The 22 best things to do on the Gold Coast

What is it? A world-class fine art gallery spread across six levels, including a 1,000-square-metre special exhibition space for touring shows, a children's activity zone, and four permanent exhibition floors showing an entertaining and vibrant selection of Australian contemporary art.

Why go? The multi-coloured high-rise building is fun to navigate, offering various views to enjoy as you climb the stairs. The art is equally captivating, with strong collections in 1970s abstraction, ceramics (through the International Gold Coast Ceramic Art Award), photography (through the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award) and Indigenous art. Naturally, there is a strain of art inspired by the Gold Coast itself. 

Time Out tip: HOTA Gallery isn't just a feast for the eyes. It's also home to Palette – one of the Gold Coast’s top fine-dining restaurants, plating up exceptional art-inspired set menus. 

Address: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

What is it? Located just minutes from the shores of Mermaid Beach, this is the Gold Coast’s ultimate recovery destination. Inside, you’ll find hot and cold therapy pools, a dry cedar sauna and a steam room, with massage and LED facials available.

Why go? When you need a break from the salt and surf – or you're simply looking to unwind without the sand – Soak Bathhouse is your best bet. Hidden just off the highway, this self-care sanctuary is a calming oasis for both the mind and body. You can float from the two huge, warm magnesium pools (34 degrees) to the hot spa (38 degrees), before braving the cold plunge pool. Follow your soak with a session in the traditional dry cedar sauna or steam room, or book in for a private massage or LED facial. You’re worth it!

Time Out tip: Early-bird soaks start at a super affordable $39, available daily from 6.30am to 9.30am.

Address: Pacific Square, Shop 20, 2532/2540 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

What is it? An ocean-facing natural headland featuring two scenic walking tracks through rainforest, mangroves, rocky foreshore and sand. 

Why go? Stretch your legs on the leisurely and flat 1.2-kilometre Oceanview Track, which winds around the rocky headland, connecting Burleigh Head with Echo Beach and Tallebudgera Creek. For a bit more adventure, tackle the 2.3-kilometre Rainforest Circuit. This route rewards you with a climb to the 88-metre summit at Tumgun Lookout, where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching towards Snapper Rocks. 

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for humpback whales during winter and spring.

Address: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

What is it? A buzzing Sunday farmers’ and artisan market, offering seasonal produce, tasty street food and boutique goods.

Why go? Locals flock to these vibrant outdoor markets at HOTA for farm-fresh produce, but they’re just as popular with travellers after a delicious bite. Wake up with a chocolate coconut water cold brew from Awaken Coffee Co or a ceremonial-grade matcha from Tao Brew. Then tuck into a crispy okonomiyaki wrap, fluffy Korean egg toastie, pillowy bulgogi beef bao buns or a refreshing acai bowl while lounging on the grass by the lake, accompanied by local buskers. Grab some sweet treats and fresh fruit for the road home.

Time Out tip: Arrive early. The car park fills up fast and is especially busy between 9am and 10.30am.

Address: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

What is it? At 270 metres above street level, this is one of Australia's highest external building walks and begins on level 77 of Surfers Paradise’s Q1 building. 

Why go? Trust us, it’s worth facing your fears and swapping the beach for the clouds on a twilight climb. Upon reaching level 77 and stepping out onto the SkyPoint Observation Deck, you'll get to admire stunning 360-degree views of the Gold Coast region, including its golden beaches, city skyline and lush green hinterland. 

Time Out tip: Don't go for a boozy lunch before your climb! If your blood alcohol level is over 0.05 per cent, you won’t be allowed to summit (yep, just like the road rules).

Address: Q1 Building, Level 77/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

What is it? Take to the seas on an intimate excursion aboard Sun Sailing's comfortable 38-foot yacht. Husband and wife team, Catherine and Grant (plus their canine companion, Wilson), offer morning, midday, afternoon and sunset tours for up to ten guests, with bites and bevs included.

Why go? Soak up the sunshine and feel the breeze in your hair as you cruise along the beautiful Gold Coast waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for playful bottlenose dolphins dancing in the crystal-clear waters as you enjoy breakfast on board or sparkling wine and snacks at sunset.  

Time Out tip: If you need to shake off your sea legs post-cruise, drive a little further up the road to Doug Jennings Park. Here, you can walk along the 700-metre path beside the Gold Coast Seaway, taking in views stretching all the way over the ocean to South Stradbroke Island.

Address: Pick up from Seaworld Drive Boat Ramp, Muriel Henchman Dr, Main Beach

What is it? A day trip to explore Queensland’s oldest national park in the picturesque Gold Coast hinterland.

Why? Just an easy 40-minute drive from the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine feels like a world away. Stroll the charming main street lined with cosy cafés and art-filled galleries, then head into Tamborine National Park for sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, scenic short hikes and stunning waterfall lookouts.

Time Out tip: Stop by Cedar Creek Falls for a swim in the park's only natural swimming hole, grab a pastry from Franquette boulangerie, and soar high above the canopies on the leisurely 1.5-kilometre Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.

