Want some inspiration on all the wonderful ways you can enjoy the Gold Coast? These epic experiences will show you different sides to our city.. and they're all awesome. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, entertainment, exploration, nature, culture, amazing accommodation or the perfect beachside lunch venue, we've got what you want.
Soak Bathhouse
Feeling frazzled? The perfect antidote is to soak away the stress at the heavenly urban bathhouse, Soak in Mermaid Beach. A 90-minute bathing session grants you access to a heated magnesium pool, hot tubs, an icy cold plunge pool, steam room and sauna. It’s a spacious, serene environment - the perfect place to be, breathe and press the pause button for some much needed chill time.
iFly
This indoor skydiving experience gives you the exhilaration and thrill of hovering in the air, swooping around like a bird and riding the currents… without the whole jump-out-of-a-plane part. You’ll be flying high in this fully controlled, ultra safe experience and you’ll have an experienced instructor with you in the wind tunnel to help you get the hang of it. You'll be buzzing after this one - warming, can be extremely addictive! Sign up for an iFly session stat if you're a thrill seeker looking for the next adrenaline hit.
QT Gold Coast
Interstate holiday, business trip, stay-cation - QT Gold Coast caters for all these and more in signature quirky/cool style. At this extraordinary hotel, an eclectic mix of art and design come to life through dreamy dining options (three onsite restaurants to choose from), a cool pool (you won’t know if you’re in Palm Springs or Surfers Paradise) and a stylish spa. Ocean view rooms are perfect for scoping the action down on the beach, which is just a block away, with shopping, restaurants and nightlife nearby.
Tommy's Italian
Italian food tastes better when it’s accompanied with views of the ocean. We don’t have any scientific data to back that up, but a meal at Tommy’s Italian will convince you it’s true. With salty sea breezes and vistas of Currumbin Beach, the vibe is fresh and welcoming and the tantalising menu features traditional favourites prepared with passion. Pasta is made in-house from scratch (try Bay bug spaghetti with chilli, capers and cherry tomato) crispy woodfired pizzas are perfect to share, and seafood and meat options will have you torn about what to order. If it's too hard to choose, opt for the set menu - your taste buds will thank you.
Sailing in Paradise
The Gold Coast is blessed with the best waterways and hopping aboard one of the luxury catamarans for charter at Sailing in Paradise is a superb way to see them. Set sail across the Broadwater for an incredible view of the coast and city skyline and keep an eye out for marine life like dolphins and dugongs en route. Stop off for a beach landing at South Stradbroke or Wavebreak Island where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard and pretend you’re on a deserted island. With the sails full and the motors off, the catamarans cruise along, gliding quietly across the water - we couldn’t think of a more perfect way to end the day than a late afternoon cruise to admire the sun set at dusk and the sparkling city lights after dark.
Treetop Challenge Currumbin
QT Gold Coast
Gold Coast Watersports
Make a splash this summer with Gold Coast Watersports, operating from both Surfers Paradise and Main Beach. Choose your own adventure from a variety of awesome aquatic experiences. Would you prefer jet skiing, jet boating, parasailing or are you game to give flyboarding a go? Parasailing is an exhilarating experience and surprisingly peaceful once you’re at maximum height, hovering over the Broadwater and city skyline. Join a guided jet ski tour for the funnest way to explore the pristine waterways, mangrove passages and isolated islands of the Gold Coast. These tours are tailored to different levels of experience and confidence so everyone has the best time onboard - great for visitors and locals alike. And is the only place on the Gold Coast where you can try fly boarding - an incredible hybrid ride that propels you through air and water so you can fly like a bird and dive like a dolphin. Give it a go for pure, heart-pounding fun.
Kiff & Culture
If fun, fine food and craft drinks are your thing, hit up some of the best local restaurants and booze traders on the Gold Coast with Kiff & Culture. Their tours are run by warm, welcoming hosts who know the true meaning of hospitality. They’ll pick you up for a day of feasting and wow you with local knowledge and an expertly curated epicurean adventure. The Eat & Drink Gold Coast tour takes you to Rick Shores in Burleigh, then on to gin tasting at Granddad Jack’s distillery in Miami, topped off with some excellent craft beers at Balter Brewery in Currumbin. The Kiff & Culture team use their industry connections to your advantage - think best seats in the house, stellar service and VIP treatment. Yes please!
S*Lab
If you’ve ever dreamed of shaping your own board, S*Lab can make that dream a reality. This is an opportunity to step into the shaping bay for a hands-on experience, with a professional shaper by your side to guide you through the process and workshop your ideas. Utilising 3D software, you’ll design your shape, add board art and select your fins, before taking your board into the shaping bay and learning the tools. Once the board is complete, it will be taken to get its resin finish, and then you’ll be ripping on your own custom-made board.
eFoilGC
If you haven’t heard about hydrofoiling you’re about to learn about the newest water sport taking the Gold Coast by storm. It could be described as a magic carpet ride over water - smooth, soundless and in flow. You might need some tuition and the private lessons offered by Vasco at eFoilGC are the best way to get the hang of it. Using a wi-fi 2 way communication so you can hear his guidance, he’ll teach you the perfect technique so you’re up and riding in no time. Even if you have no experience with water sports, with easy to follow technical tips and personalised coaching, anyone can do it. Make it your New Year’s Resolution to give hydrofoiling a go.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
With 27 hectares of rainforest at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, there's endless activities for the whole family to enjoy. Cuddle up with a Koala and have a professional photo taken - you will always remember the day you came face to face with one of Australia’s most iconic animals. Feed the curious Kangaroos and vibrant Lorikeets, and take a seat at one of the many exciting shows like the Pelican & Eel Show, or Free Flight Bird Show. Only at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary can you experience such a variety of adorable and wonderful animals!
Keen to explore more? Check out this blog: 23 Things To Do For Under $25 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.