Top Gold Coast Outdoor Activities

End a day in paradise–Surfers Paradise–on a memorable sunset cruise. Sit back and relax on a 90-minute cruise that will take you through the canals and waterways of the Gold Coast as the sun goes down.

Experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful Surfers Paradise on a tour aboard an amphibious Aquaduck. Bring the kids and hop aboard this unusual dual-purpose vessel for a jaunt along the area’s picturesque beaches and past local landmarks like Palazzo Versace and Marina Mirage. Then, enjoy a thrilling river cruise past the glitz of millionaire’s row as the Aquaduck transforms from a bus into a boat.

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.

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.

Journey into the hinterlands on this 5-hour afternoon tour of the Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Goondawanna rainforests by coach, 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, and soak up the scenery from the Canyon Lookout. This small-group tour is limited to 16 people for a personalised experience, and includes light refreshments and hotel pick-up from selected locations.

Experience the nighttime enchantment of Mt Tamborine National Park on this unique rain forest walk and glowworm tour. At the mountain summit, stop for a light supper of cakes and hot chocolate, and soak up views of the twinkling Gold Coast from a lookout. Then, observe nocturnal wildlife by torchlight with a guided bushwalk through the rain forest, where you’ll come across an ethereal waterfall illuminated by glowworms.

The exotic marine life of Wave Break Island offers a spectacular backdrop for a scuba diving adventure, and this half-day scuba diving tour is open to all levels. Choose a beginner-friendly dive, accompanied by a PADI instructor, or a solo dive for certified divers only, and marvel at the underwater world of the Gold Coast.

Go skydiving during your visit to the Gold Coast for an incredible thrill and spectacular views of the city, coast, and Pacific Ocean. Jump in tandem with your expert instructor, enjoying a short freefall before your instructor releases the parachute. Float gently down to Kirra Beach, one of the beautiful beaches that makes the Gold Coast justifiably famous.

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.

Get a different perspective on the Gold Coast by soaring over it in a hot air balloon. Get a bird's eye view over the city or hinterland, (depending on the wind pattern) and enjoy plenty of room to move around and take photos in Australia's only basket with doors. You have the option of helping to pack the balloon up afterward and will also receive a photo and movie package.

Feel the thrill of catching a wave at one Australia’s most famous surf hotspots and sign up for this 2-hour beginner surf lesson in Surfer’s Paradise. Master the basics under the guidance of an expert instructor with a small group, ensuring plenty of one-to-one instruction.

Experience the joy of surfing on this half-day learn to surf group lesson on the Gold Coast. With no more than five surfers per instructor and a 100% stand up guarantee, you’ll soon discover the thrill of carving through the waves in this surf lovers’ paradise. You’ll also 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.

Choose the Gold Coast Roo Pass for reliable and convenient transportation when visiting the Gold Coast. Not only do you receive door-to-door airport transfer service for your arrival and departure, but you also can choose anywhere from one up to seven round-trip transfers between your accommodation and your choice of participating theme parks and attractions: Seaworld, Movieworld, Dreamworld, Wet'n'Wild, and Harbour Town.

Exploring the Gold Coast hinterland can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the area. See places you'd never find on your own on this guided tour to Tamborine Mountain. Embark on a rainforest walk to Curtis Falls, travel through Eucalyptus Forest, and explore the Tamborine Mountain Forest Skywalk, a network of forest floor trails, steel bridges through the highest points of the upper canopy, and a 131-foot (40-meter) cantilevered bridge that soars 98 feet (30 meters) above the creek and rainforest below.

Discover the boutique wineries of Mt Tamborine on a full-day tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Your wine–savvy guide takes you to some of Queensland’s best local wineries for tastings of award-winning wines and a gourmet 2-course winery lunch. If your schedule allows, stop to sample locally-made liqueurs, spirits, cheese, and fudge.

Explore the wild beauty of the Gold Coast hinterland on this full-day tour to Mt Tamborine. Encounter koalas, kangaroos and cascading mountain waterfalls on a guided bushwalk through the eucalypt rain forest of Mt Tamborine National Park. Indulge in some mountainside produce tasting.

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!

Exploring the Gold Coast Hinterland can be a challenge if you don’t have your own transport, but this full-day tour from the Gold Coast offers the perfect introduction. Discover the natural wonders of the Springbrook National Park, stopping to take in the views of Mt Warning and Byron Bay, and admire landmarks including the Natural Arch, Purling Brook Falls, and Goomalarah Falls.

Take off from Main Beach on a Jet Ski tour to enjoy the natural beauty of the Gold Coast in an exciting way. You'll cruise up to South Stradbroke Island, traveling about 9 miles (15 km) past beaches, sandbars, and mangroves.

Start your day off right with a 3-hour kayak tour to South Stradbroke Island. Enjoy a great vantage point on the beaches and wildlife of the Gold Coast as you paddle at a leisurely pace, stopping to snorkel off Wavebreak Island, visit secluded beaches, and enjoy a picnic breakfast on the beach. Your expert guide shares informative commentary about the region's ecology and animals, and provides full instruction on kayaking and snorkeling — making this tour suitable for both experienced paddlers and first-timers.

Zip through the waters of the Gold Coast off Main Beach on this group boat trip. This lasts for around thirty thrilling minutes, where you’ll have the chance to experience spins, slides, and other fancy jet boat moves. You’ll see Sea World, Palazzo Versace, and Marina Mirage from the water, and hopefully see wallabies and dolphins too.

Go sailing on the Gold Coast Broadwater at sunset aboard a luxury sailboat. Glide past landmarks such as the Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, Wave Break Island and Surfers Paradise on this romantic and relaxing 2-hour sunset cruise. Travel in a small group with a maximum of 10 people, and enjoy complimentary sparkling wine and appetizers during your sunset cruise. Have the option to upgrade to include a gourmet dinner featuring fresh Australian seafood.

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.