Things to Do in Gold Coast | Surfers Paradise, Plus Top Spots for Wildlife

When it comes to unique and widely contrasting scenery, the Gold Coast is the place to experience it all. Things to do in Gold Coast vary from lounging on smooth, sandy beaches in Surfers Paradise to watching wildlife in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Travelers can experience the Gold Coast on a day trip from Brisbane, but adventurous sightseers should plan a longer holiday to explore all this suburban paradise has to offer. Create lasting memories in Gold Coast with our guide!

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is the vibrant heart of the Gold Coast, renowned for its stunning stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. This iconic beach is patrolled year-round, ensuring a safe environment for families and solo travelers alike. The bustling Esplanade that lines the beach is a hub of activity, featuring trendy bars, restaurants, and shops that cater to every taste and budget. From casual beachside snacks to gourmet meals, the dining options are plentiful and diverse. Surfers Paradise is also a hotspot for events and festivals, including the popular Sand Safari Arts Festival, which showcases incredible sand sculptures. The area is home to some of the Gold Coast’s top attractions, such as the SkyPoint Observation Deck and the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. For those looking to stay active, the beachfront offers volleyball courts, fitness equipment, and a scenic walking path. As the sun sets, Surfers Paradise transforms into a lively nightlife destination, with bars and clubs offering entertainment well into the night. With its combination of natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and vibrant atmosphere, Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of the Gold Coast.

Things to do in Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue

Cavill Avenue is the bustling heart of Surfers Paradise, offering a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options that cater to both tourists and locals. The avenue is lined with a variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to souvenir stores, providing a diverse range of products for all tastes and budgets. Unique to Cavill Avenue is its lively atmosphere, with street performers, live music, and regular events creating a dynamic and entertaining environment. For families, the avenue offers attractions such as Timezone, one of the largest indoor family entertainment centers in Australia, featuring arcade games, laser tag, and mini-golf. Dining options are plentiful, with a range of cafés, restaurants, and bars offering everything from casual meals to fine dining experiences. The avenue is also home to several nightclubs and bars, making it a popular spot for nightlife on the Gold Coast.

Beachfront Markets

Found along the Esplanade near the Surfers Paradise Sign at the end of Cavill Avenue, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the local culture and craftsmanship of the Gold Coast. Held every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evening from 4 to 9 p.m., the markets feature over 100 stalls offering a wide range of unique products, from handmade jewelry and art to organic skincare and gourmet treats. The beachfront location provides a picturesque backdrop, with the sound of the waves adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Family-friendly activities include live music and street performers, creating a lively and entertaining environment for visitors of all ages. For solo travelers, the markets offer a great opportunity to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts. Dining options are plentiful, with food stalls serving a variety of cuisines, including fresh seafood, international dishes, and classic Australian fare. The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are not just a shopping destination but a cultural experience, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the Gold Coast community.

SkyPoint Observation Deck

The Q1 building, the world’s tallest residential building, invites guests to zip to the 77th floor in one of the world’s fastest elevators to enjoy the 360-degree view and a cocktail at SkyPoint Observation Deck. At 230 meters above sea level, it is the highest point on the Gold Coast, providing breathtaking vistas of the coastline, hinterland, and cityscape. Unique to SkyPoint is the SkyPoint Climb, an outdoor adventure that allows thrill-seekers to scale the building’s exterior for an even more exhilarating experience. The observation deck itself features informative displays and interactive exhibits that highlight the region’s history and landmarks. For family-friendly activities, the deck offers a kid’s zone with educational games and activities. Dining options include the SkyPoint Bistro + Bar, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the stunning views. The deck also hosts special events, such as sunrise yoga sessions and themed parties, adding to its appeal.

