Things to Do on the Gold Coast for a Weekend of Fun

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.

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. There are few experiences that compare to this on the coast, so making time for La Luna Beach Club is a must-do.

Pool Pontoon, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

High Tea at Pearls Bar

Feeling like indulging in an elevated affair? Pop down to Pearls Bar at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort for a high tea that will make your heart soar and your taste buds tingle. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit Pearls Bar for a meal, and you’ll adore the resort-style atmosphere and incredible views over the pool and lagoon that the Sheraton is so well known for.

The service is second to none, and the crafty team behind the bar are exceptionally skilled at whipping up world-class cocktails.

Sitchu Tip: If you’re partial to a gin or two, Pearls Bar is the place to be. There’s an extensive range of local and international gins on offer, and plenty of perfect tonics to pair them with to bring out the best in their botanical flavour.

71 Sea World 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.

If you’re searching for the best things to do on the Gold Coast but want something a little off the beaten track, a dinner at The Paddock ticks all the boxes!

422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont

The Burleigh Pavilion

No list of the best bars on the Gold Coast would be complete without 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 when you’re next feeling drawn to the Gold Coast.

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

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

Kirra Beach House

Quite frankly, we feel that there are very few places on the Gold Coast that could beat this view! Kirra Beach House is a new, rather enormous bar in Coolangatta, spanning 1200sqm.

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 this Gold Coast bar and restaurant.

Kirra Beach House is also perfect for hosting private functions, with an enormous function room, a cosy cocktail bar (named Preston’s) and an outdoor barbecue alcove on the balcony available for hire.

With incredible, unobstructed ocean views, it’s hard to beat the beachy vibes of this chic new watering hole.

4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

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

Raising the bar on the Gold Coast’s beauty scene is the newest destination for all things beauty and pampering. 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. Elevate your next vacay or staycay on the Gold Coast with a trip to The Facial Bar and leave feeling like a brand-new person.

5/2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

The Village Markets

Operating on the first and third Sunday of the month, the Village Markets are a surefire winner on our list of things to do on the Gold Coast. Spanning boutique fashion, local gourmet goodies and incredible arts and crafts, you can easily spend hours trawling the stalls here on a slow Sunday morning.

Expect groovy tunes from local artists and tasty coffee and food to fuel your day. Many iconic local brands have begun their journey at this creative collective, so be one of the first to discover a brand-new label before they explode onto the global scene.

Burleigh Heads State School Oval, Lower Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

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

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.

Sitchu Tip: The Sanctuary also hosts a night market every Friday, from 4pm to 8:30pm. With free entry and live music, it’s an easy option for whiling away a balmy afternoon in Currumbin.

28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Explore Springbrook National Park

Here’s one you’ve definitely spotted on your Instagram scrolls… and an absolute must-do on our edit of the best things to do on the Gold Coast. The GC is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful hinterland terrain; with creeks, rainforests, waterfalls and natural wonder aplenty, there’s plenty to explore.

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

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 Brothers Movieworld, Sea World, Dreamworld and Wet & Wild all at your disposal, you can really run a-muck.

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. These destinations are world-renowned and should certainly be noted on your wishlist of things to do on the Gold Coast on your next holiday or weekend away.

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. We have it on good authority (aka, ours) that this is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast, even if you’re not usually a sports fan.

Cnr. 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. If you’re a thrill seeker, this experience is a must-do on our list of things to do on the Gold Coast this summer!

Departure location: Hopo Ferry Terminal, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main 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.

Don’t forget to tag @sitchu.brisbane on your adventures, so we can see how you’re staying #sositchu as you eat, stay and play your way around the Gold Coast.