It’s like being a kid in a candy store, but for the whole family (mum and dad included). The Gold Coast is a destination that has something for everyone. From the natural beauty of the beaches and rainforest to the bustling shopping and nightlife, the Gold Coast will be sure to delight, surprise and entertain you at every turn.
At DQ, we’ve scoured the sites and come up with the ultimate top five list of things to do on the Gold Coast. While they may not be unique or surprise you, they are the staples of an amazing holiday, and they’re popular for a reason!
1. Visit the beaches
This is a must for anyone visiting the Gold Coast. They are spectacular. However, while most Gold Coast beaches are great for a dip, conditions can vary on a daily basis making even the most popular beaches prone to rips, gutters and currents.
For safe swimming, Gold Coast City Council ensures 26 Gold Coast beaches are patrolled year round and 42 Gold Coast beaches during Queensland school holidays and New South Wales school holidays.
Due to their location and geographical features, certain beaches are known to be better for swimming. In general, the calmer swimming beaches are found at the southern end of the Gold Coast and across the border into NSW.
Popular swimming beaches on the Gold Coast, Tweed and northern NSW coasts include:
* Burleigh Heads beach - the main flagged section consistently offers good conditions and can be bay-like on calm days
* Bilinga, Tugun, Kirra - found of the southern end of the Gold Coast, these beaches are generally ideal for swimmers
* Greenmount and Rainbow Bay - these north-facing beaches are sheltered making them ideal for swimming and body-surfing
* Currumbin - gentle surf and rock pools
* Salt at Kingscliff – smaller and fewer people
* Hastings Point and Pottsville - inlets are ideal for families. Canoe hire and kayak hire is also available on site at Hastings Point, for enthusiast to paddle up the creek that feeds on to the beach.
2. Visit the theme parks
Ok, so here’s the lowdown – choose at will!
Dream World – with so many worlds in one it’s an action packed adventure for the whole family, not to mention Australia’s largest theme park!
Sea World – Dancing dolphins, playful polar bears, and stunning sharks are all on show at Gold Coast Sea World on The Spit.
White Water World – Slide in for the ride of your life at the Gold Coast’s coolest water park, White Water World! Just a hop, skip and a splash from Dream World, combining adrenaline pumping thrills with family style fun in the ultimate Aussie beach paradise. It’s water like you’ve never experienced before!
Warner Bros Movie World - is perfect for families with a cross-section of ages. The Hollywood themes give the park a glitz and glamour buzz, and the daily parade down Main Street features all your cartoon and movie heroes.
The Australian Outback Spectacular - highlights Australian tradition, culture and music through an extravagant lighting, sound and special effects show. It’s a one of a kind!
Wet ‘n Wild - offers a day of thrills and spills, the Gold Coast’s pioneer water park has the best of the aquatic action under the warmth of the Queensland sun.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - is a haven for more than 1400 animals and birds and is still a favourite with locals and visitors three decades after its inception – lorikeet feeding time is a must!
3. Visit the Hinterland
Within 30 minutes beyond the bustling coastal strip lies the Gold Coast hinterland where the city gives way to farmland, vineyards, quaint villages, sprawling National Parks and rainforest reserves.
The Hinterland is a change of pace where the variety of attractions allows visitors to be as active - hiking, horse riding, hot air ballooning & champagne breakfast, 4WD tours, hang gliding and abseiling, quaffing local wines, browsing handmade art and crafts, perusing market stalls, and soaking up the natural scenery.
Tambourine Mountain
Tree Tops Walk – O’Reilly’s
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Numinbah Valley
Lamington National Park
Springbrook National Park
4. Sample some shopping
For the seasoned shopper, the Goldie offers some stunning options when it comes to grabbing something gorgeous.
Check out this list of top spots for great shopping experiences.
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Harbour Town
Burleigh Art and Craft Markets
Paradise Centre
Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Robina Town Centre
Coolangatta Art and Craft Markets
Carrara Markets
Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre
Surfers Paradise Town Centre
Gold Coast Fishermens Co-operative Limited
Runaway Bay Shopping Village
Australia Fair Shopping Centre
Art and Craft on the Coast Pty Ltd
Marina Mirage
Westfield Helensvale
Our favourites are the Harbour Town and Marina Mirage!
5. Enjoy the entertainment and nightlife
Where do we start? It depends what you like. Are you into having a flutter at the casino, would you prefer a romantic dinner out, or do you want to see the club and bar scene? The options are endless! Great restaurants include Seduction in Soul, Benihana in the Marriott, the Four Winds revolving restaurant in the Crown Plaza, Moo Moo Bar and Grill, Cha Cha Japanese dining, and many more. While getting out and about can start anywhere from Shooters, Vanity, Sin City or Club Liv to Stingray at QT, Fix in the Hilton and Melbas. Give DQ a call for tailored information on your night out and the best accommodation so your toes don’t go blue getting in and out!
Let DQ show you and your family a fabulous, unforgettable experience on the Gold Coast. With so much to do, you’ll be flat out finding some time to ‘do nothing’.
Call us on 1300 788 553 and check out our latest Hot Deals.