Top Ten Things to do on the Gold Coast
Beaches and Theme Parks in this Top Australian Tropical Location
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular tourist spots, offering a multitude of activities to entertain almost any visitor, and for those travelling Australia on a budget. For those seeking a slower pace, there are golden beaches, restaurants and shopping to be enjoyed – for the adventure seeker, there are theme parks, hiking and every type of thrilling adventure that can be imagined.
The World’s Tallest Residential Tower – the Q1 Viewing Deck
Travel up to level 77 of the massive residential building Q1 to get miraculous views of one of Australia’s most beautiful beach locations. It’s literally a case of ‘as far as the eye can see’: in every direction the urban sprawl disappears as the mountains, ocean and countryside creep into view. Tickets are cheaper if booked in advance online – an adult ticket purchased on location is $19.00AU.
Perfect Golden Australian Beaches
Along the coast of southern Queensland, particularly in Surfers Paradise, the beaches are world famous and one of the great attractions of Australia. The area doesn’t get a name like ‘the Gold Coast’ for nothing; perfect white-gold fine-sand beaches, stretching on endlessly, so much so that the idea of having to jostle for space is ridiculous. These wide and wondrous beaches are safe for swimming and well monitored by life guards; the only thing to worry about will be keeping an even tan.
Awesome Gold Coast Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is also famous for having Australia’s highest concentration of theme parks. The late Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo is still entertaining customers with its collection of wildlife and its cool shows. There’s a marine themed park called Sea World and waterslides aplenty at Wet ‘n’ Wild Waterworld. For those who like to keep dry, but still like thrills, Dreamworld is full of high G-Force roller coasters, along with some easier rides for the kids. Finally for film fans, Warner Brother’s Movie World is Australia’s answer to Universal Studios, with movie-related rides, shows and entertainment for all members of the family.
Feed a Kangaroo or Pat a Koala at Currumbin
Australia is blessed with a vast menagerie of native wildlife; most famously the Kangaroo, Koala, Wombat and Emu. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to get in amongst the mayhem and see many of Australia’s most famous native animals. There are live shows where visitors can feed the Kangaroo’s or pat the Koala’s and see amazing displays on many of the birds, snakes and marsupials that populate the Sanctuary. With an adventure playground, rope course and Science Zone, there is enough to fill a full day (or more) at this amazing location just minutes south of Surfers Paradise.
Be a Daredevil
The Gold Coast is offers an endless array of thrills beyond the theme parks and rides. Visitors can bungee jump, go sky diving, ride in a super-fast jet boat, drive a V8 buggy or world rally championship car, go Zorbing (where you roll down a hill inside a giant plastic ball!), take a hot air balloon ride, go water skiiing, go-karting, kayaking or snorkelling… to name just a few of the adventure sports available to adrenalin junkies.
Nocturnal Life: Drinking, Dining and Dancing
The Gold Coast is a major tourist destination; therefore the array of restaurants, bars and clubs is seemingly endless. Every type of restaurant and cuisine can be found: burger bar, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Steakhouse, Vegetarian, Italian, French… the list is endless. The Gold Coast thrives on the nightlife and the bars and clubs are top notch; the emphasis is on fun and fancy, taking full advantage of the warm sunny weather with lots of open, outdoor places to party.
Play a Relaxing Round of Golf
In amongst the frenetic partying, shopping, theme parks and adventure, visitors will find the Gold Coast is also a golf-lovers paradise. There are seven resort golf courses, nine private golf courses, nine public full-courses and seven public 9-hole courses, not to mention a range of mini golf courses for the kids. In fact it’s possible the region could be considered the ‘Golf Coast’ – especially with weather and scenery that’s perfect for playing a solid, relaxing round.
Walk Amongst the Treetops in the Rainforest
Heading west from the coast visitors arrive at the Hinterland, an area where lush rainforests dominate. This beautiful scenic region is a great way to escape the beach (for those actually sick of it), or at least to escape the maddening crowds. There’s a tree top walk in the Tamborine Mountain that takes visitors 300 metres up for amazing views in amongst the might peaks of ancient trees. The area known as Tamborine Mountain, along with the Lamington National Park and the Springbrook National Park also offers amazing hiking trails, taking visitors past lush waterfalls and beautiful greenery.
A Shoppers Paradise
With so much to do on the Gold Coast, it’s amazing some people come here just to shop. But with the range of shopping available, maybe it isn’t too surprising. The main strip of Surfers Paradise in particular offers an endless selection of brand-name boutiques and interesting tourist shops, to keep the credit card warm and test the baggage limits at the airport.
Paradise Beyond Paradise on North Stradbroke Island
If the hustle, bustle and adventure of the Gold Coast becomes too much… then North Stradbroke’s many lakes, lagoons and unspoilt white sand beaches might be the perfect getaway from the perfect getaway. Located only an hour by ferry from Brisbane, North Stradbroke is an island paradise that lets visitors get back to nature thanks to its tiny population and mostly untouched surroundings. Accommodation is a little scarce, so book ahead.
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