📍16 Best Gold Coast Lookouts In The City & Hinterland. (2026.)

ByBelinda Antonenko
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WANT TO DISCOVER THE BEST GOLD COAST LOOKOUTS?

Australia’s Gold Coast is a gorgeous coastal city revered for its long, golden beaches, towering skyscrapers and spectacular hinterland. As someone who lives close to this vibrant destination and has for most of their lives, there’s nothing I love more than complementing a fun and fulfilling day out in this coastal paradise than by going to one of its lookouts and appreciating the urban and natural landscape from these gorgeous viewpoints.

Luckily, there are many! So whether it is the skyline, such as from the Sundale Bridge, the coastline from Point Danger or the ridgeline from Canyon Lookout you want to see, enjoy this comprehensive list of Gold Coast Lookouts that includes everything from the city to the hinterland. (And a few more truly unique ways to see this spectacular place too!)

👉 My top 3 picks for the best views on the Gold Coast.

Planning Your Trip? These Are My Favourite Go-To Resources!

  • 🎟 Activities & Experiences: Viator – My first stop for unique tours and experiences anywhere in the world.
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Best Gold Coast City Lookouts.

The Gold Coast might seem like it wouldn’t have many lookouts along the coast, but you’d be pleasantly surprised. Not only are there numerous viewpoints between Surfers Paradise & Coolangatta that showcase the city’s beautiful beaches, but all of them are fantastic places to watch the whales breach the surface during whale watching season.

1. Skypoint Observation Deck & Eagle’s Nest Climb.
Broadbeach.

Skypoint is the cream of the crop for best lookouts on the Gold Coast, and it isn’t hard to see why. It sits at the top level of the Q1, which, at 322.5m, is the tallest building in the country.

The observation deck sits at 230m above sea level and provides spectacular 360-degree views of the gorgeous coastal city in all its glory and is breathtaking during the day, sunset and night. In addition to the unbeatable scenery, there is a restaurant up there, making Skypoint the ultimate romantic place to dine.

Furthermore, it’s also a great place to experience some mild Gold Coast thrills. Skypoint Climb takes willing participants outside the building to the open-aired eagle’s nest, where their reward is unparalleled views of Australia’s most famous coastal city, even higher up at a 270m elevation.

Me in the Eagles Nest enjoying the views from the Gold Coast's best lookout atop the Q1 Building
Being outside the Q1 in the Eagles’ Nest definitely elevates the experience and is a gorgeous way to see the breathtaking coastal city. *Photo taken by the experience provider.

👉 Secure your unforgettable experience to see the glittering Gold Coast from the Eagles Nest Of Australia’s tallest building!

Quick Facts: Skypoint Observation Deck & Eagle’s Nest.

2. Tumgun Lookout & Jebbribillum Lookout, Burleigh Head.
(Burleigh Head National Park.)

Along the coast, there’s not a whole lot left of what was naturally there before civilisation came knocking. But that’s not to say there isn’t any. While Burleigh Head National Park is only a tiny remnant rainforest, it’s got one of what I consider the best lookouts on the Gold Coast and another one around the other side to boot.

Tumgun Lookout lies at the top of the headland and provides breathtaking views across the southern coastline and the gorgeous azure blue colours of Tallebudgera Creek. It’s a stunning visual but it’s not the only one.

Jebbribillum Lookout has lovely views north of the Gold Coast skyline, while the park’s lower Oceanview Trail also showcases beautiful scenery in this direction. 

👉 Hot Tip: Talleburgera Creek is not just gorgeous. It is one of the city’s best beaches for swimming, especially for people and kids who aren’t strong swimmers, and those who like calm water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding as it’s sheltered from the ocean. Get there by walking through the National Park or from one of the two bridgeside car parks on either side of the waterway. But be warned, they get busy, making it hard to find a spot, so going early is ideal.

Tallebudgera Creek & Beach from Tumgun Lookout in Burleigh Head National Park
Tallebudgera Beach and Creek from Tumgun Lookout.

Quick Facts: Tumgun & Jebbribillum Lookout.

