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

Rienz Althron
Rienz Althron 
Updated
| 5 min read

The Gold Coast is a city situated in Queensland, Australia. The Gold Coast is the second-largest city in Queensland and the sixth-largest in Australia. Because it is a coastal city, one of the main reasons tourists flock to this part of Australia is because of its beautiful beaches. Surfers Paradise Beach is a popular spot for surfer enthusiast. Being a metropolitan area with an abundance of natural features is another great thing about the city because you’ll have access to many fun activities and spectacular attractions, such as going to theme parks, climbing a 77-story tower called the SkyPoint Climb, shopping, kayaking, glamping, or marveling at the beautiful sceneries all over the Gold Coast! Now, these are just some of the things that await your visit in this part of the Land Down Under! If you want to learn more, then definitely check out the following best things to do in Gold Coast, Australia.

1. Soar over the Gold Coast in a hot air balloon (from USD 249.0)

If you are an early riser and have no phobia of heights, this hot air balloon activity will be perfect for you. Hop on an easily accessible basket and take the flight to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Gold Coast. This exhilarating pursuit starts at roughly 3:30 am to 4:30 am from a specified pick-up location and takes off as the sun breaks over the horizon. Depending on the weather and wind pattern, you’ll get to soar above Gold Coast city or Gold Coast Hinterland for about an hour.

After the flight, you can even participate in packing up the balloon for a more immersive experience. The tour is sealed with a photo and movie package.

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Gold Coast: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Photos/Movie

Duration: 3 hours

405 reviews

2. Learn to ride the waves at Surfers Paradise Beach (from USD 51.45)

things to do in gold coast | learn to ride the waves at surfers paradise beach

Gold Coast wasn’t named as such for nothing. It is home to pristine beaches featuring crashing waves that lap the shore. And what better way to have a fun water experience than to actually ride the waves? Jump at the chance of discovering your love for surfing at Surfers Paradise Beach, no less, with this two-hour lesson. A long-sleeved rash shirt and a beginner surfboard already come with the rate, so all you have to prepare is your adventurous spirit.

From the safety briefing to catching your first waves in a surfing stance, you will be assisted by qualified instructors throughout the lesson. Most beginners are thrilled that they’re able to ride their first wave within this two-hour session.

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Surfers Paradise: Surf Lesson on the Gold Coast

Duration: 2.0 hour

319 reviews

3. Kayak your way to Wave Break Island (from USD 51.45)

things to do in gold coast | kayak your way to wave break island

A multitude of skyscrapers makes up the urban setting of Gold Coast. These towering buildings undeniably add to the city’s charm and are better viewed from afar, especially from a spot at Wave Break Island. The way to this fantastic island could be an adventure in itself if you embark on a kayaking tour through the unspoiled waters. During the cruise, you might catch sight of dolphins and stingrays along the beautiful waterways. Once arrived, you’ll park your kayaks and go on a snorkeling activity to explore the colorful marine life.

Culminating the tour is a hearty snack, which you can relish while admiring the majestic skyscrapers of the Gold Coast on the horizon.

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Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

Duration: 2.5 hour

182 reviews

4. Double the fun with a jet boat and helicopter ride (from USD 132.86)

things to do in gold coast | double the fun with a jet boat and helicopter ride

If you can’t decide whether to feed your bold soul with the adrenaline rush from the sea or the air, why not take both? It’s double the fun when you discover the beauty of the Gold Coast from the waters and the sky above. Luckily, there is this tour that provides opportunities for both water and aerial cruise. It begins with a 55-minute jet boat excursion where you make a splash on the turquoise ocean with your troop.

Afterward, you’ll head over to the Gold Coast’s Marina Mirage heliport for a helicopter ride. You’ll set off into the air to soak up panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes such as Royal Pines, South Stradbroke Island, Broad Beach, and more.

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Gold Coast: Jet Boat Ride and Scenic Helicopter Tour

Duration: 1.5 hour

89 reviews

5. Go sailing on a cruise with a buffet (from USD 57.97)

go sailing on a cruise with a buffet

Revel in the beauty of the gold coast while on the sea in this two-hour sightseeing cruise aboard the Spirit of Elston. Sail in the city’s iconic waterways and enjoy the breeze from the upper deck while gazing at the beautiful views of the skyline including landmarks such as Gold Coast Broadwater, Sea World, and Palazzo Versace.

Delight in the generous buffet spread out just for you! Eat Ocean King prawns, roast chicken, healthy salads, and freshly-baked ham. Level up your fun and partake in the tasty cocktails offered on the boat’s fully licensed onboard bar.

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Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

Duration: 2.0 hour

307 reviews

6. Be fascinated by wax figures at Gold Coast Wax Museum

Wax museum
Source: Pixabay

Founded in 1968, Gold Coast Was Museum is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Surfers Paradise. The museum features: wax figures of famous people; the Chamber of Horrors, a section of the museum dedicated to depicting the history of human cruelty; the Dioramas, an exhibit that features characters from nursery rhymes; and The Crown Jewels where wax replicas of the crowns used by Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation rehearsals. The features of the hotel are updated regularly, which means that guests will continue to have a reason for coming back to this fascinating museum.

Gold Coast Wax Museum

Address: 56 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia

Website: Gold Coast Wax Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 25 USD

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7. Have a splash at Sea World

Sea World
Source: Photo by Flickr user Mohd Fazlin Mohd ... used under CC BY 2.0

If you love waters, rides, animals, marine creatures, and everything else in between, then head to Sea World Resort! They’ve got dolphins, polar bears, seals, penguins, sharks, and more in their collection of amazing sea creatures. They’ve also got tons of rides to have fun with your family or friends, such as the Castaway Bay Battle Boats, Boots’ Banana Boogie, and their very own version of a roller coaster, the Storm Coaster! Plus, they’ve got a place for you to stay in so you can enjoy the many things that they have to offer!

