The Main Tourist Attractionson the Gold Coast
If you're looking for a place to go with an almost limitless list of things to do and activities to keep you on your toes, then the Gold Coast is your destination! It's the perfect place to go for thrill seekers, nature and animal lovers, foodies and shoppers - whatever popular activity you decide to try it is sure to be enjoyable and interesting.
There are too many tourist attractions on the Gold Coast to list so we've highlighted the best and most famous attractions below, from water-based activities and theme parks with exhilarating rides to national parks and golden beaches. Check out the list for something that meets your entertainment needs and take a look at these popular attractions: Outback Spectacular, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Paradise Country & Dracula's Restaurant which keep locals and visitors entertained all year round. Book from the comfort of home or from your hotel - it's quick and easy with savings to be found!
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Take a walk on the wild side and get close to some native Australian and exotic wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. View stacks of interactive displays, and wide-open enclosures while walking through the lush rainforest and see all of your favourite animals - cuddle cute koalas, get up close to crocodiles, hand feed the kangaroos or exotic birds like the Rainbow Lorikeets. Or, for the adrenaline junkies, go through the Adventure Park High Ropes Course and experience breathtaking views from the tree tops.
Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin
Buy TicketsAustralian Outback Spectacular
Experience the heart, soul and true Aussie spirit of the outback with Australian Outback Spectacular: Heartland, a heart-warming and immersive arena show that depicts farm life during a severe drought. Experience the music, drama and action while you enjoy a three-course Aussie BBQ dinner with drinks & free Stockman's hat! See amazing stunts, aerial performances, and some incredible special effects. Don't miss this remarkable dinner show presented by magnificent Australian animals and Aussie farmers.
Location: Entertainment Road, Oxenford
Buy TicketsDracula's Cabaret Restaurant
Dracula's has been entertaining both locals and visitors alike for over 30 years with its unique nights of burlesque-style entertainment, comedy and dining the likes of which is unmatched on the Gold Coast! For a ghoulishly good time, Dracula's is a humourous tribute to the B-grade horror movie genre incorporating musical productions alongside side-splitting comedy to provide a memorable evening that has been much acclaimed for years!
Location: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Buy TicketsParadise Country Farm
Paradise Country is one of Gold Coast's most popular attractions for kids and is an authentic Aussie homestead where visitors can experience true blue farm life. Enjoy a meal at the Farm House or roll out the picnic rug on the hill. You can wake up to the call of the kookaburra and the bleating of sheep when you choose to stay on the farm in one of the onsite offerings. This experience is perfect for young and old as you immerse yourself in the Aussie farm lifestyle. Although pony rides cost extra on top of the entry fee, it's totally worth it
Location: Production Drive, Oxenford
Buy TicketsIFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING
Get the thrill of skydiving without fear with this super awesome Gold Coast indoor skydiving experience! Located in the middle of Surfers Paradise, join in the fun and the feeling of complete weightlessness while performing all the aerial twists, turns and spins you like in a near-perfect simulation of the free-fall of dropping from 14,000 feet that standard skydives offer. Enjoy your time in mid-air as the powerful fans have you feeling like a superhero.
Location: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Buy TicketsInfinity: the ultimate fun zone
Infinity is a mind-blowing journey into a spectacular and interactive futuristic maze-like world of wonder. Made up of an extraordinary series of around 20 multi-sensual environments that are filled with unique special effects, atmospheric sound fields, ultra-groovy music and illusions. Travel to another universe and enjoy the sights and sounds, offering great family fun in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Located at the Chevron Renaissance.
Location: G31 Chevron Renaissance Centre, Surfers Paradise
Buy TicketsQuack'R'Duck Boat & Bus Tour
Experience a Gold Coast tour with a fun difference aboard the Quack'R'Duck! Set off from the heart of Surfers Paradise on this Gold Coast duck bus tour for a journey both along the roads and continuing to the Gold Coast Broadwater. Then enter the water aboard the same vehicle as it's amphibious! Kids love the excitement and watery fun as we splash into the water, transitioning seamlessly into a relaxing and informative and entertaining cruise around the Marina Mirage and its surroundings.
