Best things to do in Gold Coast

22 May 2023

If you’re planning a trip to the Gold Coast, you’re in for a treat! Being only a 1 hour flight from Sydney, or a 45 minute drive from Brisbane, the Gold Coast can legit be known as the mini-Vegas of Australia. Not only does it have a pumpin’ night life, it’s also known for its gorgeous beaches (they don’t call it Surfer’s Paradise for nothing), stunning national parks, and endless amounts of adventurous activities. We’ve been 3 times now, and below are some of the top things to do in the Gold Coast.

Chase waterfalls in Springbrook National Park

The Gold Coast is home to six incredible national parks with our personal favourites being Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park. Springbrook has the most incredible waterfalls and swimming holes.

Being the most iconic, Purlingbrook Falls is definitely the most picturesque waterfall in the area. So much so that it’s actually this location that we decided to start our Instagram account @husbands.thattravel. We were so in awe of how beautiful this spot was that we decided we needed the world to see it! It’s only a 45 minute walk to the bottom of the waterfall where you can take an icy dip if you’re game (like Charlie!).

Hike Lamington National Park

Lamington National park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Australia. It feels like you’ve entered an ancient earth with how old the trees are and how green the world looks when you’re in it. You can’t go wrong choosing a hiking trail in Lamington National Park, and we’ve done them all. But our favourite is only a short 45-minute walk: Elabana Falls (pictured).

Make sure you stay overnight in the area so that you can spend a few days enjoying the various hikes.

Watch the sunset at Morans Falls

This is the Gold Coast sunset that you might have seen all over Instagram.

Nestled in Lamington National Park, Morans Falls is one of those locations that feels like you’ve entered some magical fairytale land. Charlie and I spent hours just sitting on top of these falls watching the sun set over the valley, with very little people around because not many people know about this area. It is absolute bliss.

Unwind at O'reilly's rainforest retreat

If you’re looking to relax and unwind, an overnight stay at O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat is a must. And after hiking in Lamington for the day, you’ll 100% be glad you treated yourself by staying at one of the most beautiful rainforest retreats in Australia. This retreat offers a range of spa treatments, has an infinity pool overlooking the mountains and sunset, AND you could even have a jacuzzi in your own villa (on the balcony, overlooking the sunset!).

Cabaret at Pink Flamingo's

For a night out on the town in the Gold Coast, check out Pink Flamingos Spiegel Club, the world’s first spiegel club! This popular spiegel club is known for its lively atmosphere and great music. We watched a Cabaret show and were blown away by how talented the performers were!

Check out what they have going on here: Pink Flamingo Spiegel Club.

Learn to surf at Surfers Paradise

We’ve tried many surf lessons in Australia. One in Perth, a few in Sydney. But considering there is a place in the Gold Coast called Surfers Paradise, we can had to give surfing a go here. And we are so glad we did, because the surf lesson with Get Wet Surf was SO good. Jason, the instructor, gave us so many tips and made the lesson so fun that time just flew by. I still remember all the tips he gave us and I was promoted from foam board to long board in the lesson (this is good!).

Try Water Sports on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a super popular destination for water sports, and for good reason! You can try your hand at parasailing, surfing, or paddle boarding with Gold Coast Water Sports.

We parasailed and although I absolutely hate heights and was a bit ambivalent at first, being up in the air overlooking the skyline of Surfers and the beaches in the area was absolutely amazing (and even peaceful).

Climb and Zipline through Australia's biggest Tree Top Challenge

For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, head to Mount Tamborine and take on Australia’s largest Tree Top Challenge. This ropes course is a series of high ropes and ziplines that take you through the rainforest canopy. It’s such a unique way to feel one with nature. Charlie is an adventure junkie and doesn’t usually enjoy tree top climbs, but he absolutely loved this one because there were so many courses to do and it’s the biggest in Australia! I got over my fear of heights here too (look, I’m genuinely smiling!).

Glamp in a luxury tent in the mountains

Right next to the Tree Top Challenge in Mount Tamborine, you can stay at a super unique accommodation experience: a luxury glamping tent at Cedar Creek Lodges. These tents not only offer all the comforts of a hotel room, but you’re outdoors, and have a firepit, an outdoor jacuzzi, an outdoor shower(!) with basically no neighbours nearby!

Stay in a Margarita Themed Hotel Room at The Pink Hotel

This was by far the most crazy, unique, funky, iconic, experience we did in the Gold Coast area. This iconic hotel is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Gold Coast. The rooms are SO quirky, and we stayed in the Margarita room which legitimately had a disco ball, flamingo lamps and robes, and a bar in the room where you can order a bartender to come into your room and start serving you drinks. But if you don’t want the luxury of a bartender, you can actually read from the list of their ‘self-service’ menu and start making your own cocktails! So fancy! The room we stayed at was called the Herradura Suite. Check it out!

Paddle Board at Tallebudgera Creek

For a more laid-back activity, head to Tallebudgera Creek and try your hand at paddle boarding. This calm waterway is the perfect place to take a paddle out and take in the beautiful scenery. Charlie and I spent the whole afternoon lazing here after paddling on the creek for a few hours. If you’re not in the mood for paddle boarding, you can walk to the area from south Burleigh Heads and get a great view of the coastline.

Watch a sunset from Burleigh Heads

You haven’t been to the Gold Coast if you haven’t watched a sunset from Burleigh heads. If you’ve seen any footage showing off the Gold Coast sunsets in all their glory, I can bet my left leg that it’s from this spot. Don’t miss it.

Eat the famous Franc Jrs Pizza

Everyone said “you have to try the Pizza at Franc Jrs”, “eat Franc Jrs Pizza!”, “the pizza at Francs!!!”. So we listened and tried the pizza.

And now we will tell you the same: “EAT THE DAMN PIZZA AT FRANCS”. Omg so good.

Do you want to visit the Gold Coast?

These are just a few of the many things to do in the Gold Coast. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed trip or a relaxing getaway, this beautiful area of Australia has something for everyone.

Check out our other gay Australia travel resources!