There’s no doubt about it, there are literally endless amazing experiences just waiting for you on the Gold Coast. We could talk about the miles of spectacular beaches that international tourists have flocked to for decades. Or the epic theme parks – including Sea World, Dreamworld, and Warner Bros. Movie World – that keep kids young and old coming back for more.
But what about the hundreds of golden nuggets that can be found dotted all along the coast? There’s a chance that some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast you haven’t even discovered yet.
So, with that in mind, dust off your metal detector and get ready to discover a few of our favourite things to do on the Gold Coast:
Just down the road from our $1.4 million Riverstone Crossing Prize Home, this epic water sports park at Oxenford is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping with cable skiing, wakeboarding and knee-boarding on offer. With two full sized cables, the park caters for newbies right up to advanced skiers. If you’re a beginner, Cable 2 is just your speed, travelling at a more sedate 25km/h (that still feels pretty fast). For intermediate to advanced skiers and wakeboarders, Cable 1 takes the pace up a few notches and includes added obstacle challenges (think skate park plaza on water).
The Gold Coast Wake Park is also home to the Gold Coast Aqua Park, a huge, inflatable, floating obstacle course. If you’re over five, can swim and reasonably fit, you’re qualified to run, jump, climb and play your heart out on the Aqua Park’s slides, trampolines, swings, and obstacles. Book in for a 50-minute session of family fun. (Please note that children under 10 need a parent to accompany them on the course.)
You can find the Gold Coast Wake Park at 34 Maudsland Road, Oxenford.
If you’re always on the lookout for great fish and chips, Peter is a name you need to know. A regular in the Gold Coast’s Top 10 Fish and Chip shops, Peter’s Fish Market, tucked away on Seaworld Drive at Main Beach, is a Gold Coast institution. Located right near the trawlers on the Broadwater, Peter’s is famous for serving up some of the freshest seafood on the Coast. Choose your selection of fresh seafood straight off the ice including fish, prawns, crabs, bugs, oysters, lobsters and more. Do yourself a favour and remember to order a side of Peter’s famous crispy chips. Peter’s Fish Market is open from 9am to 7pm daily with the fryers heating up from 11am each day.
Dividing Burleigh Head National Park in the north and Palm Beach in the south, the stunningly beautiful Tallebudgera Creek is a favourite hangout for locals and holiday makers alike. At the mouth of the creek where it meets the Coral Sea, a sparkling turquoise lagoon provides the perfect place to paddle.
Of course, there’s more than one way to paddle the creek. You can kick your thongs off and dip your toes in the crystal-clear water. Or why not bring your kayak or SUP (or hire one) and paddle up stream among the mangroves towards Schuster Park where you can stop for a picnic.
Needless to say, it’s a popular spot, so arrive early if you want to snag a car park.
For just $25 every Sunday, you can stuff yourself with unlimited tacos, burritos, quesadillas and pizza at North Burleigh Kitchen. All-You-Can-Eat Sundays runs from 5pm to 7pm every Sunday, giving you the option to order from the menus of the two fab establishments under the North Burleigh Kitchens roof – Italian eatery ‘The Don’ and the amazing Mexican ‘Margarita Cartel’. If want to turn your Sunday into a celebration, you can add bottomless sangria or margaritas for an additional $34 or $49 per person respectively.
Make a booking then head to North Burleigh Kitchens at 1840 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads.
We might not be able to travel the world right now, but the world comes to Miami on the Gold Coast every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. Head down to this street food mecca after 5pm and you’d swear you were on the back alleys of Bangkok or Barcenlona.
The Miami Marketta is a laneway dining experience with food vendors from around the globe. There’s always awesome live tunes to add to the bustling vibe. Book a table or just turn up and follow your nose to your favourite stall.
You’ll find the Miami Marketta at 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami.
Take a walk back in time and discover the history of Burleigh Heads or Jellurgal, the magical mountain, as it is known in Aboriginal culture.
Through the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, you can book a 2-hour Walkabout and experience the Burleigh Heads coastal walk with new eyes and a much deeper understanding of the land we all share. You’ll meet a traditional land owner and hear the dreamtime stories of the creation of Jellurgal, all while learning more about the Aboriginal history and culture of the Gold Coast.
On the walkabout you’ll find out about traditional life for the Yugambeh speaking people pre-contact including learning about bush tucker, fishing and hunting. Tours start at 10am on selected weekdays. The 2-hour tour costs $39 for adults and $20 for children (5-14).
When you’re out and about on the Gold Coast, swing by Riverstone Crossing at Maudsland and check out Endeavour Foundation’s $1.4 million New Year Prize Home and the ‘country club’ lifestyle that comes with it. You can find opening times and directions here. Or, if you can’t get there in person, take a virtual tour now.