Gold Coast’s Top Attractions: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the Gold Coast’s top attractions, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the region’s stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and exciting adventures.

 

Fancy 300 days of sunshine a year, 70km of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and some of the best theme parks in the world – all in one destination? Welcome to Gold Coast, the glittering jewel of Queensland, Australia!

 

As Australia’s 6th largest city, Gold Coast packs a punch with its dizzying array of attractions. Over 13 million visitors flock to its sun-soaked shores each year. And it’s no wonder – whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, foodie, or beach bum, this coastal paradise has something for everyone.

 

So grab your sunnies and get ready to dive into our ultimate gold coast travel guide. We’ve rounded up the top 10 must-see attractions, along with insider tips to help you make the most of your visit. Let’s go!

 

1. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at the Theme Parks

 

Gold Coast is the theme park capital of Australia, boasting some of the biggest and best parks in the Southern Hemisphere. Buckle up for heart-pumping rides, splash-tastic water slides, and all-round family fun at these top picks:

 

Warner Bros. Movie World

Step into the reel world of Hollywood blockbusters at this movie-themed wonderland. Brave the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, the longest, highest and fastest ride in the Southern Hemisphere. Meet your favourite stars and superheroes. Don’t miss the Star Parade!

 

Dreamworld Gold Coast

With over 40 rides and attractions across several themed lands, Dreamworld is Australia’s largest theme park. Highlights include the Tower of Terror II, Tiger Island, and the DreamWorks Experience. The park also houses WhiteWater World, perfect for beating the heat.

 

Sea World Gold Coast

Get up close with marine life while enjoying thrill rides and kid-friendly attractions. Feed the friendly dolphins, brave the Storm Coaster, and catch the Affinity Dolphin Presentation. For more aquatic adventures, check out Sea World Resort’s SpongeBob ParadePants parade!

 

Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast

Cool off at Queensland’s biggest water park, featuring some of the tallest and fastest water slides in Australia. Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss the Kamikaze or the Tornado. Little ones will love Wet’n’Wild Junior. Cabanas available for hire.

 

Insider Tip: Book tickets online for discounts. Consider a Multi-Park Pass to save money if visiting multiple parks. Park opening hours vary seasonally, so check ahead.

 

2. Relax on World-Class Beaches

 

Gold Coast is blessed with 57km of spectacular coastline and some of the best surf breaks in Australia. Here are our top picks for sun, sand and surf:

 

• Surfers Paradise: The glitzy heart of Gold Coast and a mecca for surfers, this bustling beach is perfect for people-watching, dining and shopping. Catch the G:Link tram from Broadbeach South to Surfers Paradise North station.

   

• Burleigh Heads: A laid-back, picturesque stretch with pine trees and a popular surf break. Explore Burleigh Head National Park and grab lunch at Rick Shores. Accessible by bus 700 from Broadbeach South station.

   

• Coolangatta: The southernmost suburb of Gold Coast, Coolangatta boasts a ruggedly beautiful beach and a historic town centre. Check out Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and Kirra. Catch the 700 bus from Broadbeach South to Tweed Mall.

   

• Main Beach: A quieter, upscale beach with calm waters ideal for swimming. The 2.8km Beachfront Trail is great for walking or cycling. Take the G:Link to Main Beach station.

Beach	Best For	Getting There
Surfers Paradise	Surfing, dining, people-watching	G:Link tram to Surfers Paradise North
Burleigh Heads	Nature, laid-back vibe	Bus 700 from Broadbeach South
Coolangatta	Rugged beauty, fewer crowds	Bus 700 from Broadbeach South to Tweed Mall
Main Beach	Swimming, scenic walks	G:Link tram to Main Beach

 

Insider Tip: Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Many beaches have BBQ facilities – perfect for an Aussie barbie! Bring sunscreen, hat and water.

 

3. Explore the Lush Hinterland

Take a break from the bustle of the coast and discover the serene beauty of Gold Coast Hinterland. This green wonderland beckons with ancient rainforests, thundering waterfalls, quaint villages, and sweeping mountain vistas. Some must-sees:

 

Tamborine Mountain

Located just 40 minutes from Surfers Paradise, this cool mountain retreat feels a world away. Stroll the Gallery Walk, chase waterfalls in the rainforest, sample local wines and cheeses. Don’t miss the famous Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk!

 

Springbrook National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Springbrook is a pristine oasis of subtropical rainforest, dotted with stunning waterfalls and lookouts. Must-sees include Natural Bridge, Best of All Lookout, and Purling Brook Falls. Join a guided rainforest walk to spot unique flora and fauna.

 

Lamington National Park

Home to 500+ waterfalls and 160km of hiking trails, Lamington is a bushwalker’s paradise. Check out the treetop canopy walk, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, and Morans Falls. Keep an eye out for colourful birds like the crimson rosella!

Insider Tip: Pack comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and a light raincoat. Guided tours are available, or self-drive and go at your own pace. Many lodges offer rainforest retreats for a unique stay.

