Fun Things To Do On The Gold Coast 

Where to begin? The Gold Coast is packed with so many family fun experiences for every kind of traveler. Kick off your day by catching a wave or unwinding on iconic beaches like Surfers Paradise or Burleigh Heads. If you’re a nature lover, venture into the lush Hinterland, where scenic trails in Springbrook and Lamington National Park offer stunning rainforest adventures—or get up close with native wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Prefer culture, shopping, or nightlife? Browse local markets, explore art galleries, and dive into the city’s energetic after-dark scene. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or vibrant urban vibes, there are so many fun things to do on the Gold Coast. 

Fun Things To Do On The Gold Coast For Free

Beaches 

The Gold Coast offers plenty of fun things to do without spending a cent. You can start with its iconic beaches—Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and Currumbin—all perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying a seaside stroll.  

Walking or Hiking 

Explore the Burleigh Heads National Park for scenic coastal walks and wildlife spotting, or head to the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens for peaceful lakeside trails and picnic spots. Explore lush rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Lorikeet Feeding 

Visit the wild lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, daily at 8am and 4pm. Access to the Lorikeet Arena is FREE, you do not need a ticket to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is one of the most iconic family friendly Gold Coast experiences not to be missed.  

Fun Things To Do On The Gold Coast With Kids

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

Gold Coast’s top nature attraction (not just for kids), Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect family fun day out for visitors who want to connect in nature. See animals enjoy breakfast with the Koalas, close up encounters with Capybaras or meet our friendly lemurs. Meet a variety of animals and Australian wildlife in a beautiful setting. Get up close with your favourite furry or scaly friends, dive into what makes them unique and take home memories you’ll never forget. Check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s top animal encounters. 

Beaches and Water Activities

Beaches 

Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast. And the best part about it, it’s free. From Southport to Coolangatta, it doesn’t get much better than a day at the beach. Our pick, Currumbin Alley, the perfect mix of surf and creek, and a great place to cool off after a day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Relax on the sand, go for a swim, or take a romantic walk along Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta, or Burleigh Heads beaches. Tallebudgera Creek is a great option to enjoy a peaceful day by the water, perfect for a calm and relaxing morning or afternoon. Surfers Paradise is a must visit, famous for sunbathing and of course surfing. 

Gold Coast Jet ski Safaris – Southport 

One of the most unique and fun ideas on the Gold Coast. At Gold coast Jet Ski Safaris, you can hire and ride your own jet ski throughout the Broadwater and beyond. Meet the local dolphins, turtles and wallabies that inhabit this wonderful jet ski paradise. Stop off at a tropical Island restaurant on South Stradbroke Island for a break where you can have a splash, something delicious to eat or a cold beverage. With big hairpin bends and Aussie flora and fauna around every turn, it’s a ride that you and your family will never forget! 

Surfers Paradise River Cruises 

Join us at Surfers Paradise River Cruises for an unforgettable sightseeing adventure around Surfers Paradise canals! Whether you’re after a relaxing morning, midday, afternoon, sunset, or city lights cruise, we’ve got you covered! Explore the stunning waterways, canals, and rivers of the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise—all for as little as $25pp. Operating 7 days a week, this is hands down the best value experience on the Gold Coast. 

Nature and Hinterland

Springbrook National Park 

Explore lush rainforests, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts in the Gold Coast hinterland. Springbrook National Park is an absolute gem for those who want a mix of adventure, tranquility and nature’s beauty. Imagine mist‑shrouded rainforest, powerful waterfalls, and peaceful lookouts — a perfect setting to slow down and connect. Take a scenic walk to Purling Brook Falls. It’s a 4 km circuit with suspension bridges, dense rainforest, lush greenery, and dramatic views. The base of the falls is particularly beautiful, and the sound of water crashing makes for a soothing, romantic backdrop. 

Mountain View Alpaca Farm 

Who doesn’t love Alpacas! With an array of experiences for everyone, Mountain View Alpaca Farm can help you create life long memories and offer you that much needed time out to reconnect with family and nature! Get the kids outdoors for some fun, plan a girls day out at the vineyard or enjoy some romantic time with an alpaca picnic. Their team can also help you plan a special occasion! 

Mount Tamborine 

Mount Tamborine, located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, is a charming destination known for its mix of natural beauty, local culture, and outdoor activities. One of the top things to do is explore the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a scenic walk through the rainforest canopy. Nature lovers can also visit Curtis Falls or hike through Witches Falls National Park, one of Queensland’s oldest national parks. The Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves offer a unique, family-friendly experience. For food and wine enthusiasts, there are several wineries, breweries, and artisan cheese and fudge shops to enjoy. A stroll down Gallery Walk, the main shopping street, offers boutique stores, art galleries, and cafes. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Mount Tamborine has something for everyone. 

Currumbin Rock Pools 

Located alongside Currumbin Creek Road, just a short drive from Currumbin Beach (10-15 minutes), Currumbin rock pools are a gem of Currumbin Valley. Everything is here for a great relaxing, romantic day out– shelter, picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and amenities – and of course, the beautiful rock pools. If you don’t feel like taking lunch or snacks along, there is a café conveniently located directly across the road at 1206 Currumbin Creek Road. 

Unique Experiences

Astra Lumina – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

The brightest nighttime attraction on the Gold Coast. If you’re looking for a romantic night out as a couple, look no further than Astra Lumina at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Set off on a night walk across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. If you’re looking for things to do on the Gold Coast for couples at night, be sure to add Astra Lumina to your list. This luminous adventure will immerse you in the magic of light and projection with a moving soundscape, set in natural Australian bushland at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Produced by global entertainment creators, Moment Factory, this world-class multisensory experience is one not to miss! 

Treetop Challenge – Currumbin 

Located inside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the TreeTop Challenge will get your adrenaline pumping! With 100+ huge TreeTop Challenges, including 14 insane ziplines, you will have an unforgettable day of thrills, action and adventure. To complete the courses you will need approximately 3.5 hours. Your TreeTop Challenge fee covers all your equipment hire and access to the courses for the entire duration of your visit. 

Ifly Indoor Sky Diving 

Located in the heart of the beautiful Surfers Paradise, iFLY Gold Coast is the second indoor skydiving facility in Australia and the best attraction for tourists, locals and skydivers! All packages include training, flight gear, and a minimum of 2 flights per person with one-on-one instruction. Family fun in a convenient and safe atmosphere.

Gold Coast Sky Dive 

The Gold Coast is known for its white sandy beaches and enchanting hinterland so why not marvel the views while free- falling from 12,000 feet. Whether the thought excites, inspires or downright terrifies you, all skydivers feel the same sensation when hovering over the glistening Gold Coast skyline; pure thrill. Gold Coast sky dive should be top of your list for Gold Coast experiences.

Balloon Aloft Gold Coast 

If you’re looking to discover the Gold Coast and its incredibly diverse surroundings you will not be disappointed! Get a unique perspective of the Gold Coast with a hot air balloon right, with unlimited 360* degree views. Enjoy vast landscapes ranging from mountains to tall skyscrapers. Look down and you might find a myriad of canals or catch sight of wildlife.