Subscribe
Subscribe
Things to do on the Gold Coast for a Weekend of Fun
The best things to do on the Gold Coast for a memorable holiday, spanning nature, action and adventure.
Although some may argue the best thing to do at the Gold Coast is nothing (anyone for a late afternoon nap on the beach?), this city of sunshine is home to some of the best entertainment, adventure and experiences. If you can manage to tear yourself away from the stunning beaches, top-notch cafés and restaurants, a plethora of activities await you.
We’ve rounded up our favourites for you right here! Start scrolling and begin planning an amazing weekend, jam-packed with fun things to do on the Gold Coast.
Things to do on the Gold Coast: Coming Soon
Happitat
A wild new adventure is coming to the Gold Coast in January, offering a slew of high-octane adventures as well as striking views of Lamington National Park. At this world-first cliff-top adventure park, you’re invited to traverse sky-high platforms to take in glorious hinterland views. Fancy upping the ante? Head off on the exhilarating zip line that will have you soaring 400 metres above the national park. If you’re feeling more adventurous still, the Via Ferrata adventure will have you scaling cliff faces and navigating tight ropes.
Happitat‘s aim is to get people out into nature whilst protecting what we have for future generations, and has spared no expense in ensuring the park goes above and beyond on its eco tourism duties.
Tickets available now
Opening January 2026
Lamington National Park
Things to do on the Gold Coast: Play
Peddly Picnics
Dive into your Gold Coast adventure with an e-bike and picnic self-guided tour. Start off on the bustling Main Street of Tamborine Mountain with a browse through the stores and coffee shops. When you’re ready to set off, pick up your bike from Peddly Picnics and explore mountain trails resplendent with rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife. Enjoy this take on slow travel as you bike past wineries, cellar doors and breweries, stopping whenever you please. And when you’re ready to refuel, find the perfect spot and tuck into your locally-sourced hamper.
Sitchu Tip: Travelling with your four-legged friend? These guys have a dog carrier as part of their Peddly Pooches package.
43 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain
Ride Rollercoasters at Theme Parks
Whether you have kids or you’re indulging your inner child, there’s truly no shortage of action, adventure and thrills at the Gold Coast. With Warner Bros Movieworld, Sea World, Dreamworld and Wet & Wild all at your disposal, you can really run amok.
From animal experiences to heart-stopping roller coaster rides, you won’t soon forget your adventures at any of the theme parks that call Queensland home.
Various locations, Gold Coast
Hit The Beach
No trip to the Gold Coast is complete without exploring some of Australia’s best beaches. The Gold Coast is known for long strips of sparkling golden sands and temperate waves that the locals brave year-round for their dose of vitamin sea. Some of our favourites to hit for sun, sand and stunning water are Snapper Rocks, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Beach and Kirra.
What’s more, there are surf clubs and cafés close to the water at each destination, so you can refuel after a long day in the surf. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and a water bottle, otherwise, you’ll be feeling very sun-kissed and perhaps a little sorry for yourself afterwards!
Various locations
Play A Round At Topgolf
For serious golfers… and those who don’t take themselves too seriously, Topgolf is a must-do when you’re on the Gold Coast! This isn’t your typical driving range. Book a bay, bring your crowd and enjoy the interactive (and fiercely competitive!) games as you thwack the microchipped balls into giant targets.
You can also order top-notch meals and drinks to your bay, so you can keep that driving energy at full steam ahead.
Corner of Roadshow Way and Entertainment Road, Oxenford
Indulge Your Need For Speed on a Jet Boat
If you’re still seeking thrills on your coastal adventure, it’s time to slip, slop, slap and head down to Paradise Jet Boating! Operating since 2004, Paradise was the first to bring jet boating adventures to the Gold Coast. Enjoy the fast-paced, expert jet boating by experienced skippers and the fastest way to sightsee along the water.
Departure location: Hopo Ferry Terminal, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Things to do on the Gold Coast: Explore
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
In the leafy green surrounds of Currumbin lies a sanctuary for wildlife of all kinds, and this is your chance to get up close and personal with them. With a commitment to the conservation of our precious native wildlife, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to koalas, dingoes, and kangaroos, as well as some international animals, namely lemurs, capybaras and red pandas!
With so much of the Gold Coast occupied by stunning hinterland, a visit to the Wildlife Sanctuary should be high on your list of things to do during your stay, to appreciate and support the work of the sanctuary and the wildlife hospital that operates here.
