What to do in Gold Coast

Activities, attractions and tours

Gold Coast
Coolangatta which includes a high-rise building, a sunset and general coastal views
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Gold Coast

Gold Coast Attractions

With more than 30 miles of golden sandy beaches and 300-plus sunny days per year, it’s not surprising that the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. Choose between big resorts and quieter, more secluded spots. Hang out on a choice of more than 30 patrolled beaches or explore 250 miles of canals and waterways, almost ten times as much as Venice. Discover Surfers Paradise, one of the surfing hangouts in the world, chic Broadbeach and traditional seaside fun at Burleigh Heads. Inland there are huge national parks complete with rainforest walks and waterfall swimming spots.

Areas & Neighbourhoods on the Gold Coast

Southport - The main commercial centre of the Gold Coast with top shopping options and a range of facilities geared towards tourists.

Surfers Paradise - A sublime surfing beach and suburb with plenty of attractions to try out during your stay.

Broadbeach - Another busy suburb (although slightly less so than Surfers Paradise) with a casino and excellent choice of restaurants.

Burleigh Heads - The beaches here are very popular with both families and surfers, with a compact commercial area just off the beach.

Gold Coast Hinterland - It’s not all about the shore on the Gold Coast. Head inland and you can discover mountain ranges and protected national park areas covered in pristine rain forest.

Things to See on the Gold Coast

Take your pick of more than 30 miles of golden sandy beaches, with most patrolled by lifeguards (but always remember to swim between the flags). If you don’t feel like swimming in the surf, then the Tallebudgera Creek is a swimming lagoon which is very popular with families. Take in the stunning views from Greenmount Beach or enjoy a picnic here. Often known as the ‘green behind the gold’ the hinterland is full of wineries and national parks to explore. Discover quaint country towns like Tamborine Mountain and Springbrook. Walk through the rainforest, keeping your eyes peeled for exotic flora and fauna.

Things to Do on the Gold Coast

Go on a Gold Coast whale adventure, taking a boat out to see if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures. There are some great wildlife opportunities on land too, at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can meet cuddly koalas, kangaroos and even crocodiles. There are plenty of theme parks here where you can go to get your adrenaline rush, as well as water parks where you can cool off, including Wet ‘n’ Wild. There’s a huge range of dining options along the coast, with food from all over the world. And the nightlife varies between cosy and comfortable to swanky lounge bars. There’s even a casino if you feel like rolling the dice.

You can also book top Gold Coast hotels and great Gold Coast package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.


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What to do in Gold Coast


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise showing a city, a sunset and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise

Visit one of Australia’s most popular vacation spots and dive in the waves, spot humpback whales, go shopping or enjoy the fun family attractions and nightlife.

Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building and skyline

Broadbeach

Visit one of Queensland’s most popular holiday spots with sparkling beaches, scenic canals, high-rise hotels, nightclubs, festivals and modern malls.

Broadbeach
Coolangatta which includes a high-rise building, a sunset and general coastal views

Coolangatta

Enjoy the beaches, sip a coffee at a groovy café and enjoy the simple pleasures of an ocean-front vacation.

Coolangatta
Burleigh Beach showing a high-rise building, city views and general coastal views

Burleigh Heads

Enjoy this perfect weekend getaway destination with world-class surf breaks, white sands, restaurants, bars and nature walks to suit every type of traveller.

Burleigh Heads
Main Beach featuring general coastal views, a skyscraper and a sandy beach

Southport

This stretch of coast in the heart of the Gold Coast offers the perfect mix of sun-soaked beaches, wildlife encounters and leisurely shopping.

Southport
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Palm Beach

Palm Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Mallawa Drive Sports Complex and Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park while in the area.

Palm Beach

 

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Day trip destinations from Gold Coast