👉 Quick Guide To The Gold Coast:

  • 🚗 Getting Around: G:Link trams are great for Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Southport, with Lime bikes great for hiring to get between places. Renting a car is the best for more widespread travel.
  • 🌄 Must-Do Activities: Skypoint Climb, Water activities on the Gold Coast Broadwater, Yak-52 aerobatic flight.
  • 🏠 Best Hotel: Rhapsody Resort.

3. Elephant Rock.
Currumbin.

Further down the coast lie some enormous rocks jutting prominently out of the beach landscape. There’s Currumbin Rock and Elephant Rock, but only the latter has a lookout. Unusual by itself, it’s even more peculiar because at the base of it is the Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club. Well, at least you’re not far from a bite to eat if you’re hungry after the arduous climb up the flight of stairs.

I’m kidding, it’s not that strenuous, but it does provide some lovely sweeping views of the beachside, with Currumbin Rock (a stunning attraction of its own) and the skyline in the background on the northern side. And if you love plane spotting, this lookout is second to none, as Elephant Rock is near the flight path of the planes as they take off and land at the Gold Coast Airport just down the road.

👉 Hot Tip: Visit Elephant Rock on April 25th & witness the poignant and powerful Anzac Day Ceremony commemorating all Australians killed during wartime. Also, be sure to check out the gorgeous Currumbin Rock just north of here.

Elephant Rock with the Gold Coast skyline in the background
Elephant Rock with Currumbin Rock and the skyline behind. It is also great for plane spotting.
Currumbin Rock
The striking Currumbin Rock is well worth visiting up close, especially at sunrise.

Quick Facts: Elephant Rock & Currumbin Rock.

  • 📍 Location: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin, QLD 4223.
  • 🅿️ Parking: Small parking lot Elephant Rock, bigger at Currumbin Rock. Plenty of street parking
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Elephant Rock – Stairs, Currumbin Rock – Sand and rock.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: Sunrise.
  • 👀 Views: Coastline, rocks, skyline and planes.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: Long lens and Cokin graduated ND filters are you best friends.
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Attractions: Currumbin Creek, Currumbin Rock Pool & Cougal Cascades.
  • 🏨 Wanna Stay Nearby: Check out Currumbin’s best accommodation here.

4. Point Danger/ Lighthouse, Coolangatta.

Point Danger is three things. Visually, it has an unusually shaped lighthouse. Geographically, it’s where the Queensland and New South Wales border meets at the ocean. And most importantly for this list, it’s a fantastic lookout.

And because it lies where it does stradding the hidden gem of Coolangatta and it’s twin city Tweed Heads either side of the great divide, it’s uniquely the only lookout on this list with views overlooking two states. The Queensland side has scenery of the popular surfing spot, Snapper Rocks at the base of the cliff and a sweeping panoramic of the coast northward. Meanwhile, looking toward New South Wales has the picturesque Duranbah Beach and the sea wall jutting out into the briny deep.

Plus, if you visit the Gold Coast in the cooler months between May and October, it is also a fantastic place to do on-shore whale watching thanks to the vast panoramic view of the ocean between them and being the easternmost point of mainland QLD.. And with that, it caps off the end of the best Gold Coast lookouts along the coast. Let’s head inland.

This unique compass lighthouse earmarks the easternmost point of the QLD/NSW border.
Duranbah Beach from one the of best Gold Coast Lookouts: Point Danger.
Looking south into NSW to Duranbah Beach the Tweed River seawalls.

Quick Facts: Point Danger Lighthouse.

5. Sundale Bridge.

Although it’s not technically a lookout one of my favourite scenic places on the Gold Coast is the Sundale Bridge. Crossing the Nerang River, synonymous with the coastal city’s riverine landscape and base for most of its relaxing cruises and exhilarating water-based activities, this twin-bridge infrastructure is the main gateway into the heart of the Gold Coast. And thanks to its clear views of its towering skyscrapers, including the iconic and aforementioned Q1/Skypoint Tower, it is a striking and fittingly gorgeous visual to see commuting into the city, especially if you are a first-time visitor.

And it’s even better if you get out and walk or cycle around because there are many spots along or around the bridge that allow you to appreciate the spectacular scenery, especially if you’re a photographer. This is because the strong leading lines of the bridge, combined with the scenery containing several key elements quintessential to this city’s appeal as a world-class Australian destination and you can create some incredible, engaging compositions that you’ll want to hang on your wall.

