Posted by Things to do in gold coast for couples on a budget
What is the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is a coastal city situated in the Australian state of Queensland. It is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas of Australia and one of Queensland’s most popular tourist destinations.
Due to its natural beauty and proximity to Brisbane, it has become a popular destination for many tourists and residents that want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Gold Coast region has played an important role in Queensland’s history, with world-famous events such as Skippy’s death at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Nine Network telecast from the Surfers Paradise Racecourse during Expo 88.
It is also home to many regional attractions, such as Sea World on Main Beach, Dreamworld on Coomera, Warner Bros Movie World at Oxenford,
Best Time of Year to Visit the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination year-round. The best time to visit the Gold Coast really depends on what you are looking for. There are certain advantages to visiting the Gold Coast in the summer, winter, and fall.
Where to Stay at on the Gold Coast
If you are visiting the Gold Coast, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on where to stay. Do you want to stay in a budget hotel, or do you want something more luxurious? What about location? There are plenty of hotels on the Gold Coast that offer all of these different things.
There are plenty of choices available on the Gold Coast, which can make it difficult to figure out what is best for your needs. Luckily, I’ve compiled this list of some of the most popular tourist destinations and hotels around town.
What are Some Great Things To Do In The Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is everyone’s favourite playground for beach-lovers, surfers and family holidays. From Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads and beyond, you can find unspoilt beaches, national parks, museums and open-air fun everywhere. But staying at the most popular holiday spot doesn’t have to mean expensive breakfasts.
Invest your money in a trip to nature and explore all that this region has to offer. Besides being family-friendly and wallet-friendly, there’s something for everyone – an outdoor cinema, various festivals around the town and beautiful bush walks.
Not wanting to spend a lot on your next holiday? Look no further, as there are plenty of free things to do in the Gold Coast for an unforgettable experience. Hop on some reliable public transport into Surfers Paradise, pack your swimming gear and get ready to have the time of your life.
Here are the amazing things to do in Gold Coast in 2023:
- Visit the Currumbin Rock Pools
- Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
- Awesome Central Coast Festivals in 2023
- Whale Watching
- Beach-Hopping Days
- Springbrook National Park
- Gold Coast regional Botanic Gardens
- Feed The Pelicans at Ian Dipple Lagoon
- Southport Rockpools & Broadwater Parkland
- Federation Walk Coastal Reserve
1. Currumbin Rock Pools
Currumbin Rock Pools, located in the Gold Coast, has been a famous attraction for tourists. It’s one of the best places to visit if you want to spend time with your family and friends. Currumbin Rock Pools is open during the day and offers parking spaces. The entry fee includes use of all pools, slides and facilities so there’s no need to worry about paying separately for each attraction.
If you are looking for something different than the typical theme park then Currumbin Rock Pools should be on your list. Let’s take a look at some other things that make this place stand out from the others:
– It is located at one of Queensland’s most scenic settings.
– The water is heated by natural sunlight which makes the process of heating the water much more environmentally friendly.
A 30 minute drive from the hotel, these rock pools are a great place for the whole family. They come in different depths and currents so you can choose what’s right for you, they’re perfect!
Spend the day flying above the creek on one of many rope swings. Test your nerve by leaping off of ledges into the cool water below. Or take a seat on a rock and soak up some rays as you listen to the water trickle gently. After being cooped up in the city all day, it’s a rare treat to be surrounded by nature. Within just an 800m walk to the cascading waterfalls you can find pools below where moments of tranquility are plentiful.
ALSO SEE: Best Beaches in Western Australia to visit
2. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
The Gold Coast is a popular destination in Australia. It is also referred to as “The Paradise Coast”. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are among the top attractions in the area.
If you are looking for local markets to explore, you should visit these markets when you are in Gold Coast. They have a lot of variety of fresh produce, different types of seafood, and clothing stores where you can find souvenirs for yourself or for your family and friends back home.
The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are a quick 15-minute walk from the hotel. It’s the ideal place to stock up on trinkets and souvenirs during your vacation, with a trendy yet classic ambiance. Of course, since this is a list of free things to do, what can you see without having to dig into your wallet?
