One of the prime holiday destinations for years, not just for Australians but for Europeans as well, comes the Gold Coast. This place was named after the large bulks of gold and its markets that existed here once. A lot of economic growth took place here, and now it’s renowned for the number of stunning beaches, surf breaks, theme parks, and shopping places it carries with itself.
Located about 66 km south-east of the state capital Brisbane, Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth-largest city and the most populated non-capital city. Having a continuous coastline of around 70 km, which is accompanied by remarkable national parks and rainforest hinterland, makes its environment more attractive. The number of things a tourist or traveller can do over here is numerous, as this city has a specialised economy that is predominantly dominated by the tourism industry alone.
Some of the best activities to get engaged in in the city of Gold Coast are as follows:
1. Visit The Dreamworld Theme Park
The Dreamworld Theme Park is a fun-loving attraction for youngsters as well as adults. A zoo is also situated in this theme park, which is Australia’s largest theme park, with 40 rides and other attractions. You can easily plan your day out here with so many possibilities, such as food, shopping, rides, and so on.
The park has several themed lands as well, such as Ocean Parade, DreamWorks Experience, Wiggles World, Gold Rush Country, Rocky Hollow, Tiger Island, and more. The Australian wildlife experience one can get here is truly amazing, as it’s home to over 800 native animals. If lucky, you can also come face-to-face with great tigers at Tiger Island.
| Name | Dreamworld Theme Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209, Australia |
| Website | https://www.dreamworld.com.au/ |
| Opening Hours |
Monday - 10:30 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday - 10:30 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday - 10:30 am - 4:00 pm Thursday - 10:30 am - 4:00 pm Friday - 10:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Facilities | Accessible Parking | Restrooms | Wheelchair Available |
| Ticket Prices |
|
| Contact Number | +61 7 5588 1111 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/EY3sCyH1t2tccV927 |
2. Stop by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, being home to more than 800 animal species. One can easily find lorikeets, emus, kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and other animal species over here. This sanctuary is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Australia, allowing one to walk through the rainforest surrounding this zoological park.
At this most popular tourist destination, you can come with your friends and family to take photographs with the koalas and give feed to the friendly kangaroos as well. With proper guidance, you can easily explore the whole of this sanctuary to make the most of your time.
| Name | Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|
| Address | 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223, Australia |
| Website | https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au/ |
| Opening Hours |
Monday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Thursday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
| Facilities | Picnic tables | Public toilet | Slides | Swings |
| Ticket Prices | TBA (For more info. enquiries@cws.org.au) |
| Contact Number | +61 7 5534 1266 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q8ucUr4HiSfnmhTH7 |
3. Spend Some Time At The Coolangatta Beach
Come to Coolangatta Beach, which is the most popular and adventurous beach on the Gold Coast and is a perfect weekend destination for beach lovers and surfers alike. The unsoiled, clear water merged with the spotless white sand present here is perfect for fishing, diving, and swimming. You can enjoy surfing along the waves, with excellent surf breaks present here that too have dolphins.
A skydiving session is also available at the beach for those craving some adventure. If you get lucky, you can even spot the migratory humpback whales and enjoy some spectacular scenic views of the sunset. Visit this hub of excitement with family and friends if you are seeking a relaxing day by the ocean.
| Name | Coolangatta Beach |
|---|---|
| Address | Queensland, Australia |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Facilities | Surfing | Swimming | Scenic Views | Lifeguards on duty |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/fEf6HQbq1FJbixZNA |
4. Surf At Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is an outlying district in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia that is a paradise of rainforests, beaches, eucalyptus forests, and coastal ranges. Beginner surfers can choose the revamped Burleigh Pavilion to enjoy surfing as waves here tend to be more friendlier. For veterans, heading for the Burleigh Heads National Park and The Esplanade, won’t be a big deal as it is famous for its pumping surf breaks.
Grab an ice cream, fishy crispy chips or buy some fresh produce from the farmers’ markets to cook on a barbecue fringed by the water and spend some time with your loved ones. The towering pine trees subsiding the picnic tables are always something to look upon.
| Name | Burleigh Heads |
|---|---|
| Address | Queensland, Australia |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Facilities | Surfing | Photogenic Beach | Friendly Environment |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tezcfy3kWtNRzPUV7 |
5. Walk Along The Natural Bridge In Springbrook National Park
This naturally formed, picturesque rock formation is truly a masterpiece and is located in the western part of Springbrook National Park. Once carved by the forces of the waterfall over the basalt cave, it’s now simply accessible to anyone visiting here. The bridge is about 215 feet tall at the centre of the park, and its top is spotted for hiking and biking.
For those looking to walk in this place, about an hour of walking time will be needed. A habitat for paradise riflebirds, green catbirds, wompoo fruit-doves, and some other endangered species such as tusked frogs, koalas, cascade tree frogs, and sooty owls, this place has become one of the best tourist attractions on the Gold Coast.
| Name | Natural Bridge Springbrook National Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Bakers Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211, Australia |
| Website | https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Facilities | Wheelchairs | Car Parking | Picnic Tables | Public Toilet | Hiking |
| Ticket Prices | Starts from $14.99 |
| Contact Number | +61-13-7468 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmabZFsi5nta8P4D8 |
6. Capture The Moments At ArtVo Gold Coast
ArtVo Gold Coast is an art gallery that offers an opportunity to go on a fun-loving outing with your family and friends to explore mural art. Their interactive ‘trick-art’ gallery shows the art of the large fighting dragons to meet King Kong and flying magic on the carpet.
