15 Best Things To Do On The Gold Coast, Australia - Updated 2024

things to do in gold coast australia
Raphael
Raphael 
Updated
| 4 min read

The sun and the friendly locals are not the only things that attract millions of visitors to the wonderful Gold Coast in Australia. The Gold Coast no doubt makes people of all ages happy, considering its many attractions and things to do. Solo travelers, families and friends alike always head out to the Gold Coast for its many adrenaline-charged theme parks, fun activities, exotic land and sea animals, heritage experiences, and shopping experiences. The following are but a few things to do when on the Gold Coast.

Theme parks

1. Infinity’s futuristic experience

things to do in gold coast australia | infinity’s futuristic experience
Source: instagram

For a never-ending fun experience, visit Infinity and go through mind-boggling experiences that will stretch all your senses. From glee to dread, let this futuristic environment filled with distinctive effects and one-of-a-kind illusions take you to a world you have never known. Some of those worlds are inter-dimensional space, the cyclotron, electron maze, mystery zone, laser zone, infinite light canyon and infinite recession.

Infinity

Address: Ground Level, Chevron Renaissance Centre, Corner Surfers Paradise Blvd & Surfers Paradise, QLD

Website: Infinity

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2. iFLY Indoor Skydiving experience (from USD 48.45)

things to do in gold coast australia | ifly indoor skydiving experience

If the thought of jumping off a plane brings dread and chills to your spine, then do not worry. How about recreating the same feeling on earth simulated by air flowing through a glass tunnel? At iFLY, you can have the full experience of flying with guidance from competent instructors. It is a fun thing to do for the whole family, kids included. Make a booking and fulfill that flying dream you have always had.

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Gold Coast: Indoor Skydiving Experience

Duration: 1.5 hour

35 reviews

3. Dracula’s Haunted House

things to do in gold coast australia | dracula’s haunted house
Source: instagram

Scream for your dear life and laugh at the hilarity that ensues as you walk through the five level building that is Dracula’s Haunted House. Experience the thrill of encountering lethal Australian creatures so close, ranging from tiny spiders to gigantic crocodiles that are animated and are put through special effect for added thrill. Different levels include Vampire Lair, Phobia and Mirror Maze.

Dracula's Haunted House

Address: 3177 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD

Website: Dracula’s Haunted House

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Shopping

4. Pacific Fair Shopping Center

Oh so pretty.... // Beautiful view of our Resort area. We're open until 6pm today!⠀ ⠀ 📸 courtesy of @onzifelipe ⠀ ⠀ #pacificfair #goldcoast #shopping #eastershopping #theresort #goldcoastshopping

Posted by Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on Saturday, 15 April 2017

One of the newest shopping centers in Queensland, you will have the time of your life shopping all things luxurious, famous modern brands and all things Australian at this shopping center. When you need recharging from all the shopping, check out one of the 20 restaurants and a variety of fast food outlets in the center.

Pacific Fair Shopping Center

Address: Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach, QLD

Website: Pacific Fair Shopping Center

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5. Broadbeach Art and Craft Market

Posted by FurrTrition Pet Products on Saturday, 3 October 2015

For a fun filled family day out, head to the Broadbeach Art and Craft Market. Sample the over 150 stalls that stock products such as produce, preserves, and crafts made by the locals. You will not lack anything at this market. Go and spend a lazy Sunday walking through the stalls and get one-of-a-kind trinket at great bargains.

Broadbeach Art and Craft Market

Address: Old Burleigh Road Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach, QLD

Website: Broadbeach Art and Craft Market

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6. Miami Marketta

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


An eclectic mix of culture, the Miami Marketta is a family orientated culinary experience that has food, wine, local beers, and desserts. Accompanying the delicious food is music from local blues, roots and jazz musicians. Whether you are a family, a couple or a group of friends, you will enjoy the street foods offered at this market.

Miami Marketta

Address: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami, QLD

Website: Miami Marketta

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Beaches

7. Burleigh Heads Beach

Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads Beach
Source: Photo by user Kerrie Brailsford used under CC BY-SA 2.0

One of the Gold Coast beaches, Burleigh’s protected beach attracts swimmers and surfers alike. With its pine trees that line the foreshore, it is perfect for picnicking or barbecuing. If that is not a hustle you want, then sample the many restaurants that line up the beach. Stroll down the beach to do some shopping, or people watch at one of the cafés on the beach.

Burleigh Heads Beach

Website: Burleigh Heads Beach

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8. Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfer's Paradise from Burleigh Heads
Source: Photo by user Rex Boggs used under CC BY-ND 2.0

It is one of the many beaches on the Gold Coast with many activities to indulge in and sun to soak in. You really can’t go to the Gold Coast without stopping by the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach.

Surfers Paradise Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD

Website: Surfers Paradise Beach

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9. Coolangatta Beach

Coolangatta Beach Strand
Source: Photo by user dronepicr used under CC BY 2.0

Situated right at the end of Queensland’s Gold Coast, Coolangatta Beach offers a whole different pace and great surfing waters. Coolangatta is a combination of modern hotels, restaurants, and clubs with an old feel, the perfect combination for festivals.

Coolangatta Beach

Address: Coolangatta, Gold Coast, QLD

Website: Coolangatta Beach

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Spas and retreats

10. SpaQ

things to do in gold coast australia | spaq
Source: instagram

SpaQ will adapt their program to fit your individual body needs. You simply make a reservation and after consulting with a therapist you are able to choose a treatment that you need, but if you opt to book your treatment beforehand, you can go right ahead and do so. Experience their complementary wet zone which offers hot and cold treatments. Best of all, they will follow up on your treatment to make sure you are well taken care of.

SpaQ

Address: 1/7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD

Website: SpaQ

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11. Ripple Gold Coast Massage Day Spa and Beauty


A spa that comes to you, that is Ripple Gold Coast Massage. You can book them for their couple massages, bachelorette parties and other packages they offer. Apart from massage services, they have beauty services complete with mani-pedis and facials.

Ripple Gold Coast Massage Day Spa and Beauty

Address: 23b The Promenade, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD

Website: Ripple Gold Coast Massage Day Spa and Beauty

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12. Massage.Yeah!

Posted by Massage.yeah on Tuesday, 5 January 2016

They are a team of professional massage therapists who come to you. For a real feel-good experience, make a booking by calling and enquire about their packages for couples, individuals, groups and even for corporate events. When you pay for the services, 5 AUD (6 USD) of the money you pay for the services goes to a charity of your choosing.

Massage.Yeah!

Address: Benowa, QLD

Website: Massage.Yeah!

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Natural attractions

13. Tree Top Walkway


Take in the beauty as you walk under fragrant trees blooming with flowers and fruits, and let your senses take in the exhilarating assortment of the magnificent orchids, singing birds and animals that live in the trees. A momentous family experience, take the kids and let them enjoy nature and have the full rainforest experience.

Tree Top Walkway

Address: Lamington National Park, Green Mountains Section, Canungra, QLD

Website: Tree Top Walkway

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14. Numinbah Valley Adventure Trails

Numinbah Valley QLD
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Steven Lawler used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Set up on a cattle property, it is a riding experience both for beginners and experienced riders as you revel in the breathtaking valley. You will ride on bush tracks and open river beds, then back to the horse stables for some traditional Billy tea and damper. There are guides who will assist you on the horses. If camping is your thing, they offer bush camping options too.

Numinbah Valley Adventure Trails

Address: 2524 Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, Numbinbah Valley, QLD

Website: Numinbah Valley Adventure Trails

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15. Springbrook National Park


Indulge in the national park’s cool forests and mountain streams and take in the breathtaking landscapes. With an array of waterfalls and creeks, visit its cave waterfall in the day and take in the awe-inspiring light show by the glow-worms at night. Pack a lunch or picnic and enjoy it at the Forest Park picnic area or spend a night camping in the Settlement Camping Area, as you interact with the many animals in the park in one way or the other.

Springbrook National Park

Address: Springbrook Rd, Springbrook, QLD

Website: Springbrook National Park

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No boredom on the Gold Coast

There are so many activities for you and your traveling party that you will have to plan another visit to the Gold Coast, just to have all the experiences it has to offer. From the simple to the extreme, the Gold Coast will not disappoint.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Raphael is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for exploring the world. With over a decade of experience in travel writing, he has honed his storytelling skills, making readers feel like...Read more

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