The Best Tours, Attractions, and Things to Do on the Gold Coast this year.
Planning your dream holiday to the Gold Coast? You’re in the right place!
Famous for its golden beaches, world-class theme parks, lush hinterland rainforests, sub-tropical climate and endless marine adventures, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations.
This year, there’s even more to explore, and whether you're a family, a couple, a solo adventurer, or a group of friends, you'll find the best types of tours and attractions that suit every style of traveller.
Let’s dive into all the best things to do and tours to book on the Gold Coast this year with The Tour Specialists.
Why the Gold Coast is Australia's Top Tour and Attraction Playground?
Stretching along 70 kilometres of pristine coastline, the Gold Coast combines beautiful beaches with vibrant city life, world-famous theme parks, ancient rainforests, island escapes, and thrilling outdoor adventures.
With year-round warm weather, a buzzing food scene, and an endless list of activities, the Gold Coast is designed for unforgettable holidays.
Whether you want action-packed days or laid-back sightseeing, there's a tour or experience perfect for you.
The Ultimate List of Tours, Attractions, and Things To Do on the Gold Coast this year
1. Marine Tours and Water Activities
The Gold Coast’s stunning waterways are a playground for adventure and discovery.
Top Marine Adventures:
- Whale Watching Cruises: (May–October) Cruise alongside majestic humpback whales during their annual migration on the popular whale watching tours .
- Luxury Yacht Charters: Private and shared yacht charters around the Gold Coast Broadwater and islands.
- Jet Ski Safaris: High-speed jet ski adventures to hidden beaches and secluded islands.
- Snorkelling and Diving Tours: Explore vibrant reefs at Wave Break Island and Cook Island Marine Reserve on a snorkelling or diving tour.
- Jet Boating Rides: Feel the adrenaline with high-speed jet boating spins and sightseeing combined.
- Kayaking Adventures: Guided kayak tours around the Broadwater’s mangrove ecosystems and sandy shores.
Perfect for: Families, adventurers, couples, nature lovers.
2. Wildlife Tours and Animal Encounters
Get close to Australia's unique wildlife with some of the Gold Coast's best nature experiences.
Top Wildlife Experiences:
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Feed kangaroos, meet koalas, and discover exotic wildlife at the award-winning Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Whale Watching Tours: Educational whale watching cruises led by marine biologists.
- Dolphin and Turtle Encounters: Snorkelling tours where you can spot wild dolphins and turtles.
- Rainforest Birdwatching Tours: See colourful native bird species in ancient rainforest settings on birdwatching tours.
Perfect for: Families, older travellers, photographers, animal lovers.
3. Adventure Tours and Adrenaline Experiences
Thrill-seekers will find no shortage of action-packed experiences on the Gold Coast.
Top Adventure Tours:
- Hot Air Balloon Flights: Float peacefully over the hinterland at sunrise on a hot air ballon flight, followed by a champagne breakfast.
- Helicopter rides: Take off on a scenic helicopter flight to see the Gold Coast from above. A thrilling way to see the golden beaches and vast canal waterways.
- Scenic Flights Lady Elliot Island: Head to the Great Barrier Reef for a day to snorkel the reef with turtles and manta rays on Lady Elliot Island.
- SkyPoint Climb: Australia's highest external building climb with 360° panoramic views on the Q1 SkyPoint tour.
- 4WD Off-Road Tours: Explore rugged mountain terrain, waterfalls, and remote rainforest tracks on a hinterland 4WD tour.
- TreeTop Challenge Courses: Zip lines and rope courses high in the rainforest canopy.
- Canyon Swing and Bungee Jump: For the truly daring — adrenaline activities in natural settings.
Perfect for: Backpackers, young adventurers, adrenaline junkies, couples, families.
4. Scenic and Relaxed Touring Options
Prefer to relax and take in the scenery?
The Gold Coast offers many comfortable, leisurely touring experiences.
Top Relaxed Tours:
- Canal Cruises: Explore luxury waterfront suburbs on calm Broadwater boat cruises from Surfers Paradise and Marina Mirage.
- Hinterland Coach Tours: Discover Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook National Park, and Lamington National Park guided tours.
- Glow Worm Caves Tours: Guided walks to witness magical glow worm colonies at night on Tamborine Mountain.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Boats Tours: Flexible sightseeing across the Gold Coast waterways on HOPO.
- SkyPoint Observation Deck: Relax with a drink 230m above sea level, soaking up stunning views at Q1.
- Half Day Tours: Choose from the many half day tours that offer a more relaxed way to explore the Gold Coast.
Perfect for: Seniors, relaxed holidaymakers, couples.
5. 4WD and Outback Adventures
Take your Gold Coast holiday off-road and explore untouched Australian landscapes.
Top 4WD Experiences:
- Gold Coast Hinterland 4WD Tours: Off-road adventures to waterfalls, rainforests, and scenic lookouts.
- Fraser Island Tours (via Brisbane connection): Explore the world’s largest sand island on a guided 4WD tour.
- Mount Tamborine 4WD Day Trips: Conquer rugged mountain trails before enjoying village cafes and wineries.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers.
6. Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Learn about the deep history and culture of Australia's First Nations people.
Top Cultural Experiences:
- Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre Tours: Guided walks and storytelling tours around Burleigh Head National Park.
- Dreamtime Walks: Aboriginal-guided tours through sacred rainforest sites.
- Interactive Workshops: Learn traditional painting, dancing, and bush food knowledge.
Perfect for: Cultural travellers, families, educational groups.
7. Food, Wine, and Shopping Tours
Indulge your senses with the Gold Coast's vibrant food, wine, and shopping experiences.
Top Indulgent Tours:
- Hinterland Wine Tasting Tours: Sample boutique wines in Tamborine Mountain’s cellar doors.
- Artisan Food Trails: Taste gourmet cheese, chocolates, and locally grown produce.
- Pacific Fair Shopping Tours: VIP shopping experiences at the Gold Coast’s largest mall.
- Farmers Markets and Craft Markets Tours: Discover handmade goods, fresh produce, and local treasures.
Perfect for: Couples, foodies, shopaholics.
Top-Selling Gold Coast Tours and Attractions for this year
Tourism booking data for this year shows these activities leading the way in popularity:
- Whale Watching Cruises
- Jet Boating Adventures
- Helicopter rides
- Scenic Flights to Lady Elliot Island to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary visits
- Hot Air Balloon Flights over the hinterland
- Glow Worm Caves Night Tours
- Jet Ski Safaris
- Luxury Yacht Charters
- Gold Coast Canal Cruises
- SkyPoint Observation Deck and Climb
- Lamington National Park and O'Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Tours
Quick Travel Tips for Your Gold Coast Holiday
When to Visit:
Year-round, you’re in a sub-tropical destination!
May to October is whale season; summer months (December–February) are perfect for beach lovers.
How Long to Stay:
Allow 5 to 7 days to explore a mix of beach days, theme parks, tours, and hinterland adventures.
Transport:
Rental cars, public transport, and easy hotel transfers are available for all major tours.
Book Ahead:
Whale watching cruises, hot air balloons, helicopter rides and private yacht charters often sell out — secure your spots early!
Plan Your Gold Coast Tours and Attractions Now
Whether you’re dreaming of thrilling adventures, relaxing cruises, wildlife encounters, or scenic hinterland escapes, the Gold Coast offers the perfect tour or attraction for your holiday this year.
Book your Gold Coast tours with The Tour Specialists today and experience the very best things to do and things to see in Australia's favourite holiday playground!
Still need help deciding what are the best tours and attractions for you and your fellow travelling companions. Pick up the phone and talk to a Tour Specialists.
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