15 Best Things to do in Gold Coast, Australia

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a trip to the Gold Coast? You’ve come to the right place!

The glorious Gold Coast is one of Australia’s ultimate coastal playgrounds. It’s famous for its golden beaches and laid-back vibe. You might come for the surf and theme parks, but you’ll quickly discover there’s so much more to do here than just hit the sand!

We’ve rounded up our top picks for what to do in the Gold Coast, from thrilling adventures like jetskiing and skydiving to hiking through rainforests and checking out local art. The Gold Coast has a bit of everything, and in this blog, we’ll take you through the very best activities to help you plan your perfect escape.

Things to do in Gold Coast 

1. Take in the sights on a buffet lunch cruise

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 11 am, 12 pm, or 1:30 pm 
• Highlights: Cruise the Gold Coast waterways from Surfers Paradise, enjoy views of Marina Mirage and Palazzo Versace, spot wildlife around Wave Break Island, feast on a tropical buffet lunch 
• Inclusions: 2-hour cruise, buffet lunch, live commentary, air-conditioned cabin, outdoor deck seating
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 240+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you want to see the Gold Coast from a different perspective, this buffet lunch cruise is a must-do! It’s a relaxing and scenic way to take in the region’s highlights with no planning required and plenty of great food included. What could be better?

The cruise leaves from the Ferry Wharf in Surfers Paradise—yes, that’s the real name of a Gold Coast neighborhood! From there, you’ll glide along the calm waters of the Nerang River and out toward the Broadwater. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, and the Southport Yacht Club as you take in the glittering Gold Coast skyline. The live commentary is light-hearted and informative, so you’ll actually learn a bit about the city while soaking up the views.

Of course, the highlight of the cruise is the tropical buffet lunch, which you can enjoy in the air-conditioned cabin or up on deck if you want the sea breeze. You can expect platters of fresh prawns, roast chicken, seasonal salads, and fruit. Drinks are available to purchase at the bar, and there’s plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.

The cruise lasts around two hours, making it ideal if you want to combine sightseeing with a leisurely lunch break. It’s great value for money and super well-run—no wonder it has hundreds of 5-star reviews!

Grab your spot on this Gold Coast lunch cruise here before it sells out!

2. Enjoy unforgettable views from a hot air balloon

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 3:30 am
• Highlights: Fly over the Gold Coast and hinterland, watch a breathtaking sunrise, sweeping views of beaches, waterways, and mountain ranges
• Inclusions: Hot air balloon flight, all fees and taxes, souvenir flight certificate, photo pack, professional pilot, safety briefing
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 610+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

I think we can all agree that a hot air balloon ride is a bucket list experience, and this particular Gold Coast flight offers you to take in the stunning views at sunrise! Trust me, it’s SO worth the early start.

The tour starts very early, with pick-up from your accommodation between 3:30 am and 4:30 am, depending on the season. You’ll be driven to the launch site, where you can watch the balloon being inflated. If you like, you can even help with the pack-up later, although it’s just as easy to relax and enjoy the spectacle. 

Once in the air, the pilot will steer you over either the Gold Coast city or the hinterland, depending on the wind. From the basket, you’ll see panoramic views of beaches, waterways, and lush hinterland scenery. Just think how amazing your Instagram page will look after this flight!

The in-air flight lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, giving plenty of time to soak in the sunrise over the city or hinterland. After landing, you’ll receive a souvenir photo and movie package to commemorate your adventure. Finally, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel or chosen pickup point between 6:30 and 7:30 am, having seen a sunrise you’ll never forget.

Read the glowing reviews and book your Gold Coast hot air balloon flight here!

3. Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

• Duration: 2-6 hours
• Time: Flexible entry between 9  am and 4 pm 
• Highlights: Meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils, daily wildlife shows and keeper talks, feed lorikeets, explore themed areas like Lost Valley and Wild Island Adventure, learn about wildlife conservation
• Inclusions: General admission, access to all shows and presentations, participation in lorikeet feeding, entry to themed exhibits and enclosures.
• Rating: 4.3 stars (check 530+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you want to get up close with Australia’s incredible wildlife, a visit to the Gold Coast’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. This sanctuary offers a relaxed, family-friendly experience where you can meet iconic animals in bushland and rainforest settings designed to resemble their natural habitats.

