Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of jumping off a helicopter and skydiving down to one of the magnificent beaches of Australia’s Gold Coast. One of the ultimate things to do in Gold Coast, one can indulge in both Accelerated Freefall and Tandem Skydiving here. Jump off from a height of more than 10,000 feet and fly above Gold Coast’s stunning blue seas and lush greenery tied to a parachute. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skydiver, the Gold Coast skydiving experience is tailor-made for all and is something you cannot miss.
Among the most underrated adventure things to do in Gold Coast, ziplining is a unique way of witnessing the bewitching natural beauty of the region. From the three-hour guided ziplining tour of Canyon Flyer in the Tamborine Mountains to the TreeTop Challenge of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, choose a ziplining experience that matches your adventurous side. While the Canyon Flyer is the most extreme ziplining adventure of the Gold Coast, other ziplining experiences serve unmatched views of the region’s stunning natural beauty as you zoom through the skies.
Among the best things to do in Gold Coast is to visit its iconic tourist hub, the Surfers Paradise Beach. The three-kilometre-long stretch boasts of soft white sands and rolling waves and ranks as one of the best beaches in Australia. Renowned for its stunning backdrop of skyscrapers, visitors flock here to enjoy the Gold Coast sunshine and lounge at the nearby shops, restaurants and cafes. Swim and surf in the waters as your kids build majestic sandcastles and you unwind and spend quality time with your loved ones at Surfers Paradise Beach.
Popular as one of the top activities to do in Gold Coast for families, exploring the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an unmissable experience that needs to be on your travel itinerary. From a free-flight bird show to having breakfast with koalas, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers highlights that cater to the interests of all age groups. Indulge your adventurous side with zip lining and climbing high ropes as your little ones ride on trains and interact with red pandas and echidnas. Meet kangaroos and numerous feathery residents as you explore this wildlife sanctuary with your family.
Many of the activities to do in Gold Coast centre around theme parks, the most prominent and popular among tourists being Dreamworld & WhiteWater World. Witness a unique Australian experience as Dreamworld brings the continent’s native wildlife to the classic amusement park highlights. Meet kangaroos, crocodiles and dingoes and embark on a sunset safari to spot the wild big cats of Dreamworld as you enjoy the exhilarating rides and live shows with your little ones. And if you wish to have a splash in waterslides and blue pools, take your swimwear and head to WhiteWater World next door.
A stunning wonder of nature awaits you at Lamington National Park, which is among the top things to do in Gold Coast. Explore geological wonders and remnants of an ancient volcano that date back millions of years at this nature reserve teeming with greenery and wildlife. Nestled in the hills of Border Ranges, Lamington National Park is home to more than 190 species of birds and unique creatures like the long-nosed bandicoots. Embark on a rainforest adventure as you explore the park from 180-metre series of suspension bridges and escape from the real world at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
One of the ultimate kid-friendly activities to do in Gold Coast is to visit the iconic Warner Bros Movie World, where the most renowned characters of the animation universe come to life. Let your kids run wild as they interact with their favourite superheroes and hop on thrilling rides inspired by their beloved movies and characters. While many rides are not suitable for young kids, there’s something to enjoy for visitors of all age groups at Warner Bros Movie World. Remember to experience the adrenaline rush of heart-stopping rides like the DC Rivals Hypercoaster when you visit the theme park.
If sunbathing at the beach as your kids play around and build sandcastles is your idea of a perfect Gold Coast vacation, Kirra Beach is where you can experience it to the fullest. One of the best things to do in Gold Coast is visiting Kirra Beach, which is renowned as one of the most family-friendly beaches in the region. Stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, sandcastle making, and sunbathing are on offer here, as well as a magnificent diving experience with moray eels and octopuses at the Kirra Reef.
While nature can be therapeutic, if retail therapy is your ultimate relaxation, one of the best things to do in Gold Coast is shop till you drop at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. From the most luxurious international brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton to the budget-friendly yet fashionable brands like H&M and Zara, more than 400 retailers have set up shop at this massive mall. The shopping experience gets better with the numerous food outlets and restaurants serving delicious meals and toddler play areas and parents’ rooms ensuring you have ample scope to relax as you shop.