The Sundale Bridge has many great photo opportunities to capture the Gold Coast.
With some of my favourite city pictures being taken from here.

Quick Facts: Sundale Bridge.

Best Gold Coast Hinterland Lookouts.

Behind the skyscrapers and dazzling lights of the city, the Gold Coast hinterland is full of natural wonders. Rugged mountains, sheer cliffs, and towering waterfalls are plentiful up here, and luckily, there are also numerous lookouts to take in the breathtaking scenery.

6. Rotary Lookout & Rob Sowter Park Lookout.
Mt Tamborine.

Along the top of Mt Tamborine lie two beautiful viewpoints. Rotary Lookout is the northernmost of the two and is a formal lookout. It’s somewhat easy to miss, and parking is limited, but it has stunning views looking westward across the plains of the Scenic Rim.

Lying further south, Rob Sowter Park Lookout is hard to miss as it’s a noticeable place of open space devoid of trees right next to the road. It’s designed that way as it’s a hang gliding and paragliding launch slope. (Although there are no guarantees, the best time to see the high fliers is on weekends if the wind is favourable.)

But that doesn’t mean no one else can enjoy it, which is good because it has similar views to Rotary Lookout, only there’s even more of it, with the grassy slopes providing the perfect spot for plenty of people to enjoy watching the sunset directly over the vast, gently undulating countryside. It’s top-tier movie romantic is you don’t mind that many other people also have the same idea.

Overlooking the Scenic Rim countryside during a smoky sunset from Rob Sowter Park, Mt Tamborine
Looking over the Scenic Rim on a hazy day from Rob Sowter Park.

Quick Facts: Rob Sowter Park Lookout & Rotary Park.

  • 📍 Location: Rob Sowter Park Lookout, Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD, 4272.
  • 🅿️ Parking: Rob Sotwer Lookout: Dedicated car park and some street parking. Lions Lookout: Small pull over bay.
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. One of the Gold Coast’s best car lookouts too.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: Sunset. Perfect spot to watch the sun go down but it’s often busy, so get there a bit earlier to score a parking space and a picnic spot.)
  • 👀 Views: Lockyer Valley.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: Bring that sky back to the picture with a grad filter.
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Attractions: There’s plenty to see and do at Mt Tamborine. I recommend the waterfall hikes and the Canyon Zipline Flyer.
  • 🏨 Wanna Stay Nearby: Take your pick of incredible Mt Tamborine hotels here.

7. Hinze Dam.

The Hinze Dam is the main water source supplying the Gold Coast. It’s also a fantastic destination for outdoor recreational activities, such as picnicking, BBQing, walking and biking, with most of the focus and facilities of its western side.

There’s a lovely lookout at the base of the dam of the imposing spillway that allows you to appreciate its architecture. And although it’s not technically an official viewpoint, walking or cycling across the dam wall is a beautiful way to take in the picturesque scenery that naturally impounds the lake. Lastly, Waterside Park on the other side of the dam wall is another gorgeous place to enjoy a stroll, where concreted pathways allow you to appreciate the serenity much closer to the water.

👉 Hot Tip: For an even better and more immersive cycling experience, head over to the Peter Hallinan Mountain Bike Precinct ,which starts at the far eastern end of the dam wall.

Water pouring over the Hinze Dam from the lookout.
The Hinze Dam Spillway from the lookout.
A shelter at the Hinze Dam Waterside Park
One of the viewpoints at Waterside Park.

Quick Facts: Hinze Dam.

  • 📍 Location: 100-200 Advancetown Rd, Advancetown, QLD, 4211.
  • 🅿️ Parking: The cafe has a smaller parking lot with a tiny overflow area next to Waterside Park, while the dam wall is decent sized with plenty more spaces at the lower picnic area.
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: September – April: 5:30am to 6:30pm, May – August: 6:00am to 5:30pm
  • 👀 Views: Hinze Dam and lake.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: Slow shutter makes for some great shots with blurred elements.
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Attractions: The Peter Hallinan Mountain Bike Precinct.
  • 🏨 Wanna Stay Nearby: None around Hinze Dam, but several beautiful lodges at Springbrook National Park.

Springbrook National Park.

