You’ve landed on one of Australia’s most dazzling coastal playgrounds—Gold Coast. With endless beaches, rainforest escapes, thrilling theme parks, and a laid-back lifestyle that’s hard to resist, this city by the Pacific offers a mix of chill and thrill unlike anywhere else.
Whether you’re here to ride waves, stare at waterfalls, or just kick back on golden sand, the Gold Coast has got you covered.
Over the next several sections, you’re going to discover the very best things to do in Gold Coast, Australia—from hidden rainforest trails to adrenaline-pumping theme parks.
I’ll walk you through 12 must-see places and experiences. By the end, I want you itching to pack your bags and hit the road (or the skies).
1 – Surfers Paradise Beach – Best Overall, Best for Beach Lovers & First Timers
Surfers Paradise Beach is the heartbeat of the Gold Coast. Imagine miles of golden sand meeting bright blue waves, backed by a skyline that’s both modern and welcoming.
It’s not just any beach—it’s the iconic beach that defines this region. As soon as you step onto the sand, you’ll feel that magic energy.
You can swim, sunbathe, join a surf lesson, or just stroll along the shore. The water’s usually warm, friendly
for both expert surfers and newbies alike. If you’re visiting in whale season (June to October), you might even glimpse whales far offshore from the beach.
Just off the sand lies Cavill Avenue, full of shops, cafés, street performers, and nightlife—it’s always buzzing. At night, Surfers Paradise lights up in a way that’s just electric.
For a higher view, head over to SkyPoint Observation Deck (in the Q1 building). From about 230 meters up, you’ll get panoramic views across the city and ocean—a perfect way to orient yourself and admire the beauty of Gold Coast from above.
This place earns its spot as a top attraction in Gold Coast for good reason. It’s where people come first time, return again, and fall in love—with the vibe, the waves, the people. If you have limited time, Surfers Paradise Beach is one of the things in Gold Coast you simply can’t skip.
2 – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Best for Wildlife Lovers & Families
If you want to get up close with Australia’s unique creatures, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a top pick among attractions in Gold Coast. Nestled just off the main highway, this sanctuary has been a conservation gem for decades. You’ll see kangaroos, koalas, wombats, colorful birds, and reptiles.
One of the standout moments: hand-feeding wild lorikeets. They fly to your hand and sip nectar—magical. The sanctuary also runs interactive shows, wildlife talks, and evening walks (like glow-worm night tours). It’s not just a zoo; it’s a place that really cares about local animals and habitats.
For families, this spot is a dream. Kids and adults alike will be thrilled by encounters.
And for vegan or plant-based visitors, there are food options in the grounds that cater to non-meat diets (just ask in advance). Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary scores high as one of the most beloved things to see in Gold Coast for good reason.
3 – Dreamworld – Best for Thrill Seekers & Families
Dreamworld is Australia’s largest theme park, located in Coomera, and it’s a must when you’re looking for big thrills in Gold Coast. With more than 40 rides and attractions, there’s something for the adrenaline junkie and the more mellow visitor alike.
One of its newer rides, Jungle Rush, is a switchback coaster combining outdoor track and themed indoor sections—fun and immersive. You’ll also find drop towers, classic roller coasters, kid zones, and wildlife exhibits inside the park grounds.
For families, Dreamworld balances exciting rides with gentler options and shows. You can spend the full day exploring. Be sure to check opening hours and whether they have night events—they sometimes run extended hours.
Because it’s one of the major attractions in Gold Coast, it’s best to buy tickets ahead and arrive early. That way you can beat queues and make the most of your day. If you’ve come to Gold Coast looking for fun, rush, and smiles, Dreamworld delivers.
4 – Sea World – Best for Marine Life & Water-Thrill Fans
If you want to combine marine life with theme park fun, Sea World is a top pick among things to do on the Gold Coast. This park mixes aquariums, marine exhibits, shows, and rides.
It’s not just dolphins and sea lions—you’ll find underwater tunnels, interactive displays, and educational insights about ocean life.
