Tiana Templeman

With its world-famous golden sands and laid-back holiday vibe, the Gold Coast is a favourite destination for those seeking a relaxed seaside escape. However, this iconic Queensland holiday spot offers far more than just a chill day at the beach.  Packed with vibrant local markets, adrenaline-pumping theme parks, rich Indigenous heritage and a thriving live music scene, there are endless Gold Coast attractions to add to your travel itinerary. Our Editor, Melissa Woodley, particularly loves the food and drink scene, and reckons a day trip to the naturally beautiful Gold Coast hinterland offers a welcome chance of pace. Pack your swimsuit and your sense of adventure – here are the best things to do on the Gold Coast right now. Editor's favourite things to do in the Gold Coast: 🎨 Best for art & culture: HOTA, Home of the Arts 😎 Best for relaxation: Soak Bathhouse – Mermaid Beach 🌳 Best for nature: Burleigh Head National Park 🎢 Best theme park: Dreamworld 🌊 Best beach: Rainbow Bay 🌮 The best restaurants on the Gold Coast☕️ The best cafés on the Gold Coast🌊 The best hotels on the Gold Coast

The Sunshine Coast truly does have it all – sparkling beaches, peaceful national parks, exhilarating adventures and delicious dining. This tourist haven in Queensland stretches from the super-chill beach town of Caloundra through the resorts and national parks of Noosa, all the way up to the postcard-perfect Great Sandy National Park.  Adventurous travellers flock here to swim in the wild with humpback whales and hike in fairytale forests – but there’s no need to work up a sweat if you’re here to wind down. You can also go on a golden hour cruise with Saltwater Eco Tours, hunt for treasures at the mega Eumundi Markets or float away your worries at Tank Bathhouse. Dive into our guide on the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast right now. ☀️ The best things to do in Noosa🍹 The best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast🌴 Australia's top beach towns

Markets on the Gold Coast are some of Queensland’s best—and most unusual. Experience the fun of the Social Markets at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club, complete with barefoot bowls. Shop by the sea at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets or head to Miami Marketta for outdoor dining, colourful stalls and talented local musicians. Whether you’re after a cane toad purse, designer fashion, antiques or original artworks, you’re sure to find it at one of these markets, a must on our list of things to do on the Gold Coast.

Take a tour of the boutique Burleigh Brewery Co. with a brewmaster to learn the tricks of the trade and drink beers with the guy who created them. You’ll sample four of their most popular beers, like the signature slow-brewed Burleigh Beer. Tours run at 4pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.