The Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination on Australia’s east coast. It is located south of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. The area is an exciting area to explore coastal activities. Plus the usual attractions of a busy metropolis but also with the added bonus of nearby beautiful natural parks.
It really has it all and it is obvious why it is such a popular place to visit.
Top things to do on the Gold Coast include water activities on the pristine beaches and guided tours through the impressive national parks. Not to mention, mentioned here are three theme parks to visit filled with rides and shows. Plus thrilling day activities like cruising in a fast Jetboat or ocean parasailing.
Top Attractions in the Gold Coast
If you are wondering what to do on the Gold Coast, the below activities are enough to keep you busy. There is so much to do, this list only gets to cover some of the highlights.
Nature Activities in Gold Coast
Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park is a world heritage site. You can go on a 5-hour bus tour through this mesmerizing subtropical National Park. There are plenty of stops to take in the natural sights and even a nice afternoon tea break.
The tour includes 5 different waterfalls, the Best of All Lookout, and the falls from the Canyon Lookout.
You can conveniently get picked up from select Gold Coast hotels in Main Beach, Broad Beach, and Surfers Paradise.
Alternatively, to really soak in all of what this national park has to offer 8-hour tours are available!
Mt. Tamborine at Night
Another wonderful outdoor adventure is a 4WD tour to Mt Tamborine, and this nighttime tour provides a unique experience.
Imagine getting picked up as the sun is setting in a private 4WD. Then make your way to a few hours of exciting nighttime exploration. On the drive up to Mt Tamborine, take a brief stop to take in the glistening lights of the city. Your viewing place of quiet tranquility.
Then, there is enough time for a yummy hot chocolate and cake before your nighttime tour.
Your guide takes you and the group through the subtropical rainforest. With a torch in hand, you can get a glimpse of the natural wildlife that adventures out at night.
The highlight of this tour is seeing the naturally illuminated waterfall. It is lit by a colony of glowworms – a majestic and surreal sight to witness.
Fun Activities in the Gold Coast
Short Trip – Kayak and Snorkeling
A beautiful way to get to know the natural beauty of Gold Coast beaches is by having some fun in the water on a guided activity. You can book in for a 2.5-hour activity of kayaking and snorkeling – easy to fit into a busy holiday schedule.
The tour offers to pick up from selected Surfers Paradise hotels. Then you are off to begin your kayaking adventure in the ocean. Don’t worry, this is a safe and easy option for all abilities levels and is family-friendly.
You will be guided to kayak over to Wave Break Island. From there, you can snorkel around the pristine island waters. If you choose to travel in the cooler months (June – August), the tour company also has you covered. Stay warm with full-body wetsuits and hot beverages at snack time.
Highlights of exploring the ocean this way if you get to see the coral, colorful fish, and, hopefully, dolphins too! Either way, it is a convenient short trip where you can safely and peacefully take in the aquatic life and gorgeous scenery of the Gold Coast.
Jam-Packed Full Day Snorkelling And Kayaking Tour
If the 2.5-hour option isn’t quite enough time for you, this full-day activity adventure is exactly what you are looking for. This is one of the top things to do on the Gold Coast!
On the water try a bit of everything on the Moreton Island Shipwreck, Sand Dune & Kayak 1-Day Adventure tour.
This tour includes exploring pristine and clear waters in a transparent kayak. You can even see the fish and seabed under you as you paddle! Additionally, you get to snorkel around the Tangalooma shipwreck and see what it looks like underwater.
Another activity included is tobogganing down the sand dunes – this is sure to make you laugh as you move down the sand at pretty fast speeds. It is a very unique experience. You also get to check out the bumps and excitement of 4WD adventuring to get there.
All in all, it is an exciting and action-packed day where you get to experience a lot of Gold Coast fun, guided the whole time by the tour operators.
Beginners Surf Lessons
Want to feel like a real local? Learn to surf!
You can do a fun 2-hour surf lesson on Main Beach. It is suitable for all fitness levels and ages and your guides will be there to support you the whole time.
The activity includes hotel pick up and drop off as well as all the gear you need to go surfing. It is another low-key activity to get you out having fun at the Gold Coast beaches, and learning a new skill while you’re at it.
Theme Parks
Easily one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast is to get a 7-day pass to all three of the ever-popular and impressive theme parks: Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, and Movie World.
There is so much to see and do, including rides to checkout, waterslides, and daily shows that you will need the 7-day pass to take it all in.
If you are wondering what to do on the Gold Coast, this is an iconic part of visiting and an absolute must – especially if you have kids!
Adrenaline Activities in Gold Coast
Parasailing
What better way to take in the scenery of the pristine Gold Coast than parasailing behind a boat. You, and a friend if you choose, can be side by side as you are lifted up into the air above the ocean – being flown like a kite.
It is good, clean fun with a little thrill as you get lifted up into the air and eventually, back down. You are well supported by an experienced crew to have an enjoyable, safe time plus you might even sight dolphins or sea turtles from your vantage point.
This activity can also accommodate people with a disability too.
Fly Board
For those of you who like a little hit of adrenaline, FlyBoard on the Gold Coast has got to be one of the best things to do in Gold Coast. It’s thrilling but also not to the extreme that you need to jump out of a plane.
You are blasted into the air on the fly board where you can show off your new skills of twisting and turning – until you come back down and crash into the water. You will want to go up again and again. This is an experience not to be missed!
Your guide will give you all the instructions you need plus the wetsuit and all the gear for a safe, comfortable experience.
Jet Ski Hire
You can take the reins yourself and hop onto a jet ski for the Gold Coast Island Safari Jet Ski tours. You can choose from 1 up to 2.5 hours for the tour, it is up to you.
No need to worry if you haven’t used a jet ski before, your tour guides will give you all the instructions you need as well as plenty of time to have a practice before you are ready to set off.
Cruising along on your jet ski you can check out islands and spot wildlife both on the shore and in the water. It is a fun and exciting way to check out the coast.
Jetboat & Helicopter Ride
Get your heart racing with a high-speed Jetboat to show you around the beautiful coast, for almost an hour. Then take in the views from above with a 5-minute helicopter ride to top off the day. The tour runs for around 3 hours, including hotel transfers.
Dinner & A Show in the Gold Coast
Australian Outback Spectacular’s Heartland is a perfect way to enrich your Australian experience, while also being wined and dined. This is the dinner and a show you don’t want to miss – whether you are new to Australia or not.
The show is impressive and features a mesmerizing set where the story of a couple of outback Australians will have you captivated. Learn more about outback Australia as you are thoroughly entertained by this popular show.
The venue itself is matched to suit the Australian theme and you will enjoy delicious three-course modern BBQ Australian cuisine plus beer, wine, or soft drinks during the show.
This is easily one of the top things to do in Gold Coast – especially if you want to experience an entertaining cultural background.
