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1. Visit a Theme Park
Location: Various locations, northern end of Gold Coast
The region’s theme parks are major features that set the Gold Coast apart from other popular holiday destinations in Australia. The parks are a huge drawcard for many people visiting from both interstate and overseas and are the major reason the city is such a popular spot for families.
It’s not without reason as each of the theme parks is a quality attraction in their own right, and each one offers something slightly different to the next.
From the high-quality thrill rides of Dreamworld to everyone’s favourite film and cartoon characters at Movie World to the watery, aquatic fun available at both Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild, there’s a theme park on the Gold Coast for all age groups, interest types and weather conditions.
While they’re best visited outside school holidays, each of the parks has grown over the years to accommodate large crowds. The immense variety of rides and sideshows for all ages also provides something interesting to see, try or ride at all times of the day.
The Gold Coast is the theme park capital of Australia with thrilling rides, slides, live entertainment and animal experiences on offer for all ages making it a great day out for the whole family.
While buying tickets to the theme parks isn’t cheap, there are numerous passes and package options available that give greater value than standalone one-day entry tickets. Options include passes for three parks for 7 consecutive days, unlimited entry for a few weeks, and even full-blown VIP style theme park packages that allow an entire year worth of unlimited entry.
These passes change regularly with sales and discounts sporadically appearing. Check our Gold Coast theme parks section for an up to date listing of value passes for the parks.
Regardless of what your style of the theme park is – and particularly if you have kids – if it’s your first time to the Gold Coast you’ll no doubt want to pay a visit to one of these high-quality entertainment attractions.
2. Make some furry friends at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin, Gold Coast
One of the longest-running and most beloved attractions on the Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the definitive place of choice for those looking to get a dose of family-friendly animal fun on the Gold Coast.
Previously called Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, the facility offers a full and great value day out with reasonable prices on tickets and a wide variety of native Australian and exotic wildlife. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary features interactive displays and wide-open enclosures all set within a lush, cool eucalyptus and rainforest environment.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is both easy to find and easy to get to, with a location just off the Gold Coast Highway at Currumbin, around 20 minutes’ drive from Surfers Paradise and with bus stops right on its doorstep.
Home to all your favourite Aussie animals, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos and see exotic animals on display in the Lost Valley.
Families will be in their element here, as the park offers not only a great variety of animals but also its iconic train that takes you around the park regularly, this is something kids love and it gives parents a chance to rest their legs.
In addition, Currumbin Sanctuary also has a fun tree ropes course called the Green Challenge which is likewise a huge hit with the little ones at just a few dollars extra charge.
If you’re wanting to hand-feed kangaroos, cuddle a koala, see wombats, echidnas, emus and more, then Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is your destination of choice on the Gold Coast.
3. Go whale watching
Location: Various departure points, Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations and during the annual whale migration season, as the humpbacks come out to play, you’ll be able to get up close to these gentle giants.
Lasting from late May to early November each year, the whales make for a spectacular sight as they perform their regular trip up the east coast of Australia searching for warmer waters. The Gold Coast’s seaside location makes it an ideal spot to get out on the water and get a firsthand look as they breach, spout and relax.
The Gold Coast typically has a very high number of whales passing through and with a five month whale season, there are plenty of chances for visitors to take part.
There are also a variety of operators to choose from each with their own benefits. Some offer longer trips, others include bonus lunches, or perhaps packages that combine with other essential Gold Coast experiences at a reduced price.
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s premier whale-watching destinations. Say hello to the majestic humpback whales during their annual migration on a whale watching cruise.
Over 10,000 whales pass close to the Gold Coast’s shores every season, and the city has a large, shallow bay that serves as an ideal location for the whales to rest and mingle on their way to the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re interested in doing some whale watching during your time on the Gold Coast, it’s a good idea to plan your trip between June and November.
Many of the operators who provide whale watching tours also offer whale sighting money-back guarantees or at least a free return trip if no whales are sighted as well, providing a bit of extra peace of mind if you’re thinking of booking.
4.Rainforest Scenic Skywalk
The scenic rainforest Skywalk is located in Mount Tamborine, taking you on a journey 1.5 kilometres high through the middle and upper rainforest canopy. With spectacular views of the surrounding hinterland, this stable steel structure will let you explore the rainforest from above, or you can venture down and follow the signs and paths to nearby rock pools, waterfalls, a butterfly lookout and local history enclosure.
5.Paradise Point Art and Craft on the Coast Markets
The quintessential Sunday-morning markets! Discover the finest local creations at a beautiful beachfront location. Explore the Gold Coast’s longest-running art and craft market at the gorgeous Esplanade North Park on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Large, colourful and a-buzz with atmosphere, these markets showcase the best and most original of Australian-made products, fresh produce, yummy food and live entertainment. Jewellery, skincare, fashion, homewares and more from local creators and makers can be found - there's treasure here for everyone.
These friendly markets are the original Gold Coast markets running for over 30 years. There’s no better way to spend a Sunday morning!
6. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Set alongside the famous Surfers Paradise Esplanade, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are an iconic shopping and cultural experience since 1995. Featuring artisan and iconic Australian goods, fresh produce (in season), gourmet provisions, handmade wares and so much more. A market dedicated to supporting and showcasing the best growers, makers, characters and creators locally and from afar.
Only steps from the renowned Surfers Paradise Beach, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets boasts ample street parking, waterfront access, free entry and a bustling entertainment schedule. Enjoy a range of restaurants and eateries that cater for all taste buds or check out the many attractions and abundant retail shopping for the perfect night out!
7.Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
Natural Bridge is in the western part of Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
The park's Natural Bridge section features a picturesque rock formation, formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. It is easily accessible from the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road car park.
Follow the easy one-kilometre circuit (walk in a clockwise direction) and descend through the ancient Gondwana rainforest to the Natural Bridge rock arch. Hoop pines emerging from surrounding forests are living relics of the Jurassic Age, 180 million years ago.
During the day spot paradise riflebirds, green catbirds, wompoo fruit-doves and rare and threatened species like the cascade tree frog, tusked frog, sooty owl and koala. At night join a guided nocturnal tour to see the resident colony of protected glow-worms and microbats. On summer nights, also see luminous fungi and fireflies.
Part of Cave Creek in the Natural Bridge section is a Restricted Access Area to prevent the risk of injury or death. Swimming in the creek, including within the cave, and access to the creek bank is prohibited.
There is one camping area in Springbrook National Park called "The Settlement" camping ground, perfect for visiting the glow worm caves at night. Remember to be quiet when visiting, the ground can be slippery, smoking and bug repellants inside the cave are prohibited.