Top Gold Coast Outdoor Activities

End a day in paradise–Surfers Paradise– in style and comfort with a memorable sunset cruise through the spectacular waterways of the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise canals. Sit back and relax on the vessel's open sundeck or inside, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks from the bar, as the sun goes down.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

Since time immemorial, Aboriginal people who speak the Yugambeh language have lived off the land of Burleigh Heads National Park. Delve deep into their culture on this fascinating walking tour, led by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander guide. Encounter dreaming stories at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre, then discover sacred sites, traditional bush tucker, and the sustainable practices that have kept the land liveable for thousands of years.

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.

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.

Tour Highlights - Get picked up from your hotel and take a quick scenic drive out to the Scenic Rim and Tamborine Mountain - Self Guided walk through the National Park. - Once you are on the mountain the hop on hop off service will stop at set locations every two hours. - Spend as much time as you like in each area then get on the next shuttle - Visit a boutique Shopping on Gallery walk, enjoy Rainforest walks to waterfalls, a distillery pay for tastings and lunch at your own leisure. - Shopping along the famous "Gallery Walk' with over 75 specially shops, boutiques and eateries. Brisbane Pickup from 8.30 am Depart Tamborine Mountain approx 4.00 pm, return 5pm.

Take a walk-through Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s natural bushland under the stars. Explore 9 cosmic zones on a 1.5km celestial trail. Allow 60-90 minutes for this immersive experience. Be inspired by stunning lights, colours and cosmic sounds. Enjoy delicious snacks and drinks – perfect to take on your cosmic adventure. Your visit supports vital wildlife conservation programs and the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Please note our doors for this event close at 7:30.

Don't just see the Whales, EXPERIENCE THEM! Our experience is like no other! Onboard our new state-of-the-art vessel, we are able to get you to the whales a lot quicker, meaning more time watching whales and less time travelling! With 360 degree views from all positions onboard, and limited tickets onboard, you'll always have prime views and never have to battle crowds. Our professional crew onboard also offer great commentary of the whales through the surround speakers. We offer the best experience, and the best whale views, unobstructed by crowds onboard the SAFEST & FASTEST whale watching vessel. Awarded QUEENSLAND'S NEW TOURISM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!