Whether you’re seeking sun, surf, or big thrills, Queensland’s hedonist playground knows how to deliver. Beaches with names like Surfer’s Paradise, Miami Beach, and Palm Beach have all the essentials for a seaside vacation, from surf breaks and sensational sunsets to every water sport imaginable. But beyond the theme parks and party scene, some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast lie away from the beach. Take a whale-watching cruise, hike in the Hinterlands’ national parks, and explore rainforest trails, waterfalls, and glow-worm caves.
Clocking up more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the Gold Coast is an excellent beach destination year-round. Avoid the peak summer months of December through February if you don’t like crowds, as well as “Schoolies week” at the end of November when students hijack the local nightlife scene. Instead, time your visit for spring or fall when the weather is ideal for water sports, Hinterland hikes, and coastal sightseeing, or come between June and October for the whale watching season.
The Gold Coast’s towns are well-connected by public transport, with regular G:link trams running between Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach. Trains also connect to Brisbane Airport, but to reach the Southern Gold Coast or the Hinterland, you’ll need to take a bus. Download the TransLink app to plan your trip, or make the most of the fresh air and walk or bike along the 22-mile (36-kilometer) Gold Coast Oceanway promenade instead.
The Gold Coast doesn’t only have ocean beaches—join locals along Currumbin Creek to fish, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, then cool off at the Cougal Cascades swimming hole.
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The Gold Coast is famous for its long, developed beaches, top surfing spots at Surfers Paradise, shopping centers, nightlife, restaurants, and amusement parks. Popular parks include Dreamworld, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild. Inland from the coast are the Tamborine and Lamington national parks, with popular hiking trails, viewpoints, waterfalls, and wildlife.
...MoreSpend a minimum of three days on the Gold Coast to enjoy the beaches, amusement parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and shopping and dining. With five to seven days, you can get out into the neighboring national parks for hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife spotting.
...MoreWhile the Gold Coast is famous for its amusement parks, there’s more to do. Swim or surf at the beaches, drink and dine at some of Queensland’s finest bars and restaurants, meet wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or get active and hike in the nearby Tamborine or Lamington national parks.
...MoreIt doesn’t cost anything to experience the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches and natural areas. Try swimming and lounging on the beach, checking out the flora at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, soaking in the Currumbin Rock Pools, and hiking in one or more national parks, including Lamington or Springbrook.
...MoreWith just one day to spend on the Gold Coast, head for a beach. Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads are all good options. Surfers will want to check out aptly named Surfers Paradise, while hikers will enjoy the trails at Burleigh Head National Park.
...MoreYes. The Gold Coast is worth visiting whatever your interests and preferences. Family travelers enjoy the amusement parks and wildlife attractions, lovers of the outdoors take advantage of the many surrounding national parks, and other independent travelers revel in the nightlife, shopping, dining, and multitude of beaches.
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