Things to do in Gold Coast

Activities, attractions and tours

A beach with a city skyline in the background.
A city skyline at sunset with numerous high-rise buildings across a body of water.
A river with boats, a bridge, and a town with houses and greenery.
A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense green forest.
A lifeguard tower at sunset by the sea.

Things to do

Surfers Paradise: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold Coast

€51
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Surfers Paradise: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

€17
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise
Picture 11 for Activity Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast: Midday Express River Cruise

Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Midday River and Canal Cruise

€18
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Midday River and Canal Cruise
Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass

Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass

€27
per adult
Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass
1 Day Dreamworld Ticket

1-Day Dreamworld Ticket

€66
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
1-Day Dreamworld Ticket
Roo Pass

Roo Pass (airport & theme park transfers combo deal!)

€37
per traveller
86% of travellers recommend
Roo Pass (airport & theme park transfers combo deal!)
Surfers Paradise Skyline

Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Midday River Cruise

€18
per adult
Surfers Paradise Sightseeing Midday River Cruise
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Top places to visit

1. Surfers Paradise Beach

Take a swim, surf the waves, get your kicks on a jet-boat ride, spot whales, browse the market and shops, and then join the crowds for a drink at one of the night clubs or pubs. Compact Surfers Paradise has accommodation, shopping, nightlife and the beach all within walking distance.
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A coastal city with a long beach, high-rise buildings, and a river.

2. Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World is a theme park full of thrilling rides, stunts and encounters with movie and comic-book stars. This fantasyland is next door to the Village Roadshow Studios and includes a super-sized water tank for film shoots. Kids will be thrilled to walk among the costumed superheroes and cartoon characters who roam the park and give performances throughout the day.
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3. Cavill Avenue

find fun and entertainment along the way.
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A tram with a sign indicating directions to Cavill Avenue, Cavill Mall, Beach, and Ferry Cruise Terminal.

4. Dreamworld

Dreamworld features a wide selection of fantastical and diverse Australian attractions all in one place. Exploring this huge theme park takes a whole day and incorporates wildlife observation, movie-themed attractions, and thrilling rides.
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A theme park with a roller coaster, a large tree sculpture, and various rides.

5. Sea World

Sea World Resort & Water Park is a hotel and water park with a theme park right next door. Enjoy a room with a harbor or ocean views, a SpongeBob-themed water playground, boat and Jet Ski rides, children’s activities and animal encounters. Dolphins and polar bears in the theme park delight mass audiences, but you can also interact individually with the sea animals. The park has a rescue program for injured and orphaned coastal creatures.
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A pirate-themed boat ride with passengers, a large pool, and a tropical backdrop.

6. Coolangatta Beach

The beaches at Coolangatta include Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Kirra. The first two are the Gold Coast’s only north-facing beaches, making them more sheltered with calmer water ideal for swimming. Walk or jog along the paths of the oceanfront park or visit the mall along the coast on a sunny winter’s day. Pods of dolphins and migrating whales can sometimes be seen; head to Snapper Rocks at the New South Wales border for the best views.
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A beach with people, a lifeguard flag, and buildings in the background.

What to do in Gold Coast

Stay near popular Gold Coast attractions

A coastal city with a long beach, high-rise buildings, and a river.
Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland
Open Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland

Surfers Paradise Beach

8.8/10 (4,993 reviews)
Iconic golden sands meet urban energy at Australia's most famous surf beach. Stroll the Esplanade after catching waves, then explore vibrant Cavill Avenue for upscale dining and shopping.
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Where to stay in Gold Coast

Find the best Gold Coast areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Gold Coast
Learn more about Gold Coast
A coastal cityscape with high-rise buildings and a beach.

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Beach are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

A beach with clear turquoise waters and a sandy shore. In the background, there are several high-rise buildings, including a distinctive curved skyscraper.
Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland
Open Photo by Tourism and Events Queensland

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Oasis or The Star Gold Coast while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

A surfer on a wave with a city skyline in the background.

Coolangatta

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Coolangatta. Make a stop by Kirra Beach or Coolangatta Beach while you're exploring the area.

A beach with people, a city skyline, and the ocean.

Southport

Beaches, spas and theme parks are some highlights of Southport. Make a stop by Australia Fair Shopping Centre or Gold Coast Aquatic Centre while you're exploring.

A city skyline at sunset with high-rise buildings along a beach.

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.

A river with a bridge, surrounded by greenery and modern buildings.

Brisbane

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, calm sea, and a line of trees in the distance.

Redland Bay

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Eagleby

Frequently asked questions

Is Gold Coast worth visiting?
Known for its surfing and cafes, discovering awesome things to do in Gold Coast is simple. Don't forget to add Surfers Paradise Beach to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Gold Coast?
After you've visited leading attractions like Surfers Paradise Beach and Slingshot, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Gold Coast.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Gold Coast and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Gold Coast?
Three days in Gold Coast is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers spend three days on average. Surfers Paradise Beach, Broadbeach Beach and Dracula's Cabaret are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Tweed Heads.
Is Gold Coast a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Gold Coast is a good destination to experience on foot. Wander between Surfers Paradise Beach and Broadbeach Beach. Then take a stroll around Surfers Paradise, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Broadbeach, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Gold Coast with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Gold Coast with kids.

What to do in Gold Coast for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Gold Coast for adults including Burleigh Brewing Company and Balter Brewing Company.
Are there free things to do in Gold Coast?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Gold Coast is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Surfers Paradise Beach is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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