 

4. Take the Plunge with Water Sports

 

With its warm waters and 300+ days of sunshine, Gold Coast is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Here are some top things to do in gold coast if you love aquatic adventures:

 

• Surfing: Ride the waves at the 10 plus famous surf breaks along the coast, including Snapper Rocks, Burleigh Heads, and Surfers Paradise. Take a surf lesson with Get Wet Surf School.

   

• Jet Boating: Get your heart racing on a 55-minute jet boat ride through the Gold Coast Broadwater. Paradise Jet Boating offers spins, slides, and other thrilling manoeuvres.

   

• Kayaking: Paddle through the calm blue waters and explore the scenic waterways. 1.5 hour guided kayak tours are available at Currumbin Creek.

   

• Scuba Diving: Discover the wonders beneath the waves at some of Queensland’s top dive sites. Scuba diving in gold coast is fantastic year-round, with visibility up to 30m. Popular spots include Nine Mile Reef, Kirra Reef, and Palm Beach Reef. Dive trips depart from Main Beach.

   

• Whale Watching: Marvel at the gentle giants of the deep from June to October, when thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coast. Whales in Paradise runs excellent half-day cruises from Surfers Paradise.

Insider Tip: Always check weather conditions and book with licensed operators. Bring sunscreen, hat, and water. Most operators provide equipment, but check ahead.

 

5. Shop Till You Drop

 

Gold Coast is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from chic boutiques to outlet bargains. Here are some top spots to indulge in some retail therapy:

 

• Pacific Fair: Queensland’s largest shopping centre, Pacific Fair boasts 400+ stores from luxury brands to high-street favourites. Open daily. Catch the G:Link to Broadbeach South station.

   

• Surfers Paradise: The vibrant heart of Gold Coast, Surfers is lined with shops, malls, and markets. Check out the beachfront Night Markets every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings.

   

• Robina Town Centre: Another retail heavyweight, Robina houses over 350 stores including Zara, Apple, and Target. Catch the train to Robina station.

   

• Harbour Town Outlet: Grab a bargain at Queensland’s largest outlet mall, with over 240 stores offering up to 70% off. Open daily. 14km north of Surfers Paradise.

Insider Tip: Many shops are open until 9pm on Thursdays. Check retailer websites for discounts. Link your credit card to your mobile wallet for convenient, contactless payments.

 

6. Dine Around the World

As Australia’s culinary capital, Gold Coast dishes up a smorgasbord of global flavours. From beachfront bistros to rooftop bars, the city’s dynamic dining scene has something for every palate and budget. Here are some local favourites:

 

• Hellenika, Nobby Beach: An award-winning Greek taverna dishing up authentic flavours in a chic setting. Try the saganaki cheese and chargrilled octopus.

   

• Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach: A sleek Japanese restaurant and bar known for its sashimi tacos, wagyu beef tataki, and yuzu cocktails. Open Wed-Sun.

   

• Bam Bam Bakehouse, Mermaid Beach: A local institution famous for its flaky, buttery croissants and top-notch coffee. Get there early – they sell like hot cakes!

   

• Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads: Perched right on the beach, Rick Shores serves up Pan-Asian fare with a view. The bug rolls and yellow curry are legendary.

Insider Tip: Many popular spots get booked out, so reserve ahead. Use restaurant review apps to check ratings. An international roaming plan from Airtel ensures reliable connectivity to find the best eats on the go.

 

7. Immerse in Local Arts & Culture

Beyond its sun-and-surf image, Gold Coast boasts a thriving arts and culture scene. Here are some top picks for a dose of local creativity:

 

• HOTA (Home of the Arts): Gold Coast’s premier cultural precinct, HOTA features an art gallery, theatres, cinemas, and a lively outdoor stage. Check out the Outdoor Program for free events.

   

• Miami Marketta: A vibrant night market showcasing local artisans, live music, and street food. Open Wed, Fri & Sat evenings. Entry is free.

   

  Experience More on the Gold Coast With Airtel

   

  The Gold Coast serves up excitement at every turn, from scuba diving spectacular reefs to getting your heart racing at Dreamworld Gold Coast. But to really experience everything this slice of paradise has to offer, you need to stay connected.

  That’s where an Airtel Postpaid international roaming plan comes in. With rock-solid coverage across the Gold Coast, you’ll never miss a beat. Use Google Maps to navigate to off-the-beaten-path gems. Book tours and experiences on the go. Share your sun-kissed selfies and make your friends at home wish they were here.

  So power up your Gold Coast travel with an Airtel international roaming pack. With adventure around every corner, you’ll want to stay connected for every minute of your Gold Coast Queensland getaway.

  Whatever your travel style or budget, the Gold Coast dishes up the perfect escape. From heart-racing thrills to beachfront chill, this lively slice of South Queensland has your dream holiday waiting. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Gold Coast getaway today!