Gold Coast Australia: 16 Things to Do Beyond the Beaches

Gold Coast Australia has a reputation as the Southern Hemisphere’s concrete Miami, with giant theme parks and endless skyscrapers—and that reputation is certainly well earned. But just beyond the vibrant city lies a hinterland with two UNESCO-listed rainforests, where magical glow worms light up after dark and trees have stood for millennia. If you stick to the beach and never venture into the hills, you’ll miss half the soul of this wonderful city.

You’ll find an incredible contrast here that makes every day exciting. In the morning, stroll across the hot sand beneath the watchful eyes of surfers; in the afternoon, explore a rainforest; then spend the evening enjoying the excellent café and food scene in one of the modern neighbourhoods. In a single day, you can have coffee by the ocean, scream your way around a roller coaster and finish with a rainforest walk beneath the glow worms. Not many places offer all that.

Pack comfortable shoes, your swimwear and a sense of adventure—Gold Coast Australia has far more to offer than you might expect. From theme parks and spectacular rainforests to a warning about where you should never swim in the ocean, here’s what you need to know.

TL;DR

• Getting your bearings: Just south of Brisbane, the city offers a unique blend of beach life, skyscrapers and unspoilt nature in the nearby hinterland.
• How many days do you need? Two days are enough for the city and beaches, but if you want to visit the theme parks and rainforests, set aside at least five to seven days.
• Water safety: Only swim between the red and yellow flags. The ocean has dangerous currents, so swimming at patrolled beaches is essential.
• Theme parks: There are several to choose from, but if you’re planning to visit more than one, a multi-park pass can save you a considerable amount.
• Rainforest trip: The hinterland is home to Lamington and Springbrook national parks, both part of UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforests, as well as free treetop walks.
• Magical glow worms: You can see them at Natural Bridge after dark, but torches and camera flashes are strictly prohibited.
• Getting around: The tram works well along the coast, but you’ll need a rental car to explore the mountains and natural attractions.

Gold Coast Has Two Sides

Look at a map of Australia’s east coast and you’ll see that the Gold Coast is right next to Brisbane. The two cities are close enough for people to commute between them for work or take day trips. If you’re travelling from Sydney, the distance is 928 km, so most visitors fly or turn the journey into a road trip. Once you arrive, though, you’ll quickly understand why this place is so popular—the atmosphere just works.

The city’s first side is the one the world knows from postcards and travel ads: a forest of gleaming skyscrapers rising straight above golden sand, endless promenades full of visitors, huge shopping centres and, above all, famous theme parks. It’s a busy, buzzing and slightly commercial oasis where there’s always something happening, cafés are packed and the nightlife goes on until around 3 a.m. If you’re after a lively atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home.

The other side is much quieter, greener and, for many people, surprisingly beautiful. Just beyond the city, the hills of the hinterland are home to the treasures of Lamington and Springbrook national parks. These rainforests are so precious and unique that they form part of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests, which were inscribed in 1986. You’ll find waterfalls plunging into deep gorges, prehistoric ferns and a silence broken only by the calls of exotic birds.

Combining these two worlds is the perfect recipe for an unforgettable holiday. Start the morning with excellent specialty coffee overlooking the ocean, spend the day screaming on a roller coaster and walk through a humid rainforest in the evening, with thousands of tiny glow worms shining above you. It’s hard to think of many places where surfers, parents with strollers and rainforest lovers never have to argue about what to do that day.

Where to Swim and Surf

The ocean on Australia’s east coast is beautiful, but it can also be treacherous, so there’s one absolutely non-negotiable rule: ONLY swim between the red and yellow flags put up by local lifeguards. The flags mark the designated safe area, where dangerous rip currents are less likely and lifeguards keep a close eye on swimmers. If you go into the water elsewhere, you’re taking a serious risk—currents here can pull even a strong swimmer far out to sea.

Surfers Paradise Beach is ideal for families and casual swimmers. It’s well patrolled, and the gentler entry into the water makes it suitable for beginner surfers too. There are plenty of surf schools offering lessons for complete beginners, so if you’ve always wanted to try standing on a board, this is a great place to start. Instructors provide a large foam board, explain the basics on the sand and then take you out into smaller, safer waves so you can try catching one.

If you already have some surfing experience and want a real challenge, head south to Snapper Rocks near Coolangatta. This area is part of the legendary Superbank, one of the longest and best-quality sand-bottom waves in the world. The local surf community is out here every day, and watching them from shore is an experience in itself. But only experienced and advanced surfers should paddle out: the waves are fast and powerful, and the lineup gets crowded.

