Gold Coast is Australia's holiday capital, with a plethora of stunning attractions, beautiful beaches, shopping, dining, major events and more! Check out our list of things to do on the Gold Coast, book tours, theme parks and attractions.

Point Danger Lookout

Point Danger has a great spot on the Gold Coast for a panoramic ocean view. The pine-covered headland is on the south-end of the gold coast in Coolangatta, the border city on the Gold Coast. This is an ideal location for taking pictures and enjoying picnics with ocean views.

Captain James Cook named the point danger as a warning to others sailing around the dangerous coral reef in Sydney in 1770 during his expedition.

See other maritime monuments on headlands for a better view of the history of the region. Take this "centaur commemorations walk", and see Captain Cook Memorial made of a cast iron retrieved from Cooks ship, the HMS "Endeavour ".

SkyPoint

Sky Point is the highest residential tower in Queensland in contemporary style and provides spectacular views of the Gold Coast throughout. There are several tourist attractions. Skypoint Observationdeck on 76 provides 360 degrees views over Gold Coast beaches, the sea and the nearby green hinterlands. For adventure seekers, Sky Point Climb offers 270 metres of climbing. It is a wonderful way to understand where we live. Sky Point climbing includes access to the observation deck. There's a comfortable café and informative exhibitions to assist you with planning a trip.

Surfers Paradise Beach

Sun, sand and sea is one of Gold Coast's greatest alliterative assets. Unlike most buildings above beach and many bronzed sandstones, it's still a clean but beautiful stretch. Little kids can go on sand and make sand castles on white sand. Surfers can take part in a typical gentle swell or seek shelter in one or more nearby shops or cafés. It is considered a good beach by many for those seeking a lot more than just a beach with many facilities to offer.

Burleigh Heads Beach

Surfing and swimming are very popular activities on Burleigh Head beach. A beautiful slice of soft, white sand surrounded by Norfolk pines abounds and stretches across the coast of Queensland. Surfing is usually done at the famous Point Break on the north side of the headland, although you can also surf the beaches around the outside bars. Swim is best on the patrolled beaches in Burleigh and North Burleigh. It is also a perfect beach to visit with a family. The park close to the beach provides barbecues, plenty picnic tables and plenty of restaurants within minutes of the beach.

Kirra Beach

Kirra Beach is one of the best beaches on the Golden Coast and a popular holiday destination amongst families. Swimming pool and sunbathers are popular activities and there are lots of cafés nearby.

The Gold Coast's infamous Right Point Break is still in use today but eroded sand sucked life into it. However, the large storm surge continues to entice avid surfers.

Over the years, Kirra Point's majesty has faded as Kirra Groyne has been built and adjusted and the Sand River has been unpredictable. At the height of her power from the 70s to the 90s, she was the wave by which all other waves were measured. While fickle now, a major hurricane can still offer a glimpse into the magic of ancient Kira and some of the longest subway rides in the country.

Kirra Reef, a popular dive destination, is just across the shore.

Coolangatta Beach

Coolangatta beach offers a much more peaceful alternative to the tourist crowded surf-themed Surfers Paradise beaches. It is just 30 minutes south of Main Beach to Surf. Spend a day on soft, sun-soaked sand in Gold Coast is an amazing activity for free. Coolangatta also hosts Gold Coast Airport so when flying there is no problem with the beauty along the beach. You will see this stretch of coast faces north which makes the water usually calmer and provides excellent conditions for swimming.

South Stradbroke Island

Those looking for a way out of the Gold Coast buzz and play Robinson Crusoe can find Southstradbroke Island a great place to stay. A popular name for the South Shore by local residents, the 21 km island is just 300 metres from the shoreline near Main Beach. The world appears vast to me. The city is less developed than its bigger neighbour the North Stradbroke Island which was originally linked to the town. South Stradbrokes' outdoor activities at Gold Coast are a great choice.

Have a fun in theme parks

Sea World

It is Australia's largest marine park. The visitors are invited to enjoy this attraction and its busy schedule which includes dolphin and sea lion performance stunts and Jetski stunts. Other SeaWorld highlights included polar bears, penguin feeding presentations, and tropical fish and shark displays.

Guests can also enjoy water rides at New Atlantis theme parks such as rollercoasters. Take a ride on the Monorail! There is alco a great activity for couples called Dolphin Couples Adventures.

Dreamworld & Whitewater World

Dreamworld is a popular Gold Coast theme park with Australian twists. The park has an exciting roller-coaster lineup, live performances and movies characters and hosts many native Australian animal species including Dingos tree kangaroos. It is possible to take part in sunset safaris and meet endangered big cats on Tiger Island. Another highlight for kids in the park includes the Bananas in Pajamas Fun Maze plus the children's favourite: wiggle world.

Wet'n'Wild

Wet'n'Wild is a wonderful full day attraction with nothing but amazing water slides, a children's pool, a hot tub and a huge wave poolIt is one of Australia's largest water parks. Everything is heated in winter so you won't catch a cold, and in the hot summer you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place to stay. Want to relax? Book your own cool cabin.

