
The Top Things to do on the Gold Coast
From theme parks and dinner shows to whale watching and rainforest tours, the Gold Coast has it all. It is safe to say the Gold Coast is known as Australia's playground for good reason! Check out some of its top attractions and top activities:
Top Attractions
Whether you enjoy roller coasters, wildlife encounters or dinner shows, the Gold Coast has several attractions for you; check out the great Gold Coast Combo Passes website for some great discounts on multiple attractions at once! The following attractions are some of the city's best rated:
- Australian Outback Spectacular
One of Australia’s greatest ever stories presented by R.M. Williams! Combine a three course bush tucker dinner, 13 horses, a step back in time and an exhilarating stage show featuring larger than life characters, all in the one arena, and you have one magnificent evening that must be experienced to be believed! - Casino Shows
Catch an entertaining show and delicious dinner at Jupiter's Casino in Broadbeach! - Currumbin Yanguwah Adventure
Mouthwatering Aussie buffet, exclusive night tour of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, train ride, Aboriginal performances and more! A rare chance for wildlife encounters at night, a must do for animal lovers. - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cuddle a koala, get up close to a croc, get amongst a mob of kangaroos and be amazed by the wildlife shows. - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & Broadwater Cruise Combo
Save a whopping $45 per person by combining wildlife and a cruise! Pick the date of your cruise, then use your wildlife ticket within 6 months. Great value! - Skypoint Observation Deck and Skypoint Climb
Skypoint, formerly QDeck and Q1 Observation Deck, takes you to the highest point above the Gold Coast atop the Q1 building and offers spectacular 360 degree views. Save by pre-purchasing a food and beverage package that combines café items with entry. Cocktails anyone? If you're feeling daring, climb to the top of the building and see the views of the Gold Coast 270 metres above sea level. - Infinity
It’s a mind blowing journey into maze like wonder, and right in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
Top Activities
In water, in air and on land, the Gold Coast offers a wide range of fun and exciting activities.
In and on the water
- With so many canals and waterways, the Gold Coast is a top destination for Jet Boating with thrill rides departing from Marina Mirage( (near Sea World and Palazzo Versace) and from Surfers Paradise.
- Get out and about and discover the Gold Coast by kayak, by jet ski, or discover the marine life by diving the Cook Island Marine Reserve Coolangatta or Wavebreak Island.
- Hang ten and learn to surf all along the coastline with surf coaches in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach and Coolangatta. Head out for a day on the water with a great selection of Gold Coast cruises.
Whale Watching
Gold Coast whale watching is a must see and do! Our waters are home to thousands of whales during June to November as they breed, socialise and rest during their northward migration. During this period, these charismatic creatures have been known to put on quite the show for their ocean guests, often slapping their tails and torsos in response to the passing vessels. View our Gold Coast Whale Watching Guide for help on making your decision. For more information, visit our Gold Coast Attractions site.
In the air
- A sunrise hot air balloon flight complete with a champagne breakfast is the perfect way to start the day.
- For great scenic views over the coastline, helicopter tours or unique seaplane flights are ideal.
- For something a little more thrilling, try skydiving from the Gold Coast, Byron Bay or Brisbane.
On land
Choose from a great selection of Gold Coast day tours, ranging from day trips out the Mt Tamborine, Springbook, glow worm tours, Moreton Island, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to name a few. For inspiration, view our blog article on Tours on the Gold Coast .
In addition, don't forget to check out our Gold Coast New Years Eve article that serves as a great guide for how to ring in the new year when either living or visiting the sunny Gold Coast!