28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Explore Springbrook National Park
The GC is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful hinterland terrains, with creeks, rainforests, waterfalls and natural wonder aplenty. Head inland to one of the most popular places to chase waterfalls; Springbrook National Park. Home to rare birds and koalas, Springbrook is perhaps most popular for its Natural Bridge, formed by the force of a waterfall.
Old School Road, Springbrook
Wave at Whales on a Whale Watching Cruise
For your chance to wave at the gentle giants of the sea, hop aboard the Spirit Of The Gold Coast. If you’re an ocean lover and fan of all creatures great and small, this is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast.
With a world-class crew and guaranteed whale spotting, you’re in for a fantastic day on the water. The Spirit crew are proud to advertise that they are the only company to have cumulative sightings of the famous white whale, Migaloo, during migration periods!
Departure location: Mariners Cove Marina, Berth 95, Arm D, next to Helicopter Pad, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Things to do on the Gold Coast: Eat
La Luna Beach Club
Dine between the sea and the sky at La Luna Beach Club, a literal paradise in the heart of Main Beach on the Gold Coast. At this Mediterranean-style beach club, you can dine at the Mâre Restaurant, or simply book a cabana and lay back by the pool whilst the DJ plays tunes to suit the mood whilst the sun goes down. Mâre dishes up top-quality seafood and Mediterranean dishes that are best enjoyed while basking in the sunshine of this glorious beach club.
Pool Pontoon, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Paddock Restaurant
If you’ve ticked off all the top tourist things to do on the Gold Coast, we’ve got a hidden gem for you. Hop in the car and head 45 minutes inland to Beechmont, a slower part of the Gold Coast hinterland surrounded by national parks, waterfalls and greenery.
Here, you’ll find a restaurant surrounded by pastures. The Paddock Restaurant is part of a boutique accommodation called Beechmont Estate, so it’s essential that you make a reservation. You’ll enjoy chef-hatted restaurant service, sustainable produce from the Scenic Rim, and incredible yet unpretentious fare that will fill you and your belly with joy.
422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont
Eat, Drink & Vibe Out At Miami Marketta
Once a well-kept secret, the Miami Marketta’s popularity has exploded over the last few years and with good reason. A night market serving global street food fare from independent stalls, you can travel the world via your taste buds, all on the same night.
With live music a staple part of the experience, the Marketta offers an opportunity for local bands to showcase their talent, whilst also hosting national and international acts as part of their touring rosters! Make sure you mark this one in your calendar so you don’t miss it, the Marketta is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm.
Free entry
23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe
We do so love a kawaii moment and that’s exactly what the newly opened Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe at Pacific Fair. You can expect dishes as cute as the interiors — think strawberry sandos, themed bento boxes and Japanese pastries. You’ll also find plenty of merch, some exclusive to the Gold Coast location. The pretty pastel interiors might just be the perfect backdrop to your next coffee catch-up!
Level 1, Pacific Fair
Palette Restaurant
Proudly sporting three chef hats from the Australian Good Food Guide, Palette is the spot to go to sample the best of the region. The incredible Chef Dayan Hartill-Law and his team take inspiration from the exhibitions at the HOTA (Home of the Arts) to craft inventive new plates to surprise and delight your taste buds.
135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
River House
Sitting pretty on the banks of Nerang River, this gorgeous new addition to the Gold Coast’s culinary scene is a celebration of simplicity and seasonality. Executive Chef Grant Madgwick is behind the menu which combines Asian and European ingredients and techniques with the flavours of coastal Australia. Guests can look forward to the likes of extra-large BBQ Moreton Bay bugs, Cape Grim eye fillet, duck confit XO and decadent seafood platters.
Letting the waterfront location shine, the interiors of River House fuses ambient lighting with a serene palette and natural textures.
2 Barney Street, Southport
Things to do on the Gold Coast: Drink
The Burleigh Pavilion
“The Pav” has it all: beachfront views, incredible cocktails and a mouth-watering menu from the highly esteemed Guillaume Zika.
Share plates of fresh seafood, wood-fired pizza, salads or nachos while the calming ocean views deliver instant vacay vibes, all year round.
The Pav is also home to one of our favourite Gold Coast restaurants, The Tropic, so this gorgeous spot in Burleigh Heads is a one-stop shop for incredible food and drinks.