Address: Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine

What is it? A home for native Australian animals – big, small, thriving and endangered – offering exciting daily talks and shows, behind-the-scenes tours and adorable animal encounters. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to one of the world’s busiest wildlife hospitals, caring for more than 12,000 animals per year.

Why go? Make friends with koalas, echidnas, capybaras, reptiles and more at the Gold Coast’s top wildlife sanctuary. Plan your adventure around the free experiences, including rainbow lorikeet feeding and free-flight bird shows. 

Time Out tip: Treat the kids to an extra special day out by slotting in breakfast with the koalas, a farmyard encounter or a twilight tour featuring traditional bush tea.

Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin

What is it? The largest theme park on the Gold Coast (and that’s really saying something), home to a dizzying variety of rides, as well as live performances, interactive shows and animal attractions. 

Why go? Adrenaline addicts can put their tonsils to the test on scream-worthy rides like The Giant Drop, the world’s tallest vertical free-fall tower ride. If terror isn’t your drug of choice, there are plenty of rides with a lower fear factor, like the Rocky Hollow Log Ride, plus 11 rides dedicated to smaller children, including the Bananas in Pyjamas Maze and the Dorothy’s Rosy Tea Cup Ride.

Time Out tip: If you’re planning to visit WhiteWater World too (conveniently located just next door), we recommend getting a combo ticket that scores you entry to both. 

Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

What is it? Forget Surfers Paradise. The Gold Coast boasts more than 35 beaches spread across 70 kilometres of coastline, offering plenty of secluded spots to watch the sun go down.

Why go? While the Gold Coast’s beaches are beautiful during the day, we think they’re even more magical at golden hour. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds at Main Beach or Surfers Paradise, try the equally majestic Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads or Rainbow Bay. Pack a towel and a picnic, and watch as the sky paints the water in vibrant hues of orange, yellow and pink.

Time Out tip: More of an early riser? Head to The Spit, Snapper Rocks and Elephant Rock for the best sunrise views.

Address: Around the Gold Coast

What is it? Australia’s first ‘floating’ elemental bathhouse, submerged in subtropical rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Why go? Just a 50-minute drive from the city, Sol Elements is the place to go for true rest and relaxation. The tranquil bathhouse draws inspiration from the four elements – earth, air, fire and water – and features hot thermal pools, ice baths, a cedar wood sauna, botanical steam room, scrub suite, salt cave and an open-air fire pit that descends below a lake. We love that it’s completely phone-free – because total relaxation should be the only thing on your schedule.

Time Out tip: For a more exclusive experience, Sol offers two private suites – one of which is dog-friendly. Each suite boasts a thermal mineral bath on its own private balcony, an infrared sauna, ice bath, botanical scrubs and panoramic views of the glistening lake.

Address: Tamborine Mountain Rd & Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain

What is it? The Gold Coast's only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre, located at the foot of Burleigh Head National Park. Their Indigenous guides run walkabout tours in the national park.

Why go? Connect with the Gold Coast’s rich Indigenous culture on an engaging two-hour walking tour around the 'Dreaming Mountain', Jellurgal. As you wander along the 1.2-kilometre beachside rainforest walkway, you'll hear Dreamtime stories about the creation of Jellurgal and learn facts about bush tucker, fishing, hunting and the traditional sites used by the Yugambeh people.

Time Out tip: The Cultural Centre is free to explore and features an art gallery, gift shop, coffee station and an insightful boardwalk display that shares the stories and traditions of the Yugambeh-speaking people.

Address: 1711 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

What is it? The Gold Coast’s most iconic snack typically features beer-battered Moreton Bay bug, sandwiched between a soft milk bun with gem lettuce, mayo, lemon and herbs. 

Why go? You'll be hard-pressed to find a waterfront diner on the Gold Coast that doesn't serve these pint-sized bug rolls. The celebrated Rick Shores in Burleigh serves up arguably the city's most famous version – a golden brioche bun loaded with fried Moreton Bay bug, Sriracha mayonnaise and crisp gem lettuce.

Time Out tip: Australia's first floating beach club, La Luna, offers its own twist on the bug roll with sweet and sour sauce, while Broadbeach's glamorous bar and grill, Kōst, serves it with its mysterious "signature sauce".

Address: Burleigh Pavilion, 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

What is it? An award-winning surf school on the Gold Coast.

Why go? The Gold Coast is famous for surfing, so you would be crazy not to try it at least once. It’s a fun atmosphere as everyone practices their surf moves on the beach before the instructors charge into the water with the class to help everyone learn how to hang ten. Get Wet runs surf classes for adults, kids and families, along with multi-day programs for those who want to become pro fast! Wetsuit on.

Time Out tip: Experienced surfers are spoilt for choice with ripper surf beaches on the Gold Coast. Top spots to catch a wave include Snapper Rocks, Burleigh Heads, Kirra Beach, Currumbin and Surfers Paradise (did the name give the last one away?).