You can see many of Australia’s most famous creatures here, including (but not limited to) koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils! The sanctuary encompasses a whopping 27 hectares and offers plenty of interactive exhibits, as well as daily keeper presentations. These are a great opportunity to learn about the creatures that call Currumbin home.

Don’t miss the free-flight bird shows or the chance to hand-feed colorful lorikeets, either, as these demos are a real highlight of visiting! There are also engaging reptile shows and Aboriginal dance performances on offer, so you really can’t get bored here.

Another standout area is the Lost Valley, a five-acre rainforest modeled after the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. Here, you can spot exotic animals like lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, and cotton-top tamarins while walking through a stunning, immersive environment. Now that’s not something you get to do every day!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also a charitable organization, with proceeds supporting wildlife care, hospital operations, and conservation projects. It’s an attraction you can really feel good about visiting, and with so much to see and do here, it’s easy to spend several hours exploring at your own pace.

Book your visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary here and enjoy FREE cancellation!

4. See the city from the SkyPoint Observation Deck 

For the best views on the Gold Coast, don’t miss the SkyPoint Observation Deck! It’s located atop Q1, which is Australia’s tallest residential tower, and it gives you panoramic 360-degree views of the city, the coastline, and the hinterland. It’s a pretty stunning sight! 

The sky deck is open daily from 7:30 am until 8:30 pm. Tickets start from $33 AUD per person, and you can buy them on the day, although we do recommend purchasing them in advance online here because this is a popular thing to do, and queuing for tickets can take a while. 

But if just standing on a platform isn’t thrilling enough for you, then consider taking things up a notch with the SkyPoint Climb! You’ll don a suit and harness, then climb to the summit with no tinted glass between you and the fresh air. The views from here are even more insane than they are from the observation deck, and you get the adrenaline rush to boot. It’s not for the faint of heart or anyone with a fear of heights, that’s for sure, but if you love a thrill, then it’s incredible.

The climb starts at $99 AUD, but discounts for pairs are available. I mean, talk about an epic bonding activity! If this is something you’d like to do, we suggest booking your tickets for this in advance to avoid disappointment.

5. Kick it up a gear on a jet ski safari 

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 9:30 am or 12 pm
• Highlights: Jet ski safari to South Stradbroke Island, glide through scenic waterways, explore mangrove forests, stop at Tipplers bar, suitable for all experience levels
• Inclusions: Use of jet ski, professional instructor and guide, life jacket, wind jacket, dry bags 
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 360+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

I don’t think life gets much better than cruising along the Gold Coast in a jet ski, which is why I think that this jet ski safari is a total must-do. I mean, not only do you get to look like a movie star as you speed along the water, you also get to visit the rugged South Stradbroke Island and visit Tipplers Bar, which is only accessible by water. It’s basically the Gold Coast’s ultimate beach bar!

Best of all, you don’t need any prior experience to enjoy this jet ski adventure. You’ll be properly kitted out and get a safety briefing before you hit the water. The instructors will show you how to use the jet ski, which is actually pretty easy.

Once you’re off, you’ll pass by some of the region’s most stunning island scenery, including sparkling waterways and idyllic sandbars, and hopefully you’ll spot some wildlife in the dense green mangroves. It’s also a lot easier to drive a jet ski through the waterways and mangroves than it is on the open ocean, because the water is so much calmer. Then, the stop at Tipplers is a nice chance to relax and stretch your legs before returning to the mainland. 

We think that this is such a fun adventure, and we’re not the only ones. You can read 350+ 5-star reviews right here! Early morning breakfast safaris are available on weekends, too, if you’d like to start your day with some high-speed fun on the water.

Find out more and book your jet ski safari adventure here!

6. Feel the adrenaline on a tandem skydive

• Duration: 2.5 hours
  Time: Multiple start times between 6:30 am and 2:30 pm
• Highlights: Thrilling tandem skydive over the Gold Coast, freefall from up to 12,000 feet, spectacular aerial views of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Coolangatta, soft sand landing on Kirra Beach
• Inclusions: Tandem skydive with professional instructor, all necessary safety gear and briefing, Australian Parachute Federation levy, certificate of achievement, optional photo and video packages available for purchase
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 460+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

If you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush on the Gold Coast, this tandem skydive over Kirra Beach should be right at the top of your list. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that combines pure thrill with unbeatable scenery – and the views are next level!