Location: 7 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Book OnlineSkyPoint Observation Deck
SkyPoint has been transformed from a room with a view to an exciting tourism experience to showcase the 360-degree beauty of the Gold Coast from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. Hop on board the fast elevators at Q1 Resort, taking you from the ground to Level 77 in just 42.7 seconds. Like some adventure? Why not try the new SkyPoint climb! You can even get a combo pass to visit SkyPoint, Dreamworld & WhiteWater World.
Location: Level 77, Q1 Building, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Buy TicketsRIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Take a self-guided tour through themed galleries featuring hundreds of unbelievable exhibits, amazing stories, magic, mystery, incredible illusions, interactive displays and more at Ripley's believe it or not. You'll see a piece of Mars rock from the Red Planet, survive a walk through Australia's only double spinning tunnels, discover rare artifacts in the Egyptian tomb, marvel at the world's smallest car, be entertained by “Ripley's Fab Four” and more.
Location: Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
Buy TicketsThe Gold Coast Wax Museum
Take a walk through the largest museum of its kind in Australia! Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Wax Museum is home to over 110 life-size wax figures that will make you look twice. See replicas of the British Crown Jewels and dioramas of Australian history, marvel at the Chamber of Horrors or get selfies with celebrities and politicians. These displays were crafted by leading local and international sculptors.
Location: 56 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
Buy TicketsIce Skating at Planet Chill
The newest ice skating experience on the Gold Coast, Planet Chill is a great option year-round for any weather conditions - escape the heat or find something fun to do during the rain. Swap your swimmers for a jacket and jeans and bring the family in for a day on the ice! Located at Paradise Resort in Surfers Paradise, choose from one of four daily two-hour sessions. There are limited numbers available so it's best to pre-book.
Location: 122 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Buy TicketsRainforest Scenic Skywalk
The scenic rainforest Skywalk is located in Mount Tamborine, taking you on a journey 1.5 kilometres high through the middle and upper rainforest canopy. With spectacular views of the surrounding hinterland, this stable steel structure will let you explore the rainforest from above, or you can venture down and follow the signs and paths to nearby rock pools, waterfalls, a butterfly lookout and local history enclosure.
Buy TicketsGame Over
Have a go and race your mates at this brand-new indoor go-karting track facility and activity centre in Helensvale. Suitable for all ability levels and ages, you can try your luck at the go-karting track, the Clip N Climb Adventure rock climbing course, brave the Leap of Faith, challenge your friends at Lazer Tag, use the indoor Zip Coaster, GO-VR experiences plus a stack of arcade games to keep everyone entertained. The ultimate rainy day activity!
Location: 88-108 Siganto Dr, Helensvale
Buy TicketsThe Escape Hunt
These 60-minute escape rooms will test your problem-solving skills with suspenseful, timed experiences where you have to look for and decipher clues to solve a mystery with a group of mates. Located all over the world, Escape Hunt rooms have grown in popularity with people of all ages having a great time trying to solve the riddles and escape in time! Choose between three great storylines. An excellent rainy-day activity, located in Southport.
Location: 2/162 Scarborough Street, Southport, QLD
Buy TicketsHoloverse Holographic World
Come and visit the world's first holographic entertainment centre located right here on the Gold Coast! This 1700 square metre indoor entertainment facility will amaze everyone that enters with its advanced hologram technology that projects artificial worlds all around you. Walk through over 40 rooms and travel to a different world in each. Go on an African safari, fly through the sky, walk over rickety bridges, swim in the ocean or battle mythical dragons!
