South of Brisbane, you’ll find The Gold Coast. This city’s skyscrapers rub shoulders with sun-kissed golden sand beaches and an intricate inland canal system (it actually has more than Venice), giving the city a unique but cool vibe! Head a little out of the biggest city in Australia that’s not a state capital to find an array of theme parks!
In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best places to visit in The Gold Coast. Hopefully, we’ll be able to help you work out how to see The Gold Coast and find activities suitable for you and whoever you’re travelling with! We’ll also help you with where to stay and how to stay safe. What can we say – we want you to have an awesome vacation in The Gold Coast!
Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Gold Coast:
Surfers Paradise
One of the liveliest neighbourhood in the region, Surfer’s Paradise is our pick for where to stay on the Gold Coast if you’re looking for a great night on the town. Packed with bars and clubs, this neighbourhood really comes alive as the sun goes down.
- Admire ocean views as you drink sophisticated cocktails at Stingray.
- Gaze out 230 meters into the horizon from the SkyPoint Observation Deck.
- Catch a live act at the iconic The Avenue.
These are the BEST Places to Visit in Gold Coast!
Seeing as this city is spread out along 70 kilometres of coastline, there are a lot of accommodation options all over the show! That’s why we’ve put together a guide on where to stay in the Gold Coast. Be sure to check it out so you know you’ve got a place to rest your feet at the end of the day!
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
#1 – Dreamworld – Awesome place to visit in the Gold Coast with kids!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Visit the biggest theme park in the Gold Coast
- Feel the adrenaline on one of the 5 huge rollercoasters
- See native Aussie animals at the Corroborree section
Why it’s awesome: If you’re travelling kids and are unsure what to do in the Gold Coast, there are plenty of theme parks to help you with that. And Dreamworld is the biggest of the lot! There’s something for kids of all ages. Little ones will love ABC Kids’ World and the DreamWorks experience, complete with characters from Madagascar and other family favourites. Even the most inexpressive teen will have a smile on their face (or maybe they’ll cry) on the likes of the BuzzSaw and the Hot Wheels Sidewinder!
What to do there: Where to start! Obviously, since it’s a theme park you’ll want to try all the cool rides. However, it can get pretty busy so do a bit of research beforehand and make a beeline for your favourites early. You’ll avoid the queues that way! If you get a bit tired of rides, take a break at one of the many places to eat or cafes. The Corroborree part of the park means that you can learn about Aboriginal culture and native Australian wildlife, perhaps even getting a cuddle from a koala!
#2 – Surfers’ Paradise
- The coolest neighbourhood in The Gold Coast
- Catch a wave!
- Have brunch at one of the best places to eat on the Gold Coast
Why it’s awesome: Surfers’ Paradise is the iconic stretch of Australian beach, stretching 3km along the shore of the Pacific Ocean. It’s guarded 365 days a year by lifeguards, so there’s no need to panic about sharks. You’ll get plenty of warning! It also happens to be the coolest area in The Gold Coast – a great place to shop, eat, sleep, and sightsee! After you’ve spent time sunning yourself, swimming, and maybe even tried a surf lesson, head to Cavill Avenue at the heart of the neighbourhood.
What to do there: Let’s start with the beaches. Experienced surfers love it here as there are some great waves. However, it’s not a bad spot for beginners either and if you only surf once in your life it may as well be here! The beach is a wide stretch of golden sand, so it’s also a fantastic spot for jogging or just taking a leisurely stroll. After sunset, Cavill Avenue is where it’s at. Also known as the Glitter Strip, you’ll find some of the best bars, nightlife, and places to eat in the Gold Coast around here! If you want to take your vacation up a notch, you can even charter a yacht from the Gold Coast, which will take you around the best of the Gold Coast waters.
Travelling to Gold Coast? Then plan yo’ trip the smart way!
With a Gold Coast City Pass, you can experience the best of Gold Coast at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!
Buy Your Pass NOW!#3 – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – A very cool place in The Gold Coast to go for a day
- Get up close and personal with cute Australian wildlife!
- Escape the hustle and bustle of city life
- Snap a selfie with a quokka
Why it’s awesome: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an iconic wildlife park, easily one of the most famous places in The Gold Coast. You can wander through acres of the Currumbin rainforest petting cuddly koalas and feeding kangaroos along the way. Don’t worry, the crocodiles aren’t kept in open enclosures! It’s the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy and the kids are sure to love it. From a humble sanctuary, Currumbin has added a treetop canopy rope course and a miniature train to make it as fun as possible.
