Broadbeach
A stylish dining and shopping precinct centred on Kurrawa Beach. Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Dracula's Cabaret are all here.
Best for: Dining, shopping and evening entertainment
Gold Coast cruises explore the waterways around Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Broadwater, offering a different perspective of the city’s famous skyline and waterfront. Depending on the cruise, you can see the high-rises of Surfers Paradise, luxury homes along the canals, Marina Mirage, Sea World and the Broadwater. Choose from sightseeing and sunset cruises to lunch, dinner and jet boat experiences.
Beyond the main Gold Coast canals and waterways, there are also seasonal and regional experiences to discover. Whale watching cruises head to the open ocean to see the annual Humpback migration, while cruises on the nearby Tweed River offer a very different experience, with activities such as crab catching and pelican feeding.
Gold Coast Cruise Experiences
Gold Coast has some of Australia's best-known holiday attractions, from major theme parks and wildlife parks to iconic beaches, observation decks, shopping and entertainment precincts. Here are some of the most popular:
Gold Coast’s best-known beach and the heart of its tourist scene, Surfers Paradise combines two kilometres of golden sand with a skyline of high-rises, beachfront dining and buzzing nightlife. The area has been a holiday favourite since the 1920s, when it was known as Elston, and its famous bikini-clad meter maids have become part of the local character. Beginners can join a surf school on the beach, while the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets bring local makers and food stalls to the beachfront. Lifeguards patrol the beach, with flagged areas indicating the safest spots for swimming and surfing.
At the top of Q1, Gold Coast’s 322.5 m tall skyscraper in Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint offers sweeping 360° views from one of the city’s highest vantage points. On a clear day, the views stretch from Brisbane in the north to Byron Bay in the south. Stop at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar on Level 77 for a meal or drink with the coastline spread out below or take the experience up a notch with the SkyPoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building climb.
Australia’s largest theme park combines big thrills, family attractions and Australian wildlife across a sprawling park on the northern Gold Coast. Tiger Island is a popular highlight, while the new Rivertown precinct brings a jungle-inspired setting with family rides and coasters. For serious thrills, the Giant Drop sends riders plunging 39 storeys in one of Australia’s tallest free-fall rides. The Australian wildlife area also offers close encounters with native animals, including koala cuddling and dingo experiences.
This is one of Gold Coast’s biggest theme parks, where movie and TV characters, high-speed roller coasters and live entertainment come together. The new Wizard of Oz precinct brings a first-of-its-kind experience to Gold Coast, while the DC Rivals HyperCoaster holds the record as the tallest, longest and fastest hypercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere. Seasonal events such as White Christmas add festive parades, entertainment and evening rides.
This marine-themed park at Main Beach combines animal encounters, shows, rides and conservation experiences. The new Trident thrill ride rises 42m above The New Atlantis precinct, while the Penguin Encounter offers close-up views of King and Gentoo penguins. Beyond the attractions, the Sea World Foundation has supported marine rescue, research and conservation initiatives since 1988.
One of the Gold Coast’s best-known water parks, with a mix of high-speed slides, wave pools and private cabanas. Water temperatures average around 25°C, while Whirlpool Springs provides a warmer 35°C retreat between rides. Thrill-seekers can take on Kamikaze, which drops riders 11m at a steep 70° angle, or settle into a private cabana for a more relaxed day by the water.
A 27-hectare wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin, visitors can get close to Australian animals while supporting conservation and wildlife care. Highlights include feeding wild lorikeets, meeting native wildlife and seeing veterinary teams at work at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. The sanctuary also encompasses Lost Valley, a large free-flight aviary, and hosts the Ngari-bah Aboriginal Culture Show, which shares Yugambeh culture through dance, music and storytelling.
This is a striking coastal headland where rainforest meets the ocean, with walking tracks offering views along the Gold Coast coastline. Its distinctive six-sided basalt columns were formed from lava produced by ancient eruptions around Wollumbin (Mount Warning) more than 20 million years ago. The Oceanview Walk is a popular way to explore the headland, while guided tours with the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre provide an insight into the area’s Yugambeh heritage. During whale migration season, Humpback Whales can often be spotted offshore, adding another reason to explore the coastline.
