Things to do in Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has 300 days of sunshine a year, an iconic city skyline hugging white sandy surf beaches and tropical rainforests in the hills behind.

Surfing, sunbaking, shopping, bushwalking - the list of options is endless but with the help of locals' inside knowledge, here is a list of 10 that will ensure a terrific visit.

1. View from Q1: It is the tallest residential building in the world and the views up and down the coast or back towards the hills are sensational. You might even spot a whale frolicking in the Pacific Ocean as you gaze from the 78th floor wall-to-roof windows.

2. Dawn Parade: In summer the sun rises around 5am. Join the hundreds of hardy souls who walk the sand highway every morning. The kilometres of white sandy beaches of the Gold Coast make the perfect place for a morning walk or jog. Go alone and enjoy the sunrise over the water or take a friend and share the crisp, clean morning air.

3. Crab sandwich: Ok, we're sharing a local secret here. The fresh crab sandwiches at the kiosk at the end of The Spit are a Gold Coast special. Take a few moments longer and walk out along the sand pumping jetty (popular surfing site in gold coast)  just next door and feel the waves crashing underneath you as the jetty stretches out into the ocean.

4. Pac Fair shopping: Hundreds of busloads of tourists can't be wrong as they head to Pacific Fair (Pac Fair to the locals) every week. It is an all-day shopping experience with acres of retail therapy beckoning.

5. Place a bet: Nothing beats a day at the races and the horses run every Saturday afternoon at the Gold Coast Turf Club, Bundall. But you can also have a bet at any hotel featuring the 'PubTAB' sign. Yes, anyone over 18 can buy a beer, fill in a betting card, pay over the bar and watch your horse on the pub TV in the corner. It's an Aussie specialty.

6. Picnic in the park: Pack your sausages, bread, a few drinks and a frisbee and head to one of the Gold Coast's top class parks for a barbecue and picnic. Parks like Rosser Park, Cascade Gardens, Kurrawa Park and Macintosh Island have plenty of open space, shade, free electric barbecues, toilets and town water.

7. Cruise the Broadwater: Grab a cruise or rent a boat and head around the Broadwater for a few hours. It is romantic and beautiful at sundown. Marvel at the yachts moored at Southport. Another unique experience is buying a few refreshments from the floating shop that does the rounds.

8. Walk the Burleigh Hill: You can't get much better than this. Walk through the lush rainforest remnant that is Burleigh National Park, spot the scrub turkeys and birdlife, as you round the headland and return to the picnic area with breathtaking views back towards Surfers Paradise.

9. Learn to Surf: Whether you're 6 or 60, if you are on the Gold Coast, you have to have a go at surfing. There are plenty of schools to choose from and most will promise to get you upright and riding in a day. Go on, do it, imagine the home video once it's over.

10. Enjoy a day spa: After getting through the top nine, you will need an ultimate relaxation package. The Gold Coast has world class day spas offering everything from hot rock massage to mud-pack facials. Make the time, spend the money and let your body and soul be nourished.

THE Gold Coast has more to offer than just sun, surf and sand. After 50 years as one of Australia's leading tourist hotspots, it's evolved into much, much more. Where else can you go on wine trails, hike rugged mountains, jet-boat and hug koalas all within 50km of one another? Here's a list of just some of the must-do activities

Visit Q1

The world's tallest residential tower is also the only observation deck in Australia by the beach. Clearly recognisable among the Gold Coast's many high rises, the landmark Q1 is a great starting point for tourists. It's best visited during the day, although bad weather can also be a plus - visitors like to lay out on the floor during thunderstorms to watch lightning strike the Q1's impressive 97.7 metre spire. Otherwise just amaze at the length of the coastline, which stretches out as far as the eye can see in both directions. Book your discounted tickets online or grab them from the frontdesk when you get there.

