and under the water. Hungry for local flavours? There’s an endless selection of top-rated eateries serving up everything from bakery treats to street food to fine dining. Keen to test your physical or mental limits? Hit the hiking trails, embark on a kayaking adventure or climb around the outside of the tallest building in Australia.
This Gold Coast bucket list is a comprehensive list of the best things to see, do, eat and experience in this gem of southern Queensland, and it’s the perfect place to start planning your Gold Coast itinerary.
Whether you’re travelling solo on the Gold Coast, are visiting with family or friends, or want to enjoy a romantic trip in this beachy paradise, this list of the best things to do on the Gold Coast is a great starting point.
Disclosure: This blog post is in partnership with Destination Gold Coast, who kindly supported my most recent trip to the Gold Coast. As always all opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience.
Iconic Gold Coast bucket list experiences
Learn to surf
The Gold Coast’s celebrated surf breaks are one of its main drawcards, but you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy the waves. If you’re brand new to the board, there’s no better place to give surfing a go, with plenty of beginner-friendly beaches and local surf teachers that can show you how it’s done.
Currumbin Alley is your best bet for easy conditions to learn in, with the added bonus of an epic city view! Book a spot on a group lesson with the legends at Surf Easy, or treat yourself to a private lesson for speedier upskilling. By the end of 90 minutes I could even turn my board!
Do the SkyPoint Climb at the Q1
Australia’s tallest building towers over Surfers Paradise, reaching 322.5m, and you can climb almost to the top!
The SkyPoint Climb is the highest external building climb in Australia, giving you the chance to soak up panoramic views from the climbing platform at a dizzying height of 270m.
Or enjoy the view from inside
If you prefer your sightseeing from the comfort of solid ground, the SkyPoint Observation Deck is another great option.
Head up to the 77th floor of the Q1 and take your time making your way around all sides, looking all the way from the tropical hinterland, up and down the coast, and out to the vast ocean. Keep an eye out for whales migrating from May to October!
Ride rollercoasters at the theme parks
As a Kiwi kid, the Gold Coast was the ultimate family holiday destination, with Australasia’s best theme parks on its doorstep.
I don’t want to be dramatic, but the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster was maybe the highlight of my childhood (it’s currently going through a major renovation and will be reopening in 2025, soooo I guess I have to go back!).
As an adult, while the magic of the characters may have worn off, the thrill rides at Dreamworld (click that link and use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to save 10% on your Dreamworld tickets) and Movie World (10% off this one too!) and the waterslides at Wet’n’Wild and WhiteWater World are totally still worth a visit.
Feed kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
The premier wildlife experience on the Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is doing incredible things for local animals, and you can support their work by visiting them and meeting their kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, red pandas, capybaras and many, many more cute creatures.
They run the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on-site too, one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world, where you can see vets at work caring for injured or sick animals with the aim of rehabilitating them and releasing them back into the wild.
Go whale watching
If you’re visiting between late May through to October, you have a pretty high chance of witnessing majestic humpback whales along the Humpback Highway, the migration route that sees more than 37,000 whales making their way to warmer waters.
You might be able to spot whales along the horizon from land if you head to Burleigh Hill, the Spit, SkyPoint Observation Deck or if you have a high apartment, but your best bet for an up close and personal whale experience is booking a whale watching cruise. Your chances are so high here that the cruises have a 100% whale spotting guarantee!
Beach hop
A Gold Coast trip wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the actual coast, and there are looooads of beaches here to pick the perfect one that suits your sun, surf and sand preferences.
Surfers Paradise has icon status, Tallebudgera Creek is a stunning sheltered estuary perfect for kids or if you want to float without current and waves, Currumbin Alley is ideal for newbie surfers, Kirra Beach offers a bit more of a local vibe, and Rainbow Bay offers surf-watching ops (but leave this one to the professionals).
Snorkel with turtles at Cook Island
If swimming with turtles is on your travel bucket list, you need to book a snorkel trip to Cook Island, a hangout for local sea turtles with most tours offering guaranteed sightings or your money back.