WhiteWater World: A water park at Coomera with slides and pools, next to Dreamworld. It closes during the cooler months and reopens for the warmer season.
Paradise Country: An Australian farm park at Oxenford, where visitors can see koalas, kangaroos and emus. It also has shows on billy tea making, stock horses and boomerang throwing.
Australian Outback Spectacular: A dinner show at Oxenford, where guests have a three-course meal during a live outback stage show called Heartland.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens: A 31-hectare garden at Benowa with native plant trails, lakes and boardwalks. A quieter place to see the native plants and landscapes of the region.
Gold Coast’s best-known beach and the heart of its tourist scene, Surfers Paradise combines two kilometres of golden sand with a skyline of high-rises, beachfront dining and buzzing nightlife. The area has been a holiday favourite since the 1920s, when it was known as Elston, and its famous bikini-clad meter maids have become part of the local character. Beginners can join a surf school on the beach, while the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets bring local makers and food stalls to the beachfront. Lifeguards patrol the beach, with flagged areas indicating the safest spots for swimming and surfing.
At the top of Q1, Gold Coast’s 322.5 m tall skyscraper in Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint offers sweeping 360° views from one of the city’s highest vantage points. On a clear day, the views stretch from Brisbane in the north to Byron Bay in the south. Stop at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar on Level 77 for a meal or drink with the coastline spread out below or take the experience up a notch with the SkyPoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building climb.
Australia’s largest theme park combines big thrills, family attractions and Australian wildlife across a sprawling park on the northern Gold Coast. Tiger Island is a popular highlight, while the new Rivertown precinct brings a jungle-inspired setting with family rides and coasters. For serious thrills, the Giant Drop sends riders plunging 39 storeys in one of Australia’s tallest free-fall rides. The Australian wildlife area also offers close encounters with native animals, including koala cuddling and dingo experiences.
This is one of Gold Coast’s biggest theme parks, where movie and TV characters, high-speed roller coasters and live entertainment come together. The new Wizard of Oz precinct brings a first-of-its-kind experience to Gold Coast, while the DC Rivals HyperCoaster holds the record as the tallest, longest and fastest hypercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere. Seasonal events such as White Christmas add festive parades, entertainment and evening rides.
This marine-themed park at Main Beach combines animal encounters, shows, rides and conservation experiences. The new Trident thrill ride rises 42m above The New Atlantis precinct, while the Penguin Encounter offers close-up views of King and Gentoo penguins. Beyond the attractions, the Sea World Foundation has supported marine rescue, research and conservation initiatives since 1988.
One of the Gold Coast’s best-known water parks, with a mix of high-speed slides, wave pools and private cabanas. Water temperatures average around 25°C, while Whirlpool Springs provides a warmer 35°C retreat between rides. Thrill-seekers can take on Kamikaze, which drops riders 11m at a steep 70° angle, or settle into a private cabana for a more relaxed day by the water.
A 27-hectare wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin, visitors can get close to Australian animals while supporting conservation and wildlife care. Highlights include feeding wild lorikeets, meeting native wildlife and seeing veterinary teams at work at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. The sanctuary also encompasses Lost Valley, a large free-flight aviary, and hosts the Ngari-bah Aboriginal Culture Show, which shares Yugambeh culture through dance, music and storytelling.
This is a striking coastal headland where rainforest meets the ocean, with walking tracks offering views along the Gold Coast coastline. Its distinctive six-sided basalt columns were formed from lava produced by ancient eruptions around Wollumbin (Mount Warning) more than 20 million years ago. The Oceanview Walk is a popular way to explore the headland, while guided tours with the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre provide an insight into the area’s Yugambeh heritage. During whale migration season, Humpback Whales can often be spotted offshore, adding another reason to explore the coastline.
WhiteWater World: A water park at Coomera with slides and pools, next to Dreamworld. It closes during the cooler months and reopens for the warmer season.
Paradise Country: An Australian farm park at Oxenford, where visitors can see koalas, kangaroos and emus. It also has shows on billy tea making, stock horses and boomerang throwing.
Australian Outback Spectacular: A dinner show at Oxenford, where guests have a three-course meal during a live outback stage show called Heartland.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens: A 31-hectare garden at Benowa with native plant trails, lakes and boardwalks. A quieter place to see the native plants and landscapes of the region.