Sitchu Tip: The Pavilion is predominantly a walk-in space, but they do consider lunch bookings, just give them a call to make it happen!
3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Stable
Find Stable in the beautiful Cornerstone precinct in Currumbin, dappled in sunlight and shrouded in greenery. With innovative twists on brekkie favourites and lovingly house-made sauces and preserves, you’ll know you’ve stumbled across something special when you visit Stable.
Tuck into an okonomiyaki tofu scramble or a crepe bursting with fresh fruit compote, whilst sipping on top-notch coffee that will fuel you up for an adventure-packed day on the Gold Coast.
570 Gold Coast Highway, Currumbin
Paloma Wine Bar
From the award-winning team behind the celebrated restaurant Labart, comes one of the best bars on the Gold Coast: Paloma.
This cosy and ambient neighbourhood wine bar is an inviting space for a date night or intimate catch-up with your nearest and dearest, located on the bustling James Street in Burleigh Heads.
Offering a seasonal menu of small plates that reflects their local suppliers’ produce day to day, this wine bar is the perfect place to stop in and enjoy the simple pleasure of quality food and incredible wine.
Their extensive wine list is approachable and refreshing, offering high-quality international wines, unusual varietals and new favourites like pet nats and skin contact wines.
1/12 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Rosella’s
Is there anything more Australian than a pet nat slush puppy? You might just have to step into Rosella’s and find out! Enshrined in nods to Australiana, Rosella’s has been a staple on the Gold Coast bar scene since 2019.
Popular for their warm and welcoming ambience, Rosella’s is a place for everyone to sit back and wind down with a natural wine, cocktail or a tinnie whilst nibbling on some native and nostalgic bites.
Our favourites are the spag bol spring rolls and hot chips with chicken salt, Rosella’s smoked tomato sauce and aioli. Nothing says iconic Aussie Gold Coast quite like chicken salt hot chippies!
1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Paradox Coffee Roasters
Passionate about responsible and ethical business practices, Paradox Coffee Roasters put people first when it comes to sourcing, roasting and serving their top-notch coffee. Paradox purchases quality green coffee beans from estate farms and co-operatives where farmers are paid a fair wage, so you can sip your third coffee of the day knowing that the funds are trickling back along the supply chain as they should.
Sip on your choice of coffee from V60, batch brew, cold drip or a regular latte, or try something a little sweet with their tasty iced Nuttelalatte.
10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise
Sueno
Sueno is a vibey rooftop haunt above Norte, serving ceviche, skewers and tortillas, alongside some dangerously drinkable cocktails. If tequila or mezcal are your go-to tipples, you’ll discover hard-to-find bottles here to enjoy.
2217 Gold Coast Highway, Gold Coast
Kirra Beach House
With indoor booth seating, spacious balconies, and comfy bench seating to perch on with a cocktail, there are plenty of spaces to sip and savour at Kirra beach House.
4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Things to do on the Gold Coast: Indulge
Reset and Relax at Soak Bathhouse
There’s no arguing that the Gold Coast is a hotspot for adventure, but sometimes you need to slow things down. This is where Soak Bathhouse comes in. Designed to help you hit the reset button, no effort has been spared in order to create the ultimate oasis in the heart of the GC.
Opt for a mineral bath, mineral spa or a cold plunge to revitalise your body, or sweat it out in the steam room or cedar wood sauna. You can also book a yoga class or massage for your visit. Soak is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast if you’re using this vacation as an excuse to truly reset, unwind and show yourself some self-love.
Shop 20, Pacific Square, 2532–2540 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Visit The Facial Bar
The Facial Bar in Mermaid Beach invites you to put yourself first in their stunning space, likened to a luxurious living room. With delightful touches that go above and beyond your standard salon experience (think a refreshing cold towel on arrival, a drinks menu consisting of herbal tea, sparkling water, coffee and cocktails, and heavenly facial additions to level up any treatment) that make you feel like an absolute superstar when you next treat yourself to a salon experience.
There are eight indulgent facial treatments to choose from, customised to your unique skin requirements and covering a number of concerns.
5/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Found some awesome things to do on the Gold Coast and are keen for some more travel inspo? Head straight to our Destinations hub for all your travel needs. We’ve also wrapped up the best restaurants and cafés on the Gold Coast to cover every set of taste buds.
