Tallebudgera Creek Beach is a patrolled estuary beach where calm, shallow waters make it perfect for families with toddlers and dogs. Free parking, excellent amenities, quieter vibe. Read more →
Gold Coast Attractions & Things to Do
Looking for something to do on the Gold Coast or plan your perfect holiday? Theme parks, natural wonders, beaches, hot shopping spots, and more, it's all listed here. Here's our mega-collation of the best of the Gold Coast including free and paid attractions which you can search by suburb location and by attraction type to suit your style.
Popular Things to do
Popular Suburbs
Gold Coast Attractions Map
Things to do by location
Things to do by type
All Attractions and Things to do
Palm Beach
4km of sand, café culture that punches above its weight, and a laid-back residential charm. Swim between the flags, explore the pirate ship playground, or settle in for woodfire pizza overlooking the waves. Read more →
Burleigh Heads Beach
Where Gold Coast locals actually hang out. Soft golden sand, world-class point break, a headland that offers shelter and drama, and James Street cafes that rival anything the Gold Coast has. Read more →
North Burleigh Beach (Beach Guide)
A quieter alternative to central Burleigh with excellent family amenities, beginner-friendly waves, and easy access to James Street dining. Less crowded, same great vibe. Read more →
Miami Beach Gold Coast
Peaceful, upscale beach south of Surfers Paradise. Rainbow Stairs landmark, excellent food scene, family-friendly. Miami Beach, Gold Coast QLD—not Florida. Read more →
Greenmount Beach (Beach Guide)
Greenmount is a sheltered north-facing beach in Coolangatta, patrolled since 1911. Family-friendly bay, intermediate surf break, Pat Fagan Park BBQs, and the Greenmount Hill Walk lookout. Read more →
Coolangatta Beach
Coolangatta is the Gold Coast’s southernmost beach, patrolled year-round, 4 minutes from the airport. Sheltered by Greenmount headland, with The Strand’s dining strip steps away. Read more →
Rainbow Bay (Beach Guide)
Rainbow Bay is Coolangatta’s sheltered north-facing family beach — calm water, rock pools, a themed playground at Pat Fagan Park, and whale-watching from Snapper Rocks lookout. Read more →
Kirra Beach (Beach Guide)
Kirra Beach is a legendary right-hand point break and beloved family destination on the Southern Gold Coast. Wave forecasts, amenities, and why locals keep coming back. Read more →
Nobby Beach
Quiet, accessible local beach with excellent café culture and safe swimming. Skip the crowds at busier suburbs and find genuine Gold Coast character at Nobby. Read more →
Bilinga Beach
A quieter Southern Gold Coast beach where planes pass overhead and locals outnumber tourists. Small, forgiving waves. Off-leash dogs welcome. The kind of place that rewards discovery. Read more →
Mermaid Beach (Beach Guide)
A 2km stretch of white sand where locals actually swim. Quieter than Broadbeach, better facilities than most alternatives, cafe culture without the tourist machinery. Read more →
Kurrawa Beach
Family-friendly beach with golden sand, excellent swimming and surfing, extensive parklands, and superior accessibility. Less crowded than Surfers Paradise, better facilities. Read more →
Northcliffe Beach
Tucked between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Northcliffe Beach offers golden sand, lifeguard patrols, and a more laid-back feel than its busier neighbours. Read more →
The Spit South Beach
Discover The Spit South in Main Beach: a family-friendly beach with calm Broadwater views, excellent amenities, a dedicated dog beach, and easy access to dining and water sports. Read more →
Narrowneck Beach Gold Coast
Narrowneck Beach sits between Main Beach and Surfers Paradise, offering patrolled swimming, the Narrowneck Reef surf break, and year-round lifeguard coverage with far fewer crowds than its neighbours. Read more →
Broadbeach Beach Guide
Broadbeach Beach is the central Gold Coast’s most serviced stretch of sand, backed by foreshore parklands, the Star casino, Pacific Fair, and one of the Gold Coast’s best dining precincts. Patrolled year-round. Read more →
Main Beach (Beach Guide)
Main Beach offers clean sand, reliable surf, year-round lifeguard patrols, and the Tedder Avenue cafe precinct — without the crowds of Surfers Paradise. A quieter, more residential stretch of the Gold Coast. Read more →
Currumbin Beach and The Alley
Two beaches in one: Currumbin Beach for ocean swimming and Currumbin Alley for beginner-friendly surf and calm family swimming. Clear water, excellent food, Wildlife Sanctuary next door. Read more →
The Spit – North Beach
The Spit North in Main Beach offers calm Broadwater waters and patrolled ocean swimming. Free parking, dog beach, Federation Walk, and famous crab sandwiches. Your local Gold Coast beach guide. Read more →