11 Best Things To Do On The Gold Coast, Australia. (Top Activities & Attractions 2023.)

CURIOUS TO DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON THE GOLD COAST?

Everybody loves a good combo. And in the southeast corner of Queensland lies an irresistible destination that assembles so much of iconic Australiana and rolls it into one convenient package. Australia’s surf, sun and sand beach culture is beloved by citizens and tourists alike, which fits nicely with the laid-back Aussie lifestyle.

And who doesn’t love entertainment and attractions galore? The Gold Coast is all that and more. Because not only is it a world-class city with a spectacular coastline on its doorstep, there’s even more natural beauty in the hinterland behind and an abundance of beautiful endemic animals residing in both.

It’s an incredible all-in-one way to get a taste of what this glorious great southern land has to offer, so without further ado, here’s a list of the Best Things To Do On The Gold Coast, Australia.

1. Hit The Beaches. – All Along The Coast.

First and foremost, the Gold Coast is known for its beautiful beach scene. Endless buildings, hotels and skyscrapers line the ocean competing for the best position to be closest to this iconic part of the city.

Thankfully, there’s no shortage of absolutely gorgeous beaches. Because between The Spit and Coolangatta, it is pretty much sand, sand, sand and little else. You’re spoilt for choice.

And with so many places to pick from, there are just as many activities to do. Frolick in the ocean, swim in the waves, ride a bodyboard or learn to surf. Or rally your friends around and play beach cricket or volleyball. Maybe even just relax on the sand. Or sunbathe.

Some places even allow you to take your 4-legged friends, such as Palm Beach and Tallebudgera Beach, while Coolangatta Beach and Greenmount Beach are more sheltered places for those who prefer an ocean experience with less wave action.

2. Mingle With The Whales. – Whale Watching Tour.

While on the subject of the ocean, another quintessential Gold Coast experience that is a must-do is to go on a whale watching cruise. Numerous touring companies take you offshore to get close encounters with these majestic beasts. 

While the boats are not allowed to approach the animals, the whales have no such laws restricting interactions with watercraft, as far as anyone is aware. And because of their curious, inquisitive nature, they frequently come up close to the boats and poke their heads above the water to have a little look-see at the humans.

Plenty of tour operators, such as Whales In Paradise take people into the ocean off the Gold Coast to see these magnificent beasts up close. Incredibly close! It’s a magical experience that all members of the family can enjoy. Cooly Eco Adventures even lets you snorkel alongside them!

It’s a beautiful way to interact with these giants of the deep and is an unforgettable way to see the ocean’s wildlife, making it one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast. 

However, if you want to see the whales, plan your trip between June and October, as the cooler seasons are when they migrate past the coastal city.

3. Experience The River. – Nerang River.

When you research the best things to do and places to visit on the Gold Coast, the results probably won’t show the Nerang River or even the Gold Coast Waterway.

But you will come across numerous activities that head out on the river because there’s a metric tonne of water-based activities that take advantage of this prime stretch of river real estate. There are plenty more experiences to have on the final stretch of the Nerang River as it empties into the sea than there are on the 50km of beach for which the Gold Coast is renowned.

For people who like a relaxing experience, there are gentle river tours, rides on amphibious vehicles, as well as snorkelling and kayaking tours etc. And for those who appreciate life a little less tame, the Gold Coast has you covered. Jetskiing, flyboarding, parasailing and jet boating are just some of the thrilling adventures you can have on this waterway.

Not only is there a range of activities on the Nerang River to suit every kind of traveller, but it’s also the perfect way to get an overall vibe of the city. With that spectacular skyline and the houses of the rich and famous lining the canals, you’ll get a feel for why the Gold Coast is so revered on your river adventure.

4a. Get High. – SkyPoint Observation Deck. (Q1 Building).

With the hallmark outdoor activities covered, the only remaining thing to do while on the Gold Coast is to get high, so if you were “hoping for an indication,” if you were “seeking higher elevation. Eh, eh, eh, eh,” while discovering this gorgeous coastal city, you’re in luck?

