Things to do in Gold Coast

Best Things to do in Gold Coast

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Gold Coast? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 204 activities in Gold Coast, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 1106, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Gold Coast in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your Essential Guide to Things to Do in Gold Coast

About Gold Coast

Gold Coast is where golden beaches meet rainforest mountains, giving you a destination that feels both laid-back and full of energy. You can spend mornings by the ocean, afternoons exploring hinterland trails, and evenings with city lights on the water. The variety of things to do in Gold Coast keeps every day feeling different.

Some of the most loved Gold Coast Australia tourist attractions include Surfers Paradise Beach, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Each offers a different flavour of the region, whether it’s waves, wildlife, or wide skyline views.

What makes the city special is the balance. You can slow down on a quiet coastal walk, or dive headfirst into theme parks and nightlife. However you plan it, there are always enough things to do in Gold Coast to keep you moving between calm escapes and high-energy adventures.

Unique Experiences

45-Minute High-Speed Jet Boat Thrill Ride

You can slice across the Broadwater on a jet boat that does spins and power slides. It’s one of the most pulse-racing things to do in Gold Coast, perfect when you want action in a short burst.

• Where: Surfers Paradise, Australia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,400 per person
• Timing: About 45 minutes; it starts at 10:30 AM
• When to Visit: Year-round, and warm months make it especially fun

Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)

You can paddle out to Wave Break Island, snorkel with fish, and watch for dolphins and stingrays. This is one of the best things to do in Gold Coast on a budget when you want vivid ocean time without splurging.

• Where: Gold Coast, Australia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,200 per person
• Timing: About 2 hours 30 minutes, with departures in the morning and midday
• When to Visit: October to April when seas are calm and visibility is best

Whale Watching Tour

You can head out into the open and meet humpback whales migrating past, complete with expert insights. It’s one of the most moving family things to do Gold Coast, blending nature with learning.

• Where: Marina Mirage 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Gold Coast
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,100 per person
• Timing: Around 2 hours 50 minutes; slots available at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM
• When to Visit: June to November, when whale migration season peaks

Top Attractions

Surfers Paradise Beach

You can step straight onto golden sand backed by city towers, where waves roll in and the promenade stays lively. It’s one of the most iconic Gold Coast tourist attractions and easily among the must-do things to do in Gold Coast.

• Where: Surfers Paradise, central Gold Coast
• Pricing: Free
• Timing: Open all day, though lifeguard-patrolled hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• When to Visit: November to March for summer energy, or April to May for quieter walks

Burleigh Heads National Park

You can wander trails through rainforest, spot dolphins from the headland, or sit quietly at the ocean lookout. It’s one of the Gold Coast tourist attractions free and balances greenery with coastline views.

• Where: Burleigh Heads, southern Gold Coast
• Pricing: Free
• Timing: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
• When to Visit: March to June for mild walking weather, or September for spring blooms

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

You can feed kangaroos, see koalas, and watch Aboriginal performances in a bushland setting. It’s one of those Things to do in Gold Coast that feels local and family-friendly.

• Where: Currumbin, southern Gold Coast
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,800 per person
• Timing: Daily, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round, with mornings best for animal activity

SkyPoint Observation Deck

You can ride up for panoramic views of city, sea, and hinterland, all laid out beneath you. For many, it’s one of the most breathtaking things to do in Gold Coast at any time of day.

• Where: Surfers Paradise
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,500 per person
• Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• When to Visit: Clear-sky days year-round for long views, or evenings for city lights

Sightseeing Tours

Springbrook Waterfalls & Natural Bridge Tour (Half-Day)

You can escape the coast on a misty trek into World Heritage rainforests, walk beneath waterfalls, and discover glow caves illuminated by nature’s own show. It’s one of the most charming Gold Coast tourist attractions on land.

• Where: Aquaduck Corner of Cavill Ave &, Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,000 per person
• Timing: About 5 hours; starts at 8:45 AM
• When to Visit: Autumn and spring (March to May, September to November) for cooler trails and softer light

Explore Mt Tamborine from Gold Coast

You can rise above rainforest canopies on a treetop walk, explore boutique arts along Gallery Walk, and sample local treats with a light group vibe. It’s one of the most uplifting offbeat things to do in Gold Coast when you’re after scenic views and artisan flair.

• Where: Gold Coast, Australia
• Pricing: It starts from INR 13,000 per person
• Timing: About 8 hours, tour starts at 8:30 AM
• When to Visit: Spring and October to November, when the forest feels fresh and flowers are blooming

Day Trips

Springbrook National Park & Glow Worm Cave Hike

You can layer yourself up for this forest-filled escape, walk beneath rainforests, see waterfalls, step through a glow worm cave, and pause at the Natural Bridge. It’s one of the most pristine Things to do in Gold Coast, perfect when you want nature’s quiet power in a day.

• Where: 222 Margaret St, Brisbane City
• Pricing: It starts from INR 10,500 per person
• Timing: About 8 hours 45 minutes; starts at 7:45 AM
• When to Visit: Autumn through early spring (March to September) for clearer skies and cooler hikes

Chill Out at Byron Bay from Gold Coast

You can trade surf for sleepy shops, stroll the easterly edge of Australia at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, or dip in calm beaches. It’s an easy, beautiful escape and one of the most grounded Things to do in Gold Coast, and another option if you’re looking for things to do in Gold Coast on a budget.

• Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,400 per person
• Timing: Around 8 hours 30 minutes; starts at around 8:30 AM
• When to Visit: Year-round, with clearer air in spring and autumn for beach walks

Boat Tours

Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Day Cruise

You can head offshore, swim around shipwrecks full of marine life, and ride the waves with wild dolphins. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Gold Coast if you love water, wildlife, and freedom.

• Where: Brisbane Skytower By Cllix 222 Margaret Street
• Pricing: It starts from INR 14,000 per person
• Timing: About 8 hours; slots available at 8:40 AM and 9:30 AM
• When to Visit: All year, though calm seas and clear skies from September to April enhance the experience

Small Boat Whale Watching Adventure Tour

You can climb aboard a small boat and get as close to whales as safely possible, with fewer crowds. It’s one of the more immersive things to do in Gold Coast when you want a personal connection with wildlife.

• Where: 95 Marine Parade, Southport
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,400 per person
• Timing: Around 3 hours; slots available at 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM
• When to Visit: June through November for calm seas and clear skies

Getting Around

Getting around the Gold Coast is straightforward, and each option adds its own flavour to the trip.

• Walking: Some of the best things to do in Gold Coast like Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads are easy to explore on foot.
• Cycling: A great way to get around while exploring, perfect if you want to go beyond the main Gold Coast tourist attractions and take in more of the coast at your own pace.
• Light rail and buses: Public transport makes it simple to move between beaches, shopping areas, and nearby suburbs. It’s handy if you want to cover a few different things to do in Gold Coast in one day without worrying about parking.
• Car rentals: Good for flexibility when exploring the hinterland or planning a string of activities further out.
• Ferries and boats: Beyond tours, they add a scenic touch to short transfers and make everyday travel feel like part of the holiday.

Traveller Tips

• You can plan mornings for beaches or theme parks and leave evenings for city lights.
• You can carry sunscreen and hats, as the sun feels strong even on cloudy days. Comfort helps when you’re lining up outdoor activities across long stretches of the coast.
• You can set aside at least one day for the hinterland. Forest trails and waterfalls make a refreshing change, and they easily rank among the best things to do in Gold Coast.
• You can keep some cash handy for markets and small cafés.
• You can try visiting during the shoulder months (April–May or September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.