10 Best Places to Visit on the Gold Coast

Think of the ultimate holiday spot in Australia and the Gold Coast will automatically come to mind. Irrespective of your age or preferences, you will find a whole heap of things to keep you engaged here. Amidst the beaches, amusement parks, museums and national parks, you will find yourself running out of time. You should definitely think about how you can fit it all into your travel itinerary, and at least there’ll be no regrets later on.

There is a huge selection of Gold Coast accommodation available from budget right through to 5-star luxury, with each becoming the perfect home away from home. Here, we have compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit on the Gold Coast, so simply pack your bags and head off on an adventure while leaving the itinerary to me:

Surfers Paradise Beach

Amongst our favourite Gold Coast beaches is Surfers Paradise Beach, which is loved by locals and tourists alike. There is so much to do here, for people of all ages and interests. The young kids will love building sandcastles in the sand and splashing in the shoreline, while surfers cruise the waves on top of their boards and adults can relax in the sun soaking up the yearlong beautiful weather. The beach is bright and lit after sunset, making it perfect for a late night scroll.

Theme parks

Wet ‘n’ Wild

If you’re a thrill seeker looking to stay cool on the Gold Coast, head to Wet ‘n’ Wild. This famous water park receives a footfall of more than a million visitors each year, which makes it the biggest water park in the world. The most popular attractions here include the Giant Wave Pool and Calypso Beach which are ideal for families. There are thrilling rides for older kids as well such as Black Hole, Kamikaze, Mach 5 and Tornado.

Sea World

One of the attractions that is loved equally by the young and the old, Sea World is the largest marine park in Australia and is high on the Gold Coast bucket list. Some of the great organised shows include the Affinity Dolphin and Seal Guardians presentation, and a popular water-ski ballet. Beyond the great shows, you can enjoy the rides and attraction precinct from the Storm Coaster to adventure playground of Castaway Bay.

Warner Bros Movie World

Probably the favourite amongst many children, Movie World is the perfect avenue for children to meet their favourite superheroes, ride on roller coasters, enjoy stunt shows and experience 3D interactive rides. The kid’s fun zone is also an absolute delight loved by the littler ones, with colourful rides specifically for kids 13 and under. They might also spot a Looney Tunes character walking around the area, making it a memorable experience.

Dreamworld

While Gold Coast is known around the world for its many interesting theme parks, Dreamworld is definitely the biggest and most exciting of them all. With more than 40 main attractions which include 5 huge roller coasters, this park features amongst one of the most visited tourist attractions in Gold Coast. The different sections inside are Tiger Island, ABC Kids World and an exciting concept which walks you through Australian culture and the exotic flowers present in the region. This park closes at 5:00 p.m. and opens at 10:00 a.m., so plan your tour accordingly, you’ll need a whole day to explore the park.

Snapper Rocks

Relaxing on the beach is one of many different reasons to make your way to the Gold Coast. While choosing your favorite beach to sunbake is a difficult decision, many locals, especially surfers will vote for Snapper Rocks. Owing to its distinct waves, uniform swell and the ‘Superbank’, Snapper Rocks is a recommended stop on your visit to the Gold Coast and must surf location out of all of Australia.

Springbrook National Park

It is a common misconception that Gold Coast is all about beaches, surfing and roller coasters. Gold Coast houses the Springbrook National Park which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most visited places for travellers coming to the Gold Coast. Sighting the exotic birds sitting atop an ancient volcano is also an exciting experience in itself! Head to the natural bridge cave and waterfall for postcard-worthy pictures!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

This is a hot favourite amongst tourists, especially families who are holidaying in the Gold Coast. The non-profit National Trust of Queensland is responsible for the ownership and management of this place. If you are a bird lover, you will be swept off your feet after looking at the bright rainbow lorikeets. Other attractions include the free-flight bird show, a Tarzan-worthy Adventure Park High Ropes Course, Segway tours, and a little train for the toddlers. Visitors also have the option to meet famous Australian animals including Kangaroos, Koalas and Emu’s.

Logan Village Museum

Very few museums exist in Gold Coast and the most famous of them all is the Logan Village Museum. It is located in a small quaint village known as the Logan Village, and this museum was set up with an aim to preserve the local history and fables of the area. Many of these historic families have representation in the current population. These people are ardent about sharing their knowledge and stories, which adds to the authenticity of the museum.

Coolangatta Beach

While most beaches in Gold Coast are always crowded, there are a few that are more relaxing and offer respite from the everyday commotion. Coolangatta is the best bet amongst the latter. It is known for its breathtaking landscape and is the last town before the border of New South Wales. This is also where the Gold Coast Airport is located.

This list is a comprehensive guide on some of the most exciting places there are to visit in Gold Coast. With more than 10 million tourists flocking to the coast for a holiday annually, the perfectly balanced elements of relaxed beach lifestyle and thrill seekers paradise makes this destination worth travelling to.