Things to do in  Gold Coast

Located in the Gold Coast Hinterlands, Tamborine National Park is known for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking views over the Gold Coast and the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Scenic Rim to the west. Queensland’s first national park, Tamborine is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

One of Australia’s biggest marine parks, Sea World Gold Coast is home to dolphins, rays, sharks, polar bears, and seals. The family attraction has thrilling rides, educational exhibits, and daily live shows, and it’s also involved in marine life rescue and rehabilitation efforts along the Gold Coast.

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests, the startling landscapes of Springbrook National Park are among the many highlights of Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterlands. Carved out by an ancient volcano, the rugged plateau is now a natural wonderland of forested gorges, jagged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.

Located on the grounds of the Cedar Creek Estate Winery on Mt. Tamborine, the Glow Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain are one of the best spots on the Gold Coast to view glowworms. See thousands of these creatures during the daytime in a darkened, controlled environment designed to mimic their natural habitat.

The beating heart of Scenic Rim town Tamborine Mountain, Gallery Walk boasts more than 60 arts and crafts shops, galleries, boutiques, and candy stores. Highlights include the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, the airy Gallery Café, and eco-friendly and alternative stores.

Set minutes from the Gold Coast beaches, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in Queensland to see native Australian animals. Founded in 1947, the sanctuary encompasses 27 hectares (66 acres) of rain forest; its resident fauna includes kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and rainbow lorikeets.

Located in the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, Skypoint Observation Deck is Australia’s only beachside observation deck. Take in expansive views of the Gold Coast coastline, the Gold Coast Hinterlands, and the Pacific Ocean from Australia’s tallest building. For added excitement, try the external Skypoint Climb at the top of the building.

Outdoor enthusiasts head to South Stradbroke Island to get in touch with nature and escape the crowds. With limited commercial development, 44 miles (72 kilometers) of walking trails, 14 miles (22 kilometers) of secluded beaches, a 4,400-acre (1,800-hectare) conservation park, and plentiful wildlife, “South Straddie” is a popular day trip and overnight destination.

Located high on a plateau in Springbrook National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests, the Best of All Lookout certainly lives up to its name. It offers expansive and spectacular views of the Gold Coast Hinterland, the Gold Coast coastline, and the Pacific Ocean.

Indulge in some retail therapy and fine dining with a view at Marina Mirage, a luxury waterfront shopping and dining destination on the Gold Coast. Located on the Southport Spit, Marina Mirage features over 70 designer boutiques and award-winning waterfront restaurants, and also offers a marina and helicopter services.

Just south of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, or Broadie as it’s known to locals, offers all the appeal of its more famous neighbor—a great stretch of beach, surf-worthy waves, and extensive dining, shopping, and entertainment options—but in a more manageable size and with fewer crowds.

Part of Australia’s Gondwana Rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamington National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Covering 77 square miles (200 square kilometers), it’s known for its rich biodiversity, ancient trees, over 500 waterfalls, and more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) of hiking trails.

From movie-themed thrill rides and 4D movie experiences to spectacular stunt shows and star-studded parades featuring everyone from Shrek to Scooby-Doo, Warner Bros. Movie World is one of Australia’s coolest theme parks. Various seasonal events keep it exciting year-round, while the site lives up to its promise of bringing Hollywood to the Gold Coast.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery is an award-winning distillery that produces boutique liqueurs and spirits. They use local ingredients and native flora to give their drinks a unique taste, and implement traditional Russian and Ukrainian processes. Visitors come to taste the distillery’s products in the mock-Tudor tasting room.

Infinity is an immersive multimedia experience that engages all of the senses. Experience its surreal atmosphere as you walk through maze-like environments of special effects and illusions. Sound fields, lights, music, and visual trickery challenge the mind and may ignite your imagination when navigating this Surfers Paradise funhouse.