Fuel your adrenalin

The Gold Coast is well on the way to calling itself Australia's adventure capital with no end of thrill-seeking activities available - think jet-boating, jet-skiing, off-road 4WD adventure drives, zorbing, surfing lessons, bungy jumping, tiger moth joy rides, helicopter tours, go-karting, Harley Davidson jaunts, WRX rally car racing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hot air ballooning, theme parks and Infinity... to name a few.

Cheer on the local team

The Gold Coast's population is increasing at the rate of knots - and with it, its sporting power. A day at the footy, or rugby, or basketball, or local ironman contest is a great way to keep the whole family entertained. The Titans, in the NRL, and the Blaze, in the NBL, both turned two in their respective codes this season. An AFL team looks set to join the fun by 2011 officially and Gold Coast United is the A-League's most colourful new addition

Get a theme park thrill

Even the most conservative visitor should take a moment before snubbing this suggestion. Sure, it's a no brainer for kids, but the diversity on offer among the big five - Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild and WhiteWater World - and the string of smaller parks guarantees a good time can truly be had by all. Stroke a sting ray at Sea World's Ray Reef, experience a virtual V8 Supercar race at Dreamworld, cuddle a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or witness life on a station at the Australian Outback Spectacular. Read more and book your discounted theme park tickets.

Discover the Hinterland

The Hinterland often gets forgotten in the glitz and glam of the Gold Coast. But up in the hills, the Coast can actually be very charming. Along the usual winery trails, there's also homemade cheeses, fudge and local brews and liquors to be sampled. Go during the weekend and snap up some local produce at a Farmers' Market, as well as some arts and craft. For the more adventurous, you can tackle one of the many rainforest walks available on Tamborine Mountain, or head down to NSW and Mt Warning. They don't call it that for nothing - you'll have to pull yourself up via a chain for the last few metres.

Visit a surf club

Whether you get along for a meal or a couple of beers with some mates, surf clubs are a favourite with locals and dish up well-priced meals in comfortable surrounds. The walls of most clubs are lined with photos of lifesavers in budgie smugglers giving a good insight into the history of the club and its members. A family-friendly dinner option and a great place for a session before you hit the clubs in Surfers.

Have a spa treatment

The Gold Coast is home to an ever-growing list of top-class spa treatment centres. There's something luxurious about wandering about in the daylight hours in a plush robe and slippers. You can head back to the Q1 and its award-winning resort and spa or try a myriad of other beauty spots located in the top hotels, such as the Golden Door Spa & Health Club at the Sheraton Mirage, Main Beach and L'Aqua Spa at the Watermark in Surfers Paradise. To really get away from it all there are several top spas in the Gold Coast Hinterland, including O'Reilly's Lost World Spa, and Couran Cove Island Resort & Day Spa on South Stradbroke Island. Browse deals on spa treatments.

Enjoy a seafood feast

 

Fresh seafood is a regular on many a Gold Coast menu so diners are spoilt for choice. Splurge on one of the top end restaurants (see our Gold Coast restaurant reviews for ideas) or pog out in private by buying your own fresh (try Charis Seafood at Labrador, Peter's Fish Market at Main Beach or Ferry Road Market at Southport where you can try before you buy). Of course, there is added satisfaction to be had in catching your own (see resident guru Paul Burt's fishing tips to find out what's biting where) but pride and hungry children may negate this option. Several operators also run chartered fishing expeditions and catch-a-crab cruises.

Walk the Burleigh Hill

Make like the locals and stretch your legs along Burleigh's esplanade before making your way around the hill. The track is bordered by lush rainforest remnant that is Burleigh National Park on one side (watch out for the scrub turkeys, they have a habit of creeping up out of nowhere) and stunning views north to Surfers Paradise and south over Tallebudgera Creek.

Have a picturesque picnic

Outdoors is where the fun is at. This is a perfect chance to grab a basket and head to the Gold Coast's famous beaches. Barbecues and picnic tables are available along most parts of the cityside beaches (including BBQ pontoons on the Broadwater), or you could always try more scenic locals, like the rock pools at Currumbin. Up in the Hinterland is another perfect place for a picnic, or you can take the trouble out of lunch by ordering fish and chips at Charis Seafood, Labrador or Peter's Fish Market at Main Beach, while the fresh crab sandwiches at the kiosk at the end of The Spit are a Gold Coast specialty.

