6 Best Things to Do When in Gold Coast for Adventure and Relaxation
While there are no hidden gold treasures underneath the city of Gold Coast (at least not that we’re aware of), this coastal city near Brisbane will surely be a prime spot for those seeking a little adventure and relaxation.
From the magnificent coastlines bursting with marine wildlife to the mountains, the Gold Coast offers anything and everything you can expect from the land down under.
This is not to mention the numerous theme parks and tourist attractions all across the city, further establishing the Gold Coast’s diverse culture and history. If that sounds enticing, then you’re in for a treat.
Consider this as your ultimate travel guide on what to do if you plan to explore the city of Gold Coast!
1. Relive your fantasies with Gold Coast’s theme parks
A family trip to the Gold Coast is never complete without experiencing at least one of the city’s numerous amusement and theme parks.
Warner Bros. Movie World
– Media credit: movieworldaus
Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
Contact details: 13 33 86
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM (Full schedule here)
Number one on the list is the Warner Bros. Movie World. It features a multitude of rides, attractions, and events for every season.
From iconic DC Comics superheroes to beloved Looney Tunes characters, Movie World has something to offer to every generation of children and child-at-hearts.
Pro tip:
If you don’t mind, opting to sit beside strangers during themed rides can greatly reduce the waiting time, as the staff can place you anywhere on the available seats.
Dreamworld
– Media credit: dreamworldau
Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Contact details: +61 7 5588 1111
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Full schedule here )
If you want more variety in rides and attractions, Dreamland can offer more alternatives for both thrill-seekers and those looking for more of a relaxed time in the theme park.
One day isn’t enough to experience all of it. There are rides like Sky Voyager and the Dreamworld Express for families.
On the other hand, adrenaline junkies will enjoy attractions like The Giant Drop and The Claw.
After the fun, visitors can also try the theme park’s animal enclosure where they can come face-to-face with Australia’s native wildlife and visit the exclusive Tiger Island.
Pro tip:
Be sure to check all the rides undergoing maintenance or are currently closed during certain seasons to not lose out on enjoyment during the visit.
Visitors can check the rides’ maintenance schedules, status, and restrictions on Dreamworld’s park information webpage.
WhiteWater World
– Media credit: dreamworldau
Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Contact: +61 7 5588 1111
Operating hours: Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM,, Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Full schedule here)
Just a few steps away from DreamWorld’s main attractions, visitors can cool off and relax in WhiteWorld’s numerous pools and slides.
Among the popular attractions in the water theme park are The Rip and the Green Room, which are both super tall slides. Just be sure you’re qualified for the height limits and safety requirements to access the more extreme rides.
If that doesn’t suit your tastes, you can always try the Cave of Waves and Wiggle Bay to enjoy your time under the sun with children.
Pro Tip:
To reduce time on waiting lines, it is best to schedule your trips during winter or weekdays when there are fewer visitors on Dreamworld.
Sea World Marine Park
– Media credit: seaworldaus
Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: +61 133386
Operating hours: Every day (except Christmas): 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (Full schedule here)
If your idea of a trip to the Gold Coast is focused on its marine wildlife, there’s no better place to go than the Sea World Marine Park.
It offers families and groups a chance to have close encounters and interactions with dolphins, seals, and penguins. These adorable creatures are housed in its conservatory as part of its Animal Adventure programs and feature presentations.
Visitors seeking more thrill in the park can also opt to meet with stingrays and sharks up close with Sea World’s Shark Bay Discovery experience.
Pro tip:
To lower your expenses on the trip, try to pre-purchase the tickets. You can also add optional experiences online to access exclusive package deals and discounts.
Wet’n’Wild
– Media credit: wetnwildgc
Location: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD
Contact: +61 133386
Operating hours: Everyday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Full schedule here)
More expansive than WhiteWater World, Wet’n’Wild offers visitors the full water adventure experience it advertises.
There are plenty of exciting activities to look out for, but we highly recommend Mammoth Falls and the Python—both The Best Gold Coast team-approved!
Plus, with numerous pools around, the water-themed park can accommodate more people. You know what that means—shorter queues even during peak season (aka summer time)!
Pro tip:
To maximize the time within the theme park, groups and families can split up and only reconvene when leaving. This ensures that each one can enjoy their favorite rides without waiting for each other.
Visiting the water park during off seasons can also reduce the queue lines for the more popular rides.
2. Frolic on stunning beaches
The Gold Coast has no shortage of beaches. From water sports to leisure activities, each dreamy destination has something to offer to everyone.
It comes as no surprise that many visitors often find themselves struggling to pick a location suitable for their preferences and interests. To help ease your headaches before the trip, we listed down the notable features of the Gold Coast’s most popular beaches.