If Surfer’s Paradise is all about liveliness, Springbrook National Park is a hub of tranquillity. Renowned as one of the best things to do in Gold Coast, a visit to this World Heritage-listed attraction takes visitors through stunning waterfalls, ancient trees, dense rainforest, and magnificent views of nature. As a site of extreme ecological importance, Springbrook is home to several threatened species of birds. Witness the remnants of a massive volcano, caves, gorges, and a river as you spend an afternoon picnic with your family at the park.
Head to the largest marine park in Australia, Sea World, during your trip to the Gold Coast. Renowned as a space suitable for people of all age groups, the themed water park has something to offer for everyone. From jaw-dropping performances by dolphins and sea lions, penguin feeding, and jet skis stunts, to embarking on spectacular sea-themed rides like roller coasters, the experience is perfect for families with kids. And if you visit with your beloved, remember to sign up for the Dolphin Couple Adventure where you would get to interact with the adorable creatures on a private tour.
If you are looking for a quieter experience than Surfers Paradise, visiting Coolangatta Beach is one of the lesser-known things to do in Gold Coast. The waters of this northern-side beach are calmer and thus, ideal for swimming with kids as well as surfing with friends. Sunbathe at this picturesque location as you stroll and look for dolphins and even whales. Explore the local shops and cafes and witness the magnificence of the waterfront park dotted with Norfolk pines on the Coolangatta beach.
Which are the best things to do in Gold Coast?
· Adventure activities: Skydiving, ziplining, surfing, and diving are among the most popular things to do in Gold Coast.
· Visiting beaches: From sunbathing to shopping for local products and relishing local delicacies, Gold Coast beaches are the prime tourist hotspots of the region.
· Theme Parks: From hopping on thrilling rides to interacting with unique animal species, witness the best of Australian theme park entertainment at the Gold Coast.
· Walk into the wilderness: From national parks to wildlife sanctuaries, explore the bewitching natural beauty of the Gold Coast’s geography and wildlife.
What is the best time to visit the Gold Coast?
The best time to visit the Gold Coast is during the months of April and May. While the tourist hotspot has bright sunshine for almost 300 days of the year, the humidity levels see a drop during these months and the weather is pleasant for enjoying the various attractions.
How to reach Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast lies on the eastern coast of Australia in the state of Queensland. It is located one hour south of Brisbane.
By Air: The Gold Coast Airport, or Coolangatta Airport, is well-connected to four domestic and a few international destinations. Another option is landing at Brisbane Airport, which has better connectivity as compared to Gold Coast Airport and taking a train or car from there.
By Train: There is only one direct train to the Gold Coast, and it runs from Brisbane. The stations on the line where you can hop off for Gold Coast are Coomera, Helensvale, Nerang, Robina, and Varsity Lakes.
By Bus: You can hop on long-distance buses like Murrays, Premier, and Greyhound, from Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to reach the Gold Coast.
What are the best things to do in Gold Coast for couples?
· Adventure activities: From skydiving and zip lining above the Gold Coast to surfing and diving in the ocean waters, adventure activities are among the popular things to do in Gold Coast for couples.
· Theme parks: The Australian theme park experience includes meeting and interacting with the unique wildlife of the continent. So, if you and your partner are up for a never-seen-before adventure, theme parks are the destination for you.
· Beaches: With some of the best beaches in the continent, Gold Coast is renowned for its relaxing yet fun seaside experiences.
· Shopping: From local shops at the beaches to brand showrooms at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, shop to your heart’s content at Gold Coast’s iconic markets.
What are the activities to do in Gold Coast with kids?
· Visiting beaches: From building sandcastles to playing in the waters, one of the most popular activities to do in Gold Coast with kids is enjoying the beaches with them.
· Theme Parks: From exciting rides and water slides to meeting unique animals, Gold Coast’s theme parks and water parks offer an unforgettable experience for both children and their parents.
· Visiting nature reserves: Explore the stunning beauty of lush green rainforests, waterfalls, ancient volcanoes, and unique bird and animal species as you take your kids on a day out to the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gold Coast.