A day out in Gold Coast
Gold Coast is in Queensland. Hopalong knows 14 things to do and 10 places to eat here, plus day trips to Gold Coast Hinterland. Prices are approximate adult prices in A$.
Top things to do in Gold Coast
SkyPoint observation deck
A$32 · Surfers Paradise · about 60 min
Level 77 of the Q1 tower.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
A$60 · Currumbin · about 180 min
Lorikeet feeding, koalas and a wildlife hospital.
Sea World
A$110 · Main Beach · about 300 min
Marine shows and rides.
Warner Bros. Movie World
A$110 · Theme Parks · about 300 min
Roller coasters and movie-themed shows.
Dreamworld
A$110 · Theme Parks · about 300 min
Thrill rides and Australian wildlife.
Snapper Rocks and Point Danger
Free · Coolangatta · about 60 min
World-famous point break on the NSW border.
Surfers Paradise beach
Free · Surfers Paradise · about 90 min
Patrolled beach in the heart of the strip.
Burleigh Head National Park walk
Free · Burleigh Heads · about 75 min
Rainforest headland with views back to Surfers.
HOTA gallery
Free · Evandale · about 60 min
Home of the Arts: free gallery, lake and outdoor stage.
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Free · Surfers Paradise · about 75 min
Evening market along the esplanade.
Coming up in Gold Coast
- Australia v England T20 on the Gold Coast (Tue 24 November): Men's T20 international at Gold Coast Stadium.
From published fixtures. Check times and tickets with the organiser.
Free things to do in Gold Coast
- Surfers Paradise beach (Surfers Paradise): Patrolled beach in the heart of the strip.
- Burleigh Head National Park walk (Burleigh Heads): Rainforest headland with views back to Surfers.
- HOTA gallery (Evandale): Home of the Arts: free gallery, lake and outdoor stage.
- Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (Surfers Paradise): Evening market along the esplanade.
- Snapper Rocks and Point Danger (Coolangatta): World-famous point break on the NSW border.
- Beach day at Burleigh: umbrella, book and towel (Burleigh Heads): Bring an umbrella, a book and a towel; shady lawns under the pines.
- Currumbin Rock Pools (Currumbin Valley): Natural swimming holes in the creek up the valley.
- Kurrawa Park and Broadbeach beach (Broadbeach): Long, clean beach bordered by lawns and a playground.
Where to eat
- Café lunch on James Street, Burleigh (Burleigh Heads, around A$28): The Coast's best café strip.
- Dinner in Broadbeach (Broadbeach, around A$55): Restaurants around Oasis and the casino.
- Lunch on Cavill Avenue (Surfers Paradise, around A$22): Casual eats a block from the beach.
- Fish and chips at Coolangatta (Coolangatta, around A$22): Eat on the foreshore at Greenmount.
- Elk Espresso (Broadbeach, around A$25): One of Broadbeach's busiest cafés.
- Paddock Bakery (Burleigh Heads, around A$18): Pastries and a changing menu in an old Queenslander.
- Memento (Burleigh Heads, around A$25): Popular for açaí bowls and brunch.
- Tarte Bakery and Cafe (Burleigh Heads, around A$22): Coffee, breakfast and pastries on a leafy corner.
- Kiyomi (Broadbeach, around A$80): Japanese restaurant at The Star with a big wine and whisky list.
- Mamasan Kitchen Bar (Broadbeach, around A$60): Pan-Asian share plates.
Step-free and pram-friendly ideas
- SkyPoint observation deck · step-free · pram-friendly
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary · step-free · pram-friendly
- Sea World · step-free · pram-friendly
- Warner Bros. Movie World · step-free · pram-friendly
- Dreamworld · step-free · pram-friendly
- HOTA gallery · step-free · pram-friendly
Access information can change. Check with the venue if access is essential.
Day trips from Gold Coast
Gold Coast Hinterland
- Tamborine Mountain Skywalk (A$25): Rainforest canopy walkway.
- Springbrook Natural Bridge (Free): A waterfall through a cave roof; glow-worms at night.
Typical weather in Gold Coast
| Month | Low | High | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C | 29°C | 12 |
| April | 16°C | 25°C | 9 |
| July | 11°C | 21°C | 6 |
| October | 16°C | 25°C | 9 |
Approximate long-term averages, not a forecast.