What to do there: You’ve come all the way out to the Gold Coast Hinterland, so you may as well meet the residents! Take part in feeding sessions on rainbow lorikeets and koalas and learn all about unusual animals found nowhere else in the world! If you happen to fall in love with a particularly mischievous marsupial or a boisterous bird, you can continue to support the centre after your visit with their adoption scheme. What’s really awesome is this is a non-profit organisation, and all your money goes back into the centre!
#4 – Sky Point Observation Deck
Photo: Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi (Flickr)
- Get a unique perspective on one of Australia’s most recognisable skylines
- Try the highest external building climb in Oz
- One of the coolest attractions in The Gold Coast
Why it’s awesome: The Gold Coast has one of the most iconic skylines in Australia, but have you thought about what it looks like from the top of one of the skyscrapers? Well, if you have just head to the Q1 Building. It’s the only beachside observation deck in the whole of Australia, and you won’t regret taking the lift (or climbing) to the top of this amazing piece of architecture.
What to do there: There’s plenty you can do at the highest landmark in The Gold Coast. Of course, start off by taking in the awe-inspiring views and make sure you get a few killer shots for Insta! If you’re feeling really brave, then this also offers the highest building climb in Australia. Reach the 270m summit of the skyscraper which offers unparalleled views of the Gold Coast and out to the ocean. If you’re travelling with a friend but you’re not so crazy on heights, you can always wait for them inside the restaurant, which is one of the best places to eat in The Gold Coast!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
#5 – Wet ‘n’ Wild
Photo: Dave Keeshan (Flickr)
- Gold Coast vacation idea if you’re travelling with kids
- Escape the hustle and bustle of the city
- Don’t miss the Aqualoop – lots of fun!
Why it’s awesome: If there’s one thing that screams holiday more than anything else, it’s a water park. And since the Gold Coast boasts the best one in Australia, we simply had to put it on our list! Everyone knows Wet ‘n’ Wild – it’s famous all over the world. And this one has everything you’d expect – relaxing lazy rivers, huge adrenaline junkie slides, and lots of places for the little ones if you’re travelling with family! It’s the perfect place to keep mum, dad, and the kids entertained.
What to do there: Get wet! Get wild! It’s the perfect place for a fun day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just make sure you keep topping up your sunscreen during the day, as the heat can get pretty relentless here. There’s more than just slides too. The Skycoaster is an adrenaline-fuelled activity that should only be attempted by the bravest! The FlowRider is a cool way to test out your surfing skills in a totally safe shark-free environment!
#6 – Springbrook National Park – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in The Gold Coast
- Head to this UNESCO World Heritage site, perched atop an ancient volcano
- Spot different birdlife in the National Park
- One of the major points of interest in Queensland
Why it’s awesome: So, this one isn’t actually in the Gold Coast, but we couldn’t overlook such a beautiful spot. You don’t even need to drive out into the Gold Coast Hinterland for an hour to find this absolutely stunning national park. Swap the golden sands for lush green rainforest to have a real outdoor adventure and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city! Springbrook gives you a chance to add wildlife watching, hiking, and a whole host of other activities to your Gold Coast itinerary!
What to do there: It’s good to plan a little in advance for your trip to Springbrook, as there a few things that you may not have considered bringing! First up is your swimsuit. The National Park has some of the coolest swimming spots in Queensland and you’ll not want to leave without taking a dip. Binoculars are a must-have for ornithologists, as Springbrook has diverse birdlife which you’ll be lucky to see outside of captivity! Of course, one of the best ways to see the park is on foot, so bring some comfy boots and get out onto the hiking trails!
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!#7 – Miami Marketta – A must-see for foodies
- One of the best places to eat in The Gold Coast
- Head here on a weekend to try a range of street food
- Enjoy music and cocktails too!
Why it’s awesome: Want to transport yourself to the markets of Bangkok? How about a Barcelona tapas bar? Australia is pretty far away from anywhere by plane, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get authentic and tasty food from across the globe! Miami Marketta just happens to be the best place in the Gold Coast for that. There are over 25 food vendors to choose from, so your Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday dinner is sorted. There’s sure to be something that’ll tickle your taste buds!