One standout is the Leviathan wooden roller coaster in the New Atlantis precinct, which opened in December 2022. It’s Australia’s first new large-scale wooden coaster in decades. You’ll feel the raw wood creaking under your feet as you twist and turn.
Sea World also offers opportunities to learn about marine conservation and see creatures in displays that mimic their natural habitats. For families, it’s a place that entertains and educates.
For lovers of sea life, it’s a chance to step into a watery world right in Gold Coast.
Note: the Sea World Monorail was dismantled as part of renovations in 2024, so you won’t find that ride anymore. But there’s still plenty to do within the park itself.
5 – Springbrook National Park – Best for Nature Lovers & Hikers
If you head inland from the coast, the Gold Coast hinterland opens up in dramatic fashion. Springbrook National Park is one such gem—lush rainforest, waterfalls, caves, and magical landscapes. This is nature at its finest in the Gold Coast.
Walk the trails and you’ll wander into thick forest, fern gullies, misty valleys. The Natural Bridge is a stunning waterfall that flows into a cave, often illuminated by glow worms in the evening—exactly the kind of place you’ll remember forever.
There are lookout points that give sweeping vistas over the coastline and valleys. Because it’s a little cooler up high and shaded by trees, walking here is refreshing on hot days.
Also, Springbrook is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, so you’re stepping into something ancient and extraordinary.
For visitors seeking quiet, beauty, and a break from the beach crowd, Springbrook is among the top nature things to see in Gold Coast.
Bring good walking shoes, water, and maybe a picnic—you may find a quiet spot by a creek or waterfall to just exist for a moment.
6 – Tamborine Mountain & Glow Worm Caves – Best for Scenic Views & Nightwalks
Another inland treat is Tamborine Mountain, perched above the Gold Coast region. It offers rainforests, botanical gardens, art galleries, and skywalk trails.
But one magical draw is the glow worm caves—after dusk, these tiny creatures light up damp caves in patterns that feel otherworldly.
During the day, stroll along canopy walkways, visit local craft shops, sip on locally grown treats (from dairy-free to local fruit juices), and enjoy lookout points that peer over valleys, vineyards, and coastal stretch far below. The vistas are fantastic and you’ll often feel above the clouds.
At night, join a guided glow worm walk and watch as the cave walls twinkle with bioluminescent dots.
It’s quiet, mystical, and unforgettable. For couples, families, and nature lovers, this is one of the standout things to do in Gold Coast hinterland—combining day and night enchantment in one trip.
7 – Whale Watching Cruise – Best Seasonal Experience & Wildlife
If your visit to Gold Coast falls between June and October, don’t pass up the chance to go on a whale watching cruise. This period is prime time for humpback whales migrating along the coast, and many tours depart from Gold Coast marinas.
You’ll glide out into the ocean, scanning for spouts, tails, and breaches. When a whale surfaces or dives, it’s a moment you’ll remember. Often the guides share stories about migration, breeding, and individual whales—so you get both spectacle and science.
Cruises vary in duration—some are 2–3 hours, others longer with extra commentary. Bring a jacket (it can be cooler at sea), your camera, and a keen sense of wonder. It’s one of those special things in Gold Coast that stays with you long after you return home.
Even non-ocean lovers often find this trip deeply moving. Seeing giant creatures in their natural domain reminds you how rich life is on this planet—right off the Gold Coast’s shores.
8 – Jet Boating & Water Adventures – Best for Adrenaline & Water Lovers
If calm cruises aren’t enough, Gold Coast is full of water adventures—jet boating, parasailing, sea kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and more. These are among the most exciting Gold Coast things to do for thrill and splash lovers.
Jet boat rides spin you fast, skim ocean spray, and give a dash of surprise at every twist. Parasailing lifts you up high so you see the coastline from a bird’s perspective.
If you prefer something slower, paddleboard or kayak through calm waterways, explore mangroves, or cruise canals at twilight.
These water rides are perfect for active travelers or groups that want more than just beach lounging. They deliver laughs, adrenaline, and stories you’ll brag about later.