Up in the hinterland, there’s no place better to unwind in nature than at Springbrook National Park, where numerous walking trails across the three sections invite people to discover its beauty. And because the main section of the extensive park is on a stunning plateau, it means Springbrook is home to many of Gold Coast’s best lookouts.

8. Wunburra Lookout.

The first lookout visitors to Springbrook National Park will come across is Wunburra Lookout.

Sitting by the road shortly after it splits into single lanes, the scenery from the easily accessible viewpoint is picturesque and lovely. They are of Springbrook Valley, and on a good day, the Gold Coast skyline is visible way off in the distance.

A rainbow above the mountains from Wunburra Lookout at Springbrook National Park
The Gold Coast skyline is visible way off in the distance at Wunburra Lookout.

Quick Facts: Wunburra Lookout.

9. Purling Brook Falls Lookout.

Purling Brook Falls is one of Springbrook’s best-known waterfalls, but those who don’t have time to embark on the 4km circuit that leads to the base of the falls don’t have to miss out entirely.

There’s a lookout along the trail not far from the Tallanbana Picnic Area, called Purling Brook Falls Eastern Lookout, which showcases the top of Purling Brook Falls. Watch as Little Nerang Creek cascades over the rocks before plunging 100m into the gorgeous valley below.

The lookout at the top of Purlingbrook Falls.
The stunning Purling Brook Falls.

Quick Facts: Purling Brook Falls Eastern Lookout.

10. Canyon Lookout.

Canyon Lookout is another lookout visitors can encounter, but this one is wheelchair accessible, so people with limited mobility can also enjoy the breathtaking natural landscape.

The viewpoint showcases the stunning cliffs that make up the eastern side of the Springbrook Plateau and features two spectacular waterfalls: Rainbow Falls and Twin Falls on the far right. The skyscrapers and buildings of the Gold Coast are also observable from the viewpoint on a clear day, most notably Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta.

If you come at sunrise, it’s even more beautiful, making it one of the Gold Coast hinterland’s best easy-access lookouts.

👉 Hot Tip: Canyon Lookout also forms part of the Twin Falls Circuit, Venture either side of the lookout and discover numerous other viewpoints along the top of the trail.

Canyon Lookout in Springbrook National Park is one of the best Gold Coast lookouts in the hinterland.
The gorgeous Canyon Lookout at sunrise with the Gold Coast skyline in the distance.

Quick Facts: Canyon Lookout.

11. Goomoolahra Lookout & Boojerahla Lookout.

At the very end of Springbrook Road lie a couple more stunning viewpoints along the same trail. Goomoolahra Lookout and Boojerahla Lookout are only a short distance from the car park and share similar views, but both are worth taking a look at.

Goomoolahra is the closest of the two and overlooks the stunning waterfall of the same name. It’s also wheelchair accessible. Meanwhile, Boojerahla lies at the end of the trail, slightly further along and shares stunning views of the heavily forested mountainscape below. It’s a beautiful, rugged, wild and peaceful sight.

The top of Goomoolahra Falls from the lookout of the same name, Springbrook National Park.
Goomoolahra Lookout.
Overlooking the untouched mountains from Boojerahla Lookout, Springbrook National Park.
Boojerahla Lookout.

Quick Facts: Goomoolahra Lookout & Boojerahla Lookout.

  • 📍 Location: 2922 Springbrook Rd, Springbrook QLD 4213
  • 🅿️ Parking: Lots of parking.
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Goomoolahra Falls Lookout Track (250m return) is wheelchair accessible. After that the additional 200m return to Boojerahla Lookout is not.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: Sunrise.
  • 👀 Scenery: Waterfall and lush valleys.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: Bring your tripod to take long shutter shots blurring the water, clouds and fog.
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Attractions: For other things to see in Springbrook National Park, follow this link.
  • 🏨 Wanna Stay Nearby: Check out Springbrook’s top accomodation here.

12. Best Of All Lookout.

The last of Springbrook National Park lookouts is the best. Well, at least that’s what it’s called. You be the judge because even though I’ve been four times, I haven’t seen it yet, because I was trying to catch the sunrise or sunset and it’s been foggy or raining whenever I went.

