10 Things To Do On The Gold Coast

10 Things To Do On The Gold Coast

Gold Coast Australia, we had the privilege of living here for many years. Its Australia number 1 holiday destination.

With so much to do and see you could hardly get bored there. A city that can boast on average over 300 days of sunshine a year, yep that’s right 300 days

We recently posted a few of our favourite places but lots of people have been sending in messages asking us for tips so here is our top 10 things to do.

Beaches

A trip to Gold Coast wouldn’t be right without a trip to these famous beaches. Golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see.

Do a surfing lesson, play volleyball, or just catch the sun it is a must on any trip here.

Many of events like sand sculpting, beachfront markets and concerts happen throughout the year. A good place to find the latest thing would be on My GC

Theme Parks

The one thing the Gold Coast has an abundance of is theme parks. With 5 to choose from it could be a whole holiday planned in one.

Bus links, trams and taxis link all the major theme parks.

Here’s the List

Movie World

Probably the most known and popular. Owned and run by the world famous Warner Brothers.

Enjoy the thrill rides of the DC Rivals Roller-coaster or Superman escape. Catch a show with Hollywood stunt rider or see where movies are filmed at the village roadshow. For young kids see the Yogi – Bear 4D experience.

Dreamworld

Another Gold Coast iconic theme park. Not for the faint hearted, try Buzz Saw and The Claw (maybe before food) or unwind on Tiger Island and see the tigers up close and personal, with daily shows at midday. Plenty for the younger kids also with dedicated sections.

White Water World

Sits next to Dreamworld and part of the same group. The water park offers an array of water theme slides some thrill slides and some geared towards the youngsters.

Tube rides offer the chance for groups to ride together adding a extra thrill

A large wave pool sits in the middle of the park, good for all ages.

Wet And Wild

Wet and Wild Gold Coast lies next door to Movie World. A park full of rides from thrill seekers to family orientated fun. Shows open daily and Kabanas to kick back to relax in.

Coming soon to Wet and Wild is Australia’s biggest and tallest water slide.

Seaworld

Closet park to the city on the main beach stretch. Seaworld a worldwide company, see seal encounters and Dolphins. Catch the Thunder Lake Stunt show, try the rides the new Atlantis or the Storm Coaster. Or just submerge yourself we the marine life that Seaworld presents.

Top Tip: If you check out some of the booths in Surfers Paradise there is always somewhere doing a deal or 2 on these.

Top Tip 2: If you planning to hit the parks a locals package of a year pass for $169 gives you unlimited access to Movie World, Wet and Wild, Sea World and Paradise Country (a Australian themed farm) for a whole year. a 7 day pass is $159 See Ticketing

Tamborine Mountain

A tropical heaven in the mountains only 40 minutes from the bustling center of the Gold Coast. Plenty to do, see and explore, especially in the quirky streets of Eagle Heights, seeing waterfalls, boutique shops and wineries make Tamborine Mountain a must escape.

With Tropical retreats such as Pethers Rainforest Retreat and Getaway Day Spa its a destination to unwind from the busy city life of the Gold Coast.

As mentioned some great waterfalls in the area and none better than Curtis Falls (below) and equally as impressive is the Witches Falls and the walking loop.

Byron Bay

You haven’t visited Australia until you visit Byron Bay. Situated about 60 minutes from the Gold Coast Byron is the perfect backpacker destination beach town. With surfing, walks, food, micro breweries and boutique shops.

The famous lighthouse walk which can be tough especially in the Australian sun, is the most easterly part of Australia and provides ocean views and a regular spot for whale watchers.

Byron Bay is as relaxed as it gets with a clientele that just takes everything in there stride.

Stone and Wood brewery tour would be one of our top picks to do.

Pictured below is the view half way along the lighthouse walk.

Visit A Brewery

The Gold coast is not short on breweries either with the original Burleigh Brewing company and a whole host of other breweries like Balter, Lost Palms, Black hops and Pickled Pig to name a few. We recommend you try them all, well just tell the wife its for research purposes.

Top Tip: Burleigh Brewery do a great beer BIG Head was a favourite of mine light, refreshing and so easy to drink.

Some of these breweries often have a food truck on, allowing the best possible way to line the stomach. They often have live music as well making for a great afternoon evening out.

Here’s The Directory

Burleigh Brewing

Lost Palms

Balter

Black Hops

Pickled Pig

Fortitude Brewery

Q1 Skypoint Observation Deck

Standing at 322 metres and consisting of 78 floors the Q1 Skypoint has some of the best views I have ever seen. Add to that a city with more blue skies than anywhere is a great spot to visit anytime of the year.

There is a cafe situated at the top for you to sit back and enjoy the stunning views with a cup of coffee.

Situated right in the heart of Surfers Paradise you right amongst it all.

Springbrook Mountain

Springbrook to me is just beautiful set in the Hinterland Rainforest Springbrook has some of the most stunning places to visit in Australia. Our personal favourites are Natural Bridge and Purling Brook Falls.

Around a 40 minute drive from the center of the Gold Coast and well worth the journey.

The two most sort after trips are the Natural Bridge this naturally forming rock feature, fall and walking track is a must. Certainly one of the most beautiful sites in this part of the world

Another is Purlingbrook Falls with it’s 150 meter waterfall and 3.5 km walking loop track to the bottom of the falls make this a popular spot and highly sort after trip.

Burleigh Hill Walk

Burleigh Hill where the masses congregate to watch the sun fall down on a wonderful day and well probably sink a few tinnies. The view from Burleigh Hill looking over the Gold Coast is just unreal.

Combine the hill with the Burleigh Headland walking track and its a great afternoon / evening out. The walking track meanders from lush rainforest like trees looping round to show the most beautiful views over Tallebudgera Creek.

Miami Marketta

You could easily think you have been transported to South East Asia. Step into this back street warehouse and laneway and sample some delights.

The original street food market on the Gold Coast some may say its part of what the Gold Coast is. I just say that with its 20 full stalls and its delicious.

With constant array of live music and entertainment its a popular hotspot for any tourist and local alike.

Mount Warning

Situated 30 minutes from the Gold Coast is the incredible Mount Warning. Climb and see some of the best vantage along the east coast of Australia. A 3 / 4 hour round trip through lush rainforest and a final descent up a rock face to the highest lookout a trip not to be missed.

We took the trip up Mount Warning one morning and what a great trip it was and would love to maybe go back and do it for sunrise.

Summary

All in all the Gold Coast is a playground for the best and most adventurous. Somewhere you could never get bored. With some of the best cafes and restaurants around the dining scene is up there with the likes of Melbourne.

Hope this all helps as much as it can. We have any amount of of knowledge from our time on the Gold Coast please don’t hesitate to ask and send us a message.

For now its goodbye

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