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The Northern Gold CoastExplore this destination

When most people think of the Gold Coast, they envisage golden beaches, cafes by the water and the glittering skyline of Surfers Paradise. This means that the northern side of the Gold Coast is sometimes overlooked as a holiday destination, but we're here to change your minds! While a little further away from the tourist hot spots, the northern Gold Coast suburbs are packed with great attractions, shopping and dining choices, delivering a more laid-back and peaceful getaway while still being close enough to the action to give you the best of both worlds.

Hope Island is an island suburb of the Gold Coast that is largely made up of gated communities, including Sanctuary Cove. The canal system that surrounds the island makes for beautiful waterfront homes secluded from the rest of the Gold Coast and creates a thriving boating community centred at the Hope Island Marina.

Hundreds of boats dock here and make use of the access to tranquil waters throughout the canals and out to the Broadwater and the sea.

The two main gated communities on the island are Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island Resort, both of which contain amazing waterfront houses and first-class facilities with the protection of regular security patrols. Sanctuary Cove Resort is well known as a tourist destination for its waterways, parklands, harbours and golf courses.

Sanctuary Cove Resort
Hope Island Resort
Runaway Bay Marina

Paradise Point is a vibrant area, home to young families and also older residents. The bustling area around The Esplanade is popular with locals from Paradise Point with plenty of great food options and also from the man-made islands, Sovereign Island and Ephraim Island. These affluent island communities are made up of luxury mansions that offer direct ocean access for boating enthusiasts.

Runaway Bay is a calm little hideaway at the Northern end of the Gold Coast. The Bay has its own marina that offers open water access but is sheltered from the rough seas by Stradbroke Island. The area is a boat lover's dream, with ample boating opportunities and some parts of the suburb having no bridges, allowing high mast access to the Broadwater and the Seaway. Runaway Bay also has a decent shopping centre so you can stock up on whatever you need during your stay.

Next to the Pacific Motorway, Coomera and Oxenford are in a great position to take you quickly up to Brisbane or hightail it to the airport. It's also where you'll find the main theme parks; Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet’n’Wild making it a great area to stay in if you are in town to visit them! Oxenford also boasts its own wakeboarding park and new driving range attraction Top Golf, while Coomera has a huge Westfield shopping centre with several excellent dining options.

Things To Do in the Gold Coast's Northern Suburbs

Attractions

Ask any child (and child at heart) what they want to do on the Gold Coast and you'll always hear a resounding cry to visit the theme parks. Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Wet'n'Wild are located at the northern end of the Gold Coast and offer visitors a fantastic day out. You can also enjoy visiting the Aussie animals at Paradise Country, try your hand at Topgolf, or watch the amazing feats at the Australian Outback Spectacular while you dig into your steak and damper. Buy tickets for your visit!

Superman ride at Movie World
Outback Spectacular
Topgolf

The Hope Island Resort has a public championship 18-hole golf course designed by British Open Champion Peter Thompson. Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club boasts two outstanding championship courses, practice facilities and a Clubhouse with several world-class facilities. The Country Club is more a resort than golf club, with a day spa, pool, sports facilities, restaurants, bars and function areas.

Protected by South Stradbroke Island, Runaway Bay Marina is an easy-to-manage marina with access to open water through the Gold Coast Seaway. The facilities include both wet and dry berths and is located close enough to enjoy the waters of the ocean, the Gold Coast shoreline and the canal systems. There are many deep-sea fishing charters and dive boats that regularly leave out of Runaway Bay. Take your pick of small or large vessels and groups, and several fishing locations to choose from. Or hire your own BBQ pontoon boat and spend the day enjoying the stunning waterways.

The Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre is a new, leading training facility that caters to athletes and the public. It is home to several sporting matches and also has accommodation and dining facilities along with function capabilities.

Paradise Point Parklands is a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy some beautiful Gold Coast weather. There's a play area for kids of all ages, volleyball net, BBQ areas, and safe swimming area all located across the road from The Esplanade. Pick up your ingredients for a picnic and spend a day enjoying the park with family and friends.

Dreamworld

Dreamworld

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

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Warner Bros. Movie World

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

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Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast

Wet'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

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Australian Outback Spectacular

Australian 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

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WhiteWater World

WhiteWater World

Located next door to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World is one of the largest, and most fun-filled, water parks in the country! Experience the eight-lane 'BRO' waterslide, the 20m high Green Room, The Rip, The Wedgie, The Triple Vortex and Wiggle Bay for kids, and many, many more. It's the perfect way to escape the Queensland heat and have some fun in the water. Visit Dreamworld and WhiteWater World with a special 'World Pass' for discounted entry over 1, 3 or 7 days.