Go hot-air ballooning

Ballooning may not come cheap (prices start from $175 per person), but it pays off. Floating soundlessly in the sky is one of those rare experiences that everyone should try at least once. And on the Gold Coast, the views are spectacular, with Brisbane, the brilliant sight of the Coast's endless high rises and the peaks of Tamborine Mountain and Mt Warning all visible on clear days. Thirty minutes feels like only a moment up there and you'll be wishing for more. Browse Gold Coast hot air balloon deals.

Free things to do in Gold coast

It's not all money money money, in fact, there are plenty of fun things to do on the Gold Coast which won't cost you a cent. The beach is the obvious choice, but if you don't like salt water, you can easily spend a day without getting your feet wet. Here's a list of fun things to do on the Gold Coast which are free.

Go Swimming at the Beach

Almost all open surf beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and are protected from sharks. In fact, shark attacks are extremely rare on open beaches (just don't go swimming at dawn or dusk with lumps of bloodied raw meat tied to your body). Make sure you only swim between the flags - read our beach guide for more information. If you're worried about the waves, or the wildlife, there's a protected swimming enclosure in Southport, just opposite Australia Fair in Marine Parade.

Check out O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk

O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk allows you to walk through the canopy to see flowering and fruiting trees and vines, the epiphytic orchids and ferns, and the birds and animals that inhabit the tree tops. The Tree Top Walk is only 300 metres from the Guesthouse via the Booyong Walk, a rainforest boardwalk that was built by the Green Mountains Natural History Association.

The Tree Top Walk, was the first of its kind in Australia, is 180 metres in length and is made up of 9 suspension bridges, with much of the walkway being 15 metres above the ground. Profiles depicting the rainforest flora close by have been placed along the walkway to assist visitors in identifying the plants in the immediate vicinity. Two observation decks have been constructed in a Strangler Fig above the walk way, the highest one being 30 metres (approx 110 feet) above the ground.

Access to the decks is by a ladder that is protected by wire screens. The decks allow a close look at the orchids and ferns growing on the tree, as well as the splendid view out over the rainforest canopy.

The Tree Top Walk is a unique and innovative structure that gives visitors what can only be described as an exhilarating experience - a chance to observe life in the rainforest canopy at close range for the first time in their lives.

Go for a Walk on the Beach at Sunrise, or After Dark

Few views can compare to the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean and the full moon rising over the water at night is so huge you won't believe it's real. Beaches are generally safe places to walk after dark, but use your common sense (don't walk alone in a totally deserted place like The Spit at 3am), but if you stick to populated beaches at reasonable hours (ie. 6am to 12am), you really shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Window Shop

Most of the world's best fashion houses all have dedicated stores in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, and there are lots of other shopping centres and boutique shopping to keep your eyes interested and your wallet safe in your pocket. See our guide to Gold Coast shopping for more info.

Visit a National Park in the Hinterland

None of them charge an entry fee and the views and fauna are breathtaking. You can run through an ancient rainforest, walk under a waterfall, and swim in a mountain stream without paying a cent. More about the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Go to a Museum or Art Gallery

For another insight into the Gold Coast visit the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame in Southport and the Gold Coast City Art Gallery at the Arts Centre Gold Coast in Bundall, there are also plenty of great beachside sculptures in Surfers Paradise and Currumbin.

Gold Coast Multicultural Festival

The Gold Coast Multicultural Festival is held annually and is a great place to take the family for a day out, the entertainment is free however the interesting food and drink from all over the world is not - full details www.goldcoastmulticulturalfestival.org

                                                                                   The Spit

The Spit is a 5km long, relatively undeveloped, sandy isthmus with the Pacific Ocean on its eastern side and the Broadwater on the west. The Spit starts at Main Beach and finishes at the Seaway where the Broadwater debouches into the Pacific Ocean.