Other brilliant snorkelling spots nearby are the Tangalooma shipwrecks, Wave Break Island and Narrowneck Reef.
Explore HOTA (Home of the Arts)
HOTA (Home of the Arts) is a culture, arts and entertainment hub, with live shows, world-class exhibitions, a packed calendar of events year-round, an expansive outdoor space and a rooftop bar to enjoy cityscape views with a drink in hand.
Most of HOTA is free to visit but special exhibitions and events require tickets. If you do add HOTA to your Gold Coast itinerary, don’t miss the Exhibition Bar at the very top of the building for a drink or a meal with one of the best (and most underrated) views in the city.
Right now you can visit to see Italian Renaissance Alive, a spectacular immersive gallery showcasing all the masterpieces from the 14th to 17th centuries in a multi-sensory room with massive screens, moving projections and a perfectly-matched soundtrack.
It’s on until 4 August and adult tickets are from $29, and if you’re visiting on a Wednesday consider maximising your Italian experience with an Italian Renaissance Alive + pizza making + cocktail making experience.
Enter another universe at INFINITY
You might have seen the TikTok-famous digital art installations from TeamLab in places like Singapore and Japan, but INFINITY Gold Coast walked so TeamLab could run.
Opening way back in 2000, just in time for my first ever trip to the Gold Coast at age 9, INFINITY is an interactive digital sensory maze with loads of different rooms to explore. From mirror mazes to light beam limbo to a space simulation room, INFINITY is great rainy day option or if you just want some time out of the sun.
Don’t expect super fancy AI-powered displays, but if you’re looking for something quick, cheap and easily accessible in the middle of Surfers Paradise, it’s ideal.
Epic adventures on the Gold Coast
Scuba dive at Wonder Reef
While northern Queensland hogs most of the underwater limelight, the Gold Coast actually has a bunch of seriously impressive dive spots to discover, including the world’s first artificial buoyant reef.
Wonder Reef is an otherworldly manmade installation that blends art, science and conservation, with nine structures that float 22m above the sea floor now acting as a home for a thriving marine ecosystem.
It honestly has to be seen to be believed, book a spot on a Wonder Reef dive with Gold Coast Dive Adventures for your chance to witness this marvel!
See the city from the sky
I’m a sucker for a good view, and there’s no better view than a bird’s eye one, especially with the beaches, city and rainforest layers of the Gold Coast landscapes.
For the ultimate sightseeing experience treat yourself to a helicopter flight, seaplane flight or hot air balloon ride.
Take a kayak tour
See the coast from a chilled out kayak trip on the water, where an expert guide will take you along pristine beaches and past rocky shores, with the chance to see dolphins and turtles if you’re lucky.
No prior experience needed, these tours run in calm, sheltered areas so they’re fine for beginners.
Join a jet ski safari
If you’ve got the need for speed, get your heart racing with a guided jet ski safari. Start off with the practice trail to ensure you’ve got the basics of driving your own jet ski, then hit the open waters to hoon around with the wind in your hair and water splashing onto your face. So much fun!
Hit the hiking trails
From easy, leisurely strolls to challenging treks, and from coastal views to immersions in unspoiled nature, the Gold Coast has plenty of hiking opportunities depending on what you’re looking for.
Some popular ones are:
- Burleigh Head Oceanview Circuit (easy, 3.1km)
- Surfers Paradise Esplanade Walk (easy, 4km)
- Tallebudgera Creek Walk (easy, 3.2km)
- Botanic Gardens loop track (easy, 3.7km)
- Nerang National Park loop (moderate, 14.3km)
- Twin Falls (moderate, 4.3km)
- Bally Mountain (hard, 5.8km)
Beyond the city
Chase waterfalls
If you start at the beach and drive inland for about 45 minutes, you’ll reach the lush Gold Coast Hinterland, a patchwork of ancient rainforests, natural swimming holes and cascading waterfalls. This is a totally different side of the Gold Coast!