The adventure starts with a quick 15-minute safety briefing at Coolangatta, where you’ll learn the basics before gearing up with your instructor. Then it’s time to board the plane and climb to a jaw-dropping 12,000 feet. 

As the aircraft door opens and the rush of wind hits, that’s when the real excitement begins. You’ll experience around 45 seconds of freefall, racing through the sky at over 200 km/h with the sparkling coastline below you.

Once your instructor deploys the parachute, things slow down. You’ll spend about five minutes gliding gently toward the golden sands of Kirra Beach, taking in panoramic views of Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta, and the Pacific Ocean. The landing is smooth and soft, and I guarantee that you’ll finish the experience buzzing with adrenaline and a huge smile on your face.

Photo and video packages are available if you want to relive the moment (and show off a little). Honestly, this is one Gold Coast adventure you’ll never forget, and the hundreds of 5-star reviews certainly attest to that. It’s a really popular thing to do, though, so we suggest booking a few weeks in advance, especially if there’s a particular time slot that you want.

Reserve this top-rated skydive here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!

7. Cruise into the sunset 

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 5 pm
• Highlights: Sail along the Gold Coast Broadwater at sunset, admire views of Surfers Paradise skyline and luxury waterfront homes, spot dolphins and seabirds, relax with a glass of sparkling wine, enjoy a gourmet tasting plate 
• Inclusions: 2-hour sailing cruise, glass of sparkling wine, tasting plate with local produce, experienced skipper and crew, onboard commentary, small-group tour
• Rating: 5 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

We did this sunset sailing cruise on our last evening in the Gold Coast, and it was the perfect end to our trip! The boat only takes up to 10 people, so the whole experience felt really intimate and relaxed. It’s nothing like those crowded party boats you sometimes see.

We set off from Main Beach in the late afternoon. As soon as we hit the water, we were treated to incredible views of the skyline glowing in the soft evening light. The skipper and crew were so friendly and welcoming. They handed us a glass of sparkling wine, and we also got to enjoy a tasting plate with local cheeses, crackers, and fruit. It was so yummy, and it definitely kept us going until dinner later on.

The crew pointed out landmarks Marina Mirage and Wave Break Island. As we cruised further out, the sun started dipping behind the high-rise buildings. Best of all, we even spotted a few dolphins playing near our boat, which just made the experience feel so magical!

If you’re looking for something romantic or just a really special way to experience the Gold Coast, we think that this sunset cruise is an absolute must. But just a quick heads up: this tour doesn’t usually run on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.

Book this unforgettable sailing cruise here!

8. Discover art and culture at HOTA 

If you’re into art, design, or just want a relaxed evening away from the beach crowds, make sure to visit HOTA (Home of the Arts) on the Gold Coast. It’s the city’s creative hub, set in a beautiful riverside location surrounded by greenery, and it brings together everything from art exhibitions and live music to outdoor cinema nights and theatre performances.

Inside, you’ll find contemporary galleries that often feature both Australian and international artists. Meanwhile, there’s always something happening outside, including lots of fun markets and open-air concerts. Even if you’re not a huge art lover, the atmosphere alone is worth experiencing! We think that the rooftop bar is one of the highlights because it offers panoramic views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

What I love about HOTA is how relaxed and welcoming it feels. You can pop in for a quick browse through the free exhibitions or spend a whole evening here watching a show or film under the stars. Everyone is friendly, and entry to the venue itself is free, but some special exhibits or performances may have a ticket fee. You can check out the latest events and upcoming shows on their official website here.

9. Go kayaking and snorkeling

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Time: 7:30 am, 10:30 am, or 1:30 pm
• Highlights: Kayak across the Gold Coast Broadwater, snorkel at Wavebreak Island with colorful fish, enjoy calm clear waters perfect for beginners, spot dolphins and stingrays, relax on the beach with snacks after your swim
• Inclusions: Kayak and paddle, life jacket, snorkeling gear, wetsuit (in winter), snacks, water, local guide, safety briefing, photos
• Rating: 4.7 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Wavebreak Island is one of the Gold Coast’s best snorkeling spots! It’s a beginner-friendly spot with calm, clear water and tons of diverse marine life, so what’s not to like?