Sea World

Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia

Website: Sea World

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 55 USD

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8. Take a groupie with iconic characters at Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World
Source: Photo by Flickr user Mohd Fazlin Mohd ... used under CC BY 2.0

Warner Bros. Movie World is one of the most famous theme parks on the Gold Coast. Its attractions are inspired by the popular Warner Bros. movies and the world of DC. If you’re a superhero fan, bring your children with you–all of you sure to be delighted at the sight of Superman, Batman, Wonderwoman, and other Justice League characters ready to take a groupie with you and the rest of your family! The theme rides are another feature of the theme park that is just as enjoyable as taking a selfie with famous characters!

Warner Bros. Movie World

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia

Website: Warner Bros. Movie World

Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 4pm; Tue - Thu: 9.30am - 5pm; Fri - Sun: 9.30am - 4pm

Price: 52 USD

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9. Express your love of art at Home of the Arts (HOTA)

The Arts Centre Gold Coast
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Shiftchange used under CC0

If you love art in all its forms, whether it be music, dance, theatrical performances, paintings, or what have you, then Home of the Arts, also known as HOTA, is the place to be on the Gold Coast! Watch award-winning films at the cinema or take part in one of their art programs, such as the Life Drawing workshop and ARTLAB. If you love taking photographs, it doesn’t matter if it’s for Instagram or to add to your portfolio, you can get permission to shoot your next artwork on the spot that will catch your attention the most!

Home of the Arts (HOTA)

Address: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia

Website: Home of the Arts

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10. Get up close and personal with wild animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (from USD 42.36)

get up close and personal with wild animals at currumbin wildlife sanctuary

The Gold Coast isn’t just beaches and sands. It is also home to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary! From colorful lorikeets to fascinating scaled creatures, you’ll get to see them all here. If you haven’t seen a live capybara or majestic cassowaries, then head on to the Lost Valley, a section of the sanctuary with the most exotic animals. Get up close and personal with wild animals at the Wild Island Adventure Splash Zone. And if you get hungry, grab a burger at the Wild Burger, or a scoop of ice cream at the Aussie Scoop Ice Cream. Want to shop around? Then visit Nature’s Gift Store and Photo Counter.

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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket

172 reviews

11. Shop 'till you drop at Cavill Avenue

Cavill Avenue at Surfers Paradise, Queensland looking east
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kgbo used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Cavill Avenue is a street as well as a mall named after James Cavill, the man who’s behind the establishment of Surfers Paradise. There’s a ton of shopping spots here where you can get your friends or relatives back home a souvenir from your Gold Coast adventure! You can also shop for clothes, fresh produce, or dine in one of the local restaurants, or play bowling with your friends or family members.

Cavill Avenue

Address: 3184 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia

Website: Circle on Cavill

Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)

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12. Have a great time at WhiteWater World (from USD 64.0)

have a great time at whitewater world

If you think that the beaches on the Gold Coast are the only spots to have fun getting wet, well, think again! The Gold Coast is also home to WhiteWater World where you and your family can have a blast! Pick among the following fun-filled rides and features: Fully 6 has, not one, not two, but six rides to get the thrill out of your system! Rurn your world topsy-turvy in the Hydro Coaster and if you cannot get enough of the ups and downs, then definitely take on the Temple of Huey! And if taking on gigantic sea monsters is your thing, then take on the Blue Ring Octopus without screaming!

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Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, Coomera 1-Day Ticket

Duration: 1 day

15 reviews

13. View the city from a different perspective at SkyPoint Observation Deck (from USD 16.0)

view the city from a different perspective at skypoint observation deck

SkyPoint Observation Deck, Australia’s one and only beachside observation deck is also one of the must-visits in Gold Coast! It is also the country’s highest external building climb, towering at 270 meters (about 886 feet) above sea level and it takes about an hour and a half to climb! At the top, you’ll have the opportunity to see the stunning view of the city from a bird’s-eye’s perspective!

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SkyPoint Observation Deck 1 Day Ticket

Duration: 1 day

37 reviews

14. Be stunned by Springbrook National Park's natural features (from USD 72.0)

Springbrook National Park is a great place for nature lovers because, in it, you’ll find some of the most stunning features and fascinating natural formations, such as the Purling Brook Falls, Numinbah Valley, Canyon Lookout, and Rainbow Falls. The park is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gondwana Rainforests, which is one of the most extensive subtropical rainforests in the world! So, definitely, have your digital camera ready, because you won’t be able to resist the urge of taking pictures of these fantastic spots!

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Springbrook National Park Half-Day Tour with Natural Bridge

Duration: 5 hours

168 reviews

15. Venture into Dreamworld, the largest theme park in Gold Coast (from USD 60.0)

Australia’s largest theme park also happens to be located on the Gold Coast! That means you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit Dreamworld and experience its thrill rides and various entertainment features! Love tigers? Visit Tiger Island and take advantage of the opportunity to feed tigers! Want your children to have the time of their lives? Take them to the ABC Kids World and take a picture of them with their favorite mascot! Of course, getting hungry is inevitable! Thankfully, the park has several food outlets such as Billabong Buffet Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor where you and your pack can replenish lost energy to keep the fun going!

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Dreamworld Theme Park Gold Coast Tickets

Duration: 1 to 3 days

65 reviews

There's so much more to Gold Coast

These are but some of the features of Gold Coast that await your arrival. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your stuff up and start your adventure to discover more! And of course, don’t forget these best things to do in Gold Coast, Australia!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Rienz is a former office-based employee who entered the world of travel writing. His ultimate dream is to be able to travel the world and experience as much of it as he can. By pursuing his dreams,...Read more

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