Top Gold Coast Outdoor Activities

Journey into the hinterlands on this 5-hour morning tour of the Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Goondawanna rainforests by mini-van, stopping to walk through the jungle, peek into ancient caves and enjoy views of Mount Warning from the Best of All Lookout. Visit natural wonders like Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people for a personalised experience, and includes light refreshments and hotel pick-up from selected locations.

Experience the nighttime enchantment of Mt. Tamborine National Park on this unique evening rainforest walk and glowworm tour. Observe nocturnal wildlife by torchlight with a guided bushwalk through the rainforest, where you’ll come across an ethereal waterfall illuminated by glowworms. Afterward, enjoy dessert with a hot beverage at a mountain top restaurant.

Spotting whales in their natural habitat can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this whale-watching cruise, which guarantees you will see humpback whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from June to November or you receive a complimentary second cruise. The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. Includes morning tea and a photo booklet souvenir.

The waters off the Gold Coast aren’t only for swimming and admiring; they’re a playground perfect jet boating. With your pilot, zip away from the waterfront at Sea World and strap in for a barrage of high-speed maneuvers, turns, and spins. Between the bursts of adrenaline, enjoy quiet moments admiring scenic views of the Broadwater.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise offshore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from onboard your comfortable boat, and watch live underwater footage streamed directly to your mobile device. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

Looking for something breathtaking to do by yourself, with a friend or with a family? Come and see us at the Surfers Parasailing. We will have you soaring in the sky above the gorgeous Surfers Paradise Coastline and the Beautiful Broadwater.

Go skydiving during your visit to the Gold Coast for an incredible thrill and spectacular views of the city, coast, and Pacific Ocean. Jump in tandem with your expert instructor, enjoying a short freefall before your instructor releases the parachute. Float gently down to Kirra Beach, one of the beautiful beaches that makes the Gold Coast justifiably famous.

Soak up the sights of the Gold Coast on this lunch cruise that departs from Surfers Paradise and travels up the Nerang River to the Broadwater. Commentary about landmarks that you pass, such as the Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace hotel, Wave Break Island, and South Stradbroke Island, offers more info than you'd get alone. Enjoy a buffet lunch with seafood and chicken main dishes, and have the option to purchase drinks at the bar.

Discover Dreamworld, Australia’s largest theme park and one of the top things to do near Brisbane. Just a short drive from Surfers Paradise and Brisbane, Dreamworld features world-class thrill rides, family attractions and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Explore Rivertown with Jungle Rush and Murrissippi Motors, and feel the adrenaline on The Giant Drop, Steel Taipan and the all-new King Claw. Families will love Kenny and Belinda’s Dreamland with The Wiggles and ABC Kids rides. Visit WILD with Australian Geographic featuring Our Country to meet koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles in immersive habitats. Next door, WhiteWater World offers thrilling slides, family play areas and relaxing pools, perfect for warm Queensland days. For incredible views, visit SkyPoint atop Q1 in Surfers Paradise, offering 360-degree panoramas, dining and drinks. Whether visiting from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint deliver unforgettable experiences for all ages.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australia's native animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Gold Coast. Your ticket includes admission to the park plus daily keeper presentations and animal shows. Admire critters such as the kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, koala, wombat, echidna, and reptiles that live in natural-style bush and rainforest habitats. Walk through the stunning 5-acre forest of the Lost Valley and see unique flora and wildlife such as lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, and other exotic reptiles.

In the late afternoon, walk amongst kangaroos as they graze freely and search for koalas in a wild natural habitat. After dark witness the unique beauty of the Glow Worms in their natural habitat while discovering the rainforest of a nighttime! On our nocturnal walk into the rainforest to the base of a waterfall we will search for wildlife and other critters lurking in the wilderness. This experience is designed to avoid other people and see as many animals and creatures as possible. If the sky is clear it is a beautiful spot to see the stars and the night sky or watching the sunset over the Gold Coast hinterland from a viewpoint.

Embark on a day of discovery with the Hop on Hop off Bus to Tamborine Mountain, visiting two of the area’s top attractions—the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and the Glow Worm Caves. Travel in comfort and enjoy the flexibility to explore Tamborine Mountain’s unique charm at your leisure. • Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: A scenic eco-adventure through elevated walkways, bridges, and forest trails, offering spectacular views and a deeper connection to nature. • Glow Worm Caves: Experience the enchanting glow of thousands of bioluminescent glow worms in a specially designed cave. A unique and unforgettable encounter!

Experience 50 minutes of thrills and sightseeing with Paradise Jet Boating, departing from Cavill Avenue in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Travel along the Nerang River before reaching the Broadwater freestyle zone for high-speed 360-degree spins, slides and drifting aboard a premium New Zealand-built jet boat. Explore over 30 kilometres of Gold Coast waterways, including Moreton Bay Marine Park, with scenic views and entertaining local commentary along the way.