You can visit Wavebreak Island on this top-rated snorkeling tour. It’s just 2.5 hours long, so it’s easy to fit in, even if you’re short on time. It’s the ideal way to experience the Gold Coast’s stunning natural beauty, and it’s also a fun and active way to explore!

The tour starts with a quick briefing before you hop into your kayak and paddle across the Broadwater. Even if you’ve never kayaked before, the guides make it super easy to get the hang of it. The water here is usually calm, so you shouldn’t have to work too hard. As you paddle toward Wave Break Island, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, stingrays, and seabirds that often glide nearby.

Once you reach the island, you’ll swap your paddle for a snorkel and dive into the crystal-clear shallows. The snorkeling spot is home to hundreds of colorful subtropical fish, and visibility is best at high tide. The guides will help point out marine life and take photos for you while you explore, so that you can brag to friends and family afterwards. 

You’ll have some time to relax and enjoy a snack on the beach afterwards, then you’ll paddle back to shore. This is a perfect mini adventure, and we think it’s ideal for anyone who hasn’t done a ton of watersports before!

Book this highly rated kayaking & snorkeling tour here and enjoy free cancellations!

10. Unwind with Burleigh’s surf-and-café scene

Burleigh is the Gold Coast’s chill little pocket of paradise, and we like it because it offers that classic GC feel, but without the crowds. It’s a local favorite that blends surf culture with a laid-back cafe scene, and it’s a really beautiful area, too.

It takes about 40 minutes to get here by bus from Surfers Paradise, or it’s roughly a 15-minute drive if you’re renting a car. We recommend starting your visit with a stroll through the posh Burleigh Village, where you’ll find lots of boutique stores and organic eateries. Then, wander down to Burleigh Hill, which is the area’s best vantage point. From here, you can watch surfers doing their thing out on the waves, and we like to bring a picnic blanket here at sunset (as do many locals).

And if you feel like taking a stroll, the Burleigh Head National Park Walk is easily accessible from here. It’s a scenic, 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) trail that takes you through lush rainforest before opening up to a stunning ocean path. It should take just under an hour to complete, but of course, there’s no rush!

11. Soar above the waves while parasailing

• Duration: 1 hour
• Time: Multiple departures between 9 am and 2 pm 
• Highlights: Parasailing flight above the Gold Coast Broadwater, take in panoramic views of Surfers Paradise, South Stradbroke Island, and the hinterland, enjoy a smooth and safe flight with expert instructors, spot dolphins and sea turtles from above
• Inclusions: Safety briefing, parasailing equipment, life jacket, professional guide
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 270+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: No
• Price: Check prices here!

We think that the Gold Coast is the perfect place to try parasailing! A parasailing flight is an exhilarating activity, but it’s not too scary, and the blue water and white sand beaches look even more breathtaking from out on the water, if that’s even possible.

What’s cool about this tour is that you can do it as a pair or in a group of three. It’s the ideal activity for couples and groups of friends looking to take a Gold Coast beach day to the next level.

You’ll be harnessed up and get a safety briefing before you head out, and you’ll be on the boat for about an hour in total. When it’s your turn to fly, you’ll be attached to the parachute, and then the wind will lift you in the air. For me, this is always the most exciting part of a paragliding flight! 

Flying behind the boat is honestly a pretty surreal experience. You’ll end up going pretty fast, but thanks to the harness, you always feel secure—I find that it feels a bit like ziplining in that regard. As you zoom along, you’ll have fantastic views of Surfers Paradise and see all the way to South Stradbroke Island on a clear day.

The whole parasailing experience lasts about eight minutes, but what an eight minutes! And the glowing reviews give several shoutouts to the friendly and professional crew, so you’ll be in good hands.

Get ready to soar by booking your parasailing adventure here!

12. Hike around Springbrook National Park 

We love the buzz of the Gold Coast, but we’re also the type of people who need to retreat into nature every now and then. So if you feel the same way, we highly recommend heading to Springbrook National Park. It’s part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, and it’s home to ancient rainforests and lots of beautiful waterfalls. 

If you’re looking to explore the Gold Coast Hinterland at your own pace, renting a car is hands down the easiest option. And let me tell you, the drive itself is a treat! 

It only takes 45 minutes from Surfers Paradise, or it’s 2 hours from Brisbane. The route is straightforward and there’s plenty of parking at the trailheads, so even though it feels remote, it’s actually very easy to get around.

