Best Things to Do on the Gold Coast, Australia: 20 Attractions & Experiences
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, but there is much more to experience than just its beaches.
Visitors can explore wildlife sanctuaries, world-famous theme parks, rainforest areas, observation decks and high-speed water adventures.
If you’re planning a Gold Coast trip, here are nine attractions and experiences worth considering.
Some booking links in this article are affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If Australian wildlife is high on your Gold Coast list, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the attractions worth considering.
It is particularly suitable for travellers who want to include an Australian wildlife experience during their Gold Coast holiday.
Best for: Wildlife, families and international visitors.
👉 Check Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary tickets and availability:
https://www.thrillark.com/currumbin-wildlife-sanctuary-tickets-gold-coast-t-1586/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=creator&utm_campaign=currumbin-wildlife-sanctuary-tickets-gold-coast-t-1586&utm_content=auzpix&utm_term=gold%20coast
2. Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park gives visitors a very different experience from the beaches and theme parks of the Gold Coast.
It is a good addition to an itinerary for travellers interested in rainforest scenery, walking and nature.
Best for: Nature lovers, road trips, photography and scenic experiences.
👉 Explore Springbrook tours and experiences:
https://www.thrillark.com/springbrook-national-park-tour-t-2077/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=creator&utm_campaign=springbrook-national-park-tour-t-2077&utm_content=auzpix&utm_term=gold%20coast
3. Warner Bros. Movie World
Movie World is one of the major theme-park experiences people associate with a Gold Coast holiday.
It can be a strong choice for families as well as visitors looking for rides and entertainment.
Best for: Families, rides and theme-park fans.
👉 Check Movie World tickets:
https://www.thrillark.com/warner-bros-movie-world-tickets-t-1581/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=creator&utm_campaign=warner-bros-movie-world-tickets-t-1581&utm_content=auzpix&utm_term=gold%20coast
4. Sea World Gold Coast
Sea World combines marine-themed attractions with entertainment and rides, making it another popular option for a full day on the Gold Coast.
Best for: Families and visitors looking for a full-day attraction.
👉 Check Sea World tickets and availability:
https://www.thrillark.com/sea-world-tickets-gold-coast-t-1582/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=creator&utm_campaign=sea-world-tickets-gold-coast-t-1582&utm_content=auzpix&utm_term=gold%20coast
5. Dreamworld Gold Coast
Dreamworld is another option for travellers building a Gold Coast theme-park itinerary.
If your holiday includes several theme parks, compare the experiences before deciding how many days you want to allocate.
👉 Check Dreamworld tickets:
https://www.thrillark.com/dreamworld-tickets-gold-coast-t-1585/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=creator&utm_campaign=dreamworld-tickets-gold-coast-t-1585&utm_content=auzpix&utm_term=gold%20coast
6. Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast
For travellers who enjoy water slides and water-based attractions, Wet’n’Wild can be added to a Gold Coast theme-park itinerary.
Best for: Families, groups and water-park fans.
👉 Check Wet’n’Wild tickets:
https://www.thrillark.com/wet-n-wild-tickets-gold-coast-t-1584/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=creator&utm_campaign=wet-n-wild-tickets-gold-coast-t-1584&utm_content=auzpix&utm_term=gold%20coast
7. SkyPoint Observation Deck
If you want to see the Gold Coast skyline from above, SkyPoint is one of the easiest attractions to include while spending time around Surfers Paradise.
It can also fit into a shorter Gold Coast itinerary because you don’t necessarily need to dedicate an entire day to it.
Best for: Views, photography, couples and first-time visitors.
8. Surfers Paradise Jet Boat Ride
For something more adventurous, a jet boat experience gives visitors another way to experience the waterways around the Gold Coast.
Best for: Adventure seekers, couples, groups and visitors wanting something different from a theme park.
👉 Check Surfers Paradise Jet Boat Ride availability:
https://www.thrillark.com/gold-coast-jet-boat-ride-ticket-t-2081/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=creator&utm_campaign=gold-coast-jet-boat-ride-ticket-t-2081&utm_content=auzpix&utm_term=gold%20coast
9. Australian Outback Spectacular Heartland Show with Dinner
This experience can be particularly interesting for visitors looking for evening entertainment rather than another daytime attraction.
Because dinner is incorporated into the experience, it can also become part of your evening itinerary.
👉 Check Australian Outback Spectacular tickets:
https://www.thrillark.com/australian-outback-spectacular-heartland-show-tickets-with-dinner-t-1587/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=creator&utm_campaign=australian-outback-spectacular-heartland-show-tickets-with-dinner-t-1587&utm_content=auzpix&utm_term=gold%20coast
Which Gold Coast Attraction Should You Choose?
There isn’t one attraction that is best for everyone.
For Australian wildlife, consider Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
For theme parks, compare Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild.
For nature, consider Springbrook National Park.
For Gold Coast views, SkyPoint is a convenient option.
For adventure, consider the Surfers Paradise Jet Boat Ride.
And for an evening experience, the Australian Outback Spectacular may fit your itinerary well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do on the Gold Coast for first-time visitors?
A first Gold Coast trip can combine Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint, an Australian wildlife experience, one major theme park and a nature destination such as Springbrook.
Which Gold Coast attractions are good for families?
Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are among the options families commonly consider.
What can you do on the Gold Coast besides beaches?
Visitors can explore wildlife attractions, theme parks, rainforest areas, observation decks, water activities and evening entertainment.
Should I book Gold Coast attractions before travelling?
For paid attractions and organised experiences, checking availability before travelling can help you plan your itinerary, particularly when you have limited time.
Planning Your Gold Coast Trip?
You can check current attraction options and booking availability using the individual links above.
I also recommend watching my Gold Coast Travel Guide for a visual look at the destination:
👉 Watch my Gold Coast Travel Guide on YouTube