Looking for an unforgettable morning that fits into your schedule and your dreams? Ballooning, Bubbles & Go is your premium express escape into the skies. Operated by Australia’s most experienced balloon operator Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast, this early morning express adventure brings you the thrill of hot air ballooning with a touch of elegance. Start your morning with convenient hotel pickup before floating high above the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. Take in sweeping views of rolling hills, stunning countryside and spot wildlife from the serenity of your hot air balloon basket. It’s a moment of peace, beauty, and exhilaration that will stay with you forever. After landing, celebrate in style with a sparkling wine toast and receive a commemorative flight certificate to mark the experience. Plus, you’ll take home a Premium Digital Photo Pack valued at $130, capturing your airborne adventure in high resolution.

Visitors to the Gold Coast seeking some thrills and adventure will find plenty on offer at the zipline and rope course over Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Follow precarious rope networks and ziplines to navigate this area of rainforest high above the ground, which even crosses over a crocodile enclosure to really up the stakes. Please note that this adventure course has both age and height restrictions for users.

Book 100 minutes of non-stop inflatable fun with Gold Coast’s award-winning water park, crowned Queensland’s Best Major Tourist Attraction in 2024 and winner of multiple tourism and traveller choice awards. Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, it’s the perfect active outdoor experience for families with kids aged 5–15 or just simply to have fun and hang out with your friends! Easy online booking makes planning a breeze. Come make epic memories that’ll have you laughing all the way home! Age & Supervision: - Kids under 10 must be accompanied by a paying adult/responsible person (10+ years). - Children under 5 can’t access the main course - Our 1 adult to 2 kids supervision rule keeps things safe and social with a fun buddy system in place. Fitness & Safety: - This is a high-energy course—participants must swim confidently, have good stamina, and be ready to climb, jump, and splash in a saltwater environment. - No weight limit—just bring your strength and sense of adventure!

Whale Watching & Sailing Cruise – Gold Coast (Small Group) Experience the Humpback migration away from crowds. While others carry hundreds, we limit ours to 28 guests, ensuring a front-row seat on our luxury sailing catamaran. The Experience Depart Southport for a 4-hour journey. Our stable catamaran offers a unique, low perspective perfect for witnessing whales breaching and tail-slapping. Enjoy expert commentary on whale behavior and the marine ecosystem. Dining & Drinks Enjoy morning tea and a fresh lunch of gourmet wraps and baguettes filled with meats, cheeses, and salads. For the sail home, visit our onboard licensed bar to purchase a cold beer, wine, or soft drink. Highlights Small Group: Max 28 guests for unobstructed views. Fresh Lunch: Gourmet wraps/baguettes and morning tea. Licensed Bar: Drinks available for purchase on deck. Sighting Guarantee: If no whales are seen, join us again for free!

Your professional tour guides will deliver you to the launch site pre-dawn for you to witness the impressive scene of balloons being inflated. When the balloon is ready, step into the basket with your experienced pilot; feel the peace and serenity of floating above the countryside, see the rolling hills and open fields, set against the stunning backdrop of the rising sun. There is nothing in the world like the feeling of floating gently above the earth. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy sweeping views of the famous Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim on one side then look towards the coast to see the skyline dotted with towering buildings - it's the best of both worlds! Your very experienced pilots will slowly guide the balloon down to the landing point, where the fun continues, we all pitch in and fold up the balloon itself, have a laugh and take some more photos. Finally we head to for a delicious hot breakfast, continental buffet beachside view

Hop aboard this evening cruise and navigate the canals of the Gold Coast Broadwater while savoring a buffet dinner prepared by local chefs. Take in views of the Surfers Paradise skyline as you sip a locally crafted beer or a cocktail. This tour is perfect for celebrating a special occasion with friends and family.

Take the TreeTop Challenge, one of Australia's largest ropes courses, spread over nine acres (3.6 hectares) of bush land. Half-day admission includes use of safety equipment and access to six different courses for all levels of skill. Participants must be eight years or older.

If you’ve always wanted to ride a jet ski, the Gold Coast is a great place to learn. Beginners can learn a lot in a short time while seeing some of the coast’s highlights, including Wave Break Island, Crab Island, Sovereign Island, and South Stradbroke Island. All necessary safety gear is provided.

Sample the natural beauty of the Gold Coast, without having to buy or rent equipment, with this outdoor adventure. Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way over to Wave Break Island for a guided snorkel over a rocky reef and a short bushwalk. Spot dolphins and stingrays, then enjoy tasty, locally sourced snacks before returning to shore.

Feel the thrill of catching a wave at one of Australia's most famous surf hotspots when you sign up for this 2-hour beginner surf lesson at The Spit in Surfers Paradise. Master the basics under the guidance of an expert instructor, and have fun in the process. Changing rooms, safe storage areas, and outdoor showers are also available to you.