The world knows the Gold Coast for its beautiful beaches, epic surf, thrilling theme parks and raging nightlife – and I can confirm, they don’t disappoint. I fondly recall travelling to Surfers Paradise for the Australian University Games in 2018 and enjoying four non-stop days of perfect waves, parties and poolside naps (between water polo matches, of course). But on my latest trip, I discovered a side of the Gold Coast that doesn’t involve sand or a night out – here’s what I found.
Broadbeach is well-known as one of the Gold Coast’s busiest tourist hubs, but I picked it as my base for convenience. Beyond its namesake beach, the area boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene that is rapidly growing. At the heart of it all is HOTA, Home of the Arts – one of Australia’s largest cultural precincts outside a capital city, featuring a 2,700-square-metre gallery, huge outdoor stage, 500-seat indoor theatre, rooftop bar and fine-dining restaurant.
My main motivation for visiting the Gold Coast was to explore Ken Done’s new landmark exhibition, exclusively on display at HOTA until February 2026. Showcasing his iconic works from the ’80s to today, Ken Done: No Rules was hands-down the most joyous exhibition I’ve ever seen and 100 per cent worth the trip.
And HOTA isn’t just a feast for the eyes. At Palette, the gallery’s fine-dining restaurant, I savoured a spectacular art-inspired menu based on Ken Done’s famous works. Think heirloom cauliflower with bush tomato paying homage to ‘Chinaman’s Beach and Kangaroo cooked three ways with Davidson plum and heritage beetroots mirroring ‘Butterfly Dreams I, II, III’.
The next day, I returned for the famous HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets, held every Sunday from 6am to 11.30am. I was told these markets are a true Gold Coast institution, proven by the number of locals shopping for farm-fresh produce and enjoying street food and smoothies by the lake. I left wishing this were my local market and highly recommend planning your Gold Coast trip so you're there on a Sunday.
All fueled up, it was time to escape the city for the Tamborine Mountains. Just an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise in the Gold Coast Hinterland, this scenic oasis is the absolute perfect day trip for rainforest walks, waterfall swims and wildlife spotting. We wandered along the main strip, dotted with charming cafés and quirky boutiques, before grabbing pastries from French boulangerie Franquette for a picnic at Cedar Creek Falls.
Since I visited on an incredibly hot Sunday, the waterfall was buzzing with travellers sunbaking on the rocks and cooling off in the rock pools. However, I didn’t stay long as I was keen to check out Australia’s first floating bathhouse, Sol Elements, which recently opened just down the road.
Perched on the lake’s edge, this sleek lakeside sanctuary is a world away from the bustling beaches on the Gold Coast. It’s complete with hot thermal pools, ice baths, a cedar wood sauna, botanical steam room, scrub suite, salt cave and an open-air fire pit where I completely lost sense of time and place.
If you’re considering a trip to the Gold Coast, I definitely recommend having your fun in the sun. But go beyond the beaches and explore its thriving arts scene, local markets and hinterland gems. I can't wait to come back and explore more of the hinterland region on my next trip!