Beachy Gold Coast has a bit of a reputation in Australia for being a party hotspot. I mean, it’s the OG destination for Schoolies (kind of the Aussie Spring Break). And although it does come alive at night, there’s still heaps to do here if you’re not into partying.
I’ve got to mention the beaches first – they truly are some of the best in Australia, but there’s also awesome hiking trails (we love hiking in Burleigh Heads National Park and Lamington National Park). And there are lots of family-friendly activities here on the Gold Coast too – our favorites are the massive DreamWorld theme park and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
So what should you do, where should you stay and eat along this glitzy coastline. A guide to what to do on the Gold Coast is below.
How we spent a weekend on the Gold Coast:
We started our first day here with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the picturesque hinterland, followed by a cozy breakfast at Olive Coffee in Surfer’s. We then went for a walk along the stunning Surfers Paradise beach and esplanade. Next, we decided to check out the much-talked-about views from SkyPoint (they were awesome, by the way). And before dark, we headed over to The Spit to snap some cool photos.
On the morning of our second day, we headed over to Burleigh Heads to check out the markets and stroll along the beach and through the adjoining Burleigh Heads National Park. Then, we got to cuddle a koala and feed some rainbow lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. And at night, we joined this dinner cruise along the waterways.
1. Swim or surf at Surfer’s Paradise
When most people hear the words “Gold Coast,” they usually think of Surfers Paradise, as this stunning beach is the poster child for the area! Yup, this lively spot is the heart of the Gold Coast, with a gorgeous 3 km stretch of golden sand that just draws people in. The waves are great here, too, making it a blast for surfers. Surfer’s Paradise really is paradise for surfers 🙂
The esplanade runs the length of the beach, and it’s lined with restaurants, shops, and cafés, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring! There’s also a cool beachfront market that takes place along here several times a week.
2. Snap photos from The Spit
Just north of Main Beach, with the ocean on one side and the serene Gold Coast Broadwater on the other. The Spit is a popular spot for swimming, beginner surfing, fishing, or trying your hand at kayaking and paddleboarding. And the renowned sand-pumping jetty is well-worth a stroll for its breathtaking views.
3. Experience the chill vibes at Burleigh Beach
Sure, it’s not as glitzy as Surfer’s Paradise, but Burleigh Beach is probably my favorite beach on the Gold Coast.
This beach is famous for its clean, golden sands and crystal-clear waters, and Burleigh Heads National Park surrounds the beach – making it extra photogenic. There are heaps of picturesque walking trails and lookout points that provide panoramic views of the coastline within the park, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Above all, Burleigh Beach is renowned for its laid-back vibe, with numerous cafes (we love Paddock Bakery in Burleigh Heads), restaurants, and shops lining the nearby streets.
4. See the views from SkyPoint
Sitting high up on the Q1 building, the tallest residential tower in the southern hemisphere. As you can imagine, this viewpoint offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Gold Coast’s stunning beaches.
The deck is situated on the 77th floor and it’s here that you’ll also find the SkyPoint Bistro and Bar where you can have a meal or just drinks while taking in the panoramic views. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could take on the SkyPoint Climb – an open-air climbing adventure at 270 meters above sea level.
Tickets for the SkyPoint cost from $42 AUD per adult.
5. Go on a hot air balloon ride
Now, for something truly bucket-list-worthy – how does a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the picturesque hinterland sound?
You’ll float over stunning vineyards, lush pastures, and vibrant forests, all illuminated by the golden hues of the morning sun. Following your flight, you’ll get to indulge in a delightful buffet breakfast accompanied by sparkling wine, and then explore a winery cellar door for a tasting experience.
Remember – it will be an early pick-up time for sunrise and it’s weather dependant.
6. Explore some Glow Worm Caves
For a truly memorable day trip, why not visit the Glow Worm Caves at Mount Tamborine, where you can witness thousands of glow worms lighting up the cave walls.
These man-made caves are home to thousands of glow worms, specifically the species Arachnocampa flava, which emit a soft, blue-green glow that lights up in the dark. On the tour, you’ll learn about the fascinating life cycle of these tiny creatures and the delicate ecosystem they inhabit.