Going North from Main Beach, the western Broadwater area houses: the Southport Yacht Club, Fisherman's Wharf, Marina Mirage, the Southport trawler fleet, Peter's Fish & Chips, Palazzo Versace and Seaworld, as well as a large 3-4km open area with several dog exercise, picnic spots and places to put in your boat.

The eastern aspect of The Spit is almost free of development apart from the up-market, oceanfront Sheraton Mirage hotel (about 1km from Main Beach) and the Sand Bypass Jetty and Seaway entrance at the northern tip and the little Spit Cafe which serves surfers, walkers and fisherman.

The beach is a good spot to get away from the crowds, but with limited lifeguard supervision outside holiday seasons it has also proved fatal in the past. Federation Walk runs just behind the dunes on the Ocean side of The Spit, all the way from Main Beach to the Seaway.

It is an easy walk on a well-maintained crushed sandstone path and is also popular with mountain bike riders, but it can be quite hot in summer so take plenty of water. It's probably best to avoid Fedaration Walk and the Oceanside parks after dark as the eastern side of The Spit is fairly remote by city standards and completely unlit (in fact there's nothing much to see at night anyway).

The northern tip of The Spit along the Broadwater is a popular spot for surfing, picnics and fishing during the day. It's a great place to watch the jet-skiers do battle with the waves on the Seaway, and watch the surfers dodge the sharks as they paddle across to South Stradbroke Island. It also hosts the odd music festival.

Many local residents feel that the area should never be developed and with the suggestion that the Port of Gold Coast be situated on the eastern tip of The Spit the area was thrust into the spotlight.

                                                           

                                                       Surfers  Paradise

With the warm Pacific Ocean on one side, the deep blue Nerang River on the other, and more shops, restaurants, high rise resorts and attractions squeezed in between than probably any other peninsula on earth - Surfers Paradise is the undisputed tourist capital of Australia, and some would even argue the world.

A mere 50 years ago 'Surfers' was a small beach resort typical of the Australian coast, but in the 21st century, the city is now the pulsing heart of one of the biggest tourism machines in the Southern Hemisphere. Surfers Paradise is home to many attractions, with everything from bungee jumping & mini ice skating to the Armor All Gold Coast 600 and Schoolies Week. There are also countless restaurants, night clubs & bars to entertain during the night.

Surfers - Holiday Capital of Australia

Surfers Paradise gets very busy during peak holiday periods (Christmas and Easter), but despite the crowds it's still an incredibly beautiful, safe and happy city with great weather and unlike many resort towns around the world, tourists are welcomed with big open arms, big Queensland smiles and bright Queensland sunshine.

Holiday makers are attracted to the neon lights, endless high rise buildings, golden sand, sunny atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle.

You can be comfortable in a tuxedo eating at a five star restaurant or walking down the street in your swimmers.

But they don't call it a "surfer's paradise" for nothing, so it's not surprising the main drawcard is the 150m wide stretch of sand that extends for almost 10km in each direction. The beach is patrolled year round and it's safe to swim - so jump in, but make sure you swim between the flags!

Things to do in Surfers Paradise

Tourist Attractions

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, Surfers has one of the largest selections of tourist attractions and activities on the Gold Coast, from Ripley's Believe it or Not, Sporting Hall of Fame, Infinity, Funtasia, Wax Museum and bowling to name a few!

Surfers is also home to many tour operators including Jet Boat Extreme, the Aqua Duck and day tours.

The Surfers skyline also features Q1, the tallest residential building in the world. Take the world's fastest elevator to level 77 and experience the SkyPoint Observation Deck - views from the hinterland out to sea, you'll be able to take in the beauty of the Gold Coast in it's entirety.

If looking through glass isn't exciting enough for you, the SkyPoint climb should satisfy your adrenaline cravings, being Australia's highest external building walk (at 270m above sea level).

