Stand on the sand at the northern end of the Gold Coast and the coastline runs south until it fades into haze — one continuous strip of surf beaches backed by high-rises, with the green ridges of the hinterland rising behind them. That contrast is what makes the region worth planning around: you can spend a morning in the water and an afternoon winding through subtropical rainforest.
The Gold Coast suits families, first-time visitors to Queensland, and anyone who wants theme parks, beaches and mountain drives within easy reach of each other. It rewards a little forward planning, particularly on tickets and on how you move between the coast and the hills.
This guide covers the ocean beaches and calmer waterway beaches, the hinterland, and the major theme parks and wildlife attractions, with practical notes on combining them.
Top things to do in Gold Coast
1. The ocean (or surf) beaches
More than 52 km of ocean beaches are maintained by the local council, running the length of the coast. They are the region's defining experience, and you can pick a stretch to suit how busy you want it to be.
Note that beaches in the Tweed Shire of northern New South Wales are largely un-patrolled, so check patrol arrangements before swimming away from the Queensland stretches.
2. The calmer waterway beaches
Away from the surf, the Gold Coast has numerous beaches in calmer, more protected water. These are ideal for families with small children, where the surf is not the main event.
They pair naturally with a beach day: start in the protected water with younger children, then move to the ocean beaches once everyone is confident.
3. Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is part of the Gold Coast Hinterland, the mountainous area between the Gold Coast and the Scenic Rim, promoted as "the green behind the gold". It has numerous lookouts offering panoramic views in all directions.
It also has a cottage industry of restaurants, fudge shops and wineries, many of which offer free samples. The roads wind through the mountains with lookout points along the way, so the drive itself is part of the day.
4. Springbrook Mountain
Springbrook Mountain is one of the hinterland's mountain destinations, in an area of national parks, waterfalls, reservoirs and scenic drives. The hinterland is mostly covered in subtropical rainforest, with sections cleared for dairy farmland and wineries.
It is best seen by car or on a bus tour, since the roads wind through the mountains. If you are booking a tour, watch the small print: some are bus tours rather than all-inclusive days, while 4WD tour companies generally offer all-inclusive tours.
5. Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park sits within the Gold Coast Hinterland, alongside the area's other national parks, mountain resorts, waterfalls and lookouts. Expect subtropical rainforest and a landscape that changes quickly as you climb.
Combine it with the other hinterland stops on a single driving day rather than trying to reach it between beach plans.
6. Numinbah Valley and the Natural Bridge rockpool and waterfall
Numinbah Valley features the Natural Bridge rockpool and waterfall. It is one of the hinterland's specific natural sights rather than a general lookout stop.
This is a night-time destination as well: come after dark to see the glow worms. Plan it as the final stop of a hinterland day so you are not driving back down the mountain in a hurry.
7. Hinze Dam and Advancetown Lake
Hinze Dam and Advancetown Lake are among the hinterland's reservoirs and are part of the same driving route as the mountain lookouts and national parks.
Treat them as a stop on a hinterland circuit by car or bus tour, where the roads wind through the mountains with various lookout points along the way.
8. Currumbin Valley and Tallebudgera Valley
Currumbin Valley and Tallebudgera Valley are two of the hinterland valleys, sitting between the coast and the Scenic Rim. They belong to the same landscape of rainforest, cleared farmland and winding roads.
They work well as the coastal end of a hinterland drive, letting you move from the valleys up into the mountains in one direction.
9. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to koalas, kangaroos, birds, snakes and crocodiles. Admission is $40–50.
It is one of the region's wildlife-focused attractions rather than a ride-based park, so it suits a half-day when you want a break from the theme parks.
10. Sea World
Sea World is a marine park with rides, sharks, dolphins, penguins and polar bears. Admission is $50–80.
Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild are owned by the same company, so check their combo tickets if you plan to visit two or more of them.
11. Warner Bros. Movie World
Warner Bros. Movie World offers movie-themed rides and photo opportunities with characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Admission is $50–80.
It sits next to Australian Outback Spectacular, so the two can be paired in one evening.
12. Dreamworld
Dreamworld is an amusement park with rides, themed lands and animals. Admission is $50–80.
Dreamworld and WhiteWater World offer the same kind of combo deal as the other group, so buy together if you intend to visit both.
13. WhiteWater World
WhiteWater World is a water park with pools and slides. Admission is $30–50.
It is the natural partner to Dreamworld, with a combined ticket available for the two.
14. Wet'n'Wild
Wet'n'Wild is a water park with pools, slides and rides. Admission is $35–60.
It belongs to the same company as Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World, so a combo ticket can cover it alongside either.
15. Australian Outback Spectacular
Australian Outback Spectacular features horses and a portrayal of Australian lifestyle, with dinner provided. Admission is $55–110, and it is next to Warner Bros. Movie World.
Because dinner is included, it works as the evening half of a Movie World day rather than a separate outing.
16. Tropical Fruit World
Tropical Fruit World is a fruit plantation orchard with a tour, shows and tasting. Admission is adults $44, children $25 (ages 4 to 16), concession $35, and a family pass $110 (2 adults and 2 children) or $120 (2 adults and 3 children).
It is a slower-paced option than the ride-based parks and suits a mixed-age group.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at the ocean (or surf) beaches, then move to the calmer waterway beaches if you have small children in the group. Check patrol arrangements before swimming.
Afternoon: Head inland to the Gold Coast Hinterland. Drive or take a bus tour to Tamborine Mountain for the lookouts and the fudge shops, restaurants and wineries, then continue to Springbrook Mountain or Lamington National Park, depending on how much driving you want.
Evening: Finish at Numinbah Valley to see the Natural Bridge rockpool and waterfall and the glow worms after dark. If you would rather stay on the coast, book Australian Outback Spectacular next to Warner Bros. Movie World instead, since dinner is provided.
Frequently asked questions
When should I visit the theme parks?
During peak season, expect all of the theme parks to be quite busy. Before you go, investigate ticket discounts for combined travel and entry, and multi-park and multi-day passes.
Can I get discounted theme park tickets?
Yes. Members of Australian motoring associations can purchase discounted tickets from them before travelling, and many legitimate vendors sell discounted tickets. Check the tourist information booths run by Gold Coast Tourism Corporation.
Should I accept free theme park tickets from street vendors?
Be wary of street vendors promising free tickets to theme parks. They are generally found along Cavill Mall in Surfers Paradise, and they promise free theme park tickets in return for 3 to 4 hours of your time watching a timeshare presentation followed by high pressure salesmanship to sign up.
How should I see the hinterland?
The hinterland is best seen by car or on a bus tour, as the roads wind through the mountains with various lookout points along the way. Some tours are more of a bus tour than an all-inclusive day, so watch the small print; 4WD tour companies generally offer all-inclusive tours.
Decide whether your trip is a beach-and-parks stay or a coast-and-hinterland drive, check the combo tickets before you book, and start shaping your days around the places above.