Luckily, getting to the Best Of All Lookout is only a 600m return walk from the end of Repeater Station Road, but the scenery is epic. Peer across the border and see the dormant remains of the rugged Tweed Caldera and the revered Mt Warning.

Sacred to the Aboriginals, the distinctive peak is the result of magma hardening with the vents of a volcano known as a volcanic plug, while the landscape around it eroded. Equally fascinating, it is the first place in Australia that sees sunlight.

Because of this, it’s pretty spectacular to see in the morning, but it’s also rare. Springbrook is a rainforest with lots of precipitation, so it’s often foggy, as I mentioned. But come later in the day, rather than just during golden hours, and you may be able to see that the views are reportedly just as beautiful.

👉 Get a taste of Springbrook National Park’s incredible lookouts and waterfalls with this highly-rated day tour.

Quick Facts: Best Of All Lookout.

  • 📍 Location: Repeater Station Rd, Springbrook National Park, NSW, 4213.
  • 🅿️ Parking: Small parking space. Fills up easily.
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Easy 600m, Grade 2 walking trail.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: Daytime or sunset, when it hasn’t been raining. I’ve been there a few times and haven’t seen anything because of fog.
  • 👀 Scenery: Spectacular panoramic hinterland views of the Tweed Valley including Mt Warning, the culturally significantly volcanic plug.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: Great spot for slow shutter blurring clouds.
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Attractions: Full list of hiking trails and waterfalls.
  • 🏨 Wanna Stay Nearby: Springbrook National Park has some great lodges, while the camground is great for rustic, back-to-nature stays.

Best Hidden Gold Coast Lookouts.

13. Mick Schamburg Park Lookout.

About halfway between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta at the border is one of the Gold Coast’s best city lookouts, but probably the least known. Mick Schamburg Park Lookout sits just off the Gold Coast Highway and has incredible, uninterrupted views north and south along the coastline.

Both have stunning views of long beaches, but the north has the Surfers Paradise skyline in the distance, while the south has beautiful views across the beach to Burleigh Head National Park. While it’s somewhat awkward to get to and parking is sometimes hard, it’s such a beautiful lookout and well worth the effort to get there. Needless to say, it’s a fantastic place for sunrise photography.

The endlesss beached from Mick Schamburg Park, one of the best lookouts on the Gold Coast.
Stunning views from Mick Schamburg Park Lookout.
The Gold Coast's gorgeous skyline from Mick Schamburg Park Lookout
Closer shot of the Gold Coast skyline.

Quick Facts: Mick Schamburg Park Lookout.

  • 📍 Location: LOT 207 The Esplanade, Miami, QLD, 4220.
  • 🅿️ Parking: Small parking lot at the base of the hill, and plenty of street parking. All free. One of the easiest lookouts to find a spot.
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Short, steep walk. Wheelchair accessible to the lower northern lookout, but I don’t believe the boardwalk nearby is. Boardwalk section has seats.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: Sunrise and night.
  • 👀 Scenery: Sweeping panoramic beach views with the Gold Coast skyline in the distance on one side, and Burleigh Head National Park on the other, with the Vast Pacific ocean in-between.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: It’s often windy as heck! So if you want steady long shutter shot, bring a sturdy tripod and something to help weigh it down.
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Attractions: Burleigh Head National Park.
  • 🏨 Wanna Stay Nearby: Discover Burleigh Heads’ best hotels.

14. Kirra Hill Lookout.

A fantastic hidden lookout on the Gold Coast is Kirra Hill Lookout. Tucked away behind the beach between Kirra and Coolangatta, the views from up here peer across to Snapper Rocks.

It’s a gorgeous spot and the perfect place to watch the sunrise and watch surfers having fun on the waves throughout the day. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some famous faces. World champion Mick Fanning is one such person who loves surfing up a storm here.

Looking between the trees to the distant coastal landscape as the sun sets from Kirra Hill Lookout
Views From Kirra Hill Lookout.

Quick Facts: Kirra Hill Lookout.