SkyPoint Climb is a must-do Gold Coast adventure lasting 90 minutes from beginning to end and featuring an awe-inspiring, open air adventure atop one of Queensland’s most recognised land marks – the iconic Q1 Tower. Rising 270 metres into the air, SkyPoint Climb is Australia’s highest external building climb and provides unparalleled views of the beautiful Gold Coast and Gold Coast Hinterland.

The adventure begins with a safety briefing at SkyPoint Climb Mission Control (ground floor) before you are fitted with a protective suit and a world class, purpose built safety system featuring a full body harness and fall-arrest device to keep you safe. You’ll then make your way to the launch platform on level 77 via SkyPoint’s high speed elevator where you’ll enter a fully enclosed glass airlock which will be your gateway to outside the building. After one last safety check, you’ll step outside and up a short step ladder that will position you 240 metres above street level and ready to tackle the summit!

Nightlife & Entertainment

Surfers in known amongst locals to be THE place to go for a big night out, with the majority of the Gold Coast's nightclubs, bars and pubs located in and around Orchid and Cavill Avenues.

The scene can be a bit less glamourous late on a Saturday night (well... Sunday morning) but if you're looking for a place (or 20) to wet your whistle then this is the place to go - and because there's so many holiday accommodation options in Surfers, you'll typically be able to walk back to your hotel rather than wait in a taxi line.

There's lounge bars, hip hop venues, dance clubs and Irish pubs, find a Beer Garden, cafe of Hard Rock and a Swingin 1970's beach house - there's plenty of choices - the Surfers Paradise Alliance website has a good list of nightlife venues here.

If clubbing isn't your scene, there's plenty of restaurants to choose from as well as buskers and street performers in the mall to keep you entertained while you dine. Otherwise, make your way a few minutes south to Broadbeach and check out Jupiters Casino.

Shopping in Surfers

There are two extremes in Surfers. At one end of the scale, you'll find all the typical souvenier shops and discount stores for the real touristy stuff (if you want to take a stuffed koala home or find a t-shirt with a boomerang on it).

The other end of the scale oozes high fashion, with big name designer labels like Guess, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel, and boutique stores lining the street from brands including Zimmerman and Billabong. These boutique stores are mainly in and around High Street (a new precinct beneath the Hilton hotel), Circle on Cavill and Elkhorn Avenue. In the middle, find everything else you'll need with the normal shopping centre experience and stores at Centro and Chevron Renaissance.

The beachfront markets are incredibly popular with both locals and tourists, and are held every Wednesday and Friday night (weather permitting).

You can find yourself some unique treasures for souveniers and gifts from the locals who made them, and you're always bound to spot something unusual.

                                                             Shopping in Gold Coast

With some of the 'biggest shopping centres in the Southern hemisphere' as well as boutique strip mall shopping, the Gold Coast is the retail therapy capital of Australia.

While the major centres are mostly full of large retail chains and smaller boutiques, there are also plenty of cool alternate stores on the edges of the main shopping districts.

If you need it, chances are you can buy it on the Gold Coast, you just have to know where to look. How do you know where to look? Read on and we'll tell you…

Note: Gold Coast shopping centres are hard to miss because they are huge, but if you're not driving a car you can get a bus from pretty much anywhere to any of the main centres and shopping districts.

Major Gold Coast Shopping Centres

Robina Town Centre

Location

Robina Parkway, Robina

Description

Robina Town Centre is the Gold Coast's premier retail and leisure destination having just gone under major renovations. Discover a wealth of shopping choices with the Gold Coast's only David Jones department store as well as Big W, Target, Kmart, Coles, two Woolworths Supermarkets and over 300 specialty stores. The centre is also home to a new world-class fashion mall featuring some of Australia's most iconic brands such as SABA, Carla Zampatti, CUE, Country Road, David Lawrence, Sportscraft and more.

Stay all day and enjoy the air-conditioned 900-seat Food atrium with up to 14 dining options plus enjoy a movie at Event Cinemas, Australia's first fully digital cinema complex including Vmax, 3D and Gold Class Cinemas and it doesn't end there... restaurants by the lake are now open including Grill'd, Groove Train, Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, Salsa's Fresh Mex Grill, Squires Loft, Sushi Bay and Toscani's.

