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Things to do in Gold Coast

Spectacularly long beaches, hot surfing spots, big theme parks — the perfect recipe for a fun trip in the sun.

Our most recommended things to do in Gold Coast

Moreton Island: Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

1. Moreton Island: Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

Discover Moreton Bay Marine Park and learn about marine life from an onboard marine naturalist on this cruise. Go on a guided snorkeling tour of the Tangalooma wrecks and keep an eye our for the dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles that call this glamour area home. Choose from a tour where you meet the boat at the Rivergate Marina or with pickup from the Gold Coast or Brisbane. Throw your swimwear into a bag and set sail to uncover miles of unspoiled white sand beaches. Departing daily from Brisbane, cruise in luxury to Moreton Bay Marine Park aboard the modern, air-conditioned catamaran Spirit of Migaloo II. Here enjoy the freedom to do as much or as little as you please with all activities included and no local fees. Dive in and snorkel the fifteen shipwrecks that have been deliberately sunk just off the coastline with an abundance of spectacular coral formations and colorful marine life that needs to be seen to be believed. No experience is required and all equipment and water safety items are provided. Afterwards, join our naturalist guides in a fish-feeding session with the 200 species that frequent the area. Satisfy your appetite with a gourmet tropical buffet featuring ocean king prawns, and quench your thirst with a glass of local wine, craft beer or frozen cocktail. Take the time to relax, enjoy free island time on the pristine white-sand beach. Kayak on sheltered crystal-clear waters, join a game with complimentary beach sporting equipment, or simply kick back and soak in the serenity. Watch out for some of Queensland’s best marine wildlife in this area that is home to one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in Australia. Feel the joy of seeing them jump and play in turquoise waters. Search for six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles and herds of shy and gentle dugongs in one of the world’s remaining strongholds for this species. Get help from the onboard marine naturalists that have been working with these incredible animals for over a decade and have the experience to give you the closest wildlife encounters possible.

Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

2. Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

Depart from Gold Coast on a fun-filled guided kayaking tour to Wave Break Island where you can snorkel, enjoy a snack, and relax while admiring amazing city views away from the crowds. After passing the iconic Broadwater, your friendly tour guides will brief you on kayaking techniques. Cruise through spectacular waters, where you might have the chance to spot dolphins and stingrays. Paddle through beautiful sandbanks, offering a unique Gold Coast City view in the background, and arrive at the Northern side of Wave Break Island, where you will park your kayaks next to a scenic spot. Take a short bushwalk to Wave Break Island’s Eastern side to snorkel and explore the underwater beauty of this fantastic island.  Swim amongst the friendly rocky reef locals, diamond fish, and black bream, and discover many other species, from sea cucumbers, trumpet fish, and sergeant fish. You can even find Dory if you are lucky. Here, natural and man-made beauty are combined to create a picture-perfect background; the beautiful Gold Coast waterways with the city’s collection of skyscrapers on the horizon. As you get out of the water, a snack will be waiting for you. Savor it whilst admiring the amazing views, and get ready to return to the starting point.

From Brisbane or Gold Coast: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

3. From Brisbane or Gold Coast: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

Enjoy a day on Moreton Island on this full-day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Relax on the cruise on the way, enjoy a delicious lunch, then take part in fun outdoor activities like kayaking and sand tobogganing. Be picked up from a centrally-located meeting point in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Sit back and relax on the air-conditioned drive to the boat's departure point. Board a spacious boat with an outdoor area and a covered seating area. Enjoy ocean views as you cruise across Moreton Bay. Discover a vibrant underwater world as you follow your guide on a snorkeling tour around shipwrecks. Have the chance to spot turtles, fish, and rays. Stop to savor a sandwich lunch on the beach before taking a guided tour in a glass-bottom kayak. View the underwater wonders of the Tangalooma Wrecks as you paddle over crystal-clear water. Explore the area on the island that is known as "The Desert." Ride in a rugged 4X4, and experience the exhilaration of sand tobogganing at speeds of over 40 miles per hour. Admire the Gheebulum Coonungai National Park that covers most of Moreton Island.

Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

4. Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

Discover the Gold Coast in luxury and embark on a sightseeing cruise while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch. Gaze at panoramic views on the upper deck, and watch the city skyline pass you by. Taste delicious king prawns, roast chicken, or fresh-baked ham, then enjoy a tasty cocktail. Step aboard the luxurious vessel, Spirit of Elston, and enjoy one of the best sightseeing and dining experiences on the Gold Coast. Take in views that showcase some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the glittering waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater, Sea World, and the glamorous Palazzo Versace. Satisfy your appetite with an irresistible buffet lunch, including locally sourced king prawns, succulent roast chicken, freshly baked ham off the bone and delicious salads. Pair lunch with wine, craft beer, or treat yourself to a tasty cocktail. Head upstairs to the open-air top deck and soak in the sunshine with a drink in hand, while listening to entertaining commentary from our expert crew about the iconic Gold Coast.