Once you get here, don’t miss the Natural Bridge. A short 1 km (0.6-mile) circuit takes you to this iconic cave waterfall, and it’s worth heading here at dusk if you can, because that’s when you’ll see glow worms lighting up the rock ceiling!

There are also several excellent hikes here. The Twin Falls and Purling Brook Falls circuits are both around moderate walks with plenty of waterfalls that take about 2 hours to complete. And for more experienced hikers, the 14-kilometer (8.6-mile) Warrie Circuit offers a challenging but rewarding hike through lush rainforest and cascading streams.

To make the most of your visit here, we suggest starting out early in the day when it’s cooler and less crowded. But don’t forget a jacket, as the mountain weather can change quickly! 

13. Learn to surf in one of the top surfing destinations in the world

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 9 am or 12 pm
• Highlights: Learn to surf with expert instructors, suitable for all skill levels, enjoy the waves at Surfers Paradise, build confidence in the water, fun group environment, tips tailored to your ability
• Inclusions: Surfboard and wetsuit hire, safety briefing, professional surf instructor, coaching, and guidance 
• Rating: 5 stars (check 220+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

The Gold Coast is world famous for surfing, so if you’ve never ridden a wave before, it just makes sense to take a surf lesson while you’re here. And we like this one because it’s an intensive session that will really help you to find your confidence on a board.

What sets this class apart from others is the fact that you’ll be in small groups of no more than five students per instructor, so you’ll get plenty of personalized guidance throughout the session. You’ll spend some time practicing basic techniques on the sand before you actually hit the waves, so that you go in feeling prepared.

Once in the water, you’ll put these skills into practice and truly learn how to paddle, pop up, and ride the waves! The instructors are super encouraging and will always be on hand with tips, but more than anything, they want you to have fun, so don’t worry if it takes you a while to get the hang of things. 

But they do actually offer a 100% stand-up guarantee here, which means that you’ll definitely get that incredible moment of surfing across the waves! There’s no feeling like it.

One of the best parts is that a professional photographer captures your key moments in action, so you’ll have amazing photos to take home. I wish that I had had this on my first ever surfing lesson, because my friends didn’t believe that I had actually stood up! 

Book this epic Gold Coast surf lesson here and stay flexible with free cancellation!

14. Snap a pic at Elephant Rock 

Did you even visit Gold Coast if you didn’t get a photo at Elephant Rock? It’s one of the city’s quintessential photo spots. It’s a beloved spot because the rock resembles an elephant drinking from the ocean, and the area is relatively quiet, so you should be able to get your perfect photo without too much waiting around. However, if you really want the wow factor, it’s worth making the effort to come at sunrise because then you’re pretty much guaranteed an epic photo with zero other people in the shot!

However, we’ve found that Elephant Rock is a convenient stop during a coastal drive or after a day at the beach, so if you’re not too fussed about perfect photos, just stop by when it suits you! There’s parking available nearby, and it’s just a short walk from the lot to the viewpoint. 

While it’s primarily a lookout, Elephant Rock is also a great starting point if you want to explore some nearby walking trails along the coastline to see more of the cliffs and beaches. You might even spot dolphins or surfers in the water below if you’re really lucky! Plus, there’s no entry fee, so this is an easy and free activity that adds a scenic highlight to your Gold Coast itinerary. 

15. Sip your way through the boutique wineries of Mt. Tamborine

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 8:30 am
• Highlights: Visit multiple Mount Tamborine wineries, taste local wines and craft spirits, enjoy hinterland views, learn about regional wine production, stop at a local cheese or chocolate shop
• Inclusions: Guided tour, wine tasting at multiple wineries, transport from Brisbane, professional driver/guide, small-group experience
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 460+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Mt. Tamborine is an incredibly beautiful area, and winery-hopping here is a total blast. Of course, no one wants to drive on a wine tasting day trip, so we joined this full-day experience, and it proved to be an excellent decision. 

One of the best parts about this tour was our guide, Boris, who was not only a skilled guide but also just a super fun guy to hang out with! He was really knowledgeable about the local wine scene, but he also made us laugh a lot. We loved hearing all of the local trivia he had to share!

