City guides
Australia
Queensland
Things to do in Gold Coast, Queensland
One of Australia's top destinations for sun, surf, and fun, the Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, stylish hotels, theme parks, and lively nightlife. Surfers Paradise is the main hub for visitors, offering excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options. For a panoramic view of Surfers Paradise, visitors can head up to the Observation Deck of the Q1 building, one of the tallest towers in Australia. Popular theme parks along the Gold Coast include Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet'n'Wild, WhiteWater World, and Dreamworld.
For encounters with native wildlife, visitors can visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, David Fleay Wildlife Park, or Paradise Country, where they can see animals such as koalas and kangaroos up close. Those looking for a break from the beach and city bustle can explore the region's beautiful national parks, including Lamington and Springbrook, with Tamborine National Park another popular day-trip destination from the coast.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, or K'gari, is the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. Located north of Brisbane, it offers towering sand dunes, lush rainforests…
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, or K'gari, is the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. Located north of Brisbane, it offers towering sand dunes, lush rainforests, sparkling freshwater lakes, and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore over 100 perched lakes with crystal-clear water, encounter dingoes, bats, and more than 350 bird species, or admire giant satinay trees reaching 200 feet (60 metres) high. The island stretches 75 miles (120 km) long and up to 14 miles (22 km) wide, accessible via walking trails or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Eco-sensitive resorts provide accommodation while protecting its unique environment.
Website www.fraserisland.net
Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is inland from the Gold Coast, about 21 miles (34 km) northwest of Nerang and around 40 miles (62km) from Brisbane. It's a popular scenic drive destination, with…
Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is inland from the Gold Coast, about 21 miles (34 km) northwest of Nerang and around 40 miles (62km) from Brisbane. It's a popular scenic drive destination, with several protected rainforest areas offering walking trails past waterfalls and excellent picnic facilities. Mount Tamborine itself rises 1,837ft (560m) above sea level. The area also features numerous art and craft galleries, several restaurants, and a few wineries. Tamborine Mountain makes a perfect day trip for those staying on the Gold Coast who want to explore more of Australia's natural landscapes beyond the beaches.
Website visittamborinemountain.com.au
Wet 'n Wild Water World
Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast is a popular water theme park located at Oxenford, near the Gold Coast. Set within roughly 20 acres of tropical parkland, the park features a wave pool, child…
Wet 'n Wild Water World
Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast is a popular water theme park located at Oxenford, near the Gold Coast. Set within roughly 20 acres of tropical parkland, the park features a wave pool, children's pool, speed slides, toboggan rides, and a variety of twisting slides, all supervised by qualified lifeguards. Visitors can enjoy barbecue and picnic facilities, a cafe, and a souvenir shop. Combo tickets are available, including passes to Wet'n'Wild, Movie World, and Sea World. The park is open every day except Christmas, and some pools are heated when necessary, ensuring a fun day out in cooler weather.
Website www.wetnwild.com.au
Sanctuary Cove
Billed as Australia's first fully integrated tourism resort, Sanctuary Cove is a spectacular escape on around 480 hectares of scenic waterways and lush greenery along the Coomera R…
Sanctuary Cove
Billed as Australia's first fully integrated tourism resort, Sanctuary Cove is a spectacular escape on around 480 hectares of scenic waterways and lush greenery along the Coomera River. The resort's Marine Village, open to the public daily with free entry, is a vibrant hub of over 80 specialty stores, cafés, and restaurants, where visitors can watch artisans at work, from glass-blowing to opal cutting. Adventure and leisure go hand in hand, with a 300-berth marina, two championship golf courses, a private country club, and a health and fitness centre. Accessible by road from Brisbane or Surfers Paradise, and by occasional cruises, Sanctuary Cove hosts major events including the renowned International Boat Show, making it a must-visit destination for both relaxation and excitement.
Website www.sanctuarycove.com
Surfer's Paradise
Formerly a small coastal town, Surfers Paradise has become the vibrant heart of the Queensland Gold Coast. Situated on a narrow coastal strip about 50 miles (78 km) south of Brisba…
Surfer's Paradise
Formerly a small coastal town, Surfers Paradise has become the vibrant heart of the Queensland Gold Coast. Situated on a narrow coastal strip about 50 miles (78 km) south of Brisbane, it lies between the warm Pacific Ocean and the deep blue Nerang River. Known as the holiday capital of Australia, Surfers Paradise draws visitors with bright lights, shops, high-rise resorts, and entertainment. Its main beach averages 492 feet (150m) wide and stretches nearly six miles (10km) along the coast. While famous for its glitzy attractions, it remains a popular surfing spot, though waves can get crowded.