When you need a break from wild waves and crowds, Burleigh Head National Park makes a beautiful, quieter alternative. This small coastal park has a scenic walking circuit with views of the ocean and surfers below the cliffs. The water in the nearby cove is often a little calmer, and the whole area has a relaxed, slightly hip atmosphere. People come here to socialise, picnic and unwind in the Australian sunshine.

16 Things to See and Do on the Gold Coast

There are 16 ideas to choose from, so pick whatever suits your mood. We’ve arranged them from the beach to the rainforest to make planning easier.

1. Surfers Paradise Beach

The heart of the Gold Coast and the place that gave the city its iconic look, Surfers Paradise is a famous stretch of beach. Its long expanse of soft white sand is lined with tall skyscrapers that cast long afternoon shadows across the shore, creating a uniquely photogenic backdrop. Local lifeguards carefully patrol the area between the flags, so you can swim safely even when the ocean is showing its strength.

The beachfront promenade is lively from early morning, when the first runners arrive, until late at night. There are dozens of cafés, souvenir shops and surf stores, so you can easily spend half a day just soaking up the atmosphere. Popular evening markets are often held at weekends, too, where you can browse local crafts and sample great street food.

💡 Tip: To avoid the biggest crowds, head to the beach early with a good coffee. Sunrises over the ocean are breathtaking, and you may feel as if you have the whole huge stretch of sand to yourself.

2. SkyPoint Observation Deck

For a bird’s-eye view of the city, don’t miss the iconic Q1 building, home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Visitors rate it highly on Google, with a 4.5 rating from more than 13,000 reviews. The lift whisks you up to the 77th floor in no time. At 230 metres above the ground, it offers panoramic views of the endless ocean, the skyscrapers and the green hinterland hills.

The observation deck is glazed from floor to ceiling, making the views below truly impressive. There’s also a café and bar where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat while taking in the vast coastline. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can pay extra to climb the building’s exterior structure—an experience you’re unlikely to forget.

💡 Tip: Plan your visit for around 3 p.m. to avoid the big crowds that arrive at 5:30 p.m. for sunset. You’ll also have time to take photos in the lovely daylight.

3. Warner Bros. Movie World

If you love movies and comics, this park will sweep you up in its world. It’s the most visited attraction of its kind in the region. Warner Bros. Movie World has a solid 4.0 rating from more than 33,000 reviews on Google, reflecting its popularity with visitors and locals alike. As soon as you pass through the gates, you’re surrounded by superheroes, movie stars and cartoon characters who wander the main street and happily pose for photos.

The park is famous for its world-class roller coasters, some of the fastest and tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. Beyond the high-adrenaline rides, you’ll also find impressive stunt shows that put you right in the middle of an action movie, complete with explosions and car chases. Families with younger children can head to themed kids’ areas with attractions inspired by popular animated characters.

💡 Tip: Be prepared to wait: queues for the most popular coasters can be exhausting in high season. Download the park’s app to check current wait times and plan your route accordingly.

4. Dreamworld

This huge entertainment complex is often considered one of the best places for a family day out, and it boasts an impressive 4.4 rating from more than 23,000 visitors. Dreamworld combines classic roller coasters with a sizeable wildlife park, so you can spend the morning upside down on a ride and the afternoon admiring possums.

The grounds are enormous, so be prepared to walk more than 10 km over the course of the day. Each themed area has its own atmosphere, from colourful kids’ zones to adrenaline-filled sections that will make even the bravest visitors catch their breath. The tiger island is a highlight of its own, and the park’s conservation programmes deserve recognition.

💡 Tip: Arrive when the park opens and head straight for the biggest and most popular attractions. Queues are usually much more manageable in the morning, so you’ll get more done than during the afternoon rush.

5. Sea World

This marine park and water world is another Gold Coast favourite, with a 4.2 rating from almost 26,000 reviews on Google. Unlike a traditional amusement park, its main attractions aren’t just rides—the animals are the stars. You can see dolphins, seals, stingrays and even polar bears in a huge climate-controlled exhibit, while guides explain why protecting the ocean matters.

Of course, there are also great roller coasters and water rides to cool you down on a hot Australian day. Walking through underwater tunnels as sharks and enormous manta rays glide overhead is an experience that delights visitors of all ages. Sea World also operates as an important rescue centre for injured marine animals from around the coast.

💡 Tip: Check the feeding and presentation schedules if you want to see the animals up close without having to jostle for a spot by the glass. Try to arrive at least 20 minutes before a show begins.

6. Wet’n’Wild

When temperatures soar, there’s no better escape than this huge water park, which has a 4.2 rating from more than 13,000 happy visitors. Attractions range from a lazy river where you can drift along on an inflatable ring to wild free-fall slides that will put your courage to the test. Wet’n’Wild is surrounded by greenery, adding to the tropical holiday feel.

