Whether you want to get away from it all on holiday, or get amongst it, the Gold Coast is a diverse destination that caters to introverts and extroverts equally well. We’ve put together a hit list of places to go and things to do for two personality types who seek very different experiences when it comes to travel.
Gold Coast For Introverts
If you’re taking a holiday to relax and unwind, then the Gold Coast offers tranquil escapes, where space and solitude is easy to find. You’ll also be glad to discover intimate venues and an uncrowded coastline. If you enjoy a life on the quieter side, a mid-week stay is the perfect time to plan your visit.
South Stradbroke Island
South Stradbroke Island is only a couple of kilometres from the ‘mainland’ but it feels like a million miles away. If you’re after some nature based chill time or crave space and solitude, this peaceful, picturesque island is the spot.
The fact that it’s only accessible via boat (jet ski, water taxi or a kayak will cut it too) means that even during busy periods, it’s common to get an entire stretch of beach to yourself. There are a couple of campgrounds, Tipplers Café and some private homes here, but other than that the best things to do here are surf, fish, hike and reconnect with nature.
The North Room
Offering an intimate fine dining experience with a maximum of 20 guests per sitting, this Mermaid Beach restaurant is run by husband and wife hospitality experts, Tim and Shannon Stewart.
Focused on smaller, share style dishes paired with a few primary, seasonal ingredients, the menu changes constantly, as does the extensive wine list. But both are consistently excellent. Book well ahead to dine at The North Room.
Location: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
David Fleay Wildlife Park
Named after a local pioneer in conservation, this Gold Coast wildlife park provides ample opportunities to see Australian wildlife up close in a peaceful creekside setting. Wander along boardwalks through tranquil bushland habitat, which is home to koalas, kangaroos, emus, wallabies, crocodiles, dingoes and more.There’s even a platypus, which you can observe foraging in its freshwater habitat.
Meet rangers from Queensland Parks and Wildlife, who care for the park’s inhabitants at daily presentations and birds of prey shows. When you exit the park, head along the boardwalk in the opposite direction from the carpark for a stroll through magical mangrove and rainforest walkways along the banks of Tallebudgera Creek.
Location: Loman Lane, Burleigh Heads
Springbrook National Park
(Image: Tourism and Events Queensland) Dominating the Gold Coast's western skyline, Springbrook National Park offers stunning views of sweeping landscapes, bushwalks through cool forests and along mountain streams and walks among subtropical rainforest and a wild, Heritage-listed habitat, which is full of natural wonders. This region of the Gold Coast is home to numerous walking tracks where you can wander in peace - the popular Twin Falls Circuit (pictured) which is 4km and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Dune Café
Located on the shores of the estuary where Currumbin Creek flows out to sea, Dune Café is perfectly placed close to parklands, beach and calm lagoon. (Bring your beach gear for a swim because the water is beautiful.) Visit for early coffee, late lunch or anything in between. This area is part of a beloved Gold Coast dog park, so comes with the added bonus of patting local pups.
Location: 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach (North side of Currumbin Creek Bridge.)
Wonder Reef
We’ve got sculptures by the sea on the Gold Coast, but did you know there are sculptures under the sea here too? Explore a surreal marine environment at the unique Gold Coast dive site, Wonder Reef - a bucket list experience for SCUBA divers. And since nobody can talk underwater, it’s an oasis of calm for introverts too.
Created from nine large scale flutes that hang suspended at different depths, the kinetic nature of the reef sculptures allows them to move with the energy of the ocean, like a giant kelp forest. The organic forms of the reef are inhabited by coral and myriad marine life, with swim throughs and platforms to explore.
Location: 2.5km off Main Beach
Gold Coast For Extroverts
If you’re an outgoing, talkative type who loves making new connections, thrives on collective energy and is happiest in the heart of the action, then these Gold Coast venues and experiences will get you buzzing.
Cali Beach Club
Keen to meet some new faces, let your hair down and dance the day away into the night at a luxe rooftop restaurant, bar and beach club? Book a poolside cabana, booth or daybed at Cali Beach Club and enjoy a huge array of bites and beverages overlooking ocean views. By night, indulge in cocktails, dinner, a social scene and eye catching entertainment and performances poolside.
Location: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Cavill Ave
Surfers Paradise is the heart of the Gold Coast - geographically and metaphorically. Take a seat at one of the many restaurants or along Cavill Ave Mall for an excellent seat to watch the world go by. After dinner, treat yourself to a gelato for dessert and enjoy and night time atmosphere on Cavill Ave.
Or take a stroll along the beachfront esplanade where sun lovers soak up some rays and swim or surf in the ocean. During daylight hours it's bustling with beach goers, sightseers, buskers and locals out on their daily run.
Footy Games on the Gold Coast
Get amongst the beloved national sports of Australia at a Gold Coast stadium. Cheer on the Gold Coast Titans in an NRL clash at Cbus Super Stadium in Robina. Or see the Gold Coast Suns play AFL in front of a hometown crowd at Heritage Bank Stadium, Carrara.
YOT Club
All aboard for a super cool social event on Yot Club - Australia’s only superyacht entertainment venue. This amazing floating oasis can accommodate 400 people over two levels, and cruises the gorgeous Gold Coast waterways as guests dance, drink and mingle.
There’s a variety of events to choose from, from a three-course Sunday seafood lunch to themed evening events with DJs, premium food and beverage packages and sunset views as you cruise.
Location: Mariners Cove, 60 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Miami Marketta
This buzzing laneway precinct is always filled with a friendly crowd. Whether you want to hear some local live music, feast on mouth watering street food, enjoy a beverage at one of the unique bars or all of the above, Miami Marketta is the perfect place to strike up a conversation or make a new friend. Come and join the fun every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm.
Location: 23 Hilcrest Parade, Miami
Gold Coast Events
This city sure knows how to throw a party! Join in the celebrations at Gold Coast events like Blues on Broadbeach, SPRINGTIME or Groundwater Country Music Festival (which are all free FYI) and you’ll be swept up in a sea of good vibes, good times and amazing music. The streets and parks are packed with punters who are out to enjoy the sunshine, live tunes and infectious feel good atmosphere. Check out our event calendar to see what’s on when you visit.
Keen to explore more? Check out the Best Things To Do At Night on the Gold Coast
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.