Top Gold Coast Seasonal & Special Occasions

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.

⭐ Top-Rated Vacation Photoshoots 2025 We're not just photographers, we're storytellers capturing your holiday exactly as it feels. With over six years of experience photographing travellers around the world, our small team specialises in authentic, natural photography that truly reflects your trip. In Gold Coast, we combine creativity with local knowledge to show you hidden gems, secret angles, and the best light. You'll not only get beautiful, professional photos but also insider tips to make the most of your time here. We're proud to be recognised among the top-rated photography tours of 2025, trusted by travellers worldwide for our relaxed style and stunning results.

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.

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.

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

Operating wine and food tours since March 2000, the award-winning Cork ‘n Fork Winery Tours are without doubt the premier specialist wine tour business in South East Queensland. Our Experienced Guides are avid food and wine lovers. Let us take you on a journey to experience what Tamborine Mountain's many wineries and distilleries have to offer. You will love it and we can't wait to take you there! Full Day Tour Your tour includes tastings, with the chance to sip and learn about a range of red, white, and sparkling wines in a relaxed small-group setting. Your guide shares their deep knowledge of the wine you taste and the winemakers you encounter during stops at top wineries. You will also visit the tasting room of Tamborine Mountain Distillery, which brews schnapps, vodka, and other award-winning liqueurs. Enjoy free time to explore Gallery Walk—a vibrant mountain village strip brimming with boutique shops, local produce, and cosy cafés—and have lunch (at your own expense).

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.

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.

Experience the thrills of parasailing while on the Gold Coast of Australia. First, you’ll receive a short safety training before being outfitted with a harness. Then, soar high above the Gold Coast, up to 400 feet (122 meters) high, and take in aerial views of the coastline. This is available for solo travelers or with one or two partners. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the full experience including briefing and flight time.

Be immersed in the process of winemaking and history of Queensland’s Granite Belt wine region on a “behind the scenes” tour of Sirromet’s state-of-the-art winery facility, followed by a tasting of 6 of our most popular Granite Belt wines. Following this 90 minute experience, relax at Cellar Door for a light lunch and served with a soft drink.

Start your visit to the Gold Coast with hassle-free airport pickup and easy transport to your hotel. This convenient and economical shared transfer service meets you at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) and provides door-to-door service to your hotel in the Gold Coast, from Coolangatta to Sanctuary Cove. No need to look for airport taxis or wait in long lines, simply pre-book your transfer service to travel in comfort with a courteous professional driver and climate-controlled coach.

The forested valleys and vine-clad hills of Brisbane’s Scenic Rim area are even more magnificent when viewed from above. With this tour, make an early start to catch the sunrise and float over the picturesque landscapes in a hot air balloon. After admiring the views, celebrate your flight with a glass of sparkling wine and a scrumptious hot buffet breakfast at a local vineyard.

Take in the beauty and serenity of sunset over the Gold Coast with this sunset cruise on a 38ft sailing yacht (space for maximum 10 guests). Enjoy a glass of wine, water of beer while you watch the sun slowly lower over the city and surrounds. There is also a good chance you encounter dolphins and sea turtles in the water around the vessel, making this a truly special experience.

This small-group tour takes you through family-run vineyards for guided tastings. Soak up mountain lookouts, browse the charming Gallery Walk, and enjoy the ease of luxury. With expert local guides, it’s the most relaxed way to sip, savour, and explore the best of Tamborine Mountain. We handle the driving and winery stops; two tastings are included – guests simply pay for extra tastings and lunch as they choose. Pick up drop off from designated locations in the city.

During your visit to the Gold Coast, learn the basics of surfing with a 2-hour beginning surfing lesson at Main Beach. With gentle waves it is an ideal place to learn to surf, and your lesson includes use of all necessary equipment. Your guide ensures a safe and fun introduction to surfing.

Wave Break Island—located just off Australia's Gold Coast—is a sheltered spot, and its calm waters are teeming with marine life. However, getting there can prove tricky without access to your own boat. Keep your vacation as simple as possible with this organized scuba diving experience, suitable for all levels of experience. Beginners can take advantage of an instructional dive with a guide, and certified divers can skip the instruction to explore independently.

Start your day off right with a private morning sailing trip that includes not just scenic views over the Gold Coast, but breakfast too. Let a skipper handle all the hard parts and plan the route while you sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal with a couple of glasses of sparkling wine.

The spread of the Gold Coast hinterland—its vineyards, pastures, and forest—can only be taken in from the air, which is hard to arrange yourself. Drift over it by hot-air balloon at dawn instead, picked up first from your Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach accommodation. Come back down to a buffet breakfast with sparkling wine at a local vineyard.

Queensland Distillery Tour Enjoy a cocktail on arrival as you’re guided through the distillery and given a behind-the-scenes tour of Granddad Jack’s. Enjoy a spirit tasting of our award-winning gin, whiskey, vodka & liqueurs while enjoying some nibbles.

Skip the hassle off navigating public transit when visiting the Gold Coast. This handy pass provides door-to-door transfers to and from Brisbane and Gold Coast airports to and from your accommodations and your choice of between one and seven participating theme parks and attractions, including Seaworld, Movieworld, Dreamworld, Wet'n'Wild, and Harbour Town.

Start your day off right with a kayaking and snorkeling tour to Wavebreak Island from Biggera Waters, south of the Gold Coast. Paddle at a leisurely pace, while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as stingrays and seabirds. Head to a secluded island for a snorkel break, where you can spot loads of tropical fish. Visit a secluded beach and enjoy a picnic breakfast to refuel before heading back.

Discover the thrill of surfing with a 1.5-hour adult lesson at Bombora Surf School, perfect for beginners or those returning to the waves. Led by Surfing Australia-accredited coaches, each session is crafted to build confidence and enhance ocean awareness in a supportive atmosphere. You'll start with a safety briefing and warm-up before hitting the water for hands-on coaching that focuses on paddling, wave selection, and riding techniques tailored to your skill level. With Bombora's commitment to personalised guidance, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to enjoy the surf.

Witness the stunning vistas of the Gold Coast from an unparalleled vantage point on a Solo Parasail Experience. Ascend high above the Broadwater and glide peacefully, taking in panoramic views of Wave Break Island and the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline. This exclusive solo flight allows for tranquility and reflection as you soar approximately 8-10 minutes, enveloped in the serenity of the sky. A comprehensive safety briefing is provided by your skilled crew, ensuring a secure and enjoyable adventure as you launch from a specialized parasail vessel. Perfect for those aged 12 and above, this experience promises an unforgettable aerial journey.