The Gold Coast is a destination we keep coming back to, and for good reason. With stunning beaches, world-class surf breaks, vibrant nightlife, and lush hinterland, there’s something for everyone in this coastal paradise. This ultimate guide will take you through all of the best things to do in the Gold Coast.
How long to visit The Gold Coast
We think that 5 days is the perfect amount of time to experience everything that the Gold Coast has to offer. This will give you enough time to see the stunning beaches as well as visit the hinterland and different national parks to go chase waterfalls.
Best time to visit The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast boasts an average of 300 sunny days a year, making it a great destination to visit year-round. Summer (December - February) can get particularly hot and humid, with a higher chance of rainfall, making the best time to visit the Gold Coast between May and October. During this period, the weather is a little cooler, but still ideal for enjoying sunny days by the beach and long hikes through the rainforest.
Best Things To Do In The Gold Coast
Best beaches in The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is home to some of Australia’s most stunning beaches. Whether you’re chasing epic surf breaks, calm turquoise waters, or breathtaking coastal scenery, there will be an ideal beach waiting for you. These are some of our favourite beaches on the Gold Coast.
Snapper Rocks
This iconic beach on the Gold Coast is one of the best for surfers. The world famous surf break, epic waves, and tropical blue water is what makes this beach so popular.
Rainbow Bay Beach
Rainbow Beach is one of our favourites on the Gold Coast. With dreamy views from the lookout and calm sheltered waters, this beach is a must visit.
Greenmount Beach
This beach is one bay over from Rainbow Bay and is much quieter than the other beaches. Greenmount Beach is a picturesque spot with gentle waves, great for beginner surfers and those looking to soak up the sun.
Currumbin Beach
Known for its unique rock formation and relaxing surf, this laid-back beach is a local favourite. The rock is great for photo opportunities, especially at sunset with the view of the city in the background.
Tallebudgera Creek and Beach
The idyllic Tallebudgera Creek is perfect for swimming amongst the crystal clear water. It's also calm and protected, making it ideal for escaping the winds and rough ocean swell. Along the creek you'll also find plenty of spots for a picnic.
Burleigh Head
One of the best things to do on the Gold Coast is to watch the sunset from Burleigh Head. The beach is close to plenty of cafes and restaurants that are all within walking distance, making it the ideal spot for a day out. Additionally, Burleigh Head is backed by a lush national park with a scenic coastal walk connecting to Tallebudgera Creek.
Doug Jennings Park
We stumbled across a gem at Doug Jennings Park by accident as we were exploring the northern beaches. There is a breathtaking sandbank surrounded by turquoise waters located at the end of the picnic area. This peaceful spot is perfect for a seaside picnic.
Main Beach
This beach is located right in the hustle and bustle of Gold Coast city, but we like to come here at sunset. Sunset is the perfect time to take a photo underneath the palm trees located just outside the Sheraton Resort. The sunset glow over the ocean and tall city skyscrapers right behind create a very unique feeling.
Best Things To Do in The Gold Coast Hinterland
Purling Brook Falls - Springbrook National Park
Purling Brook Falls is roughly a 60 minute drive from the Gold Coast. It's one of the most popular waterfalls in the area so it can get quite busy, especially on weekends. The 4km return hike will take about 2 hours but we promise it's worth it! The waterfall itself is massive and the walk through the lush rainforest is so beautiful. Once you reach the bottom, you'll be surrounded by countless palm trees and boulders, ready for you to explore.
Twin Falls - Springbrook National Park
Twin Falls is just a short 5 minute drive away from Purling Brook. We didn't have any expectations, but it quickly became one of our favourite stops. It's not as high, but we love that you can walk behind the falls and experience a curtain of water flowing in front of you. Twin Falls is also a 4km return hike which will take you another 2 hours roughly.
Elabana Falls - Lamington National Park
Elabana Falls is in Lamington National Park and involves a 2.5 hour return hike through the dense rainforest. You'll be rewarded at the end with a magical view of the cascading waterfall. Start the hike from the Border Track just past O'Reilly's Guesthouse and follow the signs for Elabana Falls. The track actually continues on as a circuit but if you just want to see the falls, you can head back the way you came.
Morans Falls - Lamington National Park
Arguably the most magical view and one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast. Morans Falls is our favourite place to watch the sunset, and trust us, you'll want to visit this viewpoint at sunset! There's a short 15-20 minute walk directly from O'Reilly's Resort to the top of Morans Falls. The view is breathtaking and the sunset colours compliment the waterfall and distant mountain ranges so well.
Witches Falls Winery
This winery in Tamborine Mountain has an incredibly relaxing atmosphere with a large open courtyard amongst the vineyards. There's plenty of spots to choose from outside where you can do the wine tasting or grab yourself a charcuterie board. The wines are delicious and we definitely recommend trying a few while you're there.
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a unique way to experience the rainforest. The entire walking trail is 1.5 kms and it will guide you through the canopy, and around the forest floor along the crystal clear creeks. One of the best views is from the end of the cantilever bridge that sits 30 metres high, giving you an incredible view overlooking the palm trees and rainforest.
Caves Track Binna Burra
This track will take you along winding paths beside large cliff faces and caves. It's one of the most unique hikes we've done in the region. The track can be walked from either the Binna Burra lower day-use area or the entrance close to Binna Burra Lodge. To reach the caves, it's quicker to walk from the lower day use area, right beside the Lamington National Park info centre.
