What to do in Gold Coast

Activities, attractions and tours

A beach with a city skyline in the background.
A city skyline at sunset with numerous high-rise buildings across a body of water.
A river with boats, a bridge, and a town with houses and greenery.
A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense green forest.
A lifeguard tower at sunset by the sea.

Places to Visit in Gold Coast

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Gold Coast, Queensland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Gold Coast attractions from , making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Gold Coast tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Gold Coast. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World combines all the fun of a trip to the movies with the excitement of a theme park, packed with thrilling rides, daredevil stunts and larger than life characters. The park is right next door to the Village Roadshow Studios and contains a giant water tank which is regularly used for film shoots.
Learn more
A green roller coaster with passengers.

2. Surfers Paradise Beach

The enterprising hotelier Jim Cavill, who built the first hotel on the coastal settlement of Elston in 1925, would barely recognise the place now, but his foresight in lobbying for the town to change its name to the more publicity-friendly Surfers Paradise has really paid dividends. Today this popular resort between Broadbeach and Main Beach is one of the hotspots of the Gold Coast, with a wide range of accommodation, great shopping and plenty of nightlife to keep the crowds coming back for more.
Learn more
A coastal city with a long beach, high-rise buildings, and a river.

3. Cavill Avenue

find fun and entertainment along the way.
Learn more
A tram with a sign indicating directions to Cavill Avenue, Cavill Mall, Beach, and Ferry Cruise Terminal.

4. Dreamworld

Dreamworld, Australia’s largest amusement park, gathers together some of the country’s biggest attractions in one location. Whether you love to live dangerously on adrenalin-fuelled rides or prefer a quieter time making friends with the local wildlife, this vast theme park will keep you and your family happily entertained all day.
Learn more
A theme park with a roller coaster, a large tree sculpture, and various rides.

5. Sea World

The Gold Coast runs along a beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline, and a great way to find out what’s going on beneath its shimmering surface is to book a stay at the Sea World Resort & Water Park. Here you can watch penguins duck and dive, feed graceful stingrays and make friends with polar bears, before hopping on a rollercoaster to hurtle through rock pools and caves at up to 75 kilometres per hour.
Learn more
A pirate-themed boat ride with passengers, a large pool, and a tropical backdrop.

6. Coolangatta Beach

Coolangatta, at the southern end of the Gold Coast, tends to be quieter than its more commercial neighbour, Surfers Paradise. For this reason it’s especially popular with walkers, swimmers, families and lovers of the great outdoors.
Learn more
A beach with people, a lifeguard flag, and buildings in the background.

Recommended things to do in Gold Coast

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Gold Coast


Stay near popular Gold Coast attractions

Our guide on where to stay in Gold Coast

Find the best Gold Coast areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Gold Coast
Learn more about Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Beach and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Oasis or The Star Gold Coast while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Coolangatta

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Coolangatta. Make a stop by Kirra Beach or Coolangatta Beach while you're exploring the area.

Southport

Beaches, spas and theme parks are some highlights of Southport. Make a stop by Gold Coast Aquatic Centre or Australia Fair Shopping Centre while you're exploring.

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Gold Coast

Frequently asked questions

Is Gold Coast worth visiting?
Known for its surfing and cafes, discovering awesome things to do in Gold Coast is simple. Don't forget to add Surfers Paradise Beach to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Gold Coast?
After you've visited leading attractions like Surfers Paradise Beach and Slingshot, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Gold Coast.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gold Coast?
Surfers Paradise Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Gold Coast and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Gold Coast?
Three days in Gold Coast is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers spend three days on average. Surfers Paradise Beach, Broadbeach Beach and Dracula's Cabaret are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Tweed Heads.
Is Gold Coast a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Gold Coast is a good destination to experience on foot. Wander between Surfers Paradise Beach and Broadbeach Beach. Then take a stroll around Surfers Paradise, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Broadbeach, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Gold Coast with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all the family, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Gold Coast with kids.
What to do in Gold Coast for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Gold Coast for adults including Burleigh Brewing Company and Balter Brewing Company.
Are there free things to do in Gold Coast?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Gold Coast is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Surfers Paradise Beach is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia