Best Things to do in Gold Coast | Must-see attractions 2025

Sling Shot & Vomatron Amusement Rides Gold Coast

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Theme Park

3 Cypress Ave.

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Sling Shot & Vomatron Amusement Rides in Surfers Paradise offers thrilling rides, mini golf, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Paid. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $18 for children.

The Wax Museum

Mo-Su,PH 10:00-18:00

Museum

56 Gold Coast Hwy

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The Wax Museum in Surfers Paradise features realistic wax models of notable historical, film, and fictional characters, offering an engaging experience for visitors.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Paid tickets required; prices vary by age category.

Kirra Hill

Open 24 hours

Park

Gold Coast Highway

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Kirra Hill offers panoramic views of the Gold Coast, hiking trails, and cultural monuments. A serene destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No entry fees are required for access.

Saint Augustine's Catholic Church

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

McLean St.

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Saint Augustine's Catholic Church in Gold Coast combines rich history and Gothic architecture with a welcoming community atmosphere.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free entry.

Twin Towns Coolangatta Uniting Church

9:00 AM–11:00 AM

Church

Cnr Lanham and McLean Street

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Twin Towns Coolangatta Uniting Church is located in the heart of Gold Coast, Australia, serving as a community hub with historical significance and unique architecture.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require a donation or ticket.

Sea World

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theme Park

Seaworld Dr

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Sea World in Gold Coast, Australia, offers marine-themed attractions, animal encounters, and rides, providing an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.

Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours.

Paid. Adults: $89, Children (3-13 years): $69, discounts available for families.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

8.00am - 5.00pm 7 days

Zoo

28 Tomewin St

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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Gold Coast, Australia features hundreds of native animals, wildlife shows, and a wildlife hospital set in natural bushland.

Duration: 3-5 hours.

Adults: $49, Children (4-14): $39, Infants (0-3): Free. Discounts available during school holidays.

Robina Stadium

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Stadium

Stadium Drive

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Robina Stadium, located in Gold Coast, Australia, serves as a multi-purpose venue primarily for rugby league and soccer events, showcasing top-tier sporting activities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies by event. Major sporting events typically range from AUD 20-50 for adults.

Metricon Stadium

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Stadium

LOT 8 Nerang-Broadbeach Rd

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Metricon Stadium, located in Gold Coast, Australia, is a 25,000-seat venue known for hosting T20 International and BBL cricket matches.

Duration: 2-4 hours, depending on the event.

Paid tickets vary by event; check the official site for details.

Reach Out for Christ

9:30 AM–7:00 PM

Church

288 Gooding Dr

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Reach Out for Christ, a Christian Church in Carrara, Gold Coast, Australia, welcomes holidaymakers to attend its Sunday services at 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Attending services incurs no cost.

WhiteWater World

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Amusement Park

1 Dreamworld Pkwy.

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WhiteWater World in Gold Coast, Australia, features over 140 water activities, including extreme waterslides and family-friendly attractions within the Dreamworld complex.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Paid. Adult tickets start at AUD 59. Child tickets available at reduced rates.

Schuster Park

Open 24 hours

Park

Tallebudgera QLD 4228

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Schuster Park is a natural green space in the Gold Coast, Australia, offering recreational activities, walking trails, and picnic areas amidst lush flora.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

John Fraser Memorial Park

Open 24 hours

Park

Gold Coast Highway

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John Fraser Memorial Park in Gold Coast offers scenic waterfront views, well-maintained gardens, and a memorial dedicated to the city's historical figures.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No tickets required for general access.

Warner Bros. Movie World

Mo-Su 09:30-17:00

Theme Park

Pacific Motorway

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Visit Warner Bros. Movie World in Gold Coast, Australia, featuring thrilling rides, live shows, and character interactions in a film-themed environment.

Duration: At least 5 hours.

Paid. Adult tickets approximately AUD 89, child tickets AUD 79.

Firth Park

Open 24 hours

Park

Somerset Drive

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Firth Park in Gold Coast features landscaped gardens, playgrounds, and sports facilities across 5.2 hectares, offering recreational opportunities for families and visitors.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. All facilities are available at no cost.

