Gold Coast

This Years Ultimate Things to Do and Things to See on the Gold Coast – The Best Tours & Attractions Guide for Visitors Planning a Gold Coast Holiday.

Welcome, you have discovered the iconic Gold Coast for your next holiday destination – a vibrant, city-fringed paradise famous for its world-class beaches, luxury resorts, award-winning theme parks, hinterland adventures, and buzzing cultural scene. Stretching along Queensland’s stunning south-eastern coastline, the Gold Coast offers travellers a dynamic blend of outdoor adventure, family entertainment, gourmet dining, and natural wonders – all within easy reach.

So now, what do you plan on doing on your sub-tropical holiday? Wanting to know what are the best tours and attractions on the Gold Coast and how to categorise them for your party?

First of all, you need to think about the type of holiday that suits you and your fellow travelling companions. Are you’re seeking a luxury beach escape, a family holiday packed with thrills, or a nature-filled getaway, the Gold Coast promises an endless variety of unforgettable tours, attractions and exciting experiences.

With so many incredible things to do and things to see, your only challenge will be fitting it all into one trip!

Learn about the most popular things to see and do this year on the Gold Coast with The Tour Specialists.

Where is the Gold Coast and What Makes it so Special?

Situated just one hour south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast stretches across 70 kilometres of sparkling coastline and lush hinterland rainforests. It’s famous for its legendary surf beaches – including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Currumbin, Coolangatta, Kirra and Burleigh Heads – and its scenic hinterland, filled with national parks, waterfalls, and charming mountain villages.

No longer just a beach destination, the Gold Coast is now a true lifestyle hub for foodies, adventurers, families, nature lovers, and luxury seekers alike.

The Top Tourist Attractions of the Gold Coast This Year:

• Beautiful beaches for swimming, surfing, and relaxing
• Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and vibrant nightlife
• Australia's leading theme parks and family attractions
• Ancient rainforests and hinterland retreats
• Year-round events, festivals, and markets
• Outdoor adventures like whale watching, hot air ballooning, and helicopter flights

Distances: From Major Cities to the Gold Coast

• From Brisbane: 80 km (approximately 1 hour drive)
• From Sydney: 850 km (approximately 1.5 hours by flight)
• From Melbourne: 1,700 km (approximately 2 hours by flight)

How to Get to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is conveniently serviced by its own international airport, Gold Coast Airport (OOL), located at Coolangatta.
There are direct flights from major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth) and international connections from New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan.

Travellers can also arrive by car from Brisbane or take advantage of the Airtrain service connecting Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast’s main centres.

Best Time to Visit the Gold Coast

Thanks to its subtropical climate, the Gold Coast is a true year-round holiday destination.

• Summer (December – February): Warm beach days, vibrant nightlife.
• Autumn (March – May): Ideal for hinterland hikes and less crowded attractions.
• Winter (June – August): Clear skies, mild days – prime time for whale watching.
• Spring (September – November): Perfect weather for outdoor festivals and beach escapes.

Every season on the Gold Coast offers its own unique style of adventure and relaxation.

How Long Should You Stay on the Gold Coast?

A stay of 5 to 7 days is recommended to truly experience the best Gold Coast tours, attractions, beaches, and dining.
This allows time to balance days between the famous beaches, theme parks, hinterland adventures, and gourmet discoveries.

Things to Do, Things to See – Best Tours & Attractions on the Gold Coast

Gold Coast Theme Parks

• Dreamworld: Australia’s largest theme park, with rides, wildlife, and entertainment.
• Warner Bros. Movie World: Movie magic, thrilling rides, and live action shows.
• Sea World: Marine life experiences, dolphin shows, and family rides.
• Wet'n'Wild Water World: Queensland’s largest water park – perfect for hot days.
• WhiteWater World: Thrilling water slides and family pools next to Dreamworld.

Beach and Ocean Adventures

• Surfing Lessons: Learn to surf on the Gold Coast at iconic beaches like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Kirra and Currumbin.
• Whale Watching Cruises: (June to November) Whale Watch tours along the "Humpback Highway of the Gold Coast."
• Jet Boat Adventures: Experience exhilarating 360-degree jet boat ride spins across the Southport Broadwater.
• Luxury Yacht Charters: Explore the Gold Coast Broadwater and secluded islands on a charter boat or on a luxury private yacht.
• Snorkelling & Diving Tours: Discover colourful marine life and snorkel with turtles around Wave Break Island and Cook Island Marine Reserve.
• Sunset Cruises: Book a private gondola ride down the canals on sunset, or a dinner cruise.