Our first stop was at a charming winery where we sampled a mix of reds, whites, and sparkling wines. The tastings were relaxed but informative, which is just how we like them! We then got to visit the Tamborine Mountain Distillery to try their award-winning liqueurs, vodka, and schnapps. It makes a nice break from all of the wine, I must say!

Lunch was served at a winery restaurant with incredible views of the hinterland. Steak, seafood, and pasta were all on the menu, but it is seasonal, so it may look totally different at another time of year. After lunch, we visited two more boutique wineries, and I have to say we ended the day feeling quite tipsy. 

The tour felt friendly and well-paced thanks to the small group size, and we really couldn’t have asked for more. By the time we returned to Gold Coast, we felt like we had truly seen the best of the region.

Book this full-day Mount Tamborine tasting adventure here!

Related Read: Ready to turn these ideas into a full trip? Check out our 3-day Gold Coast itinerary here to see how to fit it all in!

Where to Stay in Gold Coast

Now that you’ve planned out your Gold Coast adventures, it’s time to find somewhere to stay. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better spot than Surfers Paradise. It’s the heart of the Gold Coast, so staying here puts you right by the beach and close to all of the best attractions and entertainment.

There are plenty of hotels in this area, but we’ve shared our three top picks below for each budget, whether you’re looking for luxury or a stylish budget stay. Just make sure to reserve your spot early if you see availability for your travel dates—hotels here book up fast!

Luxury – $$$ 

The Langham is the ultimate beachfront escape in Surfers Paradise. It’s a 5-star property set right on the sand, and it’s so luxurious that you’ll never want to leave. The rooms are super spacious and have floor-to-ceiling windows, meaning that you can enjoy sweeping sea views 24/7. There’s also a gorgeous, modern infinity pool overlooking the beach, and it’s got a swim-up bar for true vacation vibes. 

It’s in a prime location too, as it’s just a short walk from Surfers Paradise Beach and SkyPoint Observation Deck. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay with unbeatable ocean views, this is the place to splurge.

Rates typically range between $500 and $1,000 AUD per night, although the most luxurious options can cost more. Find the best prices at Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$ 

Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise by IHG is a stylish ocean-view hotel perfectly positioned between the buzzing Cavill Avenue strip and Broadbeach’s shopping and dining scene. You’ll have the G-link tram right outside, which makes it super easy (and affordable) to get around the Gold Coast. The rooms are bright and modern, and they offer plenty of space as well as nice views of the coastline or hinterland.

We also like this hotel’s resort-style pool, and the fact that it’s home to Queensland’s only revolving restaurant, Four Winds 360°! All in all, we think that this is a great base for a classic Gold Coast getaway.

Prices tend to range between $200 and $550 AUD per night during peak season. Check availability and book your stay here!

Budget – $ 

The Island Gold Coast is a stylish yet affordable boutique hotel in the heart of Surfers Paradise. It’s perfect if you want to be close to the action, as you’ve got tons of beaches, restaurants, and shops just a short walk away! The vibe here is relaxed and social, thanks to the popular Rooftop Bar and the buzzing Goldie’s restaurant downstairs.

The rooms feel chic and modern, and they’re actually more like homey studios than hotel rooms – even twin rooms have two large double beds rather than singles, so you get a lot of bang for your buck here. There’s also a stylish pool area and sun terrace on site where you can while away a lazy afternoon. This whole place feels very Insta-friendly, and it offers free cancellation up to a week before your stay, which allows you to snag a great price in advance while staying flexible.

Rates at The Island typically range from $240 to $400 AUD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!

Want more options? Check out all the hotels listed for Gold Coast here!

Thanks for reading!

A trip to the Gold Coast is a dream come true for anyone who loves the ocean, adventure, and sunshine. Whether you’re soaring over the hinterland in a hot air balloon, cruising along the waterways, or relaxing on golden beaches, these top activities showcase everything that makes this coastal city so special.

If you need help planning more of your travels, check out all of our Australia blogs here! We’ve explored this amazing country from top to bottom and put together guides on the best things to do, where to stay, and detailed itineraries to make your vacation planning a breeze (or should we say, a coastal breeze!). Or here are a few of our top-rated blogs to get you started:

10 Best Things to do in Brisbane, Australia

Where to Stay in Perth, Australia: 8 Best Areas & Hotels

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Sydney, Australia: The Best 3-Day Itinerary