Gold Coast is a vibrant coastal city in Australia, celebrated for its stunning beaches, lush hinterlands, and lively urban areas. While it is well-known for its array of theme parks, such as Dreamworld, Sea World, and Warner Bros. Movie World, the city offers much more. Beyond these entertainment hubs, you’ll find serene national parks, engaging wildlife sanctuaries, and trendy beachside neighborhoods. The Gold Coast is rich with diverse attractions that cater to adventure seekers, relaxation lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike.

1. Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is the heart of Gold Coast City, famous for its iconic golden beaches that stretch along the coastline, offering perfect conditions for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. The area is known for its vibrant, bustling atmosphere, with Cavill Avenue at its core, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that come alive day and night. The SkyPoint Observation Deck on the Q1 building offers stunning panoramic views of the city and ocean.

2. Mariner’s Cove

Mariner’s Cove is a bustling waterfront spot with excellent seafood restaurants and unique boutiques. You can embark on marine adventures like yacht cruises, scuba diving, and seasonal whale watching. The area is ideal for both relaxation and thrilling activities on the water.

3. Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads offers a renowned surfing beach and a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere. The Burleigh Heads National Park provides scenic walking trails through the rainforest and along the coastline. Enjoy dining with spectacular ocean views at the Burleigh Pavilion, a local favorite.

4. Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is a World Heritage site known for its lush rainforests and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore a variety of hiking trails that lead through ancient forests and past impressive waterfalls. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat features unique treetop walkways and birdwatching opportunities.

5. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers close encounters with Australia’s native animals, such as koalas and kangaroos. The sanctuary is dedicated to conservation, with its Wildlife Hospital providing care for injured animals. Visitors can get up close and personal with iconic animals like koalas, kangaroos, and lorikeets, and learn about the sanctuary’s commitment to conservation.

6. Broadbeach

Broadbeach offers a lively coastal area with family-friendly beaches, parks, and diverse dining options. The Star Gold Coast features a major entertainment complex, including a casino, fine dining, and live shows. Shop at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in the region, for a broad range of retail experiences.

7. Gold Coast Hinterland

The Gold Coast Hinterland is a serene mountain region offering a peaceful retreat from the coast. Tamborine Mountain is renowned for its wineries, art galleries, and scenic rainforest walks, including the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Springbrook National Park showcases ancient forests, dramatic waterfalls, and unique geological formations like the Natural Bridge.

8. Gold Coast Arts Centre

The Gold Coast Arts Centre, now called HOTA (Home of the Arts), is the city’s cultural hub. It hosts a variety of art exhibitions, theater performances, and film screenings. Situated by the Nerang River, it provides a tranquil setting for cultural enrichment amid the city’s vibrant energy.