Things to do in Gold Coast

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All about Gold Coast

When to visit

Clocking up more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the Gold Coast is an excellent beach destination year-round. Avoid the peak summer months of December through February if you don’t like crowds, as well as “Schoolies week” at the end of November when students hijack the local nightlife scene. Instead, time your visit for spring or fall when the weather is ideal for water sports, Hinterland hikes, and coastal sightseeing, or come between June and October for the whale watching season.

Getting around

The Gold Coast’s towns are well-connected by public transport, with regular G:link trams running between Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach. Trains also connect to Brisbane Airport, but to reach the Southern Gold Coast or the Hinterland, you’ll need to take a bus. Download the TransLink app to plan your trip, or make the most of the fresh air and walk or bike along the 22-mile (36-kilometer) Gold Coast Oceanway promenade instead.

Traveler tips

The Gold Coast doesn’t only have ocean beaches—join locals along Currumbin Creek to fish, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, then cool off at the Cougal Cascades swimming hole.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gold Coast famous for?

The Gold Coast is famous for its long, developed beaches, top surfing spots at Surfers Paradise, shopping centers, nightlife, restaurants, and amusement parks. Popular parks include Dreamworld, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild. Inland from the coast are the Tamborine and Lamington national parks, with popular hiking trails, viewpoints, waterfalls, and wildlife.

How many days do you need on the Gold Coast?

Spend a minimum of three days on the Gold Coast to enjoy the beaches, amusement parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and shopping and dining. With five to seven days, you can get out into the neighboring national parks for hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife spotting.

What is there to do on the Gold Coast aside from theme parks?

While the Gold Coast is famous for its amusement parks, there’s more to do. Swim or surf at the beaches, drink and dine at some of Queensland’s finest bars and restaurants, meet wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or get active and hike in the nearby Tamborine or Lamington national parks.

What can you do for free on the Gold Coast?

It doesn’t cost anything to experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches and natural areas. Try swimming and lounging on the beach, checking out the flora at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, soaking in the Currumbin Rock Pools, and hiking in one or more national parks, including Lamington or Springbrook.

Where should I go for a day trip on the Gold Coast?

With just one day to spend on the Gold Coast, head for a beach. Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads are all good options. Surfers will want to check out aptly named Surfers Paradise, while hikers will enjoy the trails at Burleigh Head National Park.

Is the Gold Coast worth visiting?

Yes. The Gold Coast is worth visiting whatever your interests and preferences. Family travelers enjoy the amusement parks and wildlife attractions, lovers of the outdoors take advantage of the many surrounding national parks, and other independent travelers revel in the nightlife, shopping, dining, and multitude of beaches.

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