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Sea World

Families will want to spend a day at one of the Gold Coast’s premier attractions, Sea World, located in the seaside suburb of Main Beach. This marine park offers a blend of thrilling water rides, captivating shows, and interactive animal encounters, making it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages. Unique to Sea World are its marine life exhibits, which include polar bears, dolphins, and sharks, providing an up-close look at these fascinating creatures. The park’s signature shows, such as the Dolphin Presentation and the Sea Lion Show, are both entertaining and educational, highlighting the importance of marine conservation. Visitors can also enjoy a penguin encounter and watch seals at mealtime. For thrill-seekers, Sea World offers a variety of rides, including the Storm Coaster and the Jet Rescue, ensuring an adrenaline-pumping experience. Family-friendly activities include the Castaway Bay interactive play area and Nickelodeon Land, featuring rides and attractions themed around popular children’s characters. Dining options within the park range from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes. While Sea World’s main draw is fun, the park also serves as a conservation and rescue center for local wildlife.

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a premier retail destination on the Gold Coast, offering a unique shopping experience with a blend of luxury brands, popular retailers, and dining options. The centre features over 400 stores, including high-end fashion boutiques, electronics shops, and specialty stores, ensuring a diverse range of products for all tastes and budgets. Unique to Pacific Fair is its open-air design, with lush gardens and water features creating a relaxing and enjoyable shopping environment. For families, the centre offers a dedicated kids’ play area and regular events, such as school holiday activities and live performances, providing entertainment for all ages. Dining options are abundant, with a variety of cafés, restaurants, and food courts offering everything from gourmet meals to quick snacks. The centre also features a state-of-the-art cinema complex, providing a perfect spot to catch the latest movies.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for animal lovers, offering a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Australia’s diverse wildlife. This nature park and wildlife hospital invites guests to watch feeding times for wild lorikeets and the park’s pet crocodile, providing an immersive and educational experience. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles, and features daily animal shows, Aboriginal dances, and cultural performances. Unique to Currumbin is the daily lorikeet feeding, where visitors can hand-feed these colorful birds, creating a memorable experience for both families and solo travelers. The sanctuary also offers a variety of animal encounters, such as holding a koala or walking with a dingo, allowing visitors to connect with the animals in a meaningful way. For those interested in conservation, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is located on-site, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the efforts to rehabilitate and release injured wildlife. The sanctuary features several dining options, including the Sanctuary Café and the Wild Burgers kiosk, providing a range of meals and snacks.

Can’t-miss activities at Currumbin Wildlife Sancturay

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is a vital part of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured and sick wildlife. Visitors to the hospital can gain a unique insight into the efforts to conserve Australia’s native animals, with opportunities to observe the veterinary team at work through viewing windows. The hospital treats thousands of animals each year, including koalas, birds, and reptiles, making it one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world.

Lost Valley

Lost Valley is a unique attraction within the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, offering visitors a journey through a lush, immersive environment that replicates the ancient Gondwana rainforest. The exhibit is home to a variety of exotic animals, including lemurs, red pandas, and capybaras, providing a rare opportunity to see these species up close. The walk-through aviary is a highlight, featuring free-flying birds and butterflies that add to the enchanting atmosphere. For families, Lost Valley offers interactive experiences, such as feeding the friendly lorikeets and participating in guided tours that provide fascinating insights into the animals and their habitats.

Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offer visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic and exotic animals. These unique experiences include holding a koala, feeding kangaroos, and walking with dingoes, providing unforgettable memories for both families and solo travelers. The sanctuary also offers encounters with exotic species, such as lemurs and red pandas, allowing visitors to learn about these fascinating animals and their conservation. Each encounter is guided by knowledgeable staff who provide insights into the animals’ behaviors, habitats, and the efforts to protect them. For those interested in photography, the sanctuary offers professional photo opportunities with the animals, ensuring a lasting memento of the visit.

Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World is one of the most visited theme parks in Australia, guaranteeing a day of thrilling rides and epic entertainment. Guests to the park will have all-day access to a variety of rides, including the adrenaline-pumping DC Rivals HyperCoaster, the family-friendly Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, the Road Runner Rollercoaster, and the Superman Escape. Be sure to check out the live-action stunt shows, such as the Hollywood Stunt Driver, which showcase incredible feats and special effects. Visitors can also expect to run into their favorite DC Comics characters throughout the day, with meet-and-greet opportunities featuring Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Looney Tunes gang, providing plenty of photo opportunities. The afternoon parade is a fun way to catch all the characters in one place at the same time. The park also hosts seasonal events, such as Fright Nights and White Christmas, adding to the excitement. Dining options within Movie World include themed restaurants and food stalls, offering a range of cuisines from classic American fare to international dishes.

Dreamworld

Dreamworld is Australia’s largest theme park, offering a diverse range of attractions that cater to thrill-seekers, families, and solo travelers alike. The park features a variety of rides, including the adrenaline-pumping Tower of Terror II and the family-friendly DreamWorks Experience, which brings popular animated characters to life. Unique to Dreamworld is the Tiger Island exhibit, where visitors can watch Bengal and Sumatran tigers in action and learn about conservation efforts. For those interested in wildlife, the park also offers the Dreamworld Corroboree, an interactive experience that showcases Australian animals and Aboriginal culture. Family-friendly activities include the ABC Kids World, featuring rides and attractions based on beloved children’s shows. Dining options within the park range from casual eateries to themed restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes. Dreamworld also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Winterfest and Happy Halloween, adding to the excitement.

Coolangatta

Coolangatta is a scenic southern suburb of the Gold Coast, loved for its incredible beaches, unbeatable waves, and landmark viewpoint, Snapper Rocks. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant local culture, Coolangatta is home to annual surf competitions and four stunning beaches: Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta Beach, Flagstaff Beach, and Kirra Beach, all renowned for their excellent surfing conditions and breathtaking views. For families, these beaches offer safe swimming areas, picnic spots, and playgrounds, ensuring a fun day out for all ages. Unique to Coolangatta is the annual Cooly Rocks On festival, a celebration of 1950s and 1960s music, cars, and culture, featuring live performances, vintage car displays, and street parades. Other can’t-miss attractions include the Point Danger Lighthouse, the Captain Cook Memorial, and Kirra Hill Lookout. The town also hosts regular markets, such as the Coolangatta Art and Craft Market, where visitors can browse a variety of handmade goods and local produce. Dining options in Coolangatta are plentiful, with a range of cafés, restaurants, and bars offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine.

Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is a natural wonder on the Gold Coast, offering visitors a chance to explore lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, providing a unique and pristine environment for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking along the extensive network of trails, such as the Border Track and the Tree Top Walk, which offer breathtaking views and opportunities to spot native birds and animals. For families, the park offers guided tours and educational programs that highlight the importance of rainforest conservation and the unique biodiversity of the region. Unique to Lamington is the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, which offers accommodation, dining, and a range of eco-friendly activities, including bird watching and glow worm tours. Dining options within the park include the O’Reilly’s Mountain Café and the Lamington Teahouse, offering a range of meals and snacks.

Burleigh Heads Beach

Burleigh Heads Beach is a picturesque destination on the Gold Coast, known for its stunning scenery, excellent surf conditions, and relaxed atmosphere. The beach is a favorite among surfers, offering consistent waves and a variety of breaks suitable for all skill levels. For families, the beach provides safe swimming areas, picnic spots, and playgrounds, ensuring a fun day out for all ages. Unique to Burleigh Heads is the Burleigh Head National Park, which offers scenic walking trails with breathtaking views of the coastline and opportunities to spot native wildlife. The park’s Oceanview Walk is particularly popular, providing a leisurely stroll with stunning vistas. Dining options in Burleigh Heads are plentiful, with a range of cafés, restaurants, and bars offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. The area also hosts regular events, such as the Burleigh Markets and the Swell Sculpture Festival, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

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