On their own, the street performers and live music are enough of a draw. You can talk to the artists and stall owners to find out more about how they make their goods. You can just simply enjoy exploring the handmade artisan goods. However, you’ll almost certainly want to spend a few dollars here because the items on offer are almost enticing.
3. Awesome Central Coast Festivals in 2023
Gold coast is a great place to live and the people here are some of the best in the world. Some of our festivals celebrate this and we see more and more each year.
The festivals announced so far for 2023 are:
14 FEB – 1ST MARCH: SAND SAFARI ARTS FESTIVAL
A trip to the Sand Safari Arts Festival is an absolute must if you are looking for something outdoorsy, creative yet still have the opportunity to have a good time. The huge sand sculptures, live entertainment and mesmerising art installations will leave everyone in awe. This year’s theme is all about fairy tales. We’ll make sure to capture the imagination of your little ones!
10TH – 13TH APRIL: AUSTRALIAN STREET ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL
Easter’s coming up, so for this long weekend in Surfers Paradise, the Australian Street Entertainment Festival is running. These three days are packed full of awesome shows including comedy, magic, music & dance. Watch performers flying in the sky or see clowns make people laugh – Easter in Surfers Paradise has it all!
30TH APRIL – 10TH MAY: SURFERS PARADISE LIVE
Surfers Paradise Live is a four day event that showcases the best of the Gold Coast’s nightlife. It brings crowds from all over town and offers a chance to get down with some awesome tunes. It’s the cheapest free-to-attend music festival in Surfers Paradise too, so you can’t go wrong.
12TH JUNE – 13TH JUNE: SEAFIRE FESTIVAL
Surfers Paradise becomes a colourful and entertaining hub two nights out of the year – for the annual International Fireworks Competition. Take your family and friends for free – watch as countries from around the world compete in the best fireworks show down under.
10TH – 19TH JULY: VIVA SURFERS PARADISE
Viva Surfers Paradise is the perfect 10-day music festival for music lovers. With all kinds of free concerts to attend, it’s sure to please people looking for something new and fresh amidst all the other festivals.
4. Whale Watching
This is a great opportunity to not only see these gentle giants up close, but also to learn more about them.
Whale watching is a fascinating and awe-inspiring experience. You will get to see whales up close and the awe-inspiring nature of the sea.
Every year, the humpback whale migration passes by the Gold Coast. This provides you plenty of chances to see them in person. The nicest aspect is that you don’t need to go out into the ocean to see it. Especially when many of the elevated headlands serve the same purpose.
It’s amazing how near the whales go to the coast as they pass past. Whale watching is excellent at both Burleigh Heads National Park and the Miami Headland. From May to October is the greatest time to see the whales. Because no one knows when or where the whales will come, bringing a picnic to eat while you wait is a wonderful idea. There are also some wonderful walking trails and sweeping views of the coast line to be found in both of these regions. A fun way for the whole family to spend the day.
5. Beach-Hopping Days
The Gold Coast is the perfect getaway for beach-hopping days. There are so many beaches to choose from. From the iconic surf beaches to more secluded coves, there is something for everyone on this coastline.
Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast’s prime example of a beautiful beach – but there are plenty other options for you to choose from. It’s one of the many things that make this part of Australia so amazing.
Whether you want to surf all day or find a beach that the kids will love, there’s a perfect Gold Coast beach for you.
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Tallebudgera Creek
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Main Beach
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Broadbeach
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Mermaid Beach
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Nobby Beach
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Burleigh Heads
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Currumbin
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Rainbow Bay
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Coolangatta Beach
6. Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park is one of the most popular parks in Queensland, Australia. It is located in the Gold Coast hinterland and is a perfect place to spend time with family and friends.
The park offers the visitors with wide range of activities including picnic, bushwalking, mountain biking, fishing, birdwatching or even camping. There are plenty of waterfalls throughout its trails that will provide you with breathtaking views.
Springbrook National Park has many different kinds of flora and fauna that are very interesting to explore. You can observe or even just try to identify them throughout your journey in this natural area.
Also note that there are campgrounds available for everyone who wants to spend time close to nature but also feels like camping on their trip.