Numerous luxury hotels have beautiful views, and there are a handful of fantastic lookouts to hit up where you can observe the landscape too, but there is one Gold Coast attraction that slays the rest of the competition.

The Q1 at Broadbeach takes the title of Australia’s tallest building, and taking full advantage of that at the very top is SkyPoint. The fully glass-panelled observation deck provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the world below.

Between the buildings and skyscrapers, the ocean, the golden beaches, interconnecting roads, rivers, and distant mountains, every direction is a visual feast that is especially beautiful at sunset when the day bleeds into nightfall. There’s also a restaurant and bar there, making it the perfect place for a romantic date.

4b. Get Higher. – Skypoint Climb. (Q1 Building).

If observing landscapes through glass isn’t your style, there’s another way to take in that incredible scenery. Skypoint Climb takes you on a guided tour from the Observation Deck up the external frame of the Q1 to the Eagles Nest 271m above sea level.

While you’re tethered to a handrail for safety and can’t explore the views on your own, feeling the fresh ocean breeze on your hair as you gaze at the unforgettable views in every direction only elevate the experience.

For added excitement, you can lean over the edge and look towards the ground at the pools, roads and buildings at the base of the tower. After your walk, the Observation Deck and its facilities are yours to explore again at your own pace.

So, whether you opt to see the landscape from the inside or take a thrilling walk on the outside, SkyPoint will leave you with lasting images of the stunning Gold Coast. 

5. Get Loopy. – Aerobatic Flight.

If getting high isn’t satisfying enough for you, maybe you need to get even higher and a little loopy. Not the “fallen off the bandwagon” kind of loopy, but the one where you’re making tight and twisty aerial manoeuvers to avoid enemy fire. 

We’re talking about getting strapped into a Russian Yak-52 fighter plane and roleplaying warfare. Okay, you’re the only one pretending to dodge bullets and missiles from the baddies… okay, maybe that’s just me. But getting to experience loops, barrel rolls, figure 8’s manoeuvers and zero gravity is a wildly enjoyable adventure for those looking to obtain the highest level of thrill-seeking.

Combine that with an enthusiastic pilot and the city’s spectacular skyline, and this undoubtedly becomes the best thing to do on the Gold Coast, bar none.

Yes, it’s expensive and seems like a lot for only 20mins, but once you’ve lived it, you’ll agree that every second and every dollar spent riding that nimble, little machine is beyond worth it for the unforgettable experience.

6. Come Back Down To Earth. – Skydiving.

For those looking to elevate things to the next level, there’s nothing like a face-first free-fall back down to the earth.

No matter where you go, skydiving is an exciting way to live it up in a beautiful place. Nothing says batshit crazy like jumping out of a perfectly good plane so you can plummet towards the earth at break-neck speed. 

And with the spectacular Gold Coast as your view for this activity, it’s one magnificent place to die if, in the very unlikely event, your parachute fails.

But for all those who won’t experience a malfunction mid-freefall, skydiving the Gold Coast will emblazon you with memories to last a lifetime. Your only regret will be that you only get half a plane ride when you paid for a full one. 

7. Get Spun Out. – Gold Coast 500.

Back down on earth, car enthusiasts will want to plan their trip around the Gold Coast 500, a premier racing event that happens towards the end of the year. The three-day event showcases professional drivers in supercars lapping it up around Surfers Paradise.

Literally. There are 85 laps of this thing accumulating to 500km over the two racing days, so there’s plenty of action for the spectators to see these loud, expertly handled vehicles as they whizz their way around the Gold Coast.

8. Embrace Your Inner Fan. – Supanova.

For those who prefer pop culture, Supanova is Australia’s unmissable geek convention where fans can engage with the actors and visionaries who bring their beloved movies, series and games to life in an epic gathering of conceptual genres. 

Whether you’re a “die-hard” fan or a more casual follower of sci-fi, superheroes, anime, fantasy or anything in between, you will want to plan your Gold Coast adventure around Supanova. 