The wave pool is the heart of the park and turns into a choppy sea every so often, giving adults and children a chance to splash around. The main pools are heated during the winter months, so the water fun doesn’t have to stop when the weather cools down. If you’re after a little more privacy, rent a cabana with sun loungers and relax in the shade.

💡 Tip: The Australian sun can be fierce, so waterproof sunscreen and a UV-protective swim shirt are essential. You can get sunburnt just walking between the slides without even realising it.

7. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

While traditional zoos keep you at a distance from the animals, this wildlife park aims to bring you closer to Australian wildlife. It has an impressive 4.6 rating from nearly 14,000 visitors, many of whom praise the spacious green enclosures and opportunities to feed animals by hand. The park also operates a large wildlife hospital, so your entrance fee supports a good cause.

You’ll be charmed by kangaroos hopping freely around you, colourful lorikeets coming to feed and koalas resting in the eucalyptus trees. It’s worth noting that holding a koala is legal in Queensland, unlike in neighbouring New South Wales and Victoria, and some parks offer the experience. Check the official websites for the latest rules and availability, as they can change.

💡 Tip: Make time for the wildlife hospital. It has glass walls, so you can watch veterinarians at work from outside. It’s a fascinating and moving experience that adds a whole new dimension to your visit.

8. Burleigh Head National Park

This pocket of wilderness tucked between the city and the ocean is a breath of fresh air, and it’s deservedly earned a fantastic 4.8 rating from nearly 4,000 reviews. The park is a forested headland with a lovely walking track lined with ancient trees and pandanus. As you walk, the sound of waves and calls of exotic birds make a welcome contrast to the busy city streets.

Be sure to stop at Tumgun Lookout, which also has a 4.8 rating and offers some of the best views of the coastline and surfers below. The well-maintained tracks are manageable for families with children and older visitors. After your walk, settle on the grass in the nearby park for a picnic and watch locals playing guitar and enjoying the relaxed early-evening atmosphere.

💡 Tip: Bring a blanket and something tasty from one of the nearby cafés. The area around the national park is a favourite spot for afternoon picnics and sunset watching.

9. Snapper Rocks and Coolangatta

At the southern end of the coast is a surfing mecca with a respectable 4.8 rating and more than 3,000 reviews. Coolangatta and its rocky point, Snapper Rocks, mark the start of the famous Superbank—a natural feature enhanced by sand pumping that creates one of the longest sand-bottom waves on the planet. The wave can peel perfectly over a huge distance, attracting some of the world’s top surfers.

Keep in mind that the water here is really for advanced surfers only: currents are extremely strong, waves are fast and the lineup gets very crowded. For everyone else, it’s a fantastic place to watch. Sit on the headland, take photos of incredible athletic performances and soak up the genuine Australian surf culture that you can feel in every grain of sand.

💡 Tip: Enjoy a coastal walk from Coolangatta to the headland. Along the way, look out for natural rock pools, which emerge at low tide and reveal a surprising variety of small marine life.

10. Broadbeach

If you’re after a more sophisticated atmosphere than the busy centre, Broadbeach is an excellent choice. In recent years, the neighbourhood has become the region’s main food and social hub, where locals go for great meals and quality coffee. There are spacious parks lined with mature trees, a beautiful beach and a much more relaxed, friendly pace of life.

The local restaurants and cafés are among the best around. Popular spots include The Loose Moose, rated 4.4 by more than 3,000 people, which serves great drinks and modern pub food. If you fancy Asian fusion, well-seasoned vegan bowls or fresh tropical fruit, stroll along the main street and follow your appetite—the options seem endless. Meat lovers and fans of local seafood will find plenty of excellent choices, too.

💡 Tip: Weekend mornings are made for a leisurely brunch. The best cafés can get busy, though, so arrive early or book a table in advance.

11. HOTA — Home of the Arts

The city’s cultural heart is set in a striking modern building surrounded by parks and waterways, and has a great 4.6 rating from more than 6,000 reviews. HOTA is a huge arts and entertainment complex that will surprise anyone expecting just another shopping centre: it includes a gallery of contemporary Australian art, cinemas, theatres, outdoor stages and gardens where people simply sit and enjoy themselves.

Major outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets and festivals draw visitors from across the region throughout the year. You can simply wander through the spacious gardens, sit on the grass with a coffee from the café and soak up the creative atmosphere. The exhibitions change regularly and often feature work by First Nations artists, adding a deeper cultural perspective to your visit.