What to do there: It’s a great spot for foodies, so why not spend the first half hour or so just wandering around and taking in the different aromas before settling on your final option. Although the good thing is you can order loads of little small dishes from the range of different choices on offer! That’s definitely what we’d do… To accompany the delicious food, why not sample a cocktail or just enjoy the great live music that’s always on. Miami Marketta really is a feast for the senses!
#8 – Burleigh Heads National Park – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in The Gold Coast
- Take a dip in the protected waters of Burleigh Heads
- Pick up some artisan souvenirs from the arts and crafts market
- A great spot for a picnic when visiting the Gold Coast
Why it’s awesome: If you liked the sound of Springbrook National Park but it seemed a bit of a hassle to get to, there’s one much closer that is another gorgeous outdoor space within a stone’s throw of the city! Burleigh Heads is wedged between Surfers’ Paradise and Coolangatta (where you’ll find some of the Gold Coasts best hostels if you’d like to stay in the area), and it’s a popular spot with locals as well as tourists. Spend the day here to escape from the concrete jungle of The Gold Coast and come back feeling refreshed and recuperated!
What to do there: Where to start?! There are some fantastic swimming spots in Burleigh Heads. The protected waters are a lot quieter than those further north at Surfers’ Paradise, so you’ve much less chance of having to dodge a rogue surfboard! Another great activity is taking the walk track from Burleigh to the stunning Tallebudgera Creek. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for Aussie wildlife such as koalas, echidnas, and even the odd sea eagle!
#9 – Gold Coast Wax Museum and Chamber of Horrors – Quite the quirky place in The Gold Coast
- Visit the largest wax museum in the Southern Hemisphere
- Enter the chamber of horrors if you dare
- One of the more unusual things to do in The Gold Coast!
Why it’s awesome: So, first of all, we should state that this isn’t on your standard Gold Coast itinerary. But we’re going to tell you why this intriguing place should be on yours! Like the famous Madame Tussaud’s in London, it’s filled with waxworks of world leaders and some of the most famous people of our time. However, this bizarre attraction in The Gold Coast has a bit of a twist which will leave you chilled to the bone! Probably…
What to do there: After you’ve posed for photos or taken a selfie with Gandhi, Jack Sparrow, or the British Royal Family, it’s time for the chamber of horrors. In here, you’ll find Dracula, Frankenstein, and loads of werewolves. Of course. If that’s not enough, there are genuine torture devices and waxwork recreations – it’s often hard to tell them apart! If you’re a horror movie fan or looking for a touch of the macabre, don’t miss this weird Gold Coast must see!
#10 – Cable Park and Southport Cable Hut – An unknown (but awesome) place to visit in The Gold Coast!
Photo: Shiftchange (WikiCommons)
- See an impressive yet understated beacon of technology
- Relax in the shade of the palm trees
- One of the lesser visited points of interest in The Gold Coast
Why it’s awesome: Just a short walk from Main Beach, you could be forgiven for not really noticing this place. And sure, it’s probably not a place to visit for the aesthetics. However, when it comes to history and feats of engineering, this little non-descript hut might just be the most impressive place in the Gold Coast. The reason it’s so special is that this hut housed the Pacific cable, which ran 4,000 miles from Australia to the US. Even more surprising is that it was laid on the ocean floor with no problems!
What to do there: Visiting the Southport Cable Hut and Cable Park is more of a quick activity. Do it on the way to Main Beach or to catch a bit of a break from the sun, sea, and sand. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting Gold Coast landmark and there is some information in the park where you can find out more. Astoundingly, this little hut played an important role in news and information being transmitted in both World War One and Two!
Get insured for your trip to Gold Coast!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ on the Best Places to Visit in Gold Coast
Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Gold Coast
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. That’s all for our list of the best places to visit in The Gold Coast. Hopefully, you’ll have found this list useful and informative and a good mix between tourist favourites and some of the more unusual things to do in The Gold Coast!
Whether you want gorgeous beaches, cosmopolitan restaurants and bars, or trips out into the Australian Bush, you can do all of that here. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to see native Aussie wildlife! Think cute kangaroos, inquisitive emus, and weird platypuses! Whether you choose to see them at an animal sanctuary or search for them in the wild is completely up to you.
Not only do we want you to find the best places in the Gold Coast, but we also want you to live like a local! After all, it’s probably the best place to enjoy a new city. Our list will hopefully help you to do that. One thing’s for sure, it’ll make it easier to explore the Gold Coast!
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
