5 Sep 2022
Top 10 things to do on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast really delivers as a holiday destination but with so many options of activities, locations and experiences on offer it’s hard to know where to start! We’ve compiled a list of some of the best things to do in this sunny seaside city.
Dive Wonder Reef
Wonder Reef is the Gold Coast’s new $5 million dive attraction and the world’s first buoyant reef. It offers a bucket list dive experience for SCUBA enthusiasts who can swim around and through nine massive flute shaped sculptures, which hang suspended 22m above the ocean floor like an underwater hanging garden.
Breakfast With The Koalas
Wake up the right way and share your morning meal with a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Tuck into a gourmet spread while the park’s koala keepers educate you on these iconic Aussie animals and the conservation projects they’re part of. Plus you’ll get a koala cuddle and a professional photo to capture the moment so you can always remember the cutest breakfast date you ever had.
New Theme Park Thrills
There’s even more thrills to be had with exhilarating new rides, slides and precincts to explore at some of Gold Coast’s favourite theme parks. The newest, fastest ride at Dreamworld is a reptilian rollercoaster with bite - take on the Steel Tapian. Twist, turn, spin, swing and spiral 15 metres up in the air on the Vortex at Sea World. And quadruple the fun at Wet ‘n’ Wild with four epic new attractions, including three slides and a massive tropical splash zone.
Shop Til You Drop
Get tap happy at some of Gold Coast’s major shopping malls. You’ll get a good dose of retail therapy at Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre’s luxury, homegrown and international stores. And hit up Harbour Town Premium Outlets - Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre with over 240 stores offering a minimum of 30% off the original retail price on outlet stock.
Cultural Cool
HOTA (Home of the Arts) is the Gold Coast’s go-to destination for all things arts, creativity and entertainment. This expansive precinct right behind Surfers Paradise is the cultural heart of the city, showcasing something they’re famous for. A unique nature/culture collab where the arts and the outdoors combine for a distinctly Gold Coast experience. From cabaret to comedy to music, film and theatre, along with festivals, markets and a gorgeous new gallery, HOTA is a place to be.
To Market
The Gold Coast boasts a wonderful array of artisan-inspired marketplaces sprinkled all over the suburbs, dotted beside the beaches and nestled in the valleys. Whether you’re fossicking for one of a kind fashion, hunting for unique homewares and handmade items, wanting to fill your bags with fresh produce or fancy a delicious feed with a soundtrack of live tunes there’s a market to suit your style.
Dine at a Surf Club
Gold Coast surf clubs are an absolute must if you love seaside dining (and drinking), uninterrupted ocean views and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, proceeds go to the associated Surf Life Saving Club to provide training and support for the volunteers who patrol Gold Coast beaches and keep everyone safe during the summer. It’s really a win-win!
Enjoy a Local Drop
The Gold Coast’s craft beer scene is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the best in Australia. New boutique breweries are popping up across the region, which means the destination is blessed with an abundance of unique and locally made brews.
Water Sports
The Gold Coast might be world-famous for its surfing, but there are plenty of activities to try where you can have a wonderful time on the water without a wave in sight. Discover the aquatic adventures waiting on Gold Coast’s waterways such as stand up paddle boarding, jetski tours, kayaking trips, boat cruises, amphibious buses and hydrofoiling.
Hit the Hiking Trails
There are close to 700km of hiking trails around the Gold Coast that weave through 35,000 hectares of beautiful hinterland, conservation areas and national parks. Lace up your boots and explore Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park on foot for an incredible adventure through nature.