💡 Tip: Take the lift to the top floor of the gallery, where you’ll find a fantastic rooftop bar. Even if you don’t stop for a drink, the views through the large windows over the waterways and distant skyscrapers are worth it.

12. Aquaduck

At first, this might look like a rather quirky tourist attraction, but its popularity and impressive 4.8 rating from nearly 4,000 reviews speak for themselves. This yellow, duck-shaped amphibious vehicle takes you on a unique tour, starting with a drive through the city centre before splashing straight into the local canals and waterways. In seconds, your bus has become a boat.

The ride is great fun, with plenty of jokes from the guides and interesting stories about the city’s history and the lives of its millionaires, whose luxury homes you’ll pass along the way. Kids love it, especially because the captain often lets them take a turn at the helm—and they even get a certificate at the end.

💡 Tip: Prices and departure times can change, so it’s best to book online in advance, especially if you’re travelling in the busy summer season, when the yellow bus can sell out.

13. Lamington National Park and O’Reilly’s Treetop Walk

Leave the coast behind and head inland to discover a whole new world in Lamington National Park. This spectacular rainforest has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986 and shelters trees thousands of years old. A narrow, winding road takes you through a deep valley and up to the mountain ridges, where the temperature drops and the air smells of damp earth and ferns.

A highlight of a visit is the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The famous treetop walk starts right there: the Treetop Walk consists of nine suspension bridges and is completely FREE for all visitors. The swaying bridges take you up to 16 metres above the ground, where you can safely experience the rainforest from a whole new perspective.

💡 Tip: Pack a warm layer and sturdy shoes. It’s often misty and much cooler up in the mountains than on the sunny beaches below, and rainforest tracks can be slippery after rain.

14. Springbrook National Park

Next to Lamington lies another hinterland gem, with an incredible 4.8 rating from more than 3,500 people on Google. Springbrook is a vast park filled with deep ravines, lookouts over green valleys and spectacular waterfalls. Hiking trails lead through dense rainforest, where the canopy is so thick that barely any sunlight reaches the ground.

The area’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly Purling Brook Falls, rated 4.8 from 2,596 reviews. The waterfall plunges from a great height into the rocky gorge below. A beautiful walking circuit runs around the falls, taking you right to the base of the cascade. Photos from here look as if they belong in Jurassic Park, and you can hear the roar of the water from a distance.

💡 Tip: Make sure your car has a full tank, and bring plenty of drinking water and snacks. There are no large shops or petrol stations in the national park, so don’t count on buying supplies along the way.

15. Natural Bridge and Glow Worms

This fascinating natural wonder in Springbrook National Park has a 4.8 rating from nearly 4,500 reviews. It’s a massive rock arch carved over thousands of years by the river, which now plunges as a waterfall through the roof and into a dark cave below. It’s a beautiful, photogenic walk during the day, but the real magic begins after the sun goes down.

Thousands of unique bioluminescent glow worms live in the cave beneath the waterfall, creating the illusion of a starry sky in the darkness. The Glow Worm Caves attraction has a 4.3 rating. This magical experience comes with strict rules, as glow worms are extremely sensitive to light. Visitor conditions can change, so check with the park authorities before you go. Above all, remember that torches and all camera flashes are strictly prohibited.

💡 Tip: Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. The walk to the cave after sunset can feel a little spooky, so it’s best to go with a group and move slowly to avoid tripping over tree roots.

16. Tamborine Mountain

This scenic mountain area, with a great 4.7 rating from more than 2,700 reviews, forms the northern edge of the hinterland and has a very different feel from the wild southern rainforests. It’s a more developed part of the hills, with charming cafés, boutique galleries, small family-run wineries and shops selling local crafts. People come here for the food and beautiful views across the countryside.

You could visit family-friendly Thunderbird Park, rated 4.3, where you can search for a semi-precious stone called a thunderegg, or take another treetop walk. If you love good food, you’ll enjoy the local cheese makers and distilleries, which offer tastings of their best products with views over the green valley. It’s an ideal place for a slow Sunday afternoon.

💡 Tip: Set aside time for Gallery Walk, the area’s main shopping street. It’s a great place to find souvenirs, from handmade jewellery and merino wool clothing to delicious homemade jams and chocolates.

How Much Do Theme Parks Cost?

Theme parks can be the biggest expense of your trip, so it helps to know what to expect. The main thing to keep in mind is that ticket prices are highly variable, changing according to the season, day of the week and upcoming school holidays. We’ve therefore listed indicative prices starting from the amounts shown, and recommend checking the latest rates on official websites. For reference, admission to SkyPoint starts at AUD 33, while the outdoor SkyPoint Climb starts at AUD 89.

