Our amazing beaches and world-famous theme parks are common knowledge, but there’s so much more to explore. Get off the beaten track, dig a little deeper and discover some hidden gems of the Gold Coast. Expect the unexpected with these experiences, activities and accommodation. Pleasant surprises await…
BOOMERANG FARM
It’s only five minutes from Mudgeeraba, but Boomerang Farm is completely hidden from the outside world on a 20-hectare property bordered by creeks, forests and mountains. There’s a great nine-hole golf course and its fairways take advantage of the fabulous natural surrounds with historic barns and shearing sheds as the backdrop. You’ll tee off with local wildlife including kangaroos and black cockatoos assessing your swing.
It’s also home to Boomerang Farm Bike Park with 14 mountain biking trails through thick bushland to suit everyone from total beginners to speed freaks. With a café and bar on site, visitors are well catered for and Boomerang farm hosts weddings and corporate events too.
TROPICAL FRUIT WORLD
Drive 10 minutes south of Gold Coast Airport and turn off the M1 when you see the big avocado to discover a truly unique experience – Tropical Fruit World. This award-winning farm is a must-do for lovers of fun, food, nature, health and well-being. There are 500 species of tropical and exotic fruit grown here and you’ll see them growing in lush and lovingly tended orchards on a fully guided tractor tour of the plantation. Even better, you’ll get to sample them in a fruit tasting session – try the chocolate pudding fruit for something different. The tour also includes farm animal feeding, a bushland boat tour and a visit to the Island Playground where kids will love mini putt-putt and a flying fox.
Hungry for more? Indulge your taste buds with exotic fruit ice creams and mouth watering tropical treats in the Plantation Cafe and stock up on fabulous fruit at their fruit market before you head home.
GOLD COAST MOTOR MUSEUM
Car buffs will drool over the Gold Coast Motor Museum. There’s a massive selection of cars and motorbikes from 1900 through to 1988 – though any history buff will be turned on, there’s horse-drawn buggies, old push bikes and peddle cars too, and other relics of history from telephones to tools and period fashion pieces. Many car museums are one-make museums, but here you’ll find everything from Holdens to Lamborghinis.
Set on 12 acres in the stunning Gold Coast hinterland surrounded by native trees and grassland, the museum and neighbouring restaurant are set on the crest of the hill, with picturesque views of the Coomera Valley. Check out Stanley’s Barn Restaurant & Bar, where an award-winning chef prepares culinary treats in a beautiful, rustic barn.
FISHERMEN’S CO-OP
It’s become a local institution, and even with all the great seafood restaurants in the region, it’s hard to find fresher seafood anywhere than the Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-Operative at Main Beach. Trawlers sell their fresh catch direct to the public here – opening at 7am seven days a week until they’re sold out.
Get the freshest fish, spanner crabs, king prawns, Balmain bugs, squid and more right beside the Broadwater on the Spit at Main Beach, five minutes’ drive from Surfers Paradise. It’s the place where locals come to find the freshest catch. Established in 1970, it’s been a Gold Coast secret for decades, though word’s slowly getting out.
WILDFIRE TOURS
Buckle up and see the Gold Coast in style with Wildfire Tours. Cruise along the coast or venture up into the hinterland in one of their chauffeured classic cars or genuine Harley Davidsons. Enjoy the feeling of freedom and experience the thrill as you sweep along the open road on one of their beautiful bikes ridden by an experienced and accredited rider. With tours ranging from one hour to a whole day, the options are endless. Wildfire Tours can also arrange transfers and tours by classic cars, hot rods, custom cruising vehicles and stretch hummers.
GOLD COAST CLAY TARGET CLUB
There are all sorts of ways to entertain yourself on the Gold Coast beyond roller coasters and surfboards. How about clay target shooting? It’s a challenging sport for men, women and kids of all ages – test your aim as you shoot at a moving target. Total novices are welcome at the Gold Coast Clay Target Club, with a dedicated layout and club coach available every Saturday afternoon.
Located on the northern Gold Coast, it’s a great day out for families with a clubhouse on-site with a full catered kitchen, bar facilities and a large dining area. There’s also free camping, with powered sites, hot showers and amenities.
GOLD COAST OCEAN WAY
The Gold Coast has 57 kilometres of beaches stretched out one-after-the-other from the border at Coolangatta all the way to South Stradbroke Island. You can cycle and walk almost the entire way right beside the sand, on mostly flat terrain along some of the best cycling and walking trails in Australia.
There are 36 kilometres shared cycle and pedestrian paths along the ocean. You’ll have amazing views all the way from Point Danger and Coolangatta to the south, to Paradise Point in the north, with great cafés and restaurants to refuel at along the way.
If you prefer to walk, you can do so for days. Particular walking paths of note include the Port Danger to Greenmount Beach walking trail – where you’ll walk above the world’s most iconic right hand point break (Snapper Rocks) through coastal forest, beside the beach, with plenty of pit stops for a coffee, meal or cold beverage en route.
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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.