Location: 59 Nerang St, Southport
Buy TicketsFreak VR - Ghost Patrol
Ghosts have invaded a creepy manor where hallways move and furniture comes to life. Armed with your Hue Blasters, work with your team of up to 4 players to zap the colourful visitors away. Played in the Freak Arena, where to move around in the game you walk around in real life in the 6m x 6m room. Step into a ghostly world through the power of virtual reality!
Location: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Buy TicketsFreak VR - Arizona Sunshine
Experience leading virtual reality technology and world-class tactical equipment as you fight your way through a zombie-infested army base and solve puzzles while navigating dangerous terrain! Join forces with up to 4 players and explore the open arena with absolute freedom of movement in this fully immersive experience! Note, this game is rated MA15+.
Location: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Buy Tickets30 Minute Virtual Reality Game
Looking for a rainy-day activity? Enjoy the ultimate gaming experience at Zero Latency in Southport. This is a 30-minute virtual reality game of your choice where you get to move through the 200sqm arena with up to 8 players. Shoot zombies, fight off rogue AI technology in space or battle it out in the jungle.
Location: 34 Smith Street, Southport
Buy TicketsGlow Worm Caves Tour
Journey up into the Gold Coast Hinterland for an evening tour through an ancient national park and see the incredible glow worms come to life after the sun has disappeared behind the mountains. On this guided tour you'll be given a spotlight to help you navigate to Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park where you'll hear fascinating commentary about these creatures and the park itself. Optional star gazing if the weather permits.
Book OnlineExplore the Theme Parks
Warner Bros. Movie World
Experience a fun-filled day with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood at Warner Bros. Movie World. Meet your favourite stars, superheroes and Looney Tunes, see action-packed stunt shows or experience one of the tallest, longest and fastest HyperCoasters in the Southern Hemisphere plus awesome movie-themed rides (think DC Comics, Superman, Batman and more). Get a discount combo pass for unlimited entry to 3 theme parks!
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210
Buy TicketsSea World
Sea World has a fantastic range of animal exhibits featuring sharks, penguins, polar bears and other marine life in realistic, natural environments. Be entertained with spectacular stunt/water shows; giggle at the seals and marvel at the playful dolphins. Throw in some roller coasters, get wet at Castaway Bay and see the Ninja Turtles in 3D. You'll see that Sea World is perhaps the best all-round theme park. Grab a combo pass and save.
Address: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217
Buy TicketsWet'n'Wild Gold Coast
Wet'n'Wild is a fantastic day out, summer or winter, rain or shine. Have fun in the sun and cool off in the water. With nothing but amazing water slides, kids' pools, a whirlpool and a giant wave pool, Wet 'n' Wild is one of the greatest water parks in Australia. In winter everything is heated so you won't get cold and on a hot summer day, you'll have a hard time finding a better place to be. Wanna relax instead? Book your own Chill Cabana.
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210
Buy TicketsDreamworld
As the biggest theme park in Australia, Dreamworld has it all. With their exciting thrill rides, plenty of family rides and kid's precincts like the ABC Kids World, animal shows and attractions, Dreamworld is really your one-stop-shop for all things FUN! Don't miss the daily Tiger Presentation or Koala talk. Get the 1, 3 or 7 day pass for unlimited entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Skypoint and save stacks off admission prices!
Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209
Buy TicketsNatural Attractions & Free Activities
Sticking to a budget? We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite free things to do on the Gold Coast. From the beach to the hinterland walks, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to check out.
Gold Coast Beaches
If you're after an outdoor activity that's both exhilarating and free, then the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast are the perfect destination for beach lovers to find their paradise. Experience the beauty of Coolangatta Beach, a pristine stretch of golden sand that seamlessly merges with the vibrant Kirra Beach. These two iconic beaches offer a haven for surf enthusiasts, with Snapper Rocks providing legendary waves.
For those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty, Currumbin Beach awaits. Its gentle waves and lush surroundings make many visitors' favourite beach. Just a stone's throw away, Greenmount Beach offers a picturesque escape, where rolling waves meet the stunning coastline.