This evening tour is incredibly popular as it also includes a visit to Curtis Falls and dessert tea/coffee at a local restaurant. It costs from $119 AUD per person.
7. Check out a theme park
The Gold Coast is like the Florida of Australia, in that it’s home to a heap of awesome theme parks like DreamWorld and Sea World. And so, it’s a super-popular spot for families.
The most popular is undoubtedly Dreamworld, which boasts a variety of rides like the Tower of Terror II and the Giant Drop. There’s also a wildlife sanctuary where you can get up close to native Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles. Similar to Disneyland, there are a few themed areas within the park, including DreamWorks Experience and ABC Kids World.
And nearby is Warner Bros. Movie World with its Hollywood-themed attractions and exhilarating roller coasters; it’s another super-popular park on the Gold Coast.
And in the hot summer – Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast is a great spot to escape the heat, this water park has plenty of water slides and wave pools.
While at Sea World, you can see dolphins, seals, and polar bears and watch educational shows that highlight the intelligence and agility of these incredible creatures. There are also several exhilarating rides here for all ages.
8. Hike through Lamington National Park
Spanning over 200 square kilometers, this World Heritage-listed park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, boasting ancient rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
Here, you can explore an extensive network of walking trails that meander through lush subtropical and temperate rainforests, where you’ll likely come across diverse wildlife, like the rare Albert’s lyrebird and the vibrant regent bowerbird.
9. Go shopping at Burleigh Heads Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday on the grounds of the Burleigh Heads State School, you can go shopping for fresh farm produce, flowers, arts and crafts, antiques, and more. There’s also live entertainment and great coffee – adding to the overall cool vibe.
10. Cuddle a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Set up in 1947, this popular animal sanctuary spans over 27 hectares of lush eucalyptus and rainforest, providing a natural habitat for a diverse range of Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and the iconic rainbow lorikeets. What’s unique about this place is that you can feed the rainbow lorikeets or cuddle a koala.
11. Enjoy a sunset cruise
To cap off your visit, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Gold Coast waterways, offering a relaxing and picturesque end to your day. It’s definitely one of the most romantic things we did in Australia.
Where to Stay on the Gold Coast:
The Langham Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise is one of the most luxurious hotels on this stretch of coast. It’s 5-star, posh, and has an epic pool. It’s also located on the beachfront – so you’ll wake up to ocean views. Bliss!
We also really like the look of the QT Gold Coast, which is known for its quirky, modern design and vibrant atmosphere.
Getting to the Gold Coast:
If you’re coming from other cities in Australia or abroad, the Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is the most convenient way to get here, offering both domestic and a few international flights (mostly from Asia/ New Zealand). Alternatively, particularly if you’re coming from London or the United States, you can fly into the much larger Brisbane Airport and take a train or shuttle for the approximately one-hour journey to the Gold Coast.
If you have a rental car, the Gold Coast is well-connected via the Pacific Motorway, making it easily accessible from other cities in Australia. Just keep in mind the distances for driving here, as Australia is huge.
💡 Helpful websites for getting to the Gold Coast:
🛬 For flights, we always use Skyscanner or Cheapoair to find the best flights. It allows you to compare and book flights on over 500 airlines from across the globe.
🚗 For car rental, we tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
🚕 Instead of cabs, we book with welcome pickup to get from the airport to our hotel. Why did we do that? The drivers from Welcome Pickups are English speaking and you’ll pay a flat rate. So, you know exactly how much you’re paying before hopping in.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the top things to do in the Gold Coast. If you feel there’s somewhere I should have included, then feel free to leave me a comment in the comments section.
While you’re here, why not read –
Road Trip from Surfers Paradise to Cairns
Our Favorite Day Trips from Sydney (All Less than 2 Hours from the city!)
3 Days in Sydney With Kids (Fun Weekend Sydney Itinerary)
Which whale watching tour in Sydney should I choose?
Last Updated on February 3, 2026 by snaphappytravel