A stylish dining and shopping precinct centred on Kurrawa Beach. Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Dracula's Cabaret are all here.
Best for: Dining, shopping and evening entertainment
An upmarket pocket between Surfers Paradise and The Spit, with marinas and waterfront dining. Most of the Gold Coast cruises depart from here.
Best for: Couples, promenade walks and cruises
Gold Coast's cultural north, set on the Broadwater. Families gather at the Broadwater Parklands, and Chinatown comes alive after dark.
Best for: Families, water sports and Asian dining
A former sleepy surf town that is now one of Gold Coast's favourite dining spots. Boutiques and cafés line James Street; beachfront venues such as Rick Shores and Burleigh Pavilion face the surf.
Best for: Food, surfing and boutique shopping
A former industrial hub reborn as a creative suburb of cafés, craft breweries and art spaces. Miami Marketta serves street food and live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Best for: Street food, live music and a local feel
A relaxed southern suburb with wide beaches, safe swimming along Tallebudgera Creek and a growing café scene
Best for: Families, quiet beach days and casual dining
An easygoing beach village known for Currumbin Alley, a favourite spot for learning to surf, and the calm waters of Currumbin Creek
Best for: Families, beginner surfers and nature
One of the southernmost suburbs, famous for surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra, as well as the Point Danger lookout.
Best for: Surfing, relaxed beaches and trips to the Tweed
Gold Coast is more than beaches and theme parks. Its location makes it a great base for day trips, with ancient rainforests, mountain towns, island escapes and Brisbane all within easy reach
Just across the New South Wales border, with relaxed coastal villages, the Tweed River and a green valley set inside an ancient volcanic caldera. Don't miss the volcanic rock pillars at Fingal Head.
Queensland's capital, set on the Brisbane River, with big-city shopping, riverside dining and the cultural precinct at South Bank. Don't miss the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) at South Bank
An island escape with surf beaches, sand-blown cliffs and a slower island pace. All ferries and water taxis leave from Cleveland. Don't miss the North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout, where humpbacks pass by in the cooler months.
Part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, home to the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world. The park has two sections, Binna Burra and Green Mountains, both reached by steep, winding roads. Don't miss the waterfall walks to Elabana, Chalahn and Box Log Falls.
World Heritage-listed rainforest filled with waterfalls, cascades and tumbling creeks, with lookouts across ancient volcanic cliffs. Don't miss the lookouts along the plateau.
A mountain community known for rainforest walks, wineries and the Gallery Walk. Its Witches Falls section was declared in 1908, making Tamborine Queensland's oldest national park. Don't miss the rainforest skywalk and the glow worm cave.
* You can mix and match these itineraries according to your time, interests and convenience to create your own Gold Coast experience.
As one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, Gold Coast has direct international flights from New Zealand, Fiji and Bali, as well as direct domestic connections from cities across Australia. Most visitors arrive at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) in Coolangatta, around 30 minutes' drive from Surfers Paradise.
Fly directly to Gold Coast from Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Queenstown, Wellington, Fiji and Bali. Travellers from other international hubs can connect through another Australian airport or fly into Brisbane Airport (BNE), which is linked to Gold Coast by train and road. Compare fares across airlines and travel sites when booking flights.
NOTE: If you're arriving at Gold Coast Airport and planning to use public transport, remember that all buses, trains and trams in South East Queensland need a pre-paid fare. The easiest option is to tap on and off with a contactless Visa or Mastercard or a phone wallet, so plan accordingly.
Gold Coast has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle and Avalon. Gold Coast is also accessible by train, coach and car from Brisbane.
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Experience Gold Coast | Find things to do, events, dining and accommodation across Gold Coast. |
| Queensland | Plan wider Queensland trips, including the hinterland, Brisbane and the islands. |
| Translink | Plan journeys by light rail, bus and train, and check routes, timetables and service alerts. |
| Gold Coast Airport | Check flights, terminal details and transport options to and from the airport. |
| Park Information | Check park information, walking tracks, closures and safety alerts before visiting national parks. |
| The Bureau of Meteorology | Check current weather, forecasts, surf and marine warnings before heading out. |
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