As for the big theme parks, a visit to family-friendly Dreamworld starts at AUD 99, while admission to popular Sea World is around AUD 105. Ticket prices for other parks, including Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, change regularly and often depend on whether you book online in advance or pay at the gate, so check their websites before you go.

The best option by far if you love theme parks is a multi-park pass, available from AUD 119. It gives you entry to several parks (Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and the farm-style Paradise Country) and can be worthwhile if you’re planning to visit at least two. One small note about Paradise Country: it has the lowest Google rating of the parks, at 3.9, so don’t expect anything extraordinary—think of it as a relaxed add-on to the bigger attractions.

Where to Eat

The Gold Coast won’t disappoint when it comes to food. The café and restaurant scene is huge, with everything from quick beachside bites to upmarket dinners overlooking the ocean. The main dining hubs are around Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, where you’ll find plenty of great places close together.

In Broadbeach, popular spots include The Loose Moose (rated 4.4 on Google from more than 3,000 reviews), serving generous portions of modern pub fare, including burgers and ribs. A little further along, you’ll find a wide range of Asian fusion restaurants and excellent vegan cafés serving a perfect acai bowl and specialty coffee for breakfast—just what you need after a full day at the beach or in the rainforest.

Where to Stay

💡 Accommodation and activity tip: Compare accommodation options here to see what’s available and at what price. We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, where you can often find the best cancellation terms. It’s also worth comparing and booking tickets, trips and activities through GetYourGuide.

Choosing the right neighbourhood is key to enjoying your stay, as each part of the coast has a different feel and appeals to different types of travellers. The best-known area is Surfers Paradise, with the tallest skyscrapers, the liveliest clubs and just about everything on your doorstep. It’s busy, hectic and always buzzing—a good fit if you want to be in the middle of the action and don’t mind crowds or neon lights outside your window.

If you’re looking for somewhere quieter but still well equipped, consider staying in Broadbeach. The area is known for its excellent food scene, lovely parks and more polished atmosphere, making it popular with families and couples looking for great places to eat. For a slower pace and closer proximity to nature, the laid-back, hip Burleigh Heads blends café culture with a love of the national park and surf lifestyle.

In the far south, Coolangatta has held on to its retro surf spirit. It has an international airport, a famous big wave and quieter beaches, making it a great base for exploring the southern coast. For a complete escape into nature, stay in the mountains at the renowned O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat or in one of the smaller cabins at Thunderbird Park. Whether you choose the lively centre or the quiet rainforest, we recommend comparing options on Booking.com, where you can filter stays to suit your budget and preferences.

A Hinterland Day Trip

Leaving the coast for the green hills is a decision you won’t regret. The hinterland is such a contrast to the city’s concrete jungle that it’s hard to believe you’ve driven only a few dozen kilometres. You’ll need a rental car, as public transport doesn’t reach the national parks. Joining an organised tour also means giving up the freedom to stop at the many spectacular lookouts along the way. Just remember that Australians drive on the left!

Make Lamington National Park your main destination, and head to the wonderful O’Reilly’s retreat. The famous Treetop Walk, with nine suspension bridges, starts here and is completely FREE—a rare treat in Australia. Walk high among ancient trees and listen to the sounds of the rainforest. The drive up is narrow and winding, so take care and allow more time than the distance on the map might suggest.

Your second stop should be Springbrook National Park and its iconic Natural Bridge. This spectacular rock arch shelters a cave where a powerful waterfall plunges through—and it’s also home to the famous glow worms. To see them shine, arrive after sunset and never use a torch or camera flash. Check the park authority’s official website for the latest visiting conditions, booking requirements and opening hours, as the rules can change to protect this vulnerable ecosystem.

Where to Go Next

If you’re keen for more adventures on this incredible continent, we have plenty of inspiration for you. The state capital is just around the corner, so take a look at our guide to Brisbane, or plan an epic trip with our comprehensive guide to the best Australia holiday.

If you’re heading farther south, don’t miss the iconic city with the Opera House—read our guide to Sydney, Australia: 31 Things to See and Do. For tropical escapes and diving, find out how to visit the Great Barrier Reef and what not to miss in Cairns and the Daintree, the gateway to the lush rainforests of the north.

Just across the state border is a quieter neighbour. Read our guide to Byron Bay: 12 Things to Do, Plus the Lighthouse and Best Beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to Australia’s east coast always brings up plenty of practical questions. To make your preparations easier, we’ve gathered answers to some of the things travellers ask most often.

Whether you’re wondering how long to stay, how to swim safely or whether theme park tickets are worth the money, you’ll find the answers in one place here.