Usually occurring over a weekend in April, all passes gain you access to the panels and seminars with all guests and the Exhibition Hall, where you can stock up on fan merch. It provides opportunities to get a photograph with your favourite stars too.

Or an autograph. (Although, they come at an additional cost. You can’t just get a photo or auto without one of the passes either.)

Meanwhile, the highest tier pass allows you the incredible chance to dine with your favourite guest. (P.S. Be sure not to miss the Cosplay Show, where some attendees showcase the magnificently intricate costumes they made themselves.)

9. Get The Family Some Thrills. – Theme Parks.

Heading further away from the city, you can’t have a list of the best places to visit on the Gold Coast without including theme parks. Because whenever there’s a theme park in town, it’s a great day out. And the Gold Coast has five to choose from, two of which are waterparks. 

Dreamworld, Movieworld, Seaworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild & White Water World are all exciting and enchanting, and each is unique unto its own. Whether you’re taking the family, the friends or a romantic partner, these magical worlds of thrill, whimsy and escapism are the perfect way to spend the day.

Note: If you come during certain times of the year, the theme parks do special events too.

👉 Or Grab the Village Roadshow 3-Day Escape Pass and get high on all the thrills at Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild & Sea World! by clicking here.

10. Refresh Yourself In Nature. – Mt Tamborine.

While the Gold Coast is a fantastic destination to get excitement and thrills, sometimes escaping from the city and immersing yourself in nature is what you need too. Thankfully, the region has you covered, and spectacularly so. 

Mt Tamborine is a mountain-getaway destination. It has a little township, plenty of quaint accommodation options and a few walking trails that’ll satisfy the need to get out into nature.

The must-visit ones are Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls, the latter of which you wild swim and Robert Sowter Park, where you can gaze upon the landscape of the Scenic Rim to the west. It’s a particularly beautiful place to be in the afternoon to see the sun settle down for another day.

11. Revel In The Beauty Of The Wilderness. – Springbrook National Park.

But if it’s somewhere a little less tame and a little wilder you’re looking for, don’t look past Springbrook National Park. Part of the Great Dividing Range, Springbrook is a sprawling mountainous, rainforest wilderness situated just above the border. And around these parts, it’s waterfall heaven. 

Observe the hallmark Purlingbrook Falls from a suspension bridge hanging in front of the breathtaking waterfalls, take a short walk to Goolmahra Falls, or get soaked by the fresh, creek-fed waters as they plunge over the cliff at Rainbow Falls and Twin Falls.

Even more unmissable is the Natural Bridge, a dark cave with a waterfall infiltrating the roof. Feeling the power of the watercourse thundering through the natural amphitheatre is quite something.

There are plenty of lookouts too. Amongst them is the Canyon Lookout which looks across to where Twin Falls and Rainbow Falls cascade off the cliff (Twin Falls is on the far right, be sure not to miss it.), while the Best Of All Lookout provides epic views of Mt Warning’s dormant caldera. It’s undoubtedly the best place to visit on the Gold Coast to revel in nature.

Accommodation: Where To Stay On The Gold Coast.

• Budget: Woodroffe Hotel. Review.
• Mid-Range: Novotel Surfers Paradise. Review.
• Luxury: Sofitel Broadbeach. Review.

There are a lot of amazing fun things to do on the Gold Coast in Australia.

From relaxing oceanside, discovering geographical gems in the hinterland, ripping it up on the waterways, to taking it to the extreme in the sky and everything in between, the city by the coast is one place where you can experience so much of what makes Australia great all together in one place.

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

• Best Gold Coast Beaches To Discover. (Family, Hidden & Dog Friendly.)
• Best Gold Coast Lookouts In The City & Hinterland.
• Best Springbrook National Park Walks, Lookouts & Waterfalls.
• Best Things To Do On The Gold Coast.
• Best Gold Coast Adrenaline Adventures.
• When Is The Best Time To Visit The Gold Coast?
• Tallebudgera Creek Beach: Everything About The Gold Coast’s Favourite Beach.

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