Opening Hours

Monday-Wednesday and Friday: 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Saturday: 8.30am - 5.30pm
Sunday: 10.30am - 4pm

Website

www.robinatowncentre.com.au

Pacific Fair

Location

Hooker Boulevarde, Broadbeach

Description

Pacific Fair has over 300 retail stores and services including Myer, Kmart, Target, Coles, Nick Scali Furniture, Rebel Sport, Toys R Us, Best & Less and a 12 screen Birch Carroll & Coyle senstadium cinema complex. There are well over 5000 car parking spaces and during the Christmas rush every single one of them is full. Locals and tourists both love it and there's even a bar and lagoon in the middle of the centre. If you're staying in Broadbeach accommodation, you could easily walk to the centre, or even catch the monorail to Jupiters Casino and head across the road.

Opening Hours

Monday - Wednesday - 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday - Saturday: 9am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 9am - 5pm

Website

www.pacificfair.com.au

Australia Fair

Location

42 Marine Parade, Southport

Description

Australia Fair is a fairly old shopping centre by Gold Coast standards but is doing well for its 29th year of business. It has all the shops you'd expect in a big centre and has the added advantage of being in the Gold Coast's CBD in Southport, so there are plenty of independent shops in the surrounding streets.You'll find homewares galore, boutiques, a large food court and cinema.

Opening Hours

Monday - Wednesday: 9am - 5.30pm
Thursday - 9am: 9pm
Friday - Saturday: 9am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 10.30am - 4pm

Website

www.australiafair.com.au

Harbour Town

Location

Cnr Brisbane Rd & Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters

Description

Harbour Town boasts Australia's first purpose-built outlet shopping precinct in a major regional shopping centre. The idea is that major clothing and homewares brands sell off their merchandise at wholesale prices and you can generally get some really great bargains from the likes of Sheraton linens, Polo Ralph Lauren, surfwear shops, chemists and so much more. If you're accommodation is in Labrador, then this is the closest shopping centre.

Opening Hours

Monday - Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday - Saturday: 9am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 10am - 5pm

Website

www.harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au

Other Large Gold Coast Shopping Centres

• Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise
• Westfield, Helensvale
• Runaway Bay Shopping Centre, Runaway Bay
• Centro, Surfers Paradise
• Coomera City Centre, Coomera
• Marina Mirage, Main Beach
• Sanctuary Cove Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove
• Stockland Burleigh Heads, West Burleigh

                                  Gold Coast Hinterland

They call it the GREEN behind the GOLD... Eagle Heights, Mt Tamborine, Canungra, Lamington National Park, O'Reilly's, Springbrook — it's been known to snow up there in winter, and in summer you won't find a better place to escape the heat of the coast. Everyone knows the Gold Coast has some of the best beaches in the land but when you get sick of sand, why not go for a swim under a waterfall. Some brilliant Gold Coast hinterland pictures appear below in our virtual tour. All images are copyright © Tourism Queensland and may not be reproduced withouth their permission. Click here for some more information about the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park

To get to Elabana Falls it is only a short way from the entrance. Follow the Border Track which takes you 1.7km along and then fork off to the Elabana Falls track. It's a great place to go swimming and if you follow the track a little further it will take you to Picnic Rock.

Gold Coast Skyline View, Mount Tamborine

Mount Tamborine offers you unparalleled views across the entire Gold Coast, giving you a view from the very north tip to the very south and off to Stradbroke Islands. It's a fantastic place to watch the sun rise or set and up here you'll find plenty of quaint tea houses, cafes, art galleries and fantastic walks which take you through this beautiful countryside.

Mount Tamborine Vineyard

Mount Tamborine Vineyard was the first to be planted up in the Gold Coast hinterland. They grow both award winning reds and whites and have a lovely cellar door.