Ken Mansbridge Park

6:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

179 Hedges Ave

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Ken Mansbridge Park in Gold Coast, Australia, offers lush green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic facilities, making it a family-friendly recreational area.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. No fees for general access or park facilities.

Federation Walk Coastal Reserve

Open 24 hours

Nature reserve

1 Seaworld Dr

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Federation Walk Coastal Reserve on the Gold Coast offers a scenic coastal pathway through diverse ecosystems, ideal for walking and wildlife observation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No charge for entry; some events may have fees.

Anthea Polson Art

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

Shop 19-20 Mariners Cove (60-70 Seaworld Dr.)

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Anthea Polson Art in Gold Coast, Australia, features contemporary artworks from local and international artists, offering a vibrant cultural experience.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Chris Cunningham Park

Open 24 hours

Park

Cnr Wharf and Bay St

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Chris Cunningham Park in Tweed Heads, Australia, is a scenic park featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and recreational facilities along the riverside.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No additional costs for park access.

Point Danger

Open 24 hours

Tower

Tweed Terrace

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Point Danger in Coolangatta, Australia is a scenic beachside lookout featuring walking paths, tables, toilets, and sweeping ocean views.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No entry fee required to access the lookout.

St Vincent's Catholic Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

40 Hamilton Ave

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St Vincent's Catholic Church features traditional architecture and serves the local community in Gold Coast, Australia, attracting visitors with its history and cultural significance.

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Free entry. Donations are appreciated but not required.

Macintosh Island Park

Open 24 hours

Park

Gold Coast Highway

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Macintosh Island Park, Gold Coast, features picnic areas, a playground, and a waterfall, providing a serene escape with sandy beach access.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Free. No admission fees are required to access the park facilities.

Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse

Open 24 hours

Monument

Tweed Terrace & Boundary Street Point Danger

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Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse, located at Point Danger, serves as a functional lighthouse and lookout point with picturesque coastal views between Queensland and New South Wales.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Boomerang Art

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

27 Margaret St

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Boomerang Art Gallery in Gold Coast showcases Aboriginal and Contemporary Art by internationally recognized artists, emphasizing over 60,000 years of heritage.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Art purchases may vary in price; original pieces start at AUD50.

Southport Bowls Club

9:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

Windemere 2 Marine Pde

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Southport Bowls Club in Gold Coast, Australia offers a premier lawn bowling experience with facilities for both casual players and serious competitors.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free to enter. Lawn bowling fees apply for game play.

Watling Fine Art Galleries & Burleigh Framing

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

Shop 13 99 West Burleigh Rd

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Watling Fine Art Galleries & Burleigh Framing in Gold Coast offers a diverse collection of art including Aboriginal, contemporary, and traditional works. Free entry available.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free entry to the gallery. Special exhibitions may charge a fee.

Paradise Point Parklands

Open 24 hours

Park

The Esplanade

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Paradise Point Parklands in Gold Coast offers scenic views, picnic spots, and a children's playground. Perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation by the water.

Duration: 1–3 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Dalozzo Art Gallery

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

39A The Promenade The Marine Village

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Dalozzo Art Gallery, located in Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast, has been showcasing contemporary and traditional art since 1996, emphasizing local and international artistry.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Ed Hardy Park

6:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

The Esplanade

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Ed Hardy Park in Gold Coast, Australia, features expansive green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities, ideal for families, joggers, and picnics.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Justins Park

Open 24 hours

Park

The Esplanade

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Justins Park in Gold Coast offers spacious green areas, playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and scenic views of the ocean, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required to access the park.

Burleigh Head National Park

Open 24 hours

Beach

90 km south of Brisbane

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Burleigh Head National Park features rainforest trails and wildlife viewing on a coastal headland in Burleigh Heads, Australia, with views of pristine shorelines.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free.

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

230 Ashmore Rd

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Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens in Benowa showcases diverse plants amid tranquil areas, ideal for all ages seeking nature and recreation.

Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Free.