The Gold Coast is lucky to have an extensive coastal strip of golden beaches so there is no shortage of stunning beach spots to set up for the day. From Burleigh beach and Palm Beach to Kurrawa and Broadbeach, just head east and you'll meet the ocean.
Let's not forget the enchanting allure of Byron Bay, a short drive away. With its unique blend of bohemian charm and coastal elegance, Byron Bay captivates every soul that sets foot on its shores and may offer a less crowded beach option to the Gold Coast.
National Parks
If you're ready to take a break from the incredible beaches and explore the diverse landscapes surrounding the Gold Coast, these national parks all offer a fantastic experience. These national parks near the Gold Coast offer a range of experiences, from coastal walks and waterfall hikes to ancient rainforest exploration and challenging treks. Whether you're seeking Indigenous insights, panoramic views, or unique rock formations, these parks have something for everyone.
Burleigh Head National Park:
Nestled among stunning beaches, this coastal park provides a green oasis with rugged volcanic columns around the corner from Burleigh beach. Take the Oceanview track along the coastline to Tallebudgera Creek, where you can swim or relax on Echo Beach. Look out for humpback whales during winter. The Rainforest circuit leads to Tumgun Lookout. Consider guided tours at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre for insights into local Indigenous culture.
Lamington National Park:
Escape to the hinterland for cool hills and ancient rainforests. Explore epic walking tracks and discover Elabana Falls, Chalahn Falls, and Larapinta Falls. The Tree Top Walk at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat offers a unique perspective. Consider staying at the retreat for a deeper experience.
Springbrook National Park:
Adjacent to Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park is an iconic park famous for waterfall hikes, including the Warrie Circuit and Twin Falls with beautiful views. The Purling Brook Falls Circuit is a stunning walk through Gondwana and Eucalypt forests teeming with wildlife. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk winds through 54km of trails in both Springbrook and Lamington. Explore the Gondwana Rainforest and immerse yourself in nature.
Tamborine National Park:
This park offers spectacular views alongside wineries, breweries, and restaurants. Swim and slide at Cedar Creek Falls, explore Curtis Falls for wildlife sightings, and enjoy a picnic at Witches Falls. The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk takes you through treetops and canopy floors.
Gold Coast Shopping
For a grand shopping spree, head to Pacific Fair, one of the region's premier shopping centres. Here, you'll find an extensive array of brands and products, offering a true retail haven.
If outlet shopping is more your forte, then head over to Harbour Town - the only shopping centre on the Gold Coast to feature hundreds of outlet stores of leading international and national brands. From fashion finds to unique treasures, the Gold Coast's shopping destinations promise not only a delightful spree but also a cultural journey through the city's diverse offerings.
Major Events on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast gets a lot of visitors from interstate and internationally not just due to the beautiful beaches and tourist attractions, but also because we host so many incredible world-class events throughout the year, from sporting championships to art and music, car shows, boat shows and everything in between!
Every October the V8 Supercars Championships turns the streets of Surfers Paradise into a dedicated race track over 3 days, with plenty of live music and demonstrations to keep everyone entertained. Then the annual Schoolies event in November sees thousands of high school leavers descend to the Gold Coast to celebrate the end of 12 years of schooling.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon challenges tens of thousands of participants each year for a gruelling 42.196km marathon that takes runners alongside the iconic coastal strip and Broadwater, with a stunning track that rivals that of any major city. The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show showcases the latest innovations, technologies and products from the marine industry over 4 days. This event has been running for over 30 years and draws a huge crowd each year.
The free Blues on Broadbeach event is incredibly popular and runs for 3 days each May with local and international acts set up on stages throughout the Broadbeach precinct. Cooly Rocks On is also a favourite for car lovers and rockabilly fans. There are also plenty of great events held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.
For a list of upcoming events on the Gold Coast, check out the following resources:
- Major Events Gold Coast
- Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Gold Coast City Council Event Calendar
Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images