Warner Bros Movie World

Don't forget to plan a trip to the movies, especially if you travel with children. You can go head to head with superhero characters, enjoy rollercoasters, experience stunt shows and get immersed in fantasy-filled rides. Many of these activities can be enjoyed by adults with strict height limitations. The children's fun room features colorful rides and Looney Tunes-type characters. Several parades take place in Main Street. Several popular rides for younger children are the DC Rivals Hypercoaster, Deathsy Destroyer and the Green Lantern Coaster.

Discover beauty of nature

Tamborine Mountain

Culture combined with the natural environment of the Tamborine Mountains. A serene escape resides in the Gold Coast Hinterlands in Queensland’s Scenic Rim. For an eco-friendly solution, take the hike to Tamborines National Park. In the subtropical forests, you'll have the opportunity for an easy hike in the peaceful rainforests or eucalyptus forests. Watch the Lyrebird as they travel the treetops. Save time and take a short hike to Curtis waterfall to rest and listen to soothing gurgling waters. After enjoying this beautiful natural scenery, you can rest and eat something at the tiny city of Tamborine.

Federation Walk Coastal Reserve

Are you looking to experience an authentic Australian natural wonder in the glitz? This is located along the 3.5 km Federation coastal walk. This popular walking route runs along the coastline through 93 acres of coastal land alongside woodlands and the ocean. Federation Walks Coastal Reserves is among the few places to have an dune system on the Gold Coast which provides valuable habitats for native animals. This is particularly praised for its birding fauna.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin wildlife sanctuary is a Gold Coast family-friendly activity. The non-profit National Trust of Australia Queensland has a well-respected wildlife reserve, which is well worth visiting. Birding fans will have something special. Thousands of rainbow lorikeets feed in the hands or even sit in their heads when they visit. Another highlight includes the flying bird show and a Tarzan-worthy High Rope course and Segway tour, and a small railway train that would delight toddlers. Special animal experiences improve an excursion: book a breakfast for koas or go close to an echidna, red panda or cotton-top tamarin.

Lamington National Park

World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park has stunning jungle scenery and countless waterfalls. A mere two hours drive from surfers paradise, the park lies on the lush hills in the Border Range. Its remnants were created from a volcanic past, and the Lamington Plateau plunged into spectacular peaks and valleys.

Bird lovers will be especially delighted. The park hosts nearly 230 species which includes brilliant-coloured parrots and the notorious bower-billed bird, which has been known for its elaborate arches that were built and painted to impress potential companions. Other animals are redneck pademelelons and longnosed bandicoots.

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park is not far from the beaches. Soaring rocks and waterfalls dominate the area. Known attractions include Natural Arch Bridge. A waterfall plunges into a cave (the home of a colony of glowworms). Rainforest-fringed trails lead into the river and to the viewpoint. From here the mountains and the rest of this large volcano remain in sight. Pretty Purling Creek falls are also highlights in this section. Aside from birding, the park offers several endangered species.

Whale-watching cruise

Board a ship containing three observation platforms with a clear view as you travel towards a protected Australian Whale sanctuary where humpback migratory in winter for birth around Australia. Nothing will prepare you to the magnitude and grace of an ocean whale; if you are fortunate, this species could jump, splash, or come alongside an orc or dolphin.

Safari at the Stradbroke Islands

Stradbroke Island has many animals and birdlife of all shapes and sizes. On South Stradbroke, make a jet skiing trip on hairpin turns and see dolphins, turtles, wallabies and whales. Explore the amazing scenery before heading north to the North Gorge to see some more sea animals, and see the whales again.

Chase waterfalls at Lamington National Park

Lamington Park has around 400 waterfalls but most are Chalahn falls. It is not a park walk; it is a 10-mile hiking route across Toolona Creek Circuit, with occasional mud - so take your gumboots! It's worth the water shoes, but only for 8 cascading waterfalls that cascad across the sky; otherwise there are ample hiking paths.

Water sports - adrenaline and nature encounters

Hold on to your hat on a jet boat ride

Take a ride in an adrenaline filled ride as the captain makes power slides & drifts at nearly 50 mph. Take some time to explore amazing beachfront houses and golden beachfronts, including iconic sights like the Versace Hotel and Seaworld. A clear day with water splashes from jet boats provides welcome cooling off.

Ride a jet-ski on a safari

Rent a jet ski and get to South Stradbroke Islands as quickly as possible, observing birds as you pilot the boat and getting a good grip on the Gold Coast. There’s nothing else than good moments on the island, a cruise on shore, in the seas of mangroves and beaches with dolphins and whales.

Swim with turtles and rays at Cook Island

When you are planning things you don't go beyond the colourful ocean life. You should strap in scuba gear and dive in waters filled with brightly-colored fish and friendly turtles and rays.