Gold Coast Australia Main Attractions
Hello! Welcome to the Gold Coast Australia and the sunshine state of Queensland!
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I guarantee you will find real information on this website and I promise no endless lists of accommodation!
You'll find hints and tips from my own experiences and those of my family and friends who visit or live here. I've lived in and around Gold Coast since 2004. I'm here to help.
Use this website to get all the information you need to plan your perfect Gold Coast holiday, or simply click here to get planning cheat sheets, tips & tools to make it easier!
AND, to make it super easy here are our main booking partners for hotels and for tours, tickets, theme parks and activities with all the latest deals & up-to-date information.
Things To See, Do & Experience in Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast is famous for its theme parks, but there are many other attractions for tourists and visitors.
There are a range of activites on land, in water or by air, from gentle to extreme and for the nature lovers and the luxury seekers.
About the only thing you cannot do in the Gold Coast (yet) is snow ski!
So, read on to discover many of the things you can see, do and experience whilst on the Gold Coast...
If you are still in the process of planning your Gold Coast getaway, don't forget to check out my planning cheat sheets, tips & tools to help step you through planning out the things to do, where to stay and when to visit.
Join the conversation or just check us out...
Superman Rollercoaster
What are Gold Coast Australia main attractions?
Whilst the Gold Coast is famous for its theme parks, there are in fact many other attractions for tourists.
In helping many people plan out their itineraries over years, I have found that most don't realise when they start planning what is possible.
I encourage you to look at the options and activities. You'll find them below, split out into categories - Man-made Fun, Natural Fun and Night-time Fun.
Take a little time to do some research and planning, You will find there is so much more to see and do in the Gold Coast. You don't want to kick yourself that you missed out!
If you haven't already got your planning cheat sheets, they are really helpful at this part of your holiday planning. You'll find extra resources, tips and planning sheets to help put your whole itinerary together. So what are you waiting for....
Questions & Answers
Do you have a question about attractions in Gold Coast?
First, check the already asked questions and their answers.
If you don't find what you are looking for, you can then ask your own question by filling in the form and submitting your question.
I look forward to helping you.
Cheers
Favourite Gold Coast Attractions
Here's my list of favourite Gold Coast attractions in order!
- The beaches in Gold Coast
- The weather
- The natural beauties including the native animials, whales, rainforests and national parks
- All of the man-made FUN stuff!
Top picks for Gold Coast Australia main attractions, activities and things you can do here.
Gold Coast activities can be booked now for a set date, sometimes there is an opportunity to change the dates but check when booking. You can also organise gift vouchers too.
Some activities are good to do even on rainy days in the Gold Coast. If you want some ideas check out the Rainy Day Activity guide.
Natural Stuff with some Man-Made FUN!
Beaches & Ocean
- Surfing and learn to surf
- Kite surfing
- Kayaking Tours
- Windsurfing
- Jet Skiing
- Family beach fun
- Swimming between the flags
- Gold Coast Cruises includng to South Straddie
- Whale watching
- Gold Coast Beaches
Islands, Broadwater, Canals and River systems
- Water Sport Options On Gold Coast
- Calm water sightseeing
- Lunch cruises
- Jet skiing
- Parasailing
- Extreme Jet boating
- Kayaking
- Snorkelling
- Scuba Diving
- South Stradbroke Island
- Tall Ship Cruises
- Tangalooma - Day Trip
Australian Animals, Scenery and Plants
- Lamington National Park
- Springbrook National Park
- Mount Tamborine
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tropical Fruit World
- David Fleay Wildlife Park
- O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
- Paradise Country - Aussie Farm Tour
- Australia Zoo - Day Tour
- Wineries
- Tangalooma Wrecks and wildlife
- Elephant Rock
- Currumbin Rock Pools
- Melaleuca Station
- Witches Falls
- Natural Bridge
- Purlingbrook Falls
Totally Man-Made and lots of FUN!
Theme Parks
- Dreamworld & WhiteWater World
- Sea World
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- Wet 'n' Wild Water World
Family Fun
- Games arcades - Timezone in Centro Surfers Paradise
- Crazy Golf (Putt-putt golf) - King Tutts Putt Putt in Surfers, and Putt Putt Golf at Mermaid Beach
- High Ropes Activities and Challenges
- Tree Top Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gold Coast Wax Museum in Surfers Paradise
- Ten Pin Bowling
- Circle on Cavill
- SkyPoint Q1 Observation Deck Renamed SkyPoint Observation Deck in late 2010 formerly QDeck
- SkyPoint Climb - SkyPoint Climb is a must-do for those looking for extreme experiences! One of Gold Coast Australia main attractions the SkyPoint Climb is Australia's highest external building climb over 270m up in the air! Takes about 90 minutes. Must like heights as you will be on top of the Gold Coast icon Q1 and the views will be awesome!