And because the Gold Coast is known for its coastal playground status, these water thrills are part of the very identity of the region.
If you’re going to try just one of these, pick whatever your heart races for, then go for it—surf, spin, glide, splash.
9 – Pacific Fair & Marina Mirage – Best for Shopping & Waterfront Dining
Not everything in Gold Coast is about nature or thrills—some of the charm lies in elegant escapes. Pacific Fair is one of Australia’s largest shopping centres, right in the heart of the Gold Coast.
It’s packed with international brands, local boutiques, cafés, and relaxed indoor/outdoor spaces. As a shopping lover, you’ll feel right at home.
Meanwhile, Marina Mirage on Main Beach is a waterfront precinct with upscale dining, boutiques, and sweeping views of the marina.
Walk the docks, watch yachts bob, pause for a meal with sea breeze and watch boats glide past. It’s classy without being pretentious.
For meat lovers and plant-based visitors alike, many restaurants here serve a wide range—from local seafood (fish, vegetarian options) to vegan and gluten-free dishes.
After a day on the coast or in the park, these spots give you a soft landing—a chance to relax, shop, eat, and immerse in local lifestyle.
10 – Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk & Glow Worm Caves – Best for Scenic Walk & Unique Night Experience
Yes, I’ve grouped skywalks with glow worms because Tamborine offers both, making it doubly worth a visit. The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a walkway among rainforest canopy and creek gullies.
You step into the trees, walk along suspended paths, and experience forest from a new angle.
By day, you feel surrounded by green, hearing birds, leaves, and creek water. By night (if scheduled), the glow worm caves flicker in the darkness, casting tiny pinpricks of light around damp walls.
It’s one of those unusual things in Gold Coast that blends forest, art, and nature.
You’ll find that combining daytime forest walks and nighttime glow worm explorations gives your Gold Coast trip a unique rhythm—awake in light, wandering in dark, feeling connected to land and living things.
11 – Broadbeach & HOTA (Home of the Arts) – Best for Culture, Events & Relaxed Evenings
Broadbeach is the more relaxed cousin of Surfers Paradise. It has beautiful beach stretches, relaxed cafés, craft markets (on certain days), and good vibes without the intensity of the tourist hub. It’s a place to stroll, eat, and soak in local life.
In Broadbeach you’ll also find HOTA—Home of the Arts. This cultural precinct hosts galleries, live music, theater, outdoor events, and art installations.
It’s where Gold Coast expresses its creative heart. (They recently unveiled a kinetic ribbon sculpture that’s been a hit.)
When you visit, check their event schedule. You might catch a concert, special exhibit, or local performance.
For travelers looking to mix beach, culture, and evenings of inspiration, this pairing of Broadbeach + HOTA is one of the more refined, relaxed things to do in Gold Coast.
12 – Glow Worm Night Walks & Nocturnal Wildlife Tours – Best for Night Adventure & Nature Seekers
As daylight fades, another side of Gold Coast comes alive. These glow worm walks or nighttime wildlife tours let you see creatures that hide during daytime—owls, possums, bats—and bioluminescent glow worms that light up caves and overhangs.
Guided tours often lead you into rainforest trails or caves. The guides shine lights, explain the life cycles, and point out what you’d never see on your own. The air is cooler, the forest quieter, and the experience more intimate.
This is one of the best choices for those who want Gold Coast night experiences beyond bars or clubs. It’s mysterious, calm, and magical. Even if you’re not a nature nerd, the glow worms will probably make you gasp.
Conclusion
There you have it—12 unforgettable things to do in Gold Coast, Australia. Whether you’re in love with beaches, enchanted by rainforest, chasing thrills, relishing wildlife, or just wanting to soak local culture, this list will keep your itinerary full and your heart wide open.
So here’s your move: pick a few from this list that match your style, lock them into your schedule, and don’t overpack every single day—leave space for serendipity.
And hey, if you want help building a 3- or 5-day Gold Coast itinerary, drop me a line—I’d love to help you plan something epic.
Go make memories.