Do you like to sightsee at a leisurely pace? Or would you rather go fast, get amongst it and immerse yourself in energetic experiences that get your heart pumping and the endorphins flowing? If you’re the type who likes to take it to extremes, we’ve put together a hit list of action-packed adventures that showcase the best of Gold Coast’s great outdoors.
THE ONLY WAY IS UP
Some people like to live on the edge and those people probably enjoy hanging off the side of high rises too. If you’re one of them, head to the Q1 Resort tower in Surfers Paradise to undertake Australia’s highest external building climb. After a safety briefing, you’ll start at the SkyPoint Observation Deck on level 77 and exit the building for an awe-inspiring, sky high adventure. Safely harnessed onto a handrail and led by an experienced climb leader, you’ll ascend exterior stairs towards the massive spire, stopping along the way to enjoy 360-degree views of the Gold Coast, from the golden beaches and city skyline, to lush green hinterland and beyond. Once you reach the summit of SkyPoint Climb, you’ll have the opportunity to lean out over the 270m drop – not for the faint-hearted! There’s something so liberating and exhilarating about being out in the elements so high up – even when your feet are back on the ground it will take you a while to come back down to earth. You can climb at sunrise, during the day, at twilight and after dark to admire the Gold Coast’s many different moods.
ISLAND VIBES
At our fine dining restaurants you may be offered a choice of H2O, but when it comes to the Gold Coast’s pristine waterways there’s only one option – sparkling. For a unique aquatic adventure in our crystal-clear ocean, join Australian Kayaking Adventures for a three-hour kayaking and snorkelling tour. The tour begins with a leisurely paddle across tranquil waters to secluded Wave Break Island where you’ll be treated to a delicious Continental breakfast on the beach. Then strap on a snorkel to swim with hundreds of tropical fish. You’ll encounter all sorts of wildlife on your adventure and might spot dolphins, turtles, rays, dugongs and seabirds. This is a wonderful way to explore the gorgeous waterways with a seasoning of salt, sun and sand.
GO TURBO
If a leisurely paddle is too tame for your taste, jump aboard a considerably faster watercraft for a gung-ho Gold Coast adventure. Jetboat Extreme‘s 650 horse-power twin jet-power turbo engines deliver a hair-raising ride at speeds up to 80kph. White-knuckle your way through 360-degree spins, water slides, sweeping fish tails and wild wave riding. It’s 55 minutes of non-stop fun as you whip around Gold Coast’s waterways hooting, hollering and squealing as the spray hits you. The exhilarating experience is made even more memorable by wise-cracking captains who throw in a few jokes, fun facts and local knowledge along the way. Hot tip: bring a towel or a change of clothes as you’re guaranteed to get wet!
MONKEY BUSINESS
Have you heard about the Japanese practice of forest-bathing? It focuses on the health benefits that come from spending time among the trees. While you’re supposed to sit quietly to improve wellbeing in this mindfulness exercise, we’re pretty sure you can get the same effect by taking on the Tree Top Challenge in the Gold Coast’s Tamborine Mountain. This Gold Coast adventure takes place in Australia’s largest treetop adventure park, traversing nine acres of subtropical rainforest. Enjoy a birds-eye view as you soar 70m above the jungle canopy on the Canyon Flyer or tackle the high ropes course with four different levels of difficulty. Just pray your palms don’t get sweaty! It’s suitable for all levels of fitness and experience, and the perfect activity to do with kids. Tarzan eat your heart out!
If you enjoyed this story you might also like: Make a Splash! Water Sports Without the Waves.
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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.