You can get your photographs clicked in the gallery to capture cherished moments with some great pieces of art. Their staff also guides visitors in respect to all different shoot ideas with the art present here. The entry here is paid only and this is a very good place for kids to go on an exploration in their own way.
| Name | ArtVo Gold Coast |
|---|---|
| Address | Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Australia |
| Website | https://www.artvogoldcoast.com.au/ |
| Opening Hours |
Monday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Wednesday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Thursday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday- 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Facilities | Wheelchair-accessible | Car park |
| Ticket Prices |
Prices Individual Type A$30 Adults Ages 16+ A$20 Children Ages 5 -15 Free Infants Ages 0 - 4 A$25 Students Must show student card A$25 Seniors Must show senior card A$63 Family A (1 Adult & 2 Children) A$72 Family B (2 Adult & 1 Children) A$88 Family C (2 Adult & 2 Children) A$17 Family Additional Children |
| Contact Number | +61 7 5639 6109 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/9njLT644XQvqDpeo8 |
7. Go On A Night Out At Dracula's Cabaret
One of the most renowned tourist attractions in the Gold Coast is Dracula’s Cabaret which shows the wild nightlife of the city in a very great manner. This place’s ambience is structured with the nightlife in the ghost town with Dracula and the world of vampires.
Enter this place with the train leading you in the world of ghosts and vampires, and get thrilled with excitement it entails to offer by screaming your fear out. While paying here a visit, don’t forget to enjoy the nightlife show of comedy, circus, etc with the 3-course dinner it has for all.
| Name | Dracula's Cabaret |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia |
| Website | http://www.draculas.com.au/ |
| Opening Hours |
Monday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday - 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday- 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday - 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday - 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday - 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sunday - Closed |
| Facilities | Live music | Live performances | Reservations required | Transgender safe space | Small Car park | VIP Entry |
| Ticket Prices | The VIP tickets start from $139 and the others from $109 |
| Contact Number | +61 7 5563 4900 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBgpS5wTL5KNqYoC7 |
8. See Some Artistic Crafts At the Wax Museum On The Gold Coast
The Wax Museum Gold Coast embraces some of the best historic wax structures, jewels, and other important ornaments at the Wax Museum of the city as well. Apart from the wax statues, one can always explore a historical nightmare chamber and images of British crown jewels at this wax museum.
This place also features statues of some of the most renowned people from history and films, as well as fictional characters. There are around 110 life-sized wax statues built here, regarding which one can easily get guidance from the friendly staff present here. This way, they can easily learn about the historical aspects of these structures and wax statue personalities alike.
| Name | Wax Museum Gold Coast |
|---|---|
| Address | 56 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia |
| Website | https://australiagoldcoast.com/ |
| Opening Hours |
Monday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thursday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Facilities | Live performances | Wheelchair-accessible entrance | Family friendly |
| Ticket Prices |
|
| Contact Number | +61 7 5538 3975 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/bcSRrQPvqQq24tgV6 |
9. Pick Your Thing At Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
The Pacific Fair Shopping Centre Gold Coast is the largest shopping destination in this city, as it holds around 400 shopping destination points for national and international brands. There are more than 65 dining options at the shopping centre food court available for all to explore.
To make it easier for kids to have fun, they have a separate section called Play Street, which includes slides, climbing walls, and more. One can find numerous retail stores, boutiques, and a number of luxury shops at the mall too. During your free time, you can enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop parking and dining area.
| Name | Pacific Fair Shopping Centre |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218, Australia |
| Website | https://www.pacificfair.com.au/ |
| Opening Hours |
Monday - 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Tuesday - 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Wednesday - 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Thursday - 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday - 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Saturday - 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Sunday - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Facilities | Parents' Rooms | Wheelchair-accessible | Car parking | Arcade games | Toilets | Free Wi-Fi | Medical Facilities |
| Contact Number | +61 7 5581 5100 |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/bZRGT6gLLjwn5Zno9 |
In a Nutshell
All these activities and attractions mentioned above have plenty to offer all visitors, whether they’re locals or coming around the world. In addition to that, the best part about all these activities is that they aren’t that expensive, and one can indulge in them with ease.
So, don’t wait any more and pack your bags to plan your visit to Gold Coast and get your adrenaline levels pumped up.
Frequently Asked Questions
This city on the Gold Coast is quite famous for its superb surf breaks, scenic beaches, and the nightlife it features.
With a 70-kilometre-long continuous coastline that is also bordered by rainforest hinterland, Gold Coast has become a star attraction because of its beach-pleasing environment.
Spending at least 3 days at the Gold Coast would be perfect for all visitors to explore almost everything this ambitious city has to offer.
One can plan their trip to the Gold Coast at any time of the year, but the most preferred seasons are autumn (June to August) and winter (September to October).
July is the coldest month of the year on the Gold Coast. So one needs to plan their trip here accordingly.
This place is also known as one of Australia’s best family-friendly destinations to spend some quality time with your loved ones. With world-class beaches and top-notch surfing facilities, it’s the perfect place to create some long-lasting memories with your family.
