The Gold Coast is an almost overwhelming source of fun, fabulous weather and flawless beaches. From thesouthofCoolangatta to the north of Main Beach, there’s fun to be found around every corner of “the Goldie,” as you’ll fondly hear the locals call it. Here are our top 10 picks for fun things to do at the G.C. the next timeyou’reintown…
1. Beach crawl anyone?
The Gold Coast answers a resounding YES. Along the 43 kilometres of the GC lies 10 beaches, each with its own unique seaside vibe. If you’re looking to dive right into the action of the party scene, Surfer’s Paradise has you covered with hundreds of beach-side bars and pumping night-clubs ready to keep the good times rolling. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed and less crowded, then Kirra and Currumbin beaches are just a short drive away from the centre of town, with plenty of shops and cafes along the beachfront to peruse at leisure. Other fan favourite destinations close to Surfer’s Paradise are Palm Beach, Broadbeach & Nobby’s Beach. The choices are endless.
2. Learn to Surf
Sun, sand and surf. Ever wanted to enjoy all three? Well now is the time and the Gold Coast is the place. There’s a reason they call the centre of town Surfer’s Paradise – the name well and truly speaks for itself. You can learn to surf at any of its many beaches, so the question isn’t where, but when. With private lessons starting at around $70, you’ll be up on the board and riding the waves in as little as two hours.
3. Take in incredible views from way, way up high
For an epic 360-degree view of the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Byron Bay and the Pacific Ocean, there’s no better place to see it than from the SkyPoint observation deck within the Q1 Tower in Surfer’s Paradise – Australia’s tallest skyscraper. But if for whatever reason that’s still not high enough, the Gold Coast also happens to be famous for its sky diving scene.
4. The Thrill-seeker’s triad
Orlando, Florida may be dubbed the theme park capital of the world, but the Gold Coast certainly comes in at a close second, with three major theme parks just a short trip away from Surfer’s Paradise. Get a theme park pass and take the short bus trip out to Movie World, Seaworld and Dreamworld.
5. Navigate your way through the Infinity Maze
Overwhelm your senses in a light-filled maze at Infinity, the Gold Coast’s favourite attraction that’s part fun-house, part dreamscape and part warehouse rave (though family-friendly, of course). With thousands of mirrors and lasers used to create a surreal adventure, you won’t want to miss this one.
6. Hit the beach, then the streets, and then home run it straight to the d-floor
Surfer’s Paradise may be a haven for beach goers, but it’s also host to some of Australia’s hottest and wildest nightlife. As the sun goes down and the music starts up, there are no shortage of nightclubs to move between. One of the more famous nightclubs and a great place to start if you’re a bit overwhelmed with choice is Elsewhere Bar andMelbas on the Park in Surfer’s Paradise.
7. Keep the good times rolling at Jupiter’s Casino
Dance your way from the clubs to the casino and keep the good times rolling at The Star, Queensland’s largest casino open 24/7. With live music, games, and its own nightclub (because let’s face it, you weren’t totally done dancing yet), the night doesn’t stop when you reach this glittering pyramid.
8. Shop the day away at Pacific Fair
“Pac Fair” as it’s locally known, is a shopper’s metropolis. The peach coloured indoor/outdoor shopping mall has no shortage of staple fashion brands and pop-up stores for every style and occasion. You can easily spend the whole day looking for that next outfit, getting pampered or getting a kitschy local gift for anyone back home.
9. Step outside the city centre and find fur-real fun in nature
Who doesn’t find a day at the zoo fun? Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has got all the aww’s, ooo’s and aah’s you’ve been searching for, with dozens of species of native wildlife, bird enclosure walkways and the opportunity to yes, hold a koala.
10. Unwind away from the city with a trip to the hinterlands
Just a short drive away, take a trip out to the Gold Coast’s magical, awe-inspiring hinterland. At Springbrook National Park you’ll find Twin Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Another favourite of ours is Lamington National Park, which boasts some of Australia’s most stunning untouched rainforest and natural wildlife.
The Gold Coast has an enviable nightlife, with beaches and retail therapy to boot. Pick up a hire car and make the most of the surrounding beauty at one of the sunny state’s greatest holiday destinations.