Miami Beach
– Media credit: simonemoses_photography
Location: Gold Coast Highway near Burleigh Waters
Lifeguard patrol hours: Everyday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact: 0425 459 826
Admission fee: FREE
Not to be confused with a similarly named coastal area in Florida, Miami Beach on the Gold Coast is a fan-favorite for its sandy shores and buzzing nightlife.
Since the beach is located in the wealthier areas of Gold Coast, it’s less crowded. This is why it’s a popular place for people looking to relax as little waves sweep over the shore.
Pro tip:
The nearby Miami Marketta is a top tourist destination for its live performances, a wide array of dishes, and opportunities to mingle with the locals.
Tallebudgera Creek
– Media credit: brisbane
Location: 1544 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Lifeguard patrol hours: September to May: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission fee: FREE
Tallebudgera Creek differentiates itself from other nearby beaches with how welcoming it is towards all kinds of beach-goers. Literally.
People can swim on one side of the bridge connecting the creek and fish on the other side. You can even rent a pedal boat and travel upstream, where the shoreline is surrounded by mangrove trees.
Plus, all amenities and services offered on the beach are much cheaper as compared to the other popular shorelines in the city.
Pro tip:
If you’re bringing a car with you, be sure to get in the area as early as 7:00 AM to secure a parking spot. Nearby parking areas are already full by 9:00 AM.
3. Take scenic walks in nature
Of course, Gold Coast isn’t just all about the pristine beaches and bustling metropolitan. Travelers looking for a more peaceful city exploration can take leisure walks with the Gold Coast’s serene nature parks and conservatories.
Springbrook National Park
– Media credit: queensland
Location: Old School Rd, Springbrook
Contact: [email protected], +61 137 468
Operating hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission fee: FREE
The Springbrook National Park is a popular destination for beginner hikers for its short-circuit trails with beautiful waterfalls and caves. As an exciting bonus, there are other natural landmarks waiting at the end.
More than its scenic routes, the park also hosts one of the few natural glow worm caves in Australia. The area is heavily protected so be careful in following instructions when exploring there.
Pro tip:
The roads leading to the national park are windy and narrow. Always check for your car’s brake fluids and bring extra fuel before making the journey.
Lamington National Park
– Media credit: paulstephen_
Location: North of Queensland-New South Wales border
Contact: [email protected], +61 137468
Operating hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission fee: FREE
If you’re looking for more excitement in your mountain adventure, the Lamington National Park might be better suited for you.
The park contains several of the longest natural hiking trails in Queensland. It’s also where the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is located—a popular resting place for hikers after a long day of walking.
Sounds tiring? Trust us, it’s all worth it. After hours of walking, hikers are greeted by several breathtaking waterfalls and creeks at the end of the trails.
Maybe you’ll even encounter wildlife endemic to the rainforest!
Pro tip:
If lodging in the O’Reilly Rainforest Retreat seems expensive, hikers are welcome to bring or buy their tents to the designated camping sites.
Nerang National Park
– Media credit: nerangnationalpark
Location: Nerang
Contact: [email protected], +61 137468
Operating hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission fee: FREE
If the Lamington National Park isn’t enough to soothe the excitement, thrill-seekers can always try the adrenaline-inducing mountain bike paths in the Nerang National Park.
There’s a dedicated mountain bike club in the park to help visitors get a grasp on the area. Plus, they can even bond with the welcoming community!
Less adventurous visitors can also enjoy their trip by renting a horse. While doing so, they can take a scenic tour across the archeological sites of the local indigenous tribes and admire the local fauna in the area.
Pro tip:
Don’t try to cross the mountain bike trails even when they look empty. Mountain bikes travel at such high speeds that any collision with them could endanger both you and the biker.
4. Experience the city’s rich wildlife
Gold Coast has no shortage of wildlife. In fact, it is one of the city’s main attractions, bringing in thousands of visitors each year just to encounter Australia’s local animals.
The Spit, Main Beach
– Media credit: alanfiori
Location: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: +61 1300 465 326
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city is the migrating humpback whales. They travel all the way down from the southern seas to Australia to feed and reproduce.
These underwater giants are usually spotted from June to October along Australia’s coastlines in what is now called the “Humpback Highway.”
Of course, there are ways to save up money and still see the humpbacks. You just need to secure a spot on The Spit in Main Beach and wait for the whales to surface during early mornings and late afternoons.
If you plan to camp out, we recommend bringing sun and heat protection since the whale migration coincides with the summer season.
Pro tip:
Whale sightings often peak around August and September. It’s when large pods of whales—mainly males—arrive.