Harley Park

Open 24 hours

Park

370 Marine Parade

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Harley Park in Labrador, Gold Coast features play equipment, picnic areas, and swimming options, making it a family-friendly destination for outdoor activities.

Duration: 1-3 hours.

Free. All facilities are available at no cost.

Robina Common

Open 24 hours

Park

Ron Penhaligon Way

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Robina Common is a vibrant public park in Gold Coast, Australia, featuring walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and diverse native flora and fauna.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Soul Boardwalk

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

4 The Esplanade

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Soul Boardwalk is a vibrant shopping and dining destination located on the Gold Coast, featuring over 70 shops, restaurants, and entertainment options along the beachfront.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Evandale Park

6:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

Ouyan St

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Evandale Park in Gold Coast offers expansive green spaces, picnic areas, and a lake. It's perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking leisure activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Southport Broadwater Parklands

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Marine Parade

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Southport Broadwater Parklands features spacious areas for recreation, including a marine-themed water play area for kids, BBQ grills, and walking paths.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. No charge for entry or use of facilities.

James Overell Park

6:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

Brighton Parade

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James Overell Park in Gold Coast, Australia, offers lush green spaces, walking paths, and playgrounds, ideal for families and recreational activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Alumni Pl. (Parklands Dr.)

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Griffith University Gold Coast Campus offers diverse degree programs, set against a backdrop of natural beauty and modern architecture in Australia.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some specific events and facilities may require a paid ticket.

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

8:00 AM–11:00 PM

Business Center

2690 Gold Coast Highway (at TE Peters Dr.)

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Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre hosts diverse events from conferences to concerts, located in Australia's leisure capital with extensive facilities.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours.

Free for public events. Paid tickets may apply for specific exhibitions and concerts.

Cascade Gardens

6:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

2730 Gold Coast Hwy

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Cascade Gardens is a family-friendly park in Broadbeach, Gold Coast, offering picnic areas, BBQs, playgrounds, and riverwalks.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a ticket.

Kurrawa Pratten Park

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

Old Burleigh Rd

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Kurrawa Pratten Park in Gold Coast features the first 'All Abilities Playground' in the area, offering creative play for children of all ages and abilities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Access to all playground facilities at no cost.

Harry Bond Park

Open 24 hours

Park

Regatta Parade Southport Gold Coast

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Harry Bond Park, located in Gold Coast, Australia, features beautiful playgrounds, sports fields, and expansive green spaces, perfect for active families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No entry fee required.

Cavill Mall

9:00 AM–12:00 AM

Mall

Paradise Centre 8 Cavill Ave

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Cavill Mall in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, offers a vibrant shopping and entertainment experience in a pedestrian-friendly area.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No cost to explore; some events may have fees.

Apple Tree Park

Open 24 hours

Park

2016 Springbrook Rd

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Apple Tree Park in Gold Coast, Australia, offers a serene environment with lush landscapes, picnic spots, and playgrounds for families and nature lovers.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require registration.

Tarrabora Reserve

Open 24 hours

Park

945 Gold Coast Hwy

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Tarrabora Reserve is a tranquil natural area located in Gold Coast, Australia, offering scenic walking trails and diverse wildlife for visitors to explore.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Palm Beach Parklands

6:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

945 Gold Coast Hwy

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Palm Beach Parklands is a coastal park in Gold Coast, Australia, featuring walking paths, picnic areas, and access to pristine beaches.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid entry.

Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area

Open 24 hours

Nature reserve

Brisbane Road

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Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area features diverse wetlands and habitats, ideal for bird watching and nature trails in Gold Coast, Australia.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No ticket required for entry.

Damian Leeding Memorial Park

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

Watersport Lane

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Damian Leeding Memorial Park in Oxenford, Gold Coast features recreational spaces, picnic areas, and a serene environment perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entrance fees are required to access the park.

Burleigh Heads Uniting Church

10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Church

2 Burleigh St

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Burleigh Heads Uniting Church offers community worship services and features unique architecture and coastal views in Gold Coast, Australia.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a contribution.