7. Gold Coast regional Botanic Gardens
The Gold Coast regional Botanic Gardens are one of the many green spaces in the area. It’s a great place to be outdoors, enjoy nature and learn about different plants, flowers and trees. The gardens are open every day of the year with free entry. They offer a variety of events including guided tours, workshops, talks, festivals and more!
Sometimes, the best way to spend your day is in manicured yet wild landscapes. At Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, feed your senses with thousands of sweet smelling blooms. Inside you’ll find a Native Butterfly Garden & mangroves!
Kids love the playground! They’ll have to hours of fun while you take a walk and enjoy a picnic outdoors. Cross to the other side of the lake, visit the stepping-stones or build up your tent by following your kids around for an Alfresco meal.
There are some fantastic walking tracks for your leisure time, and they’re both suitable and enjoyable. You’ll also find barbecue facilities and picnic areas available among the gardens.
8. Feed The Pelicans at Ian Dipple Lagoon
The Ian Dipple Lagoon is a man made lagoon that was created in 1973. They are home to many different types of water birds. The main goal of the lagoon is to provide food and shelter for these birds, especially during the winter months when they migrate.
The lagoon is also a great place to visit on the weekends and on holidays as it is a beautiful place to walk around and admire all of the beautiful water birds.
Feedings start every afternoon at 1.30pm so you need to arrive nice and early for your chance to take part. There are plenty of great spots around the lagoon to lay out a picnic, go swimming or just explore whilst the kids play safely.
You can enjoy 2-hours free parking with us. Getting to the lagoon and pelicans is only 15 minutes away by car; perfect for a last minute day out.
9. Southport Rockpools & Broadwater Parkland
Southport Rockpools is the only place in the world where freshwater and saltwater meet. The rockpools were created by the sand dunes that were created by the sea. Broadwater Parkland is an area of coastal heathland, dunes and sand hills.
The stunning waterpark has everything you might need- slides, pools, slides, lazy river… the list goes on. It’s perfect for kids who get bored easily and can’t sit still.
Broadwater Parkland is a fantastic place for a family outing! You can enjoy man-made waterfalls and creeks, awesome water jets and fountains, plus there’s a cool playpark on site. Our playground equipment is sure to impress your guests with slides, trampolines, and bouncy pillows.
When you visit, we recommend you pack up some snacks and drinks and bring plenty of sunscreen too.
10. Federation Walk Coastal Reserve
Federation Walk Coastal Reserve is a scenic and iconic coastal walkway in Sydney. This picturesque walk takes you through wetlands, forests and coastal vegetation.
Federation Walk Coastal Reserve is one of the best areas to go for a bush walk early in the morning or late in the day. The main track winds through wooded regions and past macaranga groves. If you’re traveling with children, a combination of native fauna and rolling sand dunes will keep them occupied.
There are hundreds of different bird species to be seen here. It’s a bird lover’s paradise, with everything from colorful cockatoos, kingfishers, and parrots to mesmerizing owls, eagles, and hawks. Make sure you bring your phone so you can capture all of those priceless holiday memories.
A huge, clean beach runs beside the coastal reserve, great for cooling off during the day.
11. Gold Coast City Art Gallery (HOTA)
Gold Coast City Art Gallery is one of the premier galleries in Australia, featuring a variety of exhibits from various Australian and international artists. The gallery hosts a group exhibition every three months, with each show lasting for three weeks. Featured in the current exhibition are works from local and international artists including Magdalene O’Grady, Richard Lomax, Jan Dibbets, Christian Boltanski and more.
It’s a terrific site for both adults and children, with lots of intriguing and enjoyable things to see and do.
Inside the gallery, there are a variety of inspiring kid-friendly activities and exhibitions that allow them to express themselves creatively. Adults will find a world of local and international art designed to stimulate the intellect. Both historical and contemporary exhibits highlight Australia’s evolution in distinctive and inventive ways.
There are numerous events held here throughout the year. The Riverside Evandale sculpture promenade, which features creative sculptures against a backdrop of the City skyline, is well worth visiting. It’s a free event that’s both instructive and entertaining.
