Attractions & Activities
Enjoying an ideal year round climate and an amazing variety of natural landscapes, including 70 kilometres of famous beach and 100,000 hectares of world heritagelisted rainforest, the region has been attracting visitors since first settlement. Today, natural wonders are complemented by the largest selection of family theme parks, golfing greens, shopping centres and restaurants. There are more attractions on the Gold Coast than any other city in the southern hemisphere. It’s easy to see why a Gold Coast holiday is the popular choice. As the theme park capital of Australia, the Gold Coast over-delivers on adrenaline-packed entertainment and thrills. Choose to visit as many Gold Coast theme parks as you can fit in with a pass to hop between Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and Paradise Country or opt to double up at Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. You’ll find Australia’s tallest waterslides, fastest roller coasters, best animal encounters, coolest characters and an endless array of action-packed entertainment. But there’s plenty of fun to find outside the theme parks also. Race against the clock at escape rooms, give it your best shot at Top Golf, take on a treetop high ropes course, splash into the Gold Coast Broadwater after bouncing, sliding and catapulting from inflatables, plus so much more endless fun. Discover something new from pure, adrenalin-packed fun to natural indulgence, the contrasts of the Gold Coast unite to deliver every holiday experience you could desire.
EVERY FRI & SAT NIGHT
YOU COULD BE HERE
OBSERVATION DECK
The Gold Coast’s only observation deck
Open 7:30am - 9pm daily (last entry 8:30pm)
Australia’s highest external building climb
BISTRO + BAR
All day dining and drinks with a view
THIS SHOW WILL HAUNT YOUR DREAMS
Dracula’s Lucid will shock, seduce and leave you begging for more.
If you thought Dracula’s had already hit peak chaos, think again. The Gold Coast’s most gloriously unhinged theatre-restaurant is celebrating its 40th birthday by unleashing the (un)holy grail of live entertainment, Lucid. This brand spanking (ahem, literally) new fever dream of a spectacle will thrill, chill, and leave you questioning reality – and possibly your morals. Lucid is a full-throttle, sensory-overloading extravaganza that combines jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, electrifying live music, and comedy sharper than a vampire’s fangs. Real life and fantasies collide, where one minute you’re in awe of the gravity-defying feats and the
next, you’re mentally planning a trip to the chiro from laughing so hard. All this while opening your eyes to a world of darkness and indulging in a wickedly delicious threecourse meal.
New to the fanged fold, their latest comedic duo will have you howling (and we don’t just mean at the moon), while powerhouse vocalists and aerial daredevils leave your spine tingling in spellbound submission. And let’s not forget the musical wizardry behind the scenes, providing the soundtrack to your most outrageous cabaret-fuelled dreams (or should we say, nightmares). Expect the likes of Metallica, Billie Eilish, Alanis Morissette, Lady Gaga, The Prodigy, and Aerosmith for the ultimate madness-fuelled mash-up of rock, metal, pop, and cabaret calamity.
Prepare yourself for outrageous acts like the rare Strapeze – Iron Jaw which will have you questioning the limits of the human body, while the seductive Duo Aerial Bed is sure to raise a few pulses (and eyebrows!). And, of course, it wouldn’t be Dracula’s without their signature black-light puppets stealing the show #IYKYK.
As for the fare, Lucid serves up a seasonal
threecourse feast that proves Dracula’s knows how to slay on stage and on a plate. Craving something sweet?
The Signature Chocolate Coffin dessert – a Dracula’s institution that’s as dangerously decadent as it sounds – will be the final nail in your self-control’s coffin.
Lucid is the apotheosis of 40 years of pushing boundaries, breaking rules, and making audiences scream (with laughter –and maybe a little fear). According to Luke Newman, CEO of Newman Entertainment and the third generation of the Newman family to spearhead Dracula’s, this show is bigger, bolder, and more unapologetically scandalous than ever before. In this showbiz sherpa’s words, “We’re not just raising the bar – we’re smashing it to pieces.”
If you’re ready for a night that will shock, seduce, and blow your mind with debauchery and devilishly good fun, book your tickets to Lucid now. Think chaos, but make it cabaret – and trust us.
To book Dracula’s, see back cover Words by Bianca Trathen Story from insidegoldcoast.com.au
10% OFF
CODE: INFOMAPS 10% OFF
THE STARS
AN ENCHANTED NIGHT WALK AMONGST
Open Wed - Sat after dark
Cruising & Watersports
The Gold Coast caters to every on-water activity imaginable where thrill seekers can choose from jetboating, parasailing, kite surfing, diving, jet-ski safaris, snorkelling, cruising and yachting.