Address: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera QLD 4209

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Game Over

Game 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

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Paradise Country Farm

Paradise 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

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Shopping

Harbour Town Shopping Centre
Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre is on most tourists' bucket lists when they come to the Gold Coast. This outdoor shopping centre is home to outlets for Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Sheridan and so many other big-name brands offering low prices in clothing, accessories, homewares, beauty products and more. There are also a number of excellent restaurants, cafes, a cinema and plenty of places to stock up your holiday pantry.

Marine Village in the heart of Sanctuary Cove sits on the edge of the harbour and has many clothing boutiques selling holiday-friendly fashions, homewares as well as a theatre and several cafes and restaurants to choose from. 

Westfield Coomera is a modern shopping centre with everything you could possibly need during your stay. Browse the shops, watch a movie at Event Cinemas, play in the incredible outdoor playground and splash area, or enjoy a bite to eat and one of the tasty dining options, from fast food to fine dining. 

Most suburbs have their own shopping centres selling clothing to food and everything in between with services like Banks and Post Offices.

Northern Gold Coast Markets

If you like markets, then check out the Dreamworld Night Markets held every Friday and Saturday night from 5pm. There's a huge range of food trucks and live entertainment each week, plus free family-friendly movies in the Dreamworld Theatre!

There's also the monthly Art & Craft Markets in Paradise Point, held on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Esplanade North Park. Lastly, the Hope Island Marina Markets are worth a look with beautiful handmade wares along the waterfront at Hope Island Shopping Centre  - held on the third Sunday every month from 9am to 1pm. 

Dining 

Sanctuary Cove Marine Village is home to several quality restaurants and cafes with many sitting on the stunning waterfront. Two notable restaurants are Bistro 19 which is an oldy but a goody for a relaxed meal and on the other end of the spectrum, Red Steakhouse offers fine dining for food enthusiasts.

There are some great restaurants, fish and chip, bakeries, cafes and ice cream shops lining The Esplanade in Paradise Point. Local favourites include Bridges which offers excellent tapas-style food and cocktails, Cafe 7 for fresh eats and the award-winning Mano's Italian Restaurant and Bar. Head a little further north towards Salacia Waters for some great options like Tommy's Bar and Grill. 

Dining in Northern Gold Coast
Dining out Northern Gold Coast
Norther Gold Coast restaurants

The Galley which sits on the marina in Coomera embraces all things nautical and with views out to the mangroves, it's an idyllic spot for breakfast, lunch and a weekend dinner. Another great option on the water is Quarterdeck Kitchen and Bar, while Westfield Coomera has a fantastic range of dining options including The Bavarian, Nahm Thai, Burrito Bar, Beach House Bar & Grill, The Park and Kamikaze Teppanyaki.

Hope Island Tavern on Broadwater Ave is a child-friendly venue with kid's play areas, lounge and cocktail bars as well as indoor and outdoor dining. If you're after a hearty meal and a good time then go no further than the Runaway Bay Tavern, right next to the Runaway Bay Shopping Village.

Main Events

Sanctuary Cove Boat Show
The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is an annual 4-day event held in May at Sanctuary Cove. The show is a must for marine enthusiasts as it displays a wide selection of yachts, power cruisers, multihulls, kayaks, jetskis and all kinds of marine accessories. 

Warner Bros. Movie World hosts two annual events that are extremely popular - White Christmas and Fright Nights. Similarly, Dreamworld holds events throughout the year typically during school holiday periods, such as Halloween, Winterfest, Spring Country Fair and the Street Food Festival. 

A little further north at Jacobs Well is the popular Harrigan's Rod & Custom Show, a huge event showcasing an incredible array of classic cars, hot rods, Aussie muscle cars and more each October. There are food trucks and family-friendly entertainment for all to enjoy, all situated next to Harrigan's Drift Inn tavern. 

Nightlife

Hope Island Marina is a beautiful spot for al fresco dining and drinks with views over the water. The Boardwalk Tavern is located here and is a great spot for live music on the weekends.

Locals flock to the Dublin Docks Tavern located across the road from Harbour Town Shopping Centre. Stop in for a long lunch or a relaxing meal in the Bistro, you can bring the kids along too as there's an enclosed play area. Another Tavern offering great food and drinks in a relaxing environment is the Cove Tavern at Sanctuary Cove.

Topgolf is a great choice to keep a group entertained and is open until 10pm, 7 days a week. The large venue features a state-of-the-art driving range with multiple high-tech golf games (take your pick when you arrive), plus music, TVs, great food and a licenced bar serving cocktails and more.

Topgolf drinks
Topgolf
Nightlife in Northern Gold Coast

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast, Getty Images, Sanctuary Cove Resort, Hope Island Marina, Runaway Bay Marina, Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre

Northern Gold Coast Map

Things to do and seeOn the Gold Coast in Queensland

Theme Parks

Combo passes & packages

Free things to do

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cruises

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