  • 📍 Location: Kirra Hill Lookout, 6 McLean St, Coolangatta, QLD, 4225.
  • 🅿️ Parking: Small parking lot, with more space on the steep road up.
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Short drive from car park. Wheelchair accessible.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: Sunrise & surfing event days. Also when you want a picnic.
  • 👀 Scenery: Greenmount & Rainbow Bay, the Gold Coast’s only northward facing-beaches, world-famous surfing spot, Snapper Rocks and some northern coastal views.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: Long zoom lens to photograph surfers!
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Attractions: Point Danger Lookout, Yak-52 aerobatic flights, swimming with whales, snorkelling/diving Cook Island, Tweed River Cruise, Currumbin Rock Pool & Cougal Cascades.
  • 🏨 Best Accommodation Nearby: Check out Kirra’s hotel offerings here.

15. The Panorama.

While you’re out at the beautiful Hinze Dam exploring its lovely vantage points, include time to go to one of the best hidden Gold Coast car lookouts.

Although not an official viewpoint, the Panorama Lookout is a stunning spot hiding away within a residential area of Tallai. It is well worth the detour thanks to its breathtaking views, which overlook virtually the city’s entirety, including the gorgeous skyscrapers, the ocean and winding rivers.

And because it’s so far out of the way and not many people know about it, you’ll likely have this lovely place all to yourself.

The view of the Gold Coasts skyscrapers at sunset from The Panorama.
View of the Gold Coast skyline from The Panorama includes the Q1 Building (Skypoint).

Quick Facts: The Panorama.

  • 📍 Location: The Panorama, Tallai, QLD, 4213. (See my Google map below.)
  • 🅿️ Parking: Easy to miss. Just a small gravel pull-over gravel area. Just keep your eyes pelled for the view.
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Car lookout.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: Sunrise.
  • 👀 Scenery: The distance Gold Coast City skyline.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: This would be a great place for a timelapse.
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Attractions: Hinze Dam & Peter Hallinan Mountain Bike Precinct.
  • 🏨 Wanna Stay Nearby: There isn’t any accommodation nearby, but it’s a nice mini-detour en-route to the hinterland, so check out Springbrook’s beautiful mountain lodges.

16. Tom Beatson Outlook.

Although it’s not technically on the Gold Coast or even in Queensland, this next spot is way too incredible not to include.

Tom Beatson Outlook sits just south of the Queensland/New South Wales border in the picturesque town of Tweed Heads. Located on Razorback Hill in a densely suburban area, this hidden lookout, a short drive from the Point Danger Lighthouse, has three magnificent viewpoints overlooking both states.

The two places peering over into Queensland showcase the beauty of the city and state’s southernmost suburb, Coolangatta and the glistening ocean. Meanwhile, the side looking across New South Wales puts Tweed Heads front and centre, with the jagged peaks of the Great Dividing Range, including the distinctive Mt Warning, filling out the background. It’s also right by the Gold Coast Airport, which makes it great for planespotting. You don’t even need to get out of your vehicle to appreciate the scenery, and there are gorgeous views from the car park. Just park nose-in on the south side and enjoy!

Best of all, because the view is of urban areas, it’s also a great place to visit at night when all the city lights come on, making Tom Beatson Outlook one of the best all-around lookouts of the Gold Coast (even though it’s technically not on the Gold Coast).

Tom Beatson Outlook has views overlooking Coolangatta & Tweed Heads and is one of the best lookouts of the Gold Coast.
Coolangatta & Tweed Heads From Tom Beatson Outlook.
Coolangatta's skyrises from Tom Beatson Outlook.
Close-up of Coolangatta.

Quick Facts: Tom Beatson Lookout.

  • 📍 Location: 33 Charles St, Tweed Heads, NSW, 2485
  • 🅿️ Parking: Narrow, winding road with small, undesignated parking areas.
  • 🚶 Accessibility: Short, steep walk to the main lookout overlooking the border area.
    • One of the Gold Coast’s best car lookouts and inland-looking viewpoints from the top car park.
  • 🌄 Best Time To Visit: Sunrise, sunset & night.
  • 👀 Views: Easternmost point of the Queensland & NSW border. Greater Tweed Shire area and hinterland views.
  • 📸 Photography Tip: Allow enough time to capture dusk/dawn, twilight and the city after dark.
  • 🎟️ Nearby Tours & Activities: Point Danger Lighthouse, Yak-52 aerobatic flights, and swimming with humpback whales (seasonal).
  • 🏨 Wanna Stay Nearby: Click here to see the best Coolangatta hotels.

