Golden sandy beaches great surf and theme parks galore – Here is our pick of the top 20 things you’ll wish you did before leaving the sunny rays of the Gold Coast!
Search flights to the Gold Coast
1. Burleigh Heads Beach
With its flawless white sand and patrolled beach, spend a day soaking up the rays and swimming in the sea. If you’re feeling energetic take the walk to the Burleigh headlands at sunset to witness the true beauty of this spot.
2. Dreamworld
As Australia’s biggest theme Park, Dreamworld has over 50 adrenaline racing rides and attractions suitable for toddler’s right through to thrill seekers!
3. Surfer’s Paradise Beach
Australia’s most iconic beach is a 3km strip of golden sand nestled in between city sky scrapers. During any month of the year joggers, walkers and of course surfers make the most of what lies on their back door step.
4. SkyPoint Climb
Get the best view on the Gold Coast, the only catch being that it involves taking on Australia’s highest external building climb. Imagine standing 270m above sea level fully immersed in the tropical Gold Coast mountains with the cityscape at your feet.
5. Shopping
Harbour Town Outlet is the largest shopping complex and is the country’s largest outlet store where you are guaranteed to snag a bargain or two. After dinner on a Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night check out the Surfers Paradise Beachfront markets.
6. The Rockpools
The perfect water playground for kids under 5 at the Broadwater Parklands. On a much smaller scale compared to the other neighbouring theme parks, be sure to pack a picnic and watch the littlies cool off.
7. Sea World
Make a new animal friend, watch the graceful dolphins perform or participate in one of the heart-stopping rides within Sea World. Watch out for the polar bears and penguins that are also on site.
8. Golf
The Gold Coast could easily be re-named the ‘Golf Coast’ boasting over 30 courses, it’s any golfers dream destination!
9. Coolangatta Beach
Situated at the end of the gold coast visitors flock here for a change of pace. Situated on the state border you can literally have one foot in New South Wales and the other in Queensland.
10. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend the day meeting your favourite Aussie animals including cuddling a Koala, a mob of kangaroos and of course crocodiles!
11. Tropical Fruit World
Instead of a farm with animals this is a farm with over 500 varieties of the world’s most exotic weird and wonderful fruits get read treat your taste buds!
12. Movie World
Lights, camera, action! Explore the magical rides from all your favourite movies, meet cartoon characters and experience the rated Justice League 3D ride.
13. Bushwalk along the Hinterland
Away from the sandy beaches lies the enchanting Great Hinterland Walk. Weave your way through World Heritage rainforests and get up close to an ancient volcano and spectacular waterfall.
14. Australian Outback Experience
A celebration of the Aussie outback spirit involving theatre, horse riding and the legend of racing horse Phar Lap – a premiere dinner show you don’t want to miss out on.
15. Hire a bike
Spend time biking through the neighbourhoods and villages that make up the Gold Coast. Start in the busy Surfers Paradise; explore the café culture of Broad beach before spending time in upmarket Southport or Nobby beach.
16. Tree Top Walkway
Escape the beach and get up close to the rainforest in an intimate stroll 15m above the ground! Before you know it you are surrounded by birds and flowers, the best part is it is free.
17. Cruise trip
With 446km of surrounding canals and rivers, the waterways of the Gold Coast is 10 times longer than those of Venice and Amsterdam. Enjoy the sites from the Nerang River as it weaves past Surfers Paradise and into the Broadwater.
18. Surfs up!
Whether you’re a beginner, a novice or a pro the Gold Coast has 70km of coastline with consistent waves making it the ideal place to learn how to surf. Sign up with one of the many surf schools in the area where accredited teachers can help you catch your first wave.
19. Evandale Sculpture Walk
Situated on the Nerang River, Evandale sculpture walk showcases work from both local and international sculptors. Entry is free and don’t forget to keep an eye out for highly regarded pieces by William Tucker and Phillip King.
20. JPT Glow Worm Tours
Treat yourself to a real night time spectacular by heading to the Springbrook National Park and witnessing the glow worm colony in action – these luminescent creatures really know how to put on a show.
(Feature images: Rex Boggs)
