Things To Do On The Gold Coast

Best Attractions & Things To Do On The Gold Coast

Planning a trip and wondering what the best things to do in the Gold Coast are? Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a sun-soaked holiday, this coastal playground is bursting with energy. From famous beaches and thrilling theme parks to buzzing nightlife and hidden hinterland gems, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Gold Coast attractions and experiences you won’t want to miss.

From iconic surf spots to rooftop bars and adrenaline-pumping Gold Coast theme parks to rooftop bars, hidden hinterland gems, and a cabaret scene with bite, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Gold Coast attractions you won’t forget in a hurry.

1. Explore the Iconic Gold Coast Beaches

With over 50 km of golden coastline, the Gold Coast is basically one endless stretch of sun, sand, and salty hair days. These beaches are the city’s open-air living room, where surfers battle for the perfect wave, locals grab a swim before work, and visitors discover that “just a quick dip” can last hours.

• Surfers Paradise: Iconic for its skyline-meets-sea vibe, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, people-watching, and snapping that classic Gold Coast shot. Lifeguards patrol the surf by day, and the Esplanade hums with markets, buskers, and beach volleyball games. As night falls, neon lights glow, bars start buzzing, and beachfront DJs take over.
• Burleigh Heads: A locals first choice for surfing, sunshine, and great coffee. Burleigh Heads is known for its world-famous point break, it’s any surfer's dream. The grassy headland is made for picnics with a view, while James Street serves up boutique shopping and world-class coffee. Walk the coastal path to North Burleigh for quieter sands and uninterrupted ocean views.
• Tallebudgera Creek: (Our Hot Pick) Calm, turquoise waters make this the go-to for kayaking, paddleboarding, and lazy floating. Sandbanks invite hours of sunbathing, while the nearby Burleigh Head National Park offers short walks with spectacular payoffs. Sunrise here is magic, with soft light spilling over the headland.

Whether you're catching waves or catching rays, this is beach culture at its finest.

2. Get Your Thrill On at the Theme Parks

One of the most popular Gold Coast attractions? The theme parks. If your idea of truly great things to do in Gold Coast centres around defying gravity and screaming yourself hoarse, our local theme parks have your name all over them. Each one delivers its own flavour of thrills, from cinematic superheroes to wildlife encounters. Set aside a day for each to make the most of your ticket.

• Warner Bros. Movie World: Meet Batman, Superman, and the occasional supervillain before tackling the tallest, longest, and fastest hypercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere. Daily stunt shows bring explosions, roaring engines, and audience participation. Open 10:00 am - 5 pm every day, with seasonal events like Fright Nights adding after-dark excitement.
• Dreamworld: Australia’s biggest theme park blends high-speed rides with animal encounters. Brave the Giant Drop, race on the Gold Coaster, then visit Tiger Island or cuddle a koala. Pair it with neighbouring WhiteWater World for the perfect thrill-and-chill combo. Open 10:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 10:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday, and the opportunity to cram the most rides in comes on the weekend, where trading hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm!
• Sea World: Mix adrenaline and education with rides, aquariums, and marine animal presentations. Watch dolphins leap, seals play, and polar bears lounge in their icy enclosure. Ticket sales support marine research, making your visit part of something bigger. Open 12pm to 5:00pm Monday through Saturday.
• Wet’n’Wild: From vertical-drop slides to lazy rivers, it’s a water lover’s paradise. Tackle the Kamikaze or Tornado for an adrenaline rush, or float the day away under shaded cabanas. Visit midweek for shorter lines and more runs on your favourite slides. Open 10:00am - 3:00pm every day.

For big kids and little ones, this is peak Gold Coast fun.

3. Dracula’s Gold Coast - A Bloody Good Night Out

Looking for unique, adults-only things to do on the Gold Coast? Step into the wild world of Dracula’s Gold Coast - a dark, funny, wildly entertaining dinner and show that’s been thrilling audiences for over 40 years.