Scenic Gold Coast Aerial Experiences.

Lookouts are beautiful, but they aren’t the only way to see the landscape, especially on the Gold Coast, where numerous tour operators offer a range of scenic flights over the spectacular coastal city suitable to people of all tastes.

1. Hot Air Balloon.

Who doesn’t love a quiet start to the day and taking in some breathtaking scenery? For those who said yes, there’s no better way to do that than taking to the skies in a hot air balloon. It’s a magnificent way to see the Gold Coast. Soar over the city or the hinterland and see what the world looks like when a new day dawns.

What makes the activity so special is how slow the balloon moves as it allows riders to appreciate the landscape before them, making it one of its best attributes.

Ballooning is also a highly wind-dependent activity, so no two flights are the same. Every group gets a unique experience each time and is the reason everyone should experience it once in their lifetimes.

👉 Be quick and secure a much sought-after flight over the Gold Coast with this breathtaking tour.

2. Scenic Helicopter Flight.

Another beautiful way to experience the Gold Coast from above that everyone can enjoy is with a scenic helicopter flight. Soar gracefully above the skyscrapers and see the gorgeous beaches, the snaking rivers, interconnecting roads and beautiful mountains in the hinterland. It’s a stunning way to see the city and is the perfect tourist activity to get a sense of what the Gold Coast is all about.

👉 Soar above the Gold Coast’s picturesque skyline and million-dollar houses by booking your scenic flight today!

3. Tandem Skydiving.

For a more thrilling way to see the revered coastal city from the sky, tandem skydiving is an exhilarating way to combine the two.

Relax and enjoy what is essentially a beautiful scenic flight for the first half of the experience as the plane ascends to cruising altitude. Then, before long, it’s time to jump out of a perfectly good plane and freefall 200km/h back down to Earth towards the famous Gold Coast skyline before gently touching back down on the beach. It’s, without a doubt, one of the most exciting ways to see the Gold Coast.

Skydiving is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.

👉 Undertake this thrilling, highly-rated tandem skydive that guarantees a beach landing by clicking here!

4. Tandem Helicopter Skydive.

If you like the sound of a helicopter flight and a skydive but doing both is out of the question, Sea World Adventures offers an epic experience that combines the best of both worlds: a tandem helicopter skydive.

Soar in the airspace above Surfers Paradise and take in the stunning landscape that includes towering skyscrapers, endless beaches, meandering rivers and a vast ocean. Then when it’s time, jump out of the chopper and enjoy an exhilarating 10,000ft freefall, reaching 200kph before landing safely back down on Earth.

Better yet, it truly is a unique experience as it’s the only place in Australia that offers this experience, so it’s something thrill seekers visiting the Gold Coast should absolutely not pass up.

5. Aerobatic Flight.

If all these flights sound exciting, just wait. There is one more exhilarating experience people looking for scenery and thrills need to know about. That’s because it not only takes the cake as the best way to see the stunning coastal city, but it runs away with it.

Gold Coast Airwaves offers spectacular aerobatic flights in the Russian Warbird, the Yak-52. While only one passenger can ride in the plane with the pilot, they get to decide the level of exhilaration they experience.

You want a purely scenic flight. Done.

But if it’s your desire to re-enact an air battle from a war movie and Top Gun, the experienced pilot will happily pull out all the stops. Enjoy an endless barrage of barrel rolls, loop de loops, and figure 8s, which are just some exciting manoeuvres you’ll experience in this epic aerobatic flight.

And doing all that fun stuff with the skyscrapers and beaches in the background, well, it’s definitely one of the craziest and most insane things to do on the Gold Coast. And trust me when I say that is every reason why it’s the absolute best experience you’ll likely have on the Gold Coast. I know it was for me.

And if it’s too intense and you want to ease off doing so many aerobatics, the pilot will do that too. It can be as calm or as extreme as you’d like it to be.

The gorgeous Gold Coast from aYak-52 Aerobatic Flight.
Take it upon yourself to see the Gold Coast like this on an aerobatic flight.
The Gold Coast upside down from a Yak-52 Aerobatic Flight.
Or like this! The intensity of the flight is up to you.

👉 Undoubtedly, the ultimate way to see the Gold Coast is on an aerobatic flight, and I can’t recommend this tour with Gold Coast Airwaves enough!

