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, Numinbah valley and Rainbow Falls. This small-group tour is limited to 16 people for a personalised experience, and includes light refreshments and hotel pick-up from selected locations.

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.

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.

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.

Book 50 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!

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.

Experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful Surfers Paradise on a tour aboard an amphibious Aquaduck that transforms seamlessly from bus to boat. Bring the kids and hop aboard this unusual dual-purpose vessel for a jaunt along the area’s picturesque beaches, past local landmarks like Marina Mirage, and along the glitz of Millionaire’s Row.

Confidently experience the joy of surfing in a half-day surf lesson on the Gold Coast. With no more than five surfers per instructor and a 100 percent stand-up guarantee, soon discover the thrill of carving through the waves in this surf lovers’ paradise. Learn tips and techniques, find out how to spot the best waves, and even take home some photos of you riding your board for the first time.

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.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise off shore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from on board your comfortable boat. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

Bring the whole family and make memories on the water together. Pedal, Glide & Ride........ Cruise the beautiful & serene waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater on our eco-friendly Waterbikes. You just sit back, pedal, glide & relax while your guide points out the wildlife and the features of this stunning marine playground. Look out for the dolphins who come out to play. Safe for all ages and fitness levels, no experience is necessary.

Start your day searching for koalas and kangaroos in the wild at Coombabah Lake Conservation Area, then journey into the lush rainforests of Springbrook National Park. Enjoy a relaxed pace as you visit six stunning waterfalls, gaze from panoramic lookouts, and explore the iconic Natural Bridge—a true natural wonder. Gentle walks and flexible stops make this tour perfect for all nature lovers. With a friendly small group and a welcoming guide, you’ll have time for photos, wildlife encounters and soaking in the atmosphere. The experience includes snacks, water, juices, complimentary digital photos, a special keepsake and live AI-powered translation for international guests. • Search for wild koalas and kangaroos at Coombabah Lake • Visit six waterfalls and the iconic Natural Bridge • Relaxed, flexible pace in a small group • Digital photos, snacks & drinks, keepsake • 1 m² native forest restored per guest

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!

Leave the crowds on land and immerse yourself in the underwater world off the Gold Coast in search of turtles and other marine life on this small-group boat tour from Chinderah, south of Fingal Head. Cruise to the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, the foraging grounds of a large number of turtles. Then jump off board to snorkel and look out turtles, rays, and temperate species of fish.

Get your adrenaline pumping in the Gold Coast as you participate in an exciting parasail and jetboat tour. Join a small group and gear up for your tandem parasailing activity where you soar upwards of 400 feet (122 meters) in the air over Gold Coast’s Broadwater. Then, zip around the blue waters in a jetboat where you can experience 360-degree spins, fishtailing, and more.

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.

Spend a peaceful half day doing some calm water fishing on the Gold Coast’s Broadwater. Your boat will be suitable for windy,rainy or dry conditions, so you can always get out onto the water. You’ll receive your rods, fishing gear, and plenty of fishing tips to help you catch something. Stay fueled and hydrated with provided soda, water, and snacks, too.

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.

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.

Step Into the Wild and Then Take to the Skies! Start your day immersed in the lush, tranquil setting of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary—home to Australia’s most beloved animals. Then, gear up for adrenaline-pumping aerial action at TreeTop Challenge Adventure Park, located inside the sanctuary itself. Located just 200 metres from Currumbin Beach, TreeTop Challenge combines the beauty of ancient rainforest with the thrill of 14 ziplines, 7 high ropes courses, and over 100 climbing, swinging, and leaping challenges—all while soaring above iconic Australian wildlife. This self-paced, fully supervised adventure caters to all thrill levels—from beginner-friendly green circuits to Australia’s most extreme black diamond high ropes. Test your courage with the famous Croc Shock zipline and climb over kangaroo country before conquering ninja obstacles and sky-high platforms. This experience offers unforgettable moments and epic views.

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!

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.

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.