Gold Coast Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Gold Coast tours and things to do on Australia’s sun-soaked playground: surf and sunbathe at Surfers Paradise, scream through the rides at Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World, escape into the rainforest and waterfalls of the hinterland, watch migrating whales offshore, glimpse glow worms at Springbrook, and taste wine on Tamborine Mountain. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Gold Coast by interest
Whatever brings you to Gold Coast — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Gold Coast
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Surfers Paradise
Beach & skyline.
Theme Parks
Rides & shows.
Hinterland
Rainforest & falls.
Whales
Humpback migration.
Springbrook
Glow worms.
Broadwater
Jet boat thrills.
Sea World
Dolphins & rays.
Tamborine Mtn
Wine & rainforest.
Coomera awayTheme Parks
Rides & shows.
1 hr awayHinterland
Rainforest & falls.
Inland awaySpringbrook
Glow worms.
Hinterland awayTamborine Mtn
Wine & rainforest.
Offshore awayWhale Coast
Humpback cruises.
Center awaySurfers Paradise
Beach & skyline.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Gold Coast visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Hot and lively — peak beach season.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Warm and pleasant, with fewer crowds.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Mild and sunny — prime whale-watching season.
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Warm and fresh, ideal for touring.
For whales
June to November for the humpback migration.
Best overall
Almost any time — the climate is warm year-round.
One day
Surfers Paradise and a theme park.
Two days
Add the hinterland and whale watching.
Three+ days
Add glow worms, wildlife and watersports.
For the beach
Surfers Paradise and surf lessons.
For nature
The hinterland, Springbrook and whales.
With kids
Theme parks, Sea World and beaches.
Light rail
The G:link tram runs along the coastal strip.
Tours & transfers
Tours include pickup for parks and the hinterland.
By car
A car reaches the hinterland and Springbrook.
On foot
Surfers Paradise and the beaches are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.
Australian dollar
Australia uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Surfers Paradise
Take a surf lesson on the golden beach.
Theme parks
Buy a multi-park pass to save on several parks.
Hinterland
Tour the rainforest and waterfalls inland.
Whale watching
Book a cruise between June and November.
Glow worms
Join an evening Springbrook glow worm tour.
Sun protection
The Aussie sun is fierce — slip, slop, slap.
Theme parks
Park tickets sell out on holidays — book ahead.
Whale watching
Peak-season cruises fill up — reserve early.
Hinterland tours
Rainforest tours fill up — book ahead.
Glow worm tours
Evening tours have few slots — reserve early.
Jet boat rides
Popular rides fill up — book ahead.
Summer holidays
December to January is busiest — book ahead.
Theme park
Around €55–90 for a theme park day ticket.
Hinterland tour
About €70–120 for a hinterland day tour.
Whale watching
Roughly €50–90 for a whale watching cruise.
Glow worm tour
Around €70–110 for an evening glow worm tour.
Jet boat
About €40–70 for a jet boat ride.
How to save
Buy multi-park passes and group tours to save.
Gold Coast through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Beaches & parks.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Warm & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant.
- Best for
- Whales & sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.
- Best for
- Touring.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Fresh.