What To Expect:

• Seductive burlesque, acrobatics, and live music
• A ghost train ride into the theatre
• A three-course meal to die for and killer cocktails

It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s so Gold Coast.

4. Discover the Gold Coast Hinterland

When the beach crowds get too much, the hinterland is a world away. Cooler air, lush forests, and winding mountain roads make it a natural reset button. It’s the Gold Coast’s green heart, packed with wineries, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts.

• Tamborine Mountain: Stroll through the rainforest on a treetop walk, sip wine at boutique vineyards, and explore the famous Glow Worm Caves. The main street is lined with galleries, fudge shops, and cafes serving decadent treats. Stay until sunset for memorable views from the escarpment.
• Springbrook National Park: Home to ancient Antarctic beech trees, it’s a living link to the Gondwana era. Visit Natural Bridge for its waterfall-and-cave combo, or tackle the rainforest circuit for photo-worthy viewpoints. Cooler temps mean you’ll want a jacket, even in summer.
• O’Reilly’s & Lamington National Park: Known for treetop suspension bridges, bird feeding, and sweeping valley views. Guided walks cater to all fitness levels, from casual nature strolls to challenging hikes. The onsite retreat offers luxury stays and spa treatments for the full unwind.

A perfect day trip if you’re craving nature and fresh air.

5. Water Adventures & Aquatic Thrills

Water is life on the Goldie, and there’s no shortage of ways to submerge yourself. Whether you want speed, wildlife, or luxury, there’s an experience to match your mood. The water’s warm, the sun’s hot, and the options are endless.

• Jet boating on the Broadwater for high-speed thrills: High-speed spins, sharp turns, and plenty of spray. The skippers throw in 360-degree spins, sudden stops, and witty commentary to keep you laughing. Trips run year-round, with summer afternoons adding that extra salt-and-sunshine punch.
• Whale watching (June to October): Watch humpbacks breach and tail-slap as they cruise past the coast. Tours often feature marine biologists to share fascinating whale facts. Mornings are best for calm seas and golden light, and some operators offer return trips if you don’t spot one.
• Kayaking and snorkelling at Tallebudgera and Currumbin: Paddle through glassy inlets, spotting fish and rays in the shallows. Bring a snorkel for a quick dip over sandy seabeds. Early starts mean fewer crowds and better wildlife sightings.
• Luxury canal cruises with food and drinks: Glide past multi-million-dollar homes and sleek yachts with a drink in hand. Some tours offer onboard dining or sunset cocktails for the ultimate indulgence. Twilight cruises bring a magical glow as city lights dance on 

There’s no better way to enjoy the coast than from the water. 

6. Gold Coast Nightlife & Live Entertainment

The Gold Coast doesn’t sleep early, and neither should you. When the sun dips, the Gold Coast is truly at its best. From beachside beats to rooftop views, and venues where the night can go anywhere. The mix of locals, visitors, and backpackers keeps it electric, and there’s always another spot to discover just around the corner. Here’s where to go when the sun goes down:

• Surfers Paradise: Bars, nightclubs, and beachfront DJs keep the vibe high-energy until dawn. Dance under the stars, sip rooftop cocktails, or hop between venues. The nightlife here is unpredictable in the best way, with everything from laid-back lounges to thumping superclubs in walking distance.
• Miami Marketta: A bustling night market with food trucks, live music, and a creative crowd. Sample global flavours while browsing stalls from local makers. Covered seating makes it a year-round favourite, and the intimate stage means you’re never far from the music.
• Broadbeach: Sophisticated bars, modern dining, and The Star casino. Hop into a wine bar or cocktail lounge, and a spin on the casino floor, all in one night. The atmosphere is polished without losing the fun, with plenty of late-night eats to keep you going until sunrise.

Want something different? Dracula’s (see #3) is a Gold Coast nightlife experience like no other.