- Infinity
- Timezone
- Planet Chill in Surfers Paradise - Ice skating
- Segway Tours
- Laser Skirmish
- Cinemas
- Indoor Children's Playgrounds
Adrenalin Junky and Extreme Activities
- High Ropes
- Gold Coast Scenic Sea Planes and Flights
- Sea World Helicopters Tours
- Hot Air Ballooning over Gold Coast
- Bungee Rocket
- Flycoaster
- Vomatron
- Sling Shot
- Game Over Karting & Indoor Entertainment Centre - Indoor Electric Go Karts, Climbing, Laser Tag and kids cars
V8 Race Car Drive or Ride Experiences - Jet Boating
- Jet Skiing
- The Driving Centre Performance Driving Experience
- Dick Johnson Racing Complex
Golf Courses
Shopping & Markets
- Shopping Guide - full guide to shopping on the Gold Coast
- Australia Fair - in Southport
- Pacific Fair - in Broadbeach
- Harbour Town - our famous outlet shopping centre
- Marina Mirage - boutique international and local designers, cafes and restaurants in Main Beach
- Robina Town Centre - in Robina
- Westfield Helensvale - in Helensvale
- Carrara Markets - open on Saturdays and Sundays, it's a local institution.
- Ferry Road Markets - where the locals go to get fine produce in Southport.
- Surfers Paradise Beachfront Night Markets - every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening.
- Gold Coast Markets - there are many other markets in Gold Coast, check them all out.
Night-time Activities and Fun
Night Time Entertainment
The Star Gold Coast Shows
Formerly Conrad Jupiters Hotel and Casino
The shows, concerts and visiting artists change regularly.
- Draculas Caberet Dinner & Show Dracula’s Cabaret on the Gold Coast Tickets: Dracula's Caberet Dinner and Show buy online now.
- Australian Outback Spectacular
- Gold Coast Arts Centre
- Twin Towns Club
- Club Banora
- Surfers Paradise Beachfront Night Markets - every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening.
- Cinemas
- SkyPoint Q1 Observation Deck Renamed SkyPoint Observation Deck in late 2010 formerly QDeck
- SkyPoint Climb - SkyPoint Climb is a must-do for those looking for extreme experiences! One of Gold Coast Australia main attractions the SkyPoint Climb is Australia's highest external building climb over 270m up in the air! Takes about 90 minutes. Must like heights as you will be on top of the Gold Coast icon Q1 and the views will be awesome!
- Infinity
- Timezone
- Planet Chill in Surfers Paradise - Ice skating
- Skirmish
- Games arcades - Timezone in Centro Surfers Paradise
- Crazy Golf (Putt-putt golf) - King Tutts Putt Putt in Surfers, and Putt Putt Golf at Mermaid Beach
10 pin bowling - Gold Coast Wax Museum in Surfers Paradise
- Dinner cruises
- Glow Worm Caves
- Revolving Restaurant Dinner
Latest Australian Outback Spectacular Show & Deals
Dinner & Show Options For Gold Coast
Australian Outback Spectacular and Dinner & Show Options.
Gold Coast Australia Main Attractions Transfers
Getting around the Gold Coast can be easy if you plan ahead. You can hire a car or use one of the other attraction transfer options.
If you choose to use the commercial attraction transfers you have don't have the stress of trying to find each location, but you don't have quite the flexibility.
What To Do If The Weather Isn't Great?
There are many activities you can do on or around the Gold Coast. Occassionally, we do have a rainy day or two!
That definitely doesn't mean the fun stops!
In fact there is still loads to see and do! My rainy day guide covers some of the Gold Coast Australia main attractions that are suitable for rainy days.
As well as the usual indoor activities there are even some hints and tips on how to enjoy some of the other Gold Coast activities and attractions when the weather isn't so great.
To Book Ahead Or Not?