Curtis Falls, Mount Tamborine

Taking the track to Curtis Falls will have you winding your way through rainforest and possibly even past one of the area's elusive lyrebirds. You'll find yourself at the base of the falls which gives you wonderful views up into them, the water may look inviting but it's a strictly no go area.

The Canungra Pub

The quaint Canungra Pub was beuilt in 1937 and looks like an olde ye English inn. There's a fantastic beergarden so you can enjoy the sun and the counter meals and restaurant are pretty special as they mostly use fresh local produce. On Friday nights the pub really gets going with some live music!

Lamington National Park Rainforest

The Lamington National Park sits on the Lamington Plateau of the McPherson Range is well known for its beautiful rainforests, ancient trees that stretch high up into the sky, waterfalls, walking tracks of all grades, spectacular views and the wildlife which call this country home.

Natural Arch / Bridge

Natural Arch or Bridge as it is sometimes called is located inside the Springbrook National Park and is an unusual geological 'arch' that was created millions of years ago. Here lives a colony of glow-worms whose light shines brightest only after sunset. You can get here by taking the Cave Creek walk which will lead you to this wonder through dense rainforest.

Farmland, O'Reillys Plateau

This area of land is certainly the green behind the gold and is often used by small farms producing fruit, vegies, honey, wine and meat of exceptional quality. When you are next on your drive through Mount Tamborine keep your eye out for small roadside stalls offering this wonderful produce and very low prices.

Rainforest Drive, Mount Tamborine

Jump in the car and head away from the coast into the shady streets along Rainforest Drive in Mount Tamborine. The roads here are windy so make sure you're careful and take the corners easily. We recommend coming home before sunset so you don't have to come down the mountain at night.

Rainforest Walk, Lamington National Park

Take one of the trails on Rainforest Walk and see why so many people come back to Lamington National Park. There's gorgeous flora and fauna, like rainforest which is not often found in this part of Australia.

Gold Coast Attractions

Australian Outback Spectacular

Enjoy the show, your sumptuous three-course Aussie BBQ dinner with drinks, and free Stockman's hat! Experience the heart, soul and true Aussie spirit of the outback with Australian Outback Spectacular 2 which is presented by R. M. Williams and filled with more outback music, drama and action than ever before!

After four years and amazing over a million visitors, Australian Outback Spectacular has introduced a variety of new and exciting scenes to enhance your show experience and to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Contact Information
Phone: (07) 5573 3999
Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Qld 4210

Currumbin Wildnight Adventure

Experience the Gold Coast’s only buffet and night-time wildlife tour. Delicious food, traditional culture and Australian animals at their very best at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a walk on the wild side and get closer to Australia’s native wildlife in a natural environment and experience spellbinding Aboriginal music, dance and culture - seven nights a week. All together in a unique buffet and tour package you must experience at least once in your life, a truly memorable time for young and old.

Contact Information
Phone: (07) 5534 1266
Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Qld 4223

Infinity

Infinity is a mind blowing journey into spectacular futuristic maze-like world of wonder. Made up of an extraordinary series of around 20 multi-sensual environments filled with unique special effects, atmospheric sound fields, ultra groovy music and illusions.

The Infinity journey takes around 40 minutes and is suitable for all ages! Travel to another universe and enjoy the sights and sounds of Infinity!

Contact Information
Phone: (07) 5526 8935
Address: Chevron Renaissance Centre, Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd (Gold Coast Hwy) and Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise, Qld 4217

Skypoint Observation Deck

Located 230 metres above the ground, SkyPoint has been transformed from a room with a view to an exciting and educational tourism experience to showcase the 360 degree beauty of the Gold Coast.

Hope on board one of the fastest elevators in the world, taking you from ground level to Level 77 in just 42.7 seconds. SkyPoint is a must-see experience with spectacular 360 degree Gold Coast views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond.

Contact Information
Phone: (07) 5582 2700
Address: Level 77 of Q1, Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Qld 4217

Ripley's Believe It Or Not!