Address: Doug Jennings Park, 507 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

What is it? Australia’s biggest movie-themed amusement park, with superhero rides, daily parades, live stunt shows, and character meet-and-greets.

Why go? If you’ve ever wished you could step through the big screen and into the thrills and spills of your favourite action movie, a trip to Warner Bros Movie World might just be the closest thing. Inspired by the cinematic adventures of the eponymous film studio, this theme park is packed with white-knuckle attractions, just as you might expect from a theme park, but also a roving troop of live performers bringing beloved film characters – including Batman, Catwoman and the Joker – to interactive life. Both live-action and animated filmmaking underpin every adrenaline-filled, edge-of-your-seat experience in the park, from the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster to the Hollywood Stunt Driver show.

Time Out tip: Thinking of visiting SeaWorld and Wet’n’Wild? You can get a combo ticket for triple the fun and save big bucks. 

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

What is it? A self-drive boating adventure along the famous Gold Coast waterways with Duffy Down Under. Each boat seats up to ten people, and you can BYO food and drinks.

Why go? Ever wanted to be the captain of your own boat? Gather your gang and book one of these fun self-drive electric boats. You’ll have up to five hours to cruise along the calm Gold Coast waterways (don’t worry, they’ll recommend a route), while playing tunes and enjoying BYO snacks and drinks.

Time Out tip: Prefer to sit back and relax? Duffy Down Under also offers skippered cruises, which are pretty much just your “own limousine on the water”.

Address: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

What is it? Bam Bam Bakehouse captures the maximalist, fun-loving nature of the Gold Coast in the form of baked goods. 

Why go? Sitting a block back from the crashing waves of Mermaid Beach, the popular bakery and café is all about rich flavours in fun vessels, like their popular, positively oozing Nutella cruffins. Traditionalists won’t be disappointed here, though, with to-die-for almond croissants that they also sell in bake-at-home form. Don’t leave without ordering their luxurious salted caramel eclair, which you can order at the counter or pre-order a giant eclair that feeds six people.

Time Out tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends, as it gets busy! We think it's worth the wait, though.

Address: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

What is it? The biggest and most popular water park in Australia, open daily with huge slides, tube drops and a massive wave pool.

Why go? Unlike other water parks, Wet’n’Wild is accessible year-round, even during the winter months – courtesy of Queensland’s famously mild climate. It has water play areas perfect for little kids with slides so extreme that even the bravest of thrill seekers would be wise to pack a second pair of trunks. But don't worry if you prefer your dips a little more relaxing. Between its four pools, 17 slides and two dedicated children’s areas, visitors of every age are well-catered for at Wet'n'Wild.

Time Out tip: Every summer evening at 5.30pm, Wet’n’Wild’s Giant Wave Pool transforms into an open-air cinema for Dive’n’Movies – screening blockbuster hits on the big screen.  You can float in a tube, relax in a comfy deck chair or reserve a private cabana.

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

What is it? A live music venue and hawker-style street food market in the Gold Coast suburb of Miami, with seating for 500 people.

Why go? Transport yourself to the bustling back streets of Thailand, Barcelona or New York City with a visit to this neon-lit open-air night market. The free live music line-up showcases homegrown talents and is just as impressive as the street food line-up, where you'll find food from Japan and Korea to Greece and Spain.

Time Out tip: Miami Marketta hosts heaps of cool events, including everything from live gigs and life drawing to drag bingo, open mic nights and vintage markets. You can check out what's on here.

Address: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

What is it? A vast, tropical-inspired shopping centre in Broadbeach, complete with 400 stores, a flagship fashion strip, alfresco dining and an Event Cinemas.

Why go? When you’ve had enough sun for the day, escape to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre for some cool retail therapy. This mecca has pretty much every big department store – think Myer, David Jones, Kmart and Target – plus plenty of high-end boutiques like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Shopping is hungry work, so you can refuel at one of the alfresco eateries or rest your legs in the tropical Resort area featuring sunbeds and water features. The Visitors Lounge is another great spot to freshen up with chilled water, free WiFi and restrooms.

Time Out tip: Pacific Fair runs free shuttles, with pick-up from 9am to 4pm daily. You can check the timetable here. 

Address: 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters

What is it? Cruise along the coast by renting an e-bike from Beach Bikes, with free delivery and pickup anywhere on the Gold Coast.

Why go? The Gold Coast is surprisingly cycle-friendly, boasting more than 2,400 kilometres of bike paths and cycleways. Our top pick is the scenic 36-kilometre Gold Coast Oceanway, stretching from Point Danger (Coolangatta) to the Spit (Main Beach). Feel the wind in your hair as you ride past iconic beaches, including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, stopping for swims and snacks along the way.

Time Out tip: For those after a different type of adventure, Beach Bikes also offers mountain bikes, beach cruisers, tagalongs and tandem bikes.

Address: Free delivery