Arguably Australia’s glitziest stretch of coastline, the Gold Coast features gorgeous beaches, world-class shopping and an enticing foodie scene. Read on to discover some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast, whether you’re a nature lover or working on your tan.
The Gold Coast boasts a thriving arts and music scene and it’s provided the setting for countless blockbuster movies and world-class surf events. In a nutshell, the ‘GC’ as it’s locally known, has it all.
For accommodation ideas in the area, you’ll find a diverse range of options online at Rentaroo. This holiday rental platform showcases beachside apartments and waterfront villas, as well as rustic cottages nestled in the hinterland. No matter where you choose to stay, the sun-drenched sands and theme parks of the Gold Coast are never far away.
Keep reading to discover the top things to do as well as the seasonal weather variations to help you plan your next holiday.
Top things to do in the Gold Coast
#1 – Hit the beaches
Boasting some of the most stunning beaches in Australia, the Gold Coast is all about the sun, surf and sand. Backed by towering skyscrapers is Surfers Paradise beach where you can swim under the watchful eye of lifeguards before dining at one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the shores.
Less crowded are the beautiful beaches at Burleigh Heads and Currumbin where you can enjoy leisurely strolls in the morning and late afternoon. For surf, both Main Beach and Broadbeach offer consistent conditions.
#2 – Walk the trails of Burleigh Head National Park
This small but picturesque national park is the perfect place for a leisurely walk, with two options to choose from. You can learn about native plant species along the short Rainforest Circuit or follow the Ocean View Walk over the rocky headland to Palm Beach. Along the way, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of the Gold Coast’s skyline and Burleigh Beach. This is a particularly popular walk during the whale migration season (June to October) when humpback whales can often be seen in the nearby waters.
#3 – Get your thrills at the theme parks
Dubbed Australia’s “theme park capital”, the Gold Coast boasts no less than five family-friendly theme parks. You can meet all your favourite film stars, superheroes and cartoon characters at Warner Brothers Movie World or experience the adrenalin-pumping rides of the country’s largest theme park, Dreamworld.
Sea World showcases marine life from around the globe while Wet’n’Wild is all about water-based attractions. For a quintessentially Australian experience, don’t miss the Outback Spectacular, which celebrates the country’s rural culture.
#4 – Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to a diverse range of native animals, this popular wildlife sanctuary offers medical care to injured and orphaned wildlife. In addition to its onsite hospital where you can observe procedures through a glass window, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary also runs educational programs highlighting the issues being faced by Australia’s native species.
During your visit, you can get up close to koalas, kangaroos and bearded dragons, as well as feed the free-flying lorikeets. Kids will love testing their skills on the high ropes course of the TreeTops Challenge.
#5 – Go hiking in Lamington National Park
Home to plants and wildlife with origins in Gondwana, this UNESCO World Heritage-listedl area lies in the Hinterland. It encompasses more than 160 kilometres of walking trails, including the long-distance Border Track, which was constructed in the 1930s. You can explore along the easy Binna Burra Rainforest Circuit or experience the Antarctic beech forest of the Tullawallal Circuit.
Magnificent views across the Coomera Valley can be enjoyed from the Caves Circuit Trail while one of Lamington National Park’s most spectacular cascades, Moran’s Falls, is best viewed from Python Rock.
When is the best time to go to the Gold Coast?
When you consider the Gold Coast experiences around 300 days of sunshine every year, there isn’t really a “bad” time to visit. The area has a subtropical climate, with high levels of humidity and occasional storms in the summer months (December, January and February). During this period, you can expect temperatures up to 30°C+, making this an ideal time for enjoying the beaches or learning to surf.
Most people think that autumn (March, April and May) is the best time to visit the Gold Coast when you can expect gorgeous weather and temperatures around 23°C. Aside from the Easter school holiday period, the accommodation prices are usually more reasonable than during the summer months.
Surfers should coincide their visit with the winter months when the Gold Coast experiences its biggest swells. A winter vacation will see temperatures in the mid-teens, with days that are clear and sunny – perfect for exploring the hiking trails of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Spring is another popular time to visit the area, with temperatures gradually warming and humidity levels on the rise in the lead-up to summer. The only downside is that the winds can be quite strong, which can affect some water-based activities. If you’re planning on visiting in spring, it’s worth avoiding the “schoolies” period when school leavers flock to the area to party.
1 Comment
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