It’s also during these months that local businesses offer visitors the chance to meet the giant whales up close through their special ferry rides. Whale-watching tours typically cost around $89 to $99 for adults, with a $20 discount for children and the elderly.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
– Media credit: currumbinsanctuary
Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin
Operating hours: Everyday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entrance fee: $50 (single admission)
Another way to encounter wildlife in Gold Coast is through the numerous national parks spread across the plethora of mountains in the inner city.
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the popular destinations for both locals and tourists for the numerous indigenous wildlife in its enclosures.
If you’re worrying if the place is suitable for children, the sanctuary is actually a good place for the whole family to have quality time. They even allow children to meet animals like koalas, kangaroos, and emus up close.
This is not to mention the dedicated children’s booth where parents can bring their kids for pictures and fun activities with other youngsters at the zoo.
Pro tip:
If you are tight on budget, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a good alternative. It has cheaper entrance fees. It also offers the chance to encounter hundreds of koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, and platypuses.
Paradise Country
– Media credit: paradisecountrygc
Location: Production Dr, Oxenford
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Entrance fee: Adults Single Day Pass – $54, Children (3 to 13 years) Single Day Pass – $44
The Paradise Country offers visitors to experience the farm life like in the Australian outback.
You have the chance to shear sheep, ride horses, and interact with the kangaroo enclosure. Plus, you can even cool down in their lodgings after a long day at the theme park.
And here’s good news: it’s only four minutes away from Warner Bros. Movie World!
Pro tip:
Paradise Country is targeted towards younger children, so don’t expect much action targeted towards older visitors.
5. Bring the fun indoors
The adventure never ends outside. Scattered across the Gold Coast are establishments where you can continue the fun indoors with family and friends!
Infinity Attraction
– Media credit: infinityattraction
Location: G31 Chevron Renaissance Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Operating hours: Everyday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Admission prices: Adult – $28.90, Child (4-13 yrs) – $19.90, Student – $22.90
Want to experience multiple sensory stimuli as you cross a maze filled with strobe light and glasses? Then, Infinity Attraction is the perfect place for you.
Visitors, especially children, will have a blast in the indoor maze with Infinity Attraction’s special events and challenges at every corner.
Just a bit of warning for those with a faint of heart: most of the maze areas are dark rooms filled with sensory props (fake hands, hairs, and pre-recorded voices) that may scare some people.
It’s advised to check Infinity Attraction’s entry conditions on their website before attempting to clear the maze.
Pro tip:
Buying tickets at the venue is actually cheaper than booking it online, although you have to wait out 30 to 60 minutes in line before availing one.
Timezone Surfers Paradise
– Media credit: timezoneaustralia
Location: Cavill Mall, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Operating hours: Everyday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Admission prices: FREE
An Australian city wouldn’t be complete without a Timezone arcade center, and the Gold Coast is no different. Located near the beachfront markets, visitors can experience all the classic arcade attractions with the neon lights pumped up!
While the admission is free, you still have to pay separately for each activity. You can check the prices for each activity through Timezone Surfers Paradise’s website.
Pro tip:
Availing of the arcade’s membership can double the prizes and increase the chances of winning special offers during Timezone’s limited-time events.
6. Hustle the bustling night markets
If you are looking to cut down expenses while still enjoying what Gold Coast’s nightlife has to offer, here are some budget-friendly night markets out here waiting for you to explore.
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
– Media credit: surfersparadisemarkets
Location: The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise
Operating hours: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 4:00 PM – 9:00 AM
Known for handmade goods and cheap clothes, the Surfers Paradise night market is the perfect choice to buy city memorabilia at budget-friendly prices.
Plus, the bustling clubs and bars along the beachfront markets are a great place to meet with other tourists and locals for some food, drinks, and live performances.
Pro tip:
If you don’t mind buying clothes that might be rebranded Chinese products, the Surfers Paradise night stalls offer a wide array of goods sure to fit many people’s aesthetics.
Miami Marketta
– Media credit: miamimarketta
Location: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Operating hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 PM- 10:00 PM
If you’re more of a food hobbyist, Miami Marketta has a wide selection of food stalls to satiate your hungry palates.
Vibrant and energetic, visitors won’t have a boring time here—that’s for sure. Aside from food, it also features live bands, performances, and special events often held in the bustling night markets.
Pro tip:
It’s best to visit the night markets during weekends and holidays when most stores are open. Live bands and special performances are also often held during peak visiting days on weekends, holidays, and the summer season.
HOTA Hawker Night Markets
– Media credit: hotamarkets
Location: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Operating hours: Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Special Occasions: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
While the Surfers Paradise and Miami Marketta are popular with tourists, it’s at the Home of the Arts (HOTA) night markets where you can truly experience the Gold Coast’s culture.
You can browse over 150 international street food stalls, purchase local artists’ works, and listen to local band performances.
Pro tip:
Aside from food, most items sold in HOTA can be a bit more expensive than those sold in Sydney flea markets.