12. Choosing the Best Gold Coast Accommodation
A Gold Coast Accommodation can be more than just a place to stay. A good accommodation experience can be the highlight of your holiday, or of your life.
Choosing the best accommodation is not easy, especially with so many options to choose from. There are so many factors that need to be considered when deciding where to stay – budget, location, style, amenities and reviews.
The type of property will depend on your needs and budget. For example if you are on a budget then serviced apartments are the best option for you because they offer good value for money. If you want a more exclusive location then hotel suites might be better for you because they have better views and amenities that apartments might not provide.
Get to Know the Top Attractions in the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a coastal city in South East Queensland, Australia. It covers an area of around 1,600km2 and is the sixth-largest city in Australia.
The Gold Coast has a relatively small population of just over 500,000 people so it’s no wonder that there are so many things to see and do while you’re visiting!
Australia’s favourite holiday destination is the place to go for sun, waves, adventures and everything in between. With its close proximity to the theme parks on offer at Surfers Paradise, you can enjoy all that Kuranda has to offer before or after your trip!
1. Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is a range of mountains in Queensland, Australia.
The mountain range stretches from the Gold Coast hinterland to the New South Wales border.
The highest point of the mountain range is Mount Nothofagus at 1,433 metres.
Most of the mountain is protected as part of Tamborine National Park and Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
2. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
The Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Gold Coast is a shopping centre that was built in 1979. It is considered to be one of the most popular shopping centres in Queensland and it is over 25 years old.
The Pacific Fair Shopping Centre has about 350 stores and it hosts a variety of events that can turn into a family outing
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre has been nominated for the Queensland Tourism Awards for Excellence
In 2017, Pacific Fair underwent a $1 billion redevelopment project and now features an expanded children’s department, new dining experiences and live entertainment.
3. Point Danger
Point Danger is a popular tourist spot in Gold Coast where tourists can enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean and the magnificent Surfers Paradise.
Point Danger is considered one of the most dangerous beaches in Australia, with numerous deaths by drowning every year.
The main reason for this is that there are no lifeguards, and it’s hard to see people who are swimming from a distance because there’s a large rock barrier blocking people’s view of them.
4. Sea World
Sea World is a public marine mammal park, oceanarium, amusement park, and animal theme park located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
Sea World opened in 1987 on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia.
ALSO READ: Unique places to visit in Australia
5. Warner Bros. Movie World
Warner Bros. Movie World is located on Bundall Road in Gold Coast, Queensland. It is not only a theme park but also an entertainment complex with various attractions for all ages.
Warner Bros Movie World has more than 20 rides and attractions where you can see your favourite DC Comics superheroes like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. You can also enjoy the 3D experience which will make you feel like you are in the movie. It has different themed zones including The Battlestar Galactica which is home to some of the most thrilling rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit where you get to experience what it feels like to be on a rollercoaster that suddenly accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4 seconds!
6. Kirra Beach
Kirra Beach is a popular beach in Gold Coast. It is a small and secluded beach flanked by high cliffs.
It is one of the best surf spots in the Gold Coast and it can be reached by walking, biking or driving for about 10 minutes from Kirra village.
7. Marina Mirage
Marina Mirage is the Gold Coast’s most iconic luxury hotel. It has been designed in a way that combines high-end elegance with an open, relaxed feel.
Marina Mirage was designed to create the perfect balance between high-end elegance and laid-back luxury. The hotel is situated on one of Surfers Paradise’s largest waterfront sites overlooking the Broadwater. It has 163 suites, each with uninterrupted views of water or gardens. There are six restaurants and bars, including Australia’s only Forbes Five-star restaurant, Quay.
The hotel also offers two pools, one heated pool with spa and hydrotherapy jets, a dedicated children’s pool and a rooftop entertainment deck with a bar and sun loungers for guests to relax during the day or night.
8. Mariner’s Cove Marina
Mariner’s Cove Marina is a marina in the Gold Coast, Queensland. The marina has been operational since 2001 and is one of the largest marinas in Queensland.
In September 2017, Mariner’s Cove Marina hosted the first ever Queensland Sailing Championships for Sailfish.