Gold Coast Hinterland Experiences

• Tamborine Mountain: Wander through art galleries, rainforest trails, and glow worm caves on Tamborine Mountain.
• Springbrook National Park: Explore ancient forests and the stunning Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park.
• Lamington National Park: World Heritage rainforest walks and wildlife spotting in Lamington National Park.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soar above the hinterland or Gold Coast waterways at sunrise on a hot air balloon ride, often with champagne breakfast packages.

Unique Gold Coast Tours and Must-Do Attractions

• SkyPoint Observation Deck: Take in spectacular 360° views from the top of Q1 tower in Surfers Paradise. Standing 230 mts (750ft) above the ground if you dare!
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Get close to koalas, kangaroos, and Australian wildlife at the award-winning Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Helicopter Scenic Flights: See the Gold Coast skyline, beaches, and hinterland from the seat of a helicopter ride.
• Jet Ski Safaris: Guided jet ski adventures exploring hidden beaches and island sanctuaries in the Gold Coast Broadwater and South Stradbroke Island.
• Treetop Challenge: Adventure high ropes courses across Currumbin and Tamborine Mountain.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

• Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: A world-class shopping and dining destination.
• The Star Gold Coast: Casino, luxury hotels, and award-winning restaurants.
• Burleigh Pavilion & Rick Shores: Iconic beachfront dining overlooking Burleigh Beach.
• HOTA – Home of the Arts: Galleries, exhibitions, outdoor cinema, and cultural events.

Top-Selling Gold Coast Tours & Experiences (Excluding Theme Parks)

According to Gold Coast our guests:

1. Whale Watching Cruises (May–October)

• One of the highest volume nature tours on the Gold Coast, whale watching; cruises regularly guarantee sightings along the coast’s “Humpback Highway.”

2. Jet Boating Adventures

• High-adrenaline jet boat tours through the Gold Coast Broadwater remain some of the most popular bookable experiences for tourists looking for adrenaline thrills and spills.

3. Hot Air Balloon Rides

• Sunrise hot air balloon flights across the hinterland and Gold Coast watreways are consistently among the top-rated and top-selling Gold Coast tours for couples and families.

4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary the perfect day out for families, international visitors and nature lovers. An award-winning wildlife park offering daily interactive experiences.
  5. SkyPoint Climb Q1 Surfers Paradise

5. Helicopter Rides over the Golden Beaches

• Take a low level scenic helicopter flight over the Southport Broadwater, South Stradbroke Island and south down to Byron Bay. Go asa single couple or a family group, a helicopter ride is something you simply cannot miss.       
• If your game, book Australia's highest external building climb, with panoramic city and coastal views or a day on the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Elliot Isand.

6. Glow Worm Caves Tours

• Guided coach tours through Tamborine Mountain’s magical glow worm colonies.

7. Kayaking & Snorkelling at Wave Break Island

• Come kayaking and snorkelling with turtles at Wave Break Island. Highly popular among families and nature lovers for marine life exploration on the Gold Coast.

8. Dracula’s Cabaret Dinner & Show

• Dracula’s A Gold Coast entertainment institution blending theatre, comedy, and dinner.

9. Aquaduck Tours

• Amphibious Aquaduck sightseeing tour covering both land and sea – loved by all ages.

10. Lamington National Park & O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

• Guided rainforest tours and canopy walks through the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park behind the Gold Coast.

Additional Favourite Activities:

• Beaches: The Gold Coast’s number one natural attraction for swimming, surfing, and relaxing.
• Wildlife Encounters: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and hinterland eco-tours are top sellers.
• Water Adventures: Jet skiing, snorkelling, luxury yacht charter and whale watching dominate seasonal tourism numbers.

Why Do People Visit the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast remains one of Australia’s top holiday destinations thanks to:

• Pristine Beaches: Iconic surf beaches and the year-round weather.
• Exciting Adventures: From adrenaline rides to rainforest walks.
• Natural Beauty: Ancient rainforests, scenic waterfalls, and lush hinterland landscapes.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Attractions for toddlers, teens, and adults alike.
• Culinary Delights: From street eats to fine dining.
• Luxury Living: Five-star resorts, spa retreats, luxury shopping, and yacht charters.

Plan Your Dream Gold Coast Getaway

Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, the Gold Coast offers unforgettable experiences for everyone.
Start planning your dream holiday today and discover why the Gold Coast continues to capture the hearts of millions each year.

If you need some more information feel free to call a Tour Specialists they would love to help you choose the best tours and attractions for your next Gold Coast holiday.