Gold Coast: Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show

5. Gold Coast: Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show

Discover the stories of the Outback with this entry ticket to the Australian Outback Spectacular show. Follow the tale of 2 struggling Aussie farmers, marvel at the skills of acrobats, and enjoy a 3-course meal. Head into the venue and sit down to enjoy a gripping tale. As you watch, rejoice with the farmers as the community's courage help them overcome an unforgiving life on the land. See their story performed by talented acrobats and animal stars. As you journey through the heartland of Australia, enjoy a delicious three-course meal with drinks.

Surfers Paradise: Surf Lesson on the Gold Coast

6. Surfers Paradise: Surf Lesson on the Gold Coast

Meet your instructor and get set up with the proper rash shirt or wetsuit and board and head to the beach. Begin your 2-hour lesson with a safety briefing and basic instruction. Once everyone has caught their first few waves in waist-deep water, you’ll return to the sand for more detailed instruction on stand-up procedures. The remainder of the lesson will be spent in the water with instructors helping everyone stand up. Most participants have low expectations and don’t think they’ll be able to stand up during their first lesson. When you and the rest of the group are successful, there’s excitement all around!

Surfers Paradise: Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour

7. Surfers Paradise: Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour

Discover the best of the Gold Coast, from both land and sea, with this guided tour by amphibious bus. Experience a sightseeing activity with a twist, as your tour vehicle transforms from a bus into a cruise boat. Set off from the heart of Surfers Paradise on a tour that journeys from roads into the Gold Coast Broadwater. Kids and adults will feel the thrill as the duck-themed vessel splashes into the water, transitioning from a bus tour into a relaxing cruise. See homes of the rich and famous in Paradise Waters, and admire super yachts in Southport Yacht Club. Keep a look out for local wildlife, and enjoy the informative commentary, before returning to Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast Sunset River Cruise

8. Gold Coast Sunset River Cruise

Travel on a sunset river cruise, passing some of Gold Coast's most luxurious residences.  Enjoy a glass of champagne or beer from the fully licensed bar and get your camera ready to capture the breathtaking sunset over the beautiful Gold Coast skyline – the best way to finish a day on the Gold Coast. Cruise past the Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace and Sea World. Have the chance to witness Australian wildlife including dolphins, sea eagles and much more.

Gold Coast: Movie World, Sea World, & Wet’n’Wild 3-Day Pass

9. Gold Coast: Movie World, Sea World, & Wet’n’Wild 3-Day Pass

Save time and money with this convenient 3-day admission pass to 3 of the Gold Coast's most popular theme parks. Zoom around on roller coasters at Movie World, admire marine life at Sea World, and prepare to be thrilled on a variety of extreme rides at Wet'n'Wild.  Located only a few minutes from central Surfers Paradise, Sea World features amazing aquatic animals, fun rides, and family-friendly shows. Enter the frozen tundra of the Penguin Encounter, see predators up close in Shark Bay, and meet tranquil critters in the dolphin nursery. At Movie World, experience the glamour of Hollywood as you hang out with your favorite superheroes and stars. Enjoy the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, Harry Potter-themed sets, a Lethal Weapon ride, the Batwing Spaceshot, and the steepest inverted drop in the Southern Hemisphere on the Green Lantern Coaster. For families, enjoy music from the Looney Tunes crew among other entertainment. Wet'n'Wild hosts some of the most extreme and fun-packed rides on the continent. You may even recognize some of them from scenes filmed in The Inbetweeners 2 movie.   

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket & Koala Photo

10. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket & Koala Photo

Have your photo taken cuddling a koala and meet Australia’s unique native wildlife with this combo ticket. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is centrally located on the Gold Coast and just a 30-minute drive from Surfers Paradise. You can cuddle a koala and have your photo taken any time of the day. The Koala Photo Area is open from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, and 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. Wander the 27-hectare sanctuary, home to over 1,400 Australian native wildlife. Hand-feed kangaroos, come face-to-face with Australia’s largest saltwater crocodile and see the free-flight bird show and Aboriginal performances. Learn about the Sanctuary and its animals at any of the interactive shows, or ask one of the helpful volunteers positioned around the park. Discover the outdoor playground, ride on the sanctuary’s miniature train, or enjoy a picnic. Visit the onsite Wildlife Hospital and see the vets in action. Join in the feeding of the colorful wild lorikeets at 8.00 am or 4.00 pm for a gold coin donation. Enjoy the spectacle of dozens of rainbow-colored birds landing on your head and arms! 

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What people are saying about Gold Coast

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 3,092 reviews

We were picked up on time, and the guide, Jamie, was very friendly. On the tour, we were given information on Gold Coast, and the national park. Jamie is clearly knowledgeable and cares about nature. We had various animals pointed out, as well as all sorts of plants. Great way to experience nature, and see the national park.

My sister and I went parasailing yesterday and we have an amazing experience. The guides were amazing and helped you through everything! We loved it so much, it was so relaxing up in the air with an beautiful view would 100% recommend. I would do it over and over again.

We had a great anniversary celebration with you guys thank you my family really enjoyed it

Such an amazing experience! Great, helpful and friendly staff! would highly recommend ☺️

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Sunset cruise is a spectacular visual treat.