Some of the best waterfalls to visit are:
- Morans Falls (Lamington National Park)
- Twin Falls (Springbrook National Park)
- Elabana Falls (Lamington National Park)
- Mirror Falls (Lamington National Park)
- Cedar Creek Falls (Tamborine Mountain)
- Purling Brook Falls (Springbrook National Park)
- Curtis Falls (Tamborine National Park)
- Natural Bridge (Springbrook National Park)
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Experience unspoiled sub-tropical rainforest at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a 1.5km loop trail through and above the trees, with some bridges and viewing platforms sitting at 30m high!
The path is kid-friendly and accessible by pram (if a little bumpy), so it’s a perfect option if you’re travelling with kiddos.
Glamping in the Hinterland
Not far from the Skywalk is a spot to add to your accommodation bucket list, the glamping tents at Cedar Creek Lodges.
I’m a bit of a glamping addict so believe me when I say that this is one of the best-equipped glamping tents I’ve ever stayed at! With a super comfy bed, a smart TV for Netflix, a fan and dehumidifier to keep you cool and comfortable, a kettle, microwave and BBQ to self-cater, a flushing toilet and rain shower, plus unobstructed views of the Mt Tamborine rainforest.
Top tip: The on-site restaurant is divine, and you can also order a hearty grazing platter if you prefer a girl dinner! Just don’t leave any food out on your deck unsupervised, the sneaky kookaburras will swoop in as soon as they see you leave. Speaking from experience 🙃
Moreton Island shipwreck snorkelling
Head north for a day trip to Moreton Island, an adventure mecca off Brisbane’s coast with fun things to do both on land and in the sea.
Join a group tour and get all the bells and whistles included, with the chance to spot turtles, rays and tropical fish on a guided snorkel or from your transparent kayak, a 4WD beach and bush drive, and sand dune tobogganing.
Catch a ferry or water taxi to South Stradbroke Island
Get off the grid with a day trip or overnight camping adventure on South Straddie, a car-free sand island and conservation park that offers the opportunity to spot wildlife, stargaze with minimal light pollution, and surf a world-famous break (if you know what you’re doing).
Dine & drink on the Gold Coast
Street food at Miami Marketta
Miami Marketta is my go-to spot on the Gold Coast for fantastic food at a decent price, as well as live entertainment, thrift markets every two weeks, and all-round good vibes.
It’s a street food market that runs Wednesdays to Sundays (unless there are ticketed events on) with a rotating list of stall holders serving up everything from light snacks to hearty meals. The vendors can change each week but expect to find options like bao buns, Thai noodles, paella, Greek gyros, wood-fired pizza and more, as well as a permanent wine/beer bar and gin parlour.
And the best part? Almost all of the food is less than $18!
Mix and match at the Collective
The Collective in Palm Beach has a similar dining concept but a slightly more elevated atmosphere, with tablets on your table that let you order from any of the five kitchens, including Asian fusion, Mexican, Italian, American diner-style and Greek food.
Gin tasting at Granddad Jack’s
If you love gin, whiskey, vodka, liqueurs or just a good ol’ brand story, you’re going to loooove Granddad Jack’s.
Lovingly named after the father and grandfather of the founders (a father-son duo), this award-winning craft distillery offers a distillery tour (complete with a tasting), a make-your-own-gin class, or you could just book a table to enjoy some drinks. You can even bring your own food or get some UberEats delivered!
Their gin is divine, and their coffee liqueur won best in the world in 2020, but what makes Granddad Jack’s so special is the family story behind it, and the little details throughout the distillery that pay homage to its namesake. I won’t ruin them for you, but I highly recommend a tour to chat with the team and hear more.
Granddad Jack’s also creates an ultra-limited batch of gin each month with innovative flavours, past ones include pineapple and yuzu, Milo, s’mores, pavlova and musk sticks.
Lunch at The Tropic
There are plenty of restaurants with dreamy views along the Gold Coast, but The Tropic in Burleigh Heads would be hard to beat.
Perfectly tucked into the curve of the beach, you can enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes while soaking up uninterrupted ocean, beach and cityscapes. Book in advance if you’re visiting on a weekend, they can get fully booked pretty early.
High tea at BonappeTea
Want to enjoy a classy dining experience without breaking the bank? Bonappetea is a charming cafe slightly out of the city that’s known for its delectable high teas, an easy stop if you’re heading out to Springbrook National Park.
Go wine tasting
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just want to add something different to your Gold Coast getaway, there are some incredible vineyards offering tastings, lunches and winery tours.
For a laidback experience and the chance to discover local flavours and innovative techniques, you can’t miss Witches Falls in Mount Tamborine. They’re renowned for their ‘wild ferment wine’, also known as natural wine, where there’s minimal artificial additions to the wine making process. They also make their own cider, and their ginger brew is one of the best ciders I’ve ever had!
Book a table here and take the opportunity to make your own grazing platter with cheese, meats, crackers and spreads available from local suppliers.
Don’t have a designated driver? No stress, book onto an organised wine tour that includes pick up and drop off at your hotel.
Taste liqueurs at Tamborine Mountain Distillery
If you’re hanging around the Tamborine area, another worthwhile stop is the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, just around the corner from the quirky retailers and cafes of Gallery Walk.
Here you can partake in a liqueur tasting, it’s $10 for four, but there’s loooooads to choose from! The menu is honestly mind-blowing, with liqueur flavours including chai, hibiscus, guava & lime, butter caramel, pomegranate and more.
Fish & chips on the beach at sunset
There’s no dinner more ‘Queensland’ than freshly-caught fish smothered in crispy batter, accompanied by a huge scoop of fries and big blob of tomato sauce. And there’s no better time or place to indulge in a classic fish and chip meal than at sunset by the beach.
Some local favourite fish & chip spots are:
- Palm Beach Seafoods
- Red Hot Cod in Burleigh Heads
- Sorrento Seafoods in Bundall
- Chevron Island Seafoods in Surfers Paradise
- The Fish Tank in Southport
Marvel at Mirror Bar (with a cocktail in hand)
If you want an ultra-Instagrammable drinking experience then head to Mirror Bar in Surfers Paradise, where you can order colourful cocktails and sip them in a room that’s made of floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall mirrors. Even the tables, seats and bar itself are mirrored!
This is a great first stop to kick off a party evening, the sessions are limited to 45 minutes (it would be dangerous to let people get too tipsy in here haha) so enjoy the photo ops, have a delicious drink or two and then continue on to your next nightlife stop.
Rest & relaxation on the Gold Coast
Sunrise yoga by the beach
The Gold Coast’s plethora of attractions and activities can keep you pretty busy, so rest your body and mind with a sunrise yoga class right by the water. Essence of Living runs affordable classes a couple of mornings each week, see all the details here.
Shop ’til you drop
From vintage markets to massive shopping malls to outlet complexes with loads of discounted goodies, you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of retail therapy.
Head to Pacific Fair or Robina Town Centre for all the big retailers, visit Harbour Town Premium Outlets to snag a bargain, or hit the Sunday Art & Craft market for locally made threads, homewares and more.
Get pampered
Getting a massage isn’t necessarily a Gold Coast bucket list activity, but the massage I had at Thai Fusion Spa was maybe one of the best massages I’ve ever had in my life so I had to share! If you’ve got a couple of hours spare in your Gold Coast itinerary then I highly, highly recommend them.
If you have any suggestions on epic things to do on the Gold Coast to add to this bucket list then please let me know in the comments!
MORE AUSTRALIA TRAVEL INSPIRATION:
- The ultimate Australia travel guide (read this first!)
- The ultimate Australia bucket list
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- Or see all Australia blog posts
MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong.
Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it, or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator.
Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com, they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button.
Activities 🗽I use GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off
Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around.
Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company, but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage).
Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases, one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff.
Camera gear 📸 I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10. I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14, it’s lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.
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