The Gold Coast is a summer paradise. The sun shines most days of the year and the golden beaches stretch for miles making this place south of Brisbane a major holiday destination for Internationals and Australians alike. But the Gold Coast is more than just a surfers paradise (even though it does have that) it’s a place for everyone. Nature lover? Head to the Hinterlands. City Slicker? The place is a verified metropolis. Thrill Seeker? It’s Australia’s theme park capital. There's a reason everyone's heading to the Gold Coast, and if you can’t make up your mind on what to do, here are some experiences that must be on your Gold Coast bucket list
Try All of Australia’s Best Theme Parks
Image thanks to Movie World
While Australia is by no means on the bucket list of the avid theme park enthusiast, the Gold Coast has some of the best rides and good times that Australia has to offer. With four major parks, Dreamworld, Movieworld, Seaworld, Wet’n’Wild and White Water World it has some of the best rides in Australia for Thrill Seekers as well as rides for people who are looking for a calmer experience. Our recommendation is the DC Rivals Hypercoaster at Movieworld which is the fastest rollercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere.
For Movieworld, Seaworld and Wet’n’Wild you can get an all-inclusive pass to all three parks. Dreamworld also offers a similar offer, getting you into Dreamworld, White Water World and Skypoint.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Image thanks to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage listed zoological garden built all the way back in 1947. Since then they’ve been focused on wildlife conservation playing home to loads of local wildlife. They’ve got Koala’s, Crocodiles, Wombats, Bilbys, Echidnas and more!. They’ve even got Dingo’s so you don’t have to go to Fraser Island to see them (even though you should). Currumbin is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm and has loads of awesome educational animal shows through the day.
Take in the views of Gold Coast Hinterlands
Image thanks to Remote Traveller
Gold Coast Hinterlands is a nature lover's heaven. Located in the South East of Queensland it’s made up of beautiful spots including the Tweed Range, Nimmel Range, Tamborine Mountain, Numinbah Valley and eastern parts of the McPherson Range as well as parts of Springbrook and Binna Burra. Our recommendations are the Glowworm Cave and Tamborine Mountain.
The Glowworm Caves located in Tamborine Mountain are a great experience where you can check out a purpose built cave made to preserve thousands of these rare creatures. The rest of Tamborine Mountain is also great, it’s got a skywalk 30 meters above the ground so you can see the stunning nature without disturbing the unique wildlife. If you’re looking for some excitement there’s also the Treetop challenge which features a ropes course with 120 treetop activities as well as a Zipline tour that takes you across the stunning Cedar Creek Gorge.
If you don’t have the time to do all of the hinterlands but still want to see it you can also get a scenic flight from most places in the Gold Coast for some amazing views and great travel photos.
Visit the world’s best beaches
Image thanks to My QLD Holiday
The Gold Coast has loads of beaches, in fact great beaches stretch almost all the way down along the entirety of the Gold Coast. But there’s no quantity over quality here, the Gold Coast happens to have some of the best beaches in not just Australia but the World. If you’re looking for a tourist favourite, the aptly named Surfers Paradise is the place to go. It’s 3 kilometers of sun surf and sand that’s perfect for everyone (even people that can’t surf). If you plan on chilling out until sunset Surfers Paradise is also renowned for its wild nightlife with loads of massive clubs open all the way up to 5am.
Skypoint
Image thanks to SkyPoint
Like most cities the Gold Coast follows the trend of having a really tall building to see things from. The difference here is that the things you can see are amazing. Skypoint is a 322.5 metre high tower that looks over Surfers Paradise giving you 360 degree views of the beach. They also do climbs along the outside of the building if you’re looking for a bit more of a thrill to pair with those stunning ocean views.
The Golden Years
The Gold Coast really is an amazing place. It’s chill vibes matched with amazing wildlife, stunning golden beaches and some of Australia’s best tourist hotspots. No matter who you are or where you’re from the Gold Coast has something for you. So why not head down to this land in the sunshine state and cross some of these awesome experiences off your bucket list.