If you want to remain flexible, you can book your tours or activities when you arrive. However, if you want to keep to a plan and a budget it can be a great idea to book in advance so you lock in your spot on a tour which can be very handy especially in peak periods.
Using a local Gold Coast booking service ensures that you are dealing with the real tour operators and I find the information is kept up to date more effectively. I cannot tell you how much rubbish I read about the Gold Coast, I swear some people haven't set foot in Australia let alone been on the Gold Coast.
To get the most out of your Gold Coast experience book all your Gold Coast Australia main attractions, tours, activities, theme park tickets and transfers in one spot.
Your Questions & Stories
Ask A Question Or Tell Us About Something You Have Done On the Gold Coast
Ask a question about activities or itineraries for you Gold Coast holiday. I will try to answer it or point you in the right direction!
Or tell us a story about one of the activities or attractions you have been to on the Gold Coast.
What Other Visitors Have Asked or Written About
Click below to see questions and stories from other visitors about Gold Coast attractions, activities and itineraries.
Itinerary For 4 Full Days In Gold Coast 
Looking for assistance with itinerary for 4 full days in Gold Coast
My family will be visiting Gold Coast but we don't intend to …
Australian Outback Spectacular Special Deal
Australian Outback Spectacular
Previous shows include, A Tribute to Phar Lap - Hero To a Nation & Legends Of The High Country . The latest …
Night Activities for Families
What are the best night activities for families in Gold Coast?
I will be spending 4 nights in Gold Coast with 2 kids (11 and 13 yrs). I'll be bringing …
Surfing and Other Things To Do In the Gold Coast
I'm interested in surfing and other things to do in the Gold Coast.
I'm a novice surfer and I would like to visit Australia in December.
Is the Gold …
Currumbin Sanctuary or Paradise Country Farm Not rated yet
Hi Annie,
My family (2 adults & 1 child, 5 yrs old) is going to Brisbane & Goldcoast next week.
If we only have 1 day to visit either Currumbin Sanctuary …
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I did a fantastic bike ride tour on the weekend, I can't believe it's not listed on your site!
It was with Bunyip Bike Tours - we started at Macintosh …
Planning a 6 Day 5 Night Tour To Gold Coast Not rated yet
Planning a 6 Day 5 Night Tour To Gold Coast
My family are trying to plan a 6D5N tour to Gold Coast. There are 5 adults around 50 years old.
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Which Zoo to Visit Not rated yet
Which zoo to visit near Gold Coast?
I have 4 full days to spare with my own transport. I intend to visit a Zoo. Which is the best option?
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Visiting Steve Irwin Zoo in Australia Not rated yet
Visiting Steve Irwin Zoo in Australia
My husband and I are coming to Australia for the first time to celebrate my retirement from elementary education …
Jelly fish at Tangalooma Not rated yet
Jelly Fish at Tangalooma
I would like to visit Tangalooma for several days.
Do I have to worry about a stinger season?
We don't have a …
Have You Been On Wheel Of Surfers Paradise Not rated yet
Have you been on Wheel Of Surfers Paradise yet?
Update
The Wheel of Surfers Paradise is no longer in operation. The nearest wheel The Wheel …
How To Get From Jupiters in Broadbeach To Harbourtown outlet shopping Not rated yet
How To Get From Jupiters in Broadbeach To Harbourtown outlet shopping?
There are several different ways to get from Broadbeach to Harbourtown …
What About Shopping On Gold Coast Not rated yet
What about shopping on the Gold Coast?
Nanya
Hi Nanya, there is definitely shopping on the Gold Coast - from your every day shopping in supermarkets …
Guided Snorkel Tours In Gold Coast Not rated yet
What guided tours are there in Gold Coast. We want to discover the area, see Australian animals and do some snorkelling.
Let's deal with snorkelling …
Gold Coast Local Information
Booking.com
You'll find lots of photographs, descriptions and information to help you dream up your perfect Gold Coast Holiday.
Why not start with all that the Gold Coast has to offer.
After many years of planning trips with my family both locally and overseas, I've created many resources to help you through creating an itinerary and plan that will have you seeing, doing and experiencing the best the Gold Coast has to offer you.
You can do it yourself using the resources on this website by starting here.
Or you can cut some corners and get my travel planning sheets and extra resources.
When you are ready to book your Gold Coast travel arrangements I've hand picked the best resources for all aspects of your travel itinerary. You can feel confident that you are accessing the best local and global travel providers for your holiday.