7. Shop, Eat, Repeat

You can only take so much sun before retail therapy calls.. From high-end shopping to local eats, the Gold Coast knows how to spoil you:

• Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: Fashion, beauty, dining - it’s a destination in itself. The outdoor leisure area is perfect for a mid-shop aperitif or gelato. Plan a half-day if you want to explore it properly.
• The Village Markets (Burleigh): Boutique shopping meets street food and live tunes. Live music adds to the relaxed atmosphere, making it more than just a shopping trip. Best to arrive early for the best finds.
• Local foodie favourites: Try The Paddock Bakery for pastries and bread fresh from the wood-fired oven, or Rick Shores (yes, that one with the famous Moreton Bay Bug roll). Please keep in mind, for the sake of your wallet, we don’t advise going to either on an empty stomach.

Fuel up between your Gold Coast adventures.

8. Soak Up Gold Coast Culture

The Gold Coast isn’t all surfboards and selfies - there’s plenty of culture to dig into. Art, heritage, and festivals add depth to your visit. You just have to know where to look, and when you do, you’ll discover a side of the city that feels entirely different from its beachy persona.

• Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Learn local Yugambeh stories, bush tucker knowledge, and Indigenous history on a guided headland walk. The cultural centre’s gallery showcases stunning art and handmade jewellery. It’s an enriching, grounding experience that connects you to the land in a way no postcard ever could. Take your time here, every carving, painting, and story is a piece of living history that deepens your understanding of the Gold Coast and its oldest custodians.
• HOTA (Home of the Arts): Bold exhibitions, theatre, and live gigs under the stars. The rooftop bar offers some of the best skyline views in the city, perfect for sunset cocktails before a show. Always check the calendar, there’s something new every week, from outdoor film nights and art markets to sunrise yoga on the lawn. It’s the city’s beating creative heart, where locals and visitors mingle in a sea of colour, conversation, and inspiration. Even if art isn’t your usual go-to, HOTA has a way of drawing you in.
• Annual festivals: From Blues on Broadbeach to SWELL Sculpture Festival, the city comes alive with music, art, and performance. Plan your visit around one for an unforgettable twist to your Gold Coast experience. Each festival has its own personality and devoted crowd, whether it’s the laid-back charm of a beachfront jazz session, the immersive spectacle of large-scale art installations, or the buzz of street performers turning laneways into pop-up stages. You’ll leave with stories that last far beyond your holiday.

Culture with a coastal twist.

Gold Coast Travel Tips

Make your trip even smoother with these quick tips:

• Transport: The G:link light rail is handy for Surfers, Broadbeach, and Southport. Hire a car for hinterland adventures or quieter beaches, and don’t be afraid to take the scenic route, sometimes the drive is half the fun.
• Weather: Spring and autumn are ideal for comfort and fewer crowds. Summer is hot, humid, and perfect for dramatic sunsets. Winter is mild and often sunny, making it a surprisingly good time for outdoor adventures.
• Where to stay: Surfers for non-stop action, Broadbeach for balance, and Burleigh for a local vibe. Boutique hotels and serviced apartments offer stylish alternatives, and if you’re celebrating something special, the Gold Coast’s growing luxury hotel scene won’t disappoint.

If you want the Gold Coast experience done right, mix a little of everything: sun, surf, skyline views, a few dizzying rides, rainforest air, cocktails, and a night at Dracula’s. 
Because the best things to do in Gold Coast aren’t just about seeing the sights, they’re about getting swept up in the chaos, charm, and colour of it all.

FAQs: Things to Do Gold Coast

What are the best things to do in Gold Coast?
Top picks include Dracula’s Cabaret, Burleigh Beach, Dreamworld, and the hinterland rainforests.

Are there free things to do in Gold Coast?
Yes! Hit the beaches, visit local markets, explore walking trails, or check out public art at HOTA.

What’s the best Gold Coast attraction for adults?
Dracula’s is hands down one of the most unique Gold Coast attractions for adults. Dinner, show, and mayhem - all in one.