Take a self guided tour through individually themed air-conditioned galleries which feature hundreds of unbelievable exhibits, amazing stories, magic, mystery, incredible illusions, interactive displays and an unforgettable movie. A completely different experience that lasts an hour or more, it's up to you!

• You’ll see a piece of Mars Rock from the Red Planet
• Survive a walk through Australia’s Only Double Spinning Tunnels
• Discover Rare Artifacts in the Egyptian Tomb
• Marvel at the World’s Smallest Car
• Be entertained by “Ripley’s Fab Four”
• See an Unforgettable Movie

Contact Information
Phone: (07) 5592 0040
Address: Soul Shopping Centre, Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise, Qld 4217

Surf World Gold Coast

Surfing and beach culture museum, Surf World, includes over 100 surfboards spanning the eras from 1915 to today, photographs & photographic equipment, surf movie posters, album covers, clothing, trophies, books and heaps more.

We hope that what you’ll discover today will offer a fascinating look into the rich history of surfing in Australia and particularly that of Queensland and the Gold Coast.

Contact Information
Phone: (07) 5525 6380
Address: 1st Floor Honeyworld, Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Qld 4223
Website: www.surfworldgoldcoast.com

XXXX Ale House Brewery Tour

The XXXX Ale House and Brewery Tours provide an unbeatable way to experience an Australian icon up close and discover its proud legend.

The Castlemaine Perkins Brewery was established at Milton, just west of Brisbane city, way back in 1878. Flash forward 130 years or so and a visit to the brewery is your ticket to a rich taste of the science, art and heritage behind these truly great beers of Queensland.

Contact Information
Phone: (07) 3361 7597
Address: Visitor Centre & Beer Gear Shop, XXXX Ale House, Level 1, Cnr Black & Paten Streets (just off Milton Road), Milton QLD 4064
Website: www.xxxxalehouse.com.au

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Other Gold Coast Attractions

Wax Museum
3049 Gold Coast Hwy Surfers Paradise
Phone: 07 5538 3975

Australian Shooting Academy
Level 1, the Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise
Phone: 07 5527 5100
Website: www.australianshootingacademy.com.au/

Cable Ski World
80 Ferry Road, Carbrook QLD
Phone: (07) 3287 7777
Website: www.cableski.com.au

Iceland Ice Skating Rink
15 Strathaird Rd Bundall
Phone: 07 5539 9899

Old Time Photos
Level 1 Paradise Cntr Surfers Paradise
Phone: 07 5570 3335

Putt Putt Golf
Cnr Gold Coast Hwy & Crescent Ave Mermaid Beach
Phone: 07 5575 3381

Strike on Cavill
Circle on Cavill, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Phone: 1300 STRIKE
Website: www.strikebowlingbar.com.au

                     Hotels near Gold Coast Theme Parks

At the moment, the only Gold Coast theme park with a resort hotel right on the doorstep is Sea World Resort.

Staying at Sea World Resort also has some extra perks - you can get special visits into Sea World and as you say you save lots of time be being right there and not having to travel.

As you want to visit in June, you will need to be quick to secure Sea World Resort as we are just about to head into our winter school holidays and it gets very busy during that time.

All the theme parks in Gold Coast open at 10am each morning and close around 5pm - the water parks have shorter hours during our wintertime (June, July and August).

The other theme parks are all located inland of the beach areas of the Gold Coast at Oxenford (Movie World, Wet n Wild, Paradise Country and Australian Outback Spectacular) and Coomera (Dreamworld and Whitewater World). At the moment there isn't a hotel or resort right by them. Closest is Gold Coast Holiday Park which combines a caravan park and 4 star motel accommodation, but is not close to the beach or Gold Coast night life.

There are shuttle buses that go to all the Gold Coast theme parks daily or you can hire a car and drive yourself as there is plenty of free parking at all the attractions. From Surfers Paradise it takes about 25 to 30 minutes to get to the most of the theme parks - shuttle buses which stop to pick up passengers may take a little longer.