Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia (just an hour’s drive from Brisbane). Situated in the eastern state of Queensland, this place is all about sandy beaches, amazing waterways, surfing sports, and some of the most amazing amusement parks. Thus, all the tourists are surely going to have a great time while they are exploring and touring around this amazing city. There are a number of places in Gold Coast which are worth a visit. Here are the top 12 things to do in Gold Coast during your vacation in the city.
[booking_product_helper shortname=”gold-coast”]
Springbrook National Park
1
Springbrook has been listed as a world heritage national park and this place is certainly one of the best places that you would want to visit in the Gold Coast. This national park is home to an array of epiphytes, rare birds, strangler figs, and plants. Thus, you are surely going to spot some of the most amazing wonders of nature at this place. Springbrook National Park is amidst the Springbrook Mountains which have their origin millions of years ago.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
2
This place has been voted as one of the best tourist destinations of Gold Coast and the same has a lot of offerings for all the tourists. This Sanctuary is known to be an embodiment of all that NTAQ represents, i.e. conversation of indigenous and national heritage culture of the country. There are four identifiable areas within the main sanctuary and all of them are surely worth a visit.
Sea World Gold Coast
3
Sea World Gold Coast is a giant and a popular oceanarium, marine mammal park as well as a popular theme park that is located in Gold Coast. This place includes some of the most amazing rides, animal exhibits, and various other attractions. The best thing here is that all of the attractions of this place promote the conservation of wildlife by the way of imparting education and rescuing and the injured and sick wild animals. You can make the most of a number of activities here.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Gold Coast
4
Wet ‘n’ Wild Gold Coast is known to be one of the largest water parks of the city which is owned and operated by the Village Roadshow Theme Parks. This park stays open throughout the year along with the pools and slides which are heated during the months of winter. You can simply not miss the amazing waterpark experiences here. There are a number of slides to enjoy. This place is surely going to give you an adrenaline rush
SkyPoint Observation Deck
5
One of the most sought-after tourist attractions that you must visit while you are touring around the Gold Coast is the Skypoint Observation Deck which is one and only beachside with an observation deck. This place rises up 230 meters in the sky and it provides a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view stretching from the surf and beyond. During the night this beautiful observation deck transforms itself into a high altitude and chic lounge bar with pleasing music, thereby attracting a major footfall. This place lies nearby Skypoint Surfer’s Paradise and you can have a good time there as well
Coolangatta Beach
6
Experience the time of your life at the Coolangatta Beach which is located near New South Wales border. This place is a more peaceful alternative to the Surfer’s Paradise that remains packed with tourists throughout the day. You can enjoy yourself sitting on the beach and soaking yourself in the sun. A number of activities for both parents and children are carried out here. You will also find plenty of cafes and restaurants around the beach. The favorite surfing sports near here include Snapper Rocks and Greenmount Point
Dreamworld
7
This one is the most favorite theme parks of a number of people and is a major tourist attraction among all the visitors. This theme park comes with an Aussie twist. Apart from different roller coaster rides, there are movie characters, live shows and varied experiences such as close-up with the wild animals such as tree kangaroos, and dingos are hosted here. Bring your own swimsuit and if time permits, show up to the WhiteWater world which is located nearby Dreamworld.
South Stradbroke Island
8
This place is the perfect choice for all those people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast and to indulge in a peaceful and quaint environment. Also known as South Straddie, this is a 21-kilometer island and is situated 200 meters from the Spit at the northern side of the Main beach. All the adventure junkies are also going to have a good time here as the places offer many adventure sports
Warner Bros Movie World
9
At this amazing tourist destination, the kids can come face to face with their favorite superheroes. Not only this, they can ride the amazing roller coasters, watch the super stunt show, and indulge themselves in the beautiful fantasy lands on 3D interactive rides. This beautiful theme park is all about your favorite cartoon characters, colorful rides, and many other fun activities to indulge in. Take your family here and they are surely going to have a good time touring around this excellent theme park.
Lamington National Park
10
Lamington National Park is situated an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise and is known to be one of the most beautiful national parks of Gold Coast that has been listed as a world heritage site. This beautiful park is popular for its rainforest scenery, amazing waterfalls, as well as quirky wildlife. You can spot more than 190 species of birds at this national park. Other wildlife includes red-necked pademelons, bandicoots, etc. There is O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat near the national park where you can comfort yourself in a guesthouse and a spa.
G:Link Gold Coast
11
This place is famous by the name of Gold Coast Light Rail and it is basically a light rail system that serves the city of Gold Coast. The trams here have ample space for prams and wheelchairs to tuck in. At the same time, there are surfboard racks too. This place contains 14 air-conditioned trams each of which has a capacity to carry 309 passengers. Considered itself as a major tourist attraction, this G:Link route further takes all the tourists to other major attractions such as Southport CBD, Broadwater Parklands, Pacific Fair, etc
Natural Bridge
12
The Natural Bridge is located in the south west of Gold Coast and happens to be one of the major tourist attractions of the city. The name of this bridge has been derived from a rock arch in the Springbrook National Park. This bridge is situated at the southern extent of Nerang River Valley and it sits between Binna Bura and Springbrook Plateau, thereby offering a scenic view. Species such as cascade tree frog, green catbirds, sooty owl, etc. can be spotted here.
Just So You Know…
- Gold Coast is known to be the 6th largest metropolis in Australia having a land mass of 5000 square kilometers, the population of 590,000 people as well as a coastline of 70 km.
- Gold Coast is home to 100,000ha of nature reserves as well as World Heritage Sites.
- The tourism industry in Gold Coast took off in the year 1899, thanks to its first railway line.
- Gold Coast is a gay friendly city. Enjoy the best welcoming vibe at one of the Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Gold Coast.
Get Some Culture:
- The multicultural fest is one of the most sought-after cultural fests where people from different culture gather at one place and take parts in many activities organized here.
- The amazing Sand Safari Arts Festival features some of the most amazing Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, the sand trail as well as art activities and workshops related to sand.
Grab A Bite:
- Enjoy the extended menu of Parisian food, local Australian cuisines and a number of cocktails and beverages at Labart, one of the most popular restaurants in the city.
- The Tropic is one amazing formal restaurant in the city where you can gorge on the traditional tropical food of Australia and sip on some amazing beverages.