Bonus:
Theme Parks: Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World & Sea World.

Although it’s not entirely on topic and no one goes there exclusively for the view, theme parks are another great place to soak in some scenery.

Head to any of the Gold Coast’s three theme parks, Dreamworld, MovieWorld or Seaworld, and experience the tallest rides they have to offer. They all have fantastic views and are a great way to incorporate sights and exhilarating thrills into one outing.

Dreamworld’s rides with the best views are the Giant Drop, the Steel Taipan and the Gold Coaster, at Movieworld, it’s the GC Rivals Hypercoaster, the Green Lantern and the Batwing Escape, while at Seaworld, the Trident and Leviathan are the most scenic.

Dreamworld - The Giant Drop & Steel Taipan.
The Giant Drop (background) at Dreamworld has the most expansive views.
The thress rides also have great scenery too.
As is the Trident and the Leviathan (behind) at Sea World.

👉Make the most of your money with a three-day pass to
Dreamworld, White Water World and Skypoint.

👉Or with a Village Roadshow 5-Day Pass to Sea World, Movie World & Wet ‘n’ Wild!

Gold Coast Lookouts Map.

Best Gold Coast Lookouts For Sunrise, Sunset & Night.

Best Gold Coast Lookouts for Sunrise.

  • Tumgun Lookout (Burleigh Head): Short hike to 3 breathtaking coastal viewpoints and access to Tallebudgera Creek.
  • Point Danger Lighthouse: Unique lighthouse and breathtaking views both sides of the state border.
  • Elephant Rock: Stunning views of Currumbin Rocks and the distance Gold Coast skyline.
  • Canyon Lookout: Epic clifftop, valley views metres from the park park. Make getting up easier by staying at one of the Springbrook Mountain lodges.

Best Gold Coast Lookouts for Sunset.

  • Skypoint Climb: Unforgettable 270m-high, open-air views from Australia’s tallest external building climb. Secure your place by booking online here.
  • Best Of All Lookout: Sweeping views of the eroded Tweed Valley caldera, including Mt Warning.
  • Rob Sowter Lookout: Romantic picnic movie magic.

Best Gold Coast Lookouts for Night Views.

  • Skypoint Observation Deck: The ultimate high-rise sunset spot with cocktails in hand. (Skip the queues by booking your SkyPoint ticket online.)
  • Sundale Bridge: Best dynamic night-time skyline views.
  • Tom Beatson Lookout: Epic hidden gem knocking off a double trifecta being a great sunrise, sunset and night lookout AND city, ocean and hinterlaand scenery.

Accomodation: Where To Stay On The Gold Coast.

The Woodroffe Hotel.
The Woodroffe Hotel
Sofitel Broadbeach
Sofitel Broadbeach.
Novotel Surfers Paradise.
Novotel Surfers Paradise.
Sofitel Broadbeach Swimming Pool
Sofitel Broadbeach swimming pool.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Where Are The Best Views On The Gold Coast?

Skypoint Observation Deck and SkyClimb at Broadbeach, Tumgun Lookout in Burleigh Head National Park, Canyon Lookout in Springbrook National Park and Mick Schamburg Lookout in Miami have what I consider the best views on the Gold Coast.

Conclusion: Best Gold Coast Lookouts In The City & Hinterland.

From watching the sun rise over the spectacular coastline at Tumgun Lookout in Burleigh Head National Park to catching a fiery sunset from SkyPoint’s 270m-high Eagle’s Nest, the Gold Coast lookouts are an unforgettable part of any visit to this iconic city.

Whether you’re chasing that Instagram-perfect shot, hoping to see the coast from a new perspective, or planning a romantic moment with your favourite person, there’s no shortage of scenic spots across the city and hinterland to explore. And if you’re a photographer, don’t forget your tripod and ND grad filter kit — they’re absolute game changers for keeping intact those incredible sunrise and sunset skies.

If you plan to visit the Gold Coast, consider looking at these other posts.

Belinda Antonenko is the founder of Journey.Discover., a travel website primarily dedicated to showcasing Australia. She lives in South East Queensland and loves nothing more than road trips, adventure, camping, photographing everything and finding unique and exhilarating experiences.