Enjoy deep-sea fishing, marvel during a whalewatching tour, take in a guided cruise of the waterways or simply swim among the surf at some of the best beaches in the world.
A learn-to-surf class guided by world champions is a must-do, as are paddling and kayaking explorations. In addition to the Gold Coast’s famous beaches, it also boasts a spectacular network of waterways made up of five main rivers, numerous creeks, lakes, canals and the magnificent Broadwater. Some 480 kilometres of rivers and streams, as well as 774 hectares of lakes, dams and canals wind their way through the city’s landscape.
The vast range of complementing waterways makes the city a haven of fun-filled pursuits with good times assured among the numerous aquatic attractions. You will find boat ramps and fishing platforms in most suburbs, waterfront parks and barbeque areas to enjoy with the family. Do not miss the walking tracks along most beaches and waterways to take in the beautiful scenery of the Gold Coast.
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Amazing Experiences, Incredible Memories.
Buffet Lunch Cruise
Set sail on a 2 hour buffet lunch cruise from Surfers Paradise. Enjoy local produce, an onboard bar, and stunning Gold Coast views, the most relaxing way to cruise the coast.
Buffet Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a luxurious evening on the Gold Coast with dinner, live entertainment, and seasonal local produce. Cruise the sparkling waterways and soak in the views from the open-air top deck.
Sea World Whale Watch
Encounter majestic humpback whales on a Sea World Cruises tour from Main Beach. Watch them breach, tail-slap, and dive. Whale sightings from June to October make this a must do experience.
Scan here to learn more about our experiences.
Enter coupon code HOTEL10 to score 10% off the best daily rate
Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Cruise
Embark on a spectacular Moreton Island adventure from the Gold Coast. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks, meet local wildlife, enjoy a seafood buffet, and soak up a sun drenched day aboard our luxurious vessel.
Hopo Sightseeing Cruises
Explore the Gold Coast with Hopo! Choose a 2 hour sightseeing cruise or all day hop-on hop-off pass. Cruise past top sights, enjoy live commentary, stunning views, and drinks from the onboard bar.
Arro Jet Boating
Get ready for non stop action with Arro Jet, a high-octane ride of lightning fast speeds, 360° spins, and hairpin turns. There are no go slow zones, just pure, pulse-pounding Gold Coast excitement.
Dining & Entertainment
You’ll never go hungry on the Gold Coast with an endless variety of places to eat, sip, sup, drink, dine-out, dine-in and feast.
From the best Gold Coast restaurants offering fine-dining across an array of international cuisines, to family-friendly surf clubs, lively pubs, creative craft-breweries, cafés serving incredible coffee beside fresh local produce plus a range of weekend markets, fish and chip shops, fresh seafood, food trucks and more!
The multicultural nature of the Gold Coast has brought about a deliciously successful food and wine industry. Cultivating everything from soft-shell crabs and goat cheese to locally bred Wagyu beef to creamy cheeses and award-winning boutique wines.
The Gold Coast is Queensland’s fastest growing wine region with over 11 award winning wineries and numerous epicurean stopovers are located throughout the Gold Coast.
Centre OF CONVENIENCE
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Circle on Cavill combines everyday essentials with holiday fun, all in one place.
Shop groceries at Woolworths, visit the chemist or medical clinic, grab beachwear, enjoy a massage or treat yourself to a drink and a blow-dry.
Eat. Drink. Relax. Play
Discover cafés, takeaway favourites, restaurants and bars plus family fun like the Aquaduck, Holey Moley Mini Golf and Strike Bowling.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE
Cnr Surfers Paradise Boulevard & Cavill Avernue, Surfers Paradise
Just steps from the sand at the top of Cavill Mall, Soul Boardwalk serves up more than a dozen restaurants, cafés and bars - from casual bites and takeaway to fine dining.
Enjoy beachfront dining, relaxed shopping and family-friendly fun - all in one vibrant destination.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
www.soulboardwalk.com.au
Dining & Entertainment
Pack your appetite – Gold Coast’s best restaurants can’t wait for you to tuck in.
Having attracted prominent restaurateurs and operators from the southern capitals and around the world to progress this dynamic region, has ensured locations such as Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Coolangatta and the Hinterland remain highly regarded for their delectable choice of dining options.
Ready for a meal break?
Fresh ingredients and local produce are the true heroes of the Gold Coast dining scene.
Here, chefs harness the best of the region’s farm-to-table flavours and plentiful seafood, creating menus as diverse as they are delicious.
the region’s local flavours to build a diverse dining scene.
Families, foodies and holