Located on the south region of Brisbane, Australia, The Gold Coast is a beautiful coastal town famous for its long sandy beaches and the awesome surfing spots. Apart from the mentioned attractions, Gold Coast is also home to several theme parks including Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild, and Sea World. There is no room for boredom in Gold Coast indeed. Step out and discover the hiking trails or explore Lamington National Park’s mountain ridges, a natural habitat to rare birds. Given the countless thing to do while you are here, you might get confused on where to start. In that case check out the best non-touristy things to do in Gold Coast, Australia while you are here.
1. Experience land-based fishing (from USD 81.0)
Love to go fishing but hate riding boats? No need to hold yourself back. Get the most out of your stay in this city by trying land-based fishing - you won’t need to ride a boat to go to an area where fish is abundant. Your host, with her 18 years of experience in fishing, will bring you to land very close to the water where you can catch fish. You will receive complete fishing equipment and be closely guided as you make your first catch. Beginners can learn the basics of casting a net, spooling reel, attaching hooks, and more! While your host encourages catch and release, you may take home some of your legal-size catch! This is a fun and unique thing to do in Gold Coast.
Land Based Fishing for all ages
Duration: 4 hours
2. Appreciate the arts at Home of the Arts
Posted by Home of the Arts on Thursday, 11 July 2019
Looking for fun activities to indulge in during your visit to the Gold Coast? Surrounded by parklands and a lake with Surfers Paradise as the backdrop, Home of the Arts Gold Coast is the place you have to be. Home of the Arts Gold Coast is famous among both locals and visitors for the lake-side strolls, cinema-watching, live performances, star-gazing, art workshops, and implementing new artistic ideas. You will love the unique outdoor stage which is normally used for hosting live events and a refreshed cafe for relaxing and connecting. Home of the Arts Gold Coast focuses on providing space, time, and freedom to make something different.
Home of the Arts
Address: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Website: Home of the Arts
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
3. Enjoy a night out at The Island Rooftop
Posted by The Island Gold Coast on Thursday, 18 July 2019
After a long day exploring all the gems that the Gold Coast, Australia has to offer, it is always a good idea to go and enjoy a night out at The Island Rooftop, sipping gin and listening to jazz. The Island Rooftop is arguable the largest open-air rooftop bar in the Gold Coast and it boasts the best cocktails, entertainment, delicious meals, and good times. The Island Rooftop is famous for hosting several special events and a range of bands. So what are you waiting for? Come and sit back under the beautiful sky in an Acapulco chair as you sip your favourite cold drink and enjoy the music and surroundings.
The Island Rooftop
Address: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Website: The Island Rooftop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 12am
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Try catching a crab on Tweed River (from USD 50.75)
At an affordable price, you and your family can spend your day on the Tweed River which is perfect for those who are looking forward to experiencing scenic views, a safe trip, and excellent fishing during their vacation. This activity will give you the chance of exploring most peaceful waterway on the Queensland while trying out fun activities like pelican feeding, yabbie pumping, and live crab trapping aboard a boat. During the activity, gadgets you may need include hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and fishing equipment. Safety classes and equipment should be always considered before the fun starts.
Tweed River Catch A Crab Tour from Gold Coast, Australia
5. Relish on street food at Miami Marketta
Thirst quencher ?BIG HEAD LAGER
Posted by Miami Marketta on Monday, 22 July 2019
Ever since 2011, Miami Marketta has been putting delicious food in the bellies of both locals and visitors. This family-orientated outdoor dining spot has the capability of hosting up to 1,000 people. It has four on-site bars that serve boutique wine, locally brewed beer, and speciality cocktails. At their main stage, you will get entertained by the local blues, roots, and jazz from independent artists. Come and soak up the atmosphere as you enjoy the tastes of the world. To make it more enjoyable, make sure you come in pairs or groups as all will be catered for.
Miami Marketta
Address: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220, Australia
Website: Miami Marketta
Opening hours: Wed, Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 4pm - 10pm (closed from Sat - Tue & Thu)
6. Explore night markets
Are you looking for a fun and entertaining activity to take part in during your stay? Why not explore the countless night markets that can be found in the area? Spending time in the markets on the Gold Coast is one of the best ways to spend time here. With so many options available, visitors can choose to shop for souvenirs at Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets or opt to go to Miami Marketta where they can enjoy outdoor dining and talented musicians. Whether you’re searching for a cane toad purse, antiques, designer fashion, or original artworks, it is guaranteed that you will find them at one of these markets
7. Throw axes at Lumber Punks
While you are here why not try throwing axes at Lumber Punks? This activity is similar to dart-throwing, but with an axe. Each person is afforded with the opportunity of trying their hand at hurling an axe at a wall target while aiming for the bull’s eye in the middle. Thanks to the strict limitations of only one thrower per throwing lane at a time, each thrower has a safe space from wayward axes finding their way into their lanes. Before the start of every session, each participant is taken through a brief safety course before mastering the techniques of the SOG Tactical Tomahawks. This activity is perfect for a date night, a family or friends’ get-together, or a large work team building event.
Lumber Punks
Address: 19 Ozone Parade, Miami QLD 4220, Australia
Website: Lumber Punks
Opening hours: Mon, Thu - Fri: 3pm - 8:30pm; Sat - Sun 11am - 8:30pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
8. Enjoy overnight camping at Currumbin Rock Pools
Do you fancy camping? If you do then you should make sure that you participate in overnight camping at Currumbin Rock Pools. Strategically located only 30 minutes’ drive from the town centre of Gold Coast, the Currumbin Rock Pools are a stretch of large boulders, pebbled pathways, and smooth sloping rocks, all in fresh mountain waters. Currumbin Rock Pools offer the opportunity of an awesome day trip to those who are looking forward to a unique swimming spot. The area surrounding the pools is flat, grassed, and with several gazebos with furnished picnic tables and barbecue facilities. When done swimming, you can enjoy the green grounds which are perfect for a family picnic or an entertaining game of cricket or Frisbee.
Currumbin Rock Pools
Address: Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley QLD 4223, Australia
Website: Currumbin Rock Pools
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Go snorkeling in the beaches of Wave Break Island (from USD 52.0)
Acting as home to more than 50 fish species, Wave Break Island is a popular destination for snorkelling, especially with family. Come and begin your snorkelling at Marina Mirage on Main Beach, where you’ll board the boat for Wave Break Island. Once you reach Wave Break Island, you will be taken through safety classes and then get suited up for your snorkelling excursion. You will then get to dive in the cool water to swim and snorkel amid the exotic fish and other marine animals. To remember this moment you can also pose for underwater photos. If you get tired of swimming, you can float overhead on a boogie board or head to the shore and relax on the beach.
Wave Break Island Snorkel Tour on the Gold Coast
Duration: 4 hours
10. Be fearless with Pita Taufatofua (from USD 21.0)
Need a little motivation boost? Want little nudge and push to get you to achieve your goals? Good news! Gold Coast does not only offer beautiful tourist destinations, but it also offers golden opportunities for learning and motivation. The best example for this is Pita Taufatofua’s online storytelling session, where he shares tips so you can take your life to the next level and ultimately achieve your goals. With a wooden kava bowl and a healthy drink, you and Pita will share your experiences with each other and he will share with you the key ingredients he uses to make his endeavors successful.
Be fearless with Pita Taufatofua
Duration: 1 hour
11. Try zip lining above Mount Tamborine (from USD 86.0)
Want to try something new yet breathtaking? You can always try a fully guided zip line experience that includes all safety equipment required, and The Canyon Flyer is just perfect for that. At The Canyon Flyer, there are seven huge zip lines that will take you across Cedar Creek Gorge before you drop into the gorge as you fly above the treetop canopy below. While you are here, you will get to experience the unbelievable thrill of riding at the speeds of more than 70 km (43 miles per hour) per hour at a height of more than 60 metres (65 yards) above the ground. Guests do not need any experience to take part in this activity and it is also appropriate for all fitness levels.
Gold Coast Canyon Flyer Zipline Tour
Nearby options
12. Experience sound healing in a mountain sanctuary (from USD 38.0)
Immerse yourself in a relaxing and healing experience using musical sounds and nature. This activity takes place in Beechmont, just an hour’s drive away from Gold Coast. You’ll feel the tranquil ambiance of the healing sanctuary upon your arrival, where you’ll be given myrtle tea with ginger and honey. At the healing room, there are yoga mats, pillows, and a light blanket that are provided for your use during your two-hour sound healing journey. Special crystal-infused singing bowls and tuning forks will be played over and on your body, and the resonance will transfer energy to your body in the form of sound waves. The sound vibrations are believed to lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and restore the natural healing frequency of the body. It’s definitely a worthwhile experience.
Sound Healing at Mountain Sanctuary
Duration: 1 hour
13. "Bee" a beekeeper for a day (from USD 92.0)
Experience how it is to be a beekeeper and book this experience in Jimboomba, Queensland, just an hour away from Gold Coast. Get ready to put on a bee suit with matching gloves and enjoy a hands-on experience on how beekeeping works. In this two-hour activity, you’ll get a chance to handle live honeybees, inspect the inside of a beehive, understand how a beehive works, and witness how honey extraction is done. As you go on the tour, your guide will give you lessons about keeping an apiary and how you can help save the bees. As your hosts understand that beekeeping is hard work, you will be provided with light refreshments.
"Bee" a Beekeeper for a Day
Duration: 2 hours
Golden experiences in Gold Coast, Australia
Experience the Gold Coast the only way you should - as the locals do. Whether you’re looking for fun activities or unusual places to visit in Gold Coast, these non-touristy things to do will help you see and feel this destination from a local’s point of view and make for the best memories. Head to Australia’s Gold Coast and have the best time ahead.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to