Things to Do in Gold Coast | Surfers Paradise, Plus Top Spots for Wildlife
When it comes to unique and widely contrasting scenery, the Gold Coast is the place to experience it all. Things to do in Gold Coast vary from lounging on smooth, sandy beaches in Surfers Paradise to watching wildlife in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Travelers can experience Gold Coast on a day trip from Brisbane, but adventurous sightseers should plan a longer holiday to explore all this suburban paradise has to offer.
Surfers Paradise
The seaside resort district of Surfers Paradise is as its name describes, but it’s also so much more. Along with top beaches, Surfers Paradise is the place to find the best nightlife, shopping and restaurants in Gold Coast. The area is home to some of Gold Coast’s top attractions, like SkyPoint Observation Deck and Beachfront Markets. For travelers on a daytrip from Brisbane, Surfers Paradise is a can’t-miss destination.
Things to do in Surfers Paradise
- Surfers Paradise Beach & Esplanade – even tourists who don’t surf can’t resist a stroll down Surfers Paradise Beach. The golden sands, lined with trendy bars, restaurants and shops, are one of the most popular places to visit in Gold Coast.
- Beachfront Markets – found along the Esplanade, near the Surfers Paradise Sign at the end of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets feature more than 100 stalls and live music performances from 4 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
- SkyPoint Observation Deck at Q1 – the Q1 building is the world’s tallest residential building, and guests are welcome to zip to the 77th floor in one of the world’s fastest elevators to enjoy the view and a cocktail at SkyPoint Observation Deck.
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Sea World
Families will want to spend a day at one of Gold Coast’s premier attractions, Sea World, located in the seaside suburb of Main Beach. The marine park features thrilling water rides for all ages, polar bear and dolphin shows, a penguin encounter and a chance to watch seals at mealtime. While Sea World’s main draw is fun, the park also serves as a conservation and rescue center for local wildlife.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Entry fees: tickets start at 79 AUD (57 USD) for a single day pass
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitors to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary can get up close and personal with the famous animals of Down Under. This nature park and wildlife hospital invites guests to watch feeding times for wild lorikeet and the park’s pet crocodile as well as learn about how the veterinary team serves the critters kept within the sanctuary. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary features daily animal shows, Aboriginal dances and cultural performances and a number of hands-on activities.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Tickets: general admission is 39.95 AUD (about 30 USD)
Can’t-miss activities at Currumbin Wildlife Sancturay
- Currumbin Wildlife Hospital – guests can watch the veterinary team in their daily activities to care for the sanctuary’s wildlife.
- Lost Valley – interact with reptiles, lemurs, red pandas and other exotic wildlife while birds fly overhead on this themed elevated boardwalk.
- Animal Encounters – this activity is the perfect way to learn about wildlife and get a souvenir photo taken with exotic animals!
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Warner Bros. Movie World
One of the most visited theme parks in Australia, Warner Bros. Movie World guarantees a day of thrilling rides and epic entertainment. Guests to the park will have all-day access to rides like Road Runner Rollercoaster and Superman Escape. They also can expect to run into their favorite DC Comics characters at any point in the day. The parade that takes place each afternoon is a fun way to catch all the characters in one place at the same time!
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Tickets: single day passes start at 89 AUD (64 USD)
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Coolangatta
Coolangatta is a scenic southern suburb of the Gold Coast loved for its incredible beaches, unbeatable waves and landmark viewpoint, Snapper Rocks. The area is home to annual surf competitions and four incredible beaches – Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta Beach, Flagstaff Beach and Kirra Beach. Other can’t-miss attractions in Coolangatta include Point Danger, the Captain Hook Memorial and Kirra Hill Lookout.
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Top Hotels in Gold Coast
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When it comes to unique and widely contrasting scenery, the Gold Coast is the place to experience it all. Things to do in Gold Coast vary from lounging on smooth, sandy beaches in Surfers Paradise to watching wildlife in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Travelers can experience Gold Coast on a day trip from Brisbane, but adventurous sightseers should plan a longer holiday to explore all this suburban paradise has to offer.
Surfers Paradise
The seaside resort district of Surfers Paradise is as its name describes, but it’s also so much more. Along with top beaches, Surfers Paradise is the place to find the best nightlife, shopping and restaurants in Gold Coast. The area is home to some of Gold Coast’s top attractions, like SkyPoint Observation Deck and Beachfront Markets. For travelers on a daytrip from Brisbane, Surfers Paradise is a can’t-miss destination.
Things to do in Surfers Paradise
- Surfers Paradise Beach & Esplanade – even tourists who don’t surf can’t resist a stroll down Surfers Paradise Beach. The golden sands, lined with trendy bars, restaurants and shops, are one of the most popular places to visit in Gold Coast.
- Beachfront Markets – found along the Esplanade, near the Surfers Paradise Sign at the end of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets feature more than 100 stalls and live music performances from 4 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
- SkyPoint Observation Deck at Q1 – the Q1 building is the world’s tallest residential building, and guests are welcome to zip to the 77th floor in one of the world’s fastest elevators to enjoy the view and a cocktail at SkyPoint Observation Deck.
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Sea World
Families will want to spend a day at one of Gold Coast’s premier attractions, Sea World, located in the seaside suburb of Main Beach. The marine park features thrilling water rides for all ages, polar bear and dolphin shows, a penguin encounter and a chance to watch seals at mealtime. While Sea World’s main draw is fun, the park also serves as a conservation and rescue center for local wildlife.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Entry fees: tickets start at 79 AUD (57 USD) for a single day pass
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitors to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary can get up close and personal with the famous animals of Down Under. This nature park and wildlife hospital invites guests to watch feeding times for wild lorikeet and the park’s pet crocodile as well as learn about how the veterinary team serves the critters kept within the sanctuary. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary features daily animal shows, Aboriginal dances and cultural performances and a number of hands-on activities.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Tickets: general admission is 39.95 AUD (about 30 USD)
Can’t-miss activities at Currumbin Wildlife Sancturay
- Currumbin Wildlife Hospital – guests can watch the veterinary team in their daily activities to care for the sanctuary’s wildlife.
- Lost Valley – interact with reptiles, lemurs, red pandas and other exotic wildlife while birds fly overhead on this themed elevated boardwalk.
- Animal Encounters – this activity is the perfect way to learn about wildlife and get a souvenir photo taken with exotic animals!
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Warner Bros. Movie World
One of the most visited theme parks in Australia, Warner Bros. Movie World guarantees a day of thrilling rides and epic entertainment. Guests to the park will have all-day access to rides like Road Runner Rollercoaster and Superman Escape. They also can expect to run into their favorite DC Comics characters at any point in the day. The parade that takes place each afternoon is a fun way to catch all the characters in one place at the same time!
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Tickets: single day passes start at 89 AUD (64 USD)
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Coolangatta
Coolangatta is a scenic southern suburb of the Gold Coast loved for its incredible beaches, unbeatable waves and landmark viewpoint, Snapper Rocks. The area is home to annual surf competitions and four incredible beaches – Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta Beach, Flagstaff Beach and Kirra Beach. Other can’t-miss attractions in Coolangatta include Point Danger, the Captain Hook Memorial and Kirra Hill Lookout.
FIND HOTELS IN GOLD COAST TODAY
Top Hotels in Gold Coast
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