Lower Ballanjui Falls Track
Ballanjui Falls is one of the lesser hiked waterfalls in the area but was one of the most diverse. It's a little challenging as the 11km return hike will take roughly 4 hours to complete. You'll come across various viewpoints before making your way down into the jungle. The landscape below the jungle canopy was so magical. Hundreds of lush, tall palm trees and crystal clear creeks flowing next to the track is what makes this hike so special. At the end, you'll be rewarded with an amazing view of Ballanjui Falls and a small swimming hole.
Dine At The Best Cafe's and Restaurants in The Gold Coast
Custard Canteen
The perfect stop for brunch after or before a swim at Tullebudgera Creek. This place is a must visit to try their famous Portuguese tarts. It's also a great place to grab coffee and relax by the beach.
Tarte Bakery & Cafe In Burleigh
This bakery serves up some next level pastries and loaded bagels that are to die for. After walking past and seeing the large selection of freshly baked goods, and the amount of people sitting outside, we had to try this place for ourselves. Safe to say it did not disappoint.
The Tropic at Burleigh Pavilion
The Tropic is one of the most iconic restaurants on the Gold Coast. With uninterrupted ocean views looking back over Surfers Paradise, this is the ideal spot to enjoy a mid-day cocktail while soaking up the warm sun. Heading to The Tropic on a summers day is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast.
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar is a great place for dinner. This popular Asian fusion restaurant serves delicious meals jam packed with flavour.
Kirra Beach House
Kirra Beach House is another stunning restaurant with amazing coastal views. Located above the iconic Kirra Beach, this Mediterranean-inspired eatery serves up coastal vibes, refreshing cocktails, and fresh seafood.
The Collective Palm Beach
With 4 restaurants under one roof, The Collective in Palm Beach is a great place if you can't decide what to eat or want to go out with a large group of friends. They have everything including burgers, pizza, asian cuisine, ice cream, and a bar for some tasty cocktails.
La Luna Beach Club
La Luna is more on the luxurious side and is a Mediterranean inspired beach club with an on-site restaurant. It's the goto place for a slice of European summer on the Gold Coast. Here you can enjoy poolside dining, Mediterranean flavours, and plenty of drinks in the sun.
Best Places To Stay in The Gold Coast
Tessa's on the beach
Tessa's on the Beach is a very cute retro boutique hotel that is right along Bilinga Beach. They also have free bikes that guests can use to cycle along the scenic beachfront walkway.
Dorsett Gold Coast Hotel Broadbeach
The Dorsett is stylish and modern stay in the heart of Broadbeach, just steps away from The Star Casino, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and some of the Gold Coast’s best dining spots. It's one of our favourite places to stay when we want to be close to dinner options and nightlife.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is right in the heart of Lamington National Park. This eco-retreat has some of the most breathtaking rainforest views from one of the best infinity pools on the Gold Coast. Unwinding at the retreat and checking out the various trails from the accommodation is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast. One of our all time favourites is visiting Morans Falls at sunset.
The Tamborine
The Tamborine is a cute boutique stay in the heart of Tamborine Mountain. It's perfect for a relaxing escape with wineries and nature trails nearby. Their pool is such a dreamy place to cool down and the view of the mountains at sunset is stunning.
The Cheshire Cat Motel
Cheshire Cat Motel is a dreamy motel that has been converted into such a vibe and is a great budget option. There are plenty of cafes close by, as well as the beautiful Palm Beach, all within walking distance.
Binna Burra Lodge
Binna Burra is a cosy mountain lodge that also has unique tiny home options overlooking the incredible mountain range. This is the ideal place to base yourself if you're looking to check out a few of the hikes in Lamington National Park.
Check Out The Best Views in The Gold Coast
Elephant rock viewpoint
Elephant Rock viewpoint is a great place to watch the sunset over Currumbin Beach and the iconic rock. You can reach the viewpoint by taking a short set of steps behind the surf life-saving club.
North Burleigh lookout (Little Burleigh)
North Burleigh lookout is another favourite spot to watch the sunset on the Gold Coast. The unique city skyline of Surfers Paradise in the distance, covered by a soft golden glow, creates a truly magical evening.
SkyPoint observation deck
Located at the top of the Q1 building in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the observation deck is the best place to take in 360-degree views of the Gold Coast. Tickets cost roughly $30 per person and you can buy them online here. For those more adventurous, you can also climb to the very top of the Q1 building which is Australia's highest external building climb.
Unique Experiences in The Gold Coast
Hot air ballooning
There's no better way to start your morning than above the clouds watching sunrise over the hinterland. We've done the hot air balloon experience at Canungra twice and it's been magical every time. This experience is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast and we definitely recommend it, even if it means waking up at 3.30am. You can book a tour with Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast here.
Whale watching cruise
Kokomo Cruises is one of the best operators for whale watching. The boat is modern and they only take small group sizes, making the tour feel a lot more special and immersive. We were lucky enough to experience a pod of whales breaching just metres from the boat. You'll be able to see whales playing, splashing their massive tales on the surface and getting up close to the boat. It really is a magical experience and definitely one of the best things to do in Gold Coast if you get the chance. The whale watching tour leaves from Marina Mirage and takes 2.5 hours.
Picnic with alpacas at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
Head to the O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards for a tasty picnic hamper which you can take anywhere on the property. There are plenty of spots by the creek to enjoy your wine tasting and picnic lunch. While you're there, be sure to visit the Mountview Alpaca Farm and grab yourself an alpaca. You can take them for a walk around the property and take some cute selfies. They can be stubborn when walking sometimes, but a little food will persuade them to follow you.
Make the Most of Your Gold Coast Getaway
With some of the best beaches in Australia and lush hinterland where you'll find countless waterfalls, there are endless things to do on the Gold Coast. We hope this ultimate Gold Coast guide has given you a taste of all the things to do in this beautiful region. Happy travels!
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