The best things to do on the Gold Coast

What is it? Beloved Aussie artist Ken Done’s first solo exhibition at HOTA, Home of the Arts – the city's world-class fine art gallery – showcasing his iconic works from the ’80s to today.

Why go? We’re calling it: this is the most joyful art exhibition the Gold Coast has ever seen, and it’s well worth travelling for. Ken Done: No Rules captures the 85-year-old painter's enduring love of colour, nature and life – from his joyful, primary-coloured depictions of Australia’s reef, harbour and beaches to more intimate reflections of his Sydney home and garden. 

Time Out tip: At Palette, HOTA’s fine-dining restaurant, you can savour a spectacular art-inspired menu based on Ken Done’s famous works. It’s a feast for the senses.

Address: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Opening hours: Daily 10am, 4pm (until February 15, 2026)

Price: $27

What is it? Australia’s first ‘floating’ elemental bathhouse, submerged in subtropical rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Why go? Just a 50-minute drive from the city, Sol Elements is the place to go for true rest and relaxation. The tranquil bathhouse draws inspiration from the four elements – earth, air, fire and water – and features hot thermal pools, ice baths, a cedar wood sauna, botanical steam room, scrub suite, salt cave and an open-air fire pit that descends below a lake. We love that it’s completely phone-free – because total relaxation should be the only thing on your schedule.

Time Out tip: For a more exclusive experience, Sol offers two private suites – one of which is dog-friendly. Each suite boasts a thermal mineral bath on its own private balcony, an infrared sauna, ice bath, botanical scrubs and panoramic views of the glistening lake.

Address: Tamborine Mountain Rd & Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain 

Opening hours: Sun-Thur 9am-7pm; Fri-Sat 9am-8pm

Price: From $80

What is it? At 270 metres above street level, this is one of Australia's highest external building walks and begins on level 77 of Surfers Paradise’s Q1 building. 

Why go? Trust us, it’s worth facing your fears and swapping the beach for the clouds on a twilight climb. Upon reaching level 77 and stepping out onto the SkyPoint Observation Deck, you'll get to admire stunning 360-degree views of the Gold Coast region, including its golden beaches, city skyline and lush green hinterland. 

Time Out tip: Don't go for a boozy lunch before your climb! If your blood alcohol level is over 0.05%, you won’t be allowed to summit (yep, just like the road rules).

Address: Q1 Building, Level 77/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Opening hours: Daily 7.30am-8.30pm

Price: From $69

What is it? An ocean-facing natural headland featuring two scenic walking tracks through rainforest, mangroves, rocky foreshore and sand. 

Why go? Stretch your legs on the leisurely and flat 1.2-kilometre Oceanview Track, which winds around the rocky headland, connecting Burleigh Head with Echo Beach and Tallebudgera Creek. For a bit more adventure, tackle the 2.3-kilometre Rainforest Circuit. This route rewards you with a climb to the 88-metre summit at Tumgun Lookout, where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching towards Snapper Rocks. 

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for humpback whales during winter and spring.

Address: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Opening hours: 24 hours

What is it? A buzzing Sunday farmers’ and artisan market, offering seasonal produce, tasty street food and boutique goods.

Why go? Locals flock to these vibrant outdoor markets at HOTA for farm-fresh produce, but they’re just as popular with travellers after a delicious bite. Wake up with a chocolate coconut water cold brew from Awaken Coffee Co or a ceremonial-grade matcha from Tao Brew. Then tuck into a crispy okonomiyaki wrap, fluffy Korean egg toastie, pillowy bulgogi beef bao buns or a refreshing acai bowl while lounging on the grass by the lake, accompanied by local buskers. Grab some sweet treats and fresh fruit for the road home.

Time Out tip: Arrive early. The car park fills up fast and is especially busy between 9am and 10.30am.

Address: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Opening hours: Sunday 6am-11.30am

What is it? Take to the seas on an intimate excursion aboard Sun Sailing's comfortable 38-foot yacht. Husband and wife team, Catherine and Grant (plus their canine companion, Wilson), offer morning, midday, afternoon and sunset tours for up to ten guests, with bites and bevs included.

Why go? Soak up the sunshine and feel the breeze in your hair as you cruise along the beautiful Gold Coast waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for playful bottlenose dolphins dancing in the crystal-clear waters as you enjoy breakfast on board or sparkling wine and snacks at sunset.  

Time Out tip: If you need to shake off your sea legs post cruise, drive a little further up the road to Doug Jennings Park, Here, you can walk along the 700-metre path beside the Gold Coast Seaway, taking in views stretching all the way over the ocean to South Stradbroke Island.

Address: Pick up from Seaworld Drive Boat Ramp, Muriel Henchman Dr, Main Beach

Opening hours: Cruises from 8.30am-10.30am, 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm

Price: $119 for adults, $89 for children

What is it? A day trip to explore Queensland’s oldest national park in the picturesque Gold Coast hinterland.

Why? Just an easy 40-minute drive from the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine feels like a world away. Stroll the charming main street lined with cosy cafés and art-filled galleries, then head into Tamborine National Park for sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, scenic short hikes and stunning waterfall lookouts.

Time Out tip: Stop by Cedar Creek Falls for a swim in the park's only natural swimming hole, grab a pastry from Franquette boulangerie, and soar high above the canopies on the leisurely 1.5-kilometre Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.

Address: Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine

Opening hours: 24 hours

What is it? A home for native Australian animals – big, small, thriving and endangered – offering exciting daily talks and shows, behind-the-scenes tours and adorable animal encounters. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to one of the world’s busiest wildlife hospitals, caring for more than 12,000 animals per year.

Why go? Make friends with koalas, echidnas, capybaras, reptiles and more at the Gold Coast’s top wildlife sanctuary. Plan your adventure around the free experiences, including rainbow lorikeet feeding and free-flight bird shows. 

Time Out tip: Treat the kids to an extra special day out by slotting in breakfast with the koalas, a farmyard encounter or a twilight tour featuring traditional bush tea.

Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin 

Opening hours: Daily 9am-4pm

Price: $70 for adults, $50 for children

What is it? The largest theme park on the Gold Coast (and that’s really saying something), home to a dizzying variety of rides, as well as live performances, interactive shows and animal attractions. 

Why go? Adrenaline addicts can put their tonsils to the test on scream-worthy rides like The Giant Drop, the world’s tallest vertical free-fall tower ride. If terror isn’t your drug of choice, there are plenty of rides with a lower fear factor, like the Rocky Hollow Log Ride, plus 11 rides dedicated to smaller children, including the Bananas in Pyjamas Maze and the Dorothy’s Rosy Tea Cup Ride.

Time Out tip: If you’re planning to visit WhiteWater World too (conveniently located just next door), we recommend getting a combo ticket that scores you entry to both. 

Address: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 10.30am-4pm, Fri 10.30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm

Price: From $99 for one-day ticket

What is it? Forget Surfer’s Paradise. The Gold Coast boasts more than 35 beaches spread across 70 kilometres of coastline, offering plenty of secluded spots to watch the sun go down.

Why go? While the Gold Coast’s beaches are beautiful during the day, we think they’re even more magical at golden hour. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds at Main Beach or Surfers Paradise, try the equally majestic Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads or Rainbow Bay. Pack a towel and a picnic, and watch as the sky paints the water in vibrant hues of orange, yellow and pink.

Time Out tip: More of an early riser? Head to The Spit, Snapper Rocks and