11 things to do in the Gold Coast!

Join me while I show you some of my favorite things to do on the Goldie in Australia. The Gold Coast was one of my favorite places I’ve visited because of the balance you’re able to get between nature, beach and city. Be able to do anything from surfing, hiking, and even going out during the summertime in one of the best places. The options are endless!

Learn how to surf!

Immerse yourself in the culture of surfing that comes with being in Australia! Currumbin has been my favorite spot to learn how to surf, and is less difficult than other beaches in the Goldie! Catch some easy waves and sign up for a surf lesson at Currumbin Surf School!

Don’t miss out on your chance to be able to go in a hot air balloon and witness this insane view. The balloon leaves early in the morning, so you’re able to enjoy the beautiful sunrise, and float in the air as the colors change within the sky. During the ride you will have multiple opportunities to have your picture taken in the balloon! After you’re able to enjoy a yummy breakfast with some sparkling wine at O’reilly’s Vineyard. You even have the opportunity to walk and feed an alpaca which I thought was funny. I booked my experience through Hot Air Balloon- Gold Coast.

Ocean view walk

Make your way to Burleigh Heads to do the classic ocean view walk at Burleigh Heads National Park. This walk is perfect whether you like hiking or not. It’s a short distance, alongside the water, and you get to see the views of the beach and city. If you want to elevate your workout, and continue walking, the national park has multiple other paths you’re able to take as well. Make this apart of your morning before you hit the beach on a sunny day!

Picnic in Burleigh

Burleigh Heads is the perfect place to picnic on the top of the hill, and watch the sunset. Whether it’s with your girlfriends, partner, or family, it’s just an all around vibe! Grab your drinks and food, and head to Burleigh for a cute night on the hill.

Springbrook National Park

Purling Falls

Springbrook was one of my favorite national parks here on the Gold Coast. Out of everything I’ve done I think this is one of your top priorities. With multiple different paths to take varying anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, there are many different options to pick from. Take a dip in the refreshing water, after you’ve done your workout of hiking to the top. Purling Falls out of a lot of the paths I thought was one of the better ones! It took me around an hour to get down and an hour to get back. I felt it was just the right amount of hiking and the view was awesome.

Miami Marketta

Have fun at the Miami Marketta by enjoying their live music, thrift stores, a variety of foods and desserts, as well as drinks! The Marketta is every Wednesday night and is something that you definitely need to check out! Don’t forget to show up on an empty stomach because you will be overwhelmed with the amount of different food options there are! Even the bathroom was cool featuring hundreds of different musicians over the years covering each inch of the wall. The Marketta also offers more shows and events that you can get tickets for on their website: https://www.miamimarketta.com/

Burleigh Pavillon

The Pav is one of my favorite places to get drinks and food. Head to the Pav with your group of friends on a Saturday or Sunday night and you’re guaranteed a good time. Get some fried calamari and cocktails (the white wine sangria is my personal fav) earlier in the night, and stay till late for it to turn into a dance floor with a DJ and a fun time!

Sunset Cruise in Surfers

Surfers Paradise has multiple different cruises that you’re able to sign up for! You can get cruises with dinner and drinks, or cheaper ones for around $50 a person! I booked mine with Surfers Paradise River Cruises. Either one you do will be worth this beautiful view and tour around the water in Surfers Paradise for around an hour and a half! Book it for a night where you just need a relaxing evening. I booked my tour only an hour before, so there is always plenty of availability if you decided at the last minute it’s something you had time for!

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

When I think of Australia, I always associate it with kangaroos, I mean how can you not? If you want a fun experience with some kangaroos, I definitely recommend the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. They have kangaroos that you’re able to feed, pet, and take pictures with. Don’t worry, they’re super friendly! You’re also able to see many other animals as well that are famous here in Australia and don’t need too much at the sanctuary.

Surf World

Head to the famous Surf World Museum. It was so cool to be able to read and see visuals on how surfing has evolved and become what it is over all these years. I loved the museum as well because it was short and concise while still containing loads of information. I’m personally not a huge museum person, so having different physical surf boards, and collages made me a lot more interested. This is the perfect place to spend around 30 minutes, and they have an awesome gift shop with accessories and little souvenirs that you should check out afterwards!

Farmer’s Market

The Burleigh Farmers Market happens every Saturday morning from 7am- 12 noon. They have everything from fresh produce, breakfast, lunch, clothes, jewelry, and even live music. I highly suggest you get yourself out of bed after a long night out, and feel refreshed with all the market has to offer! The beach is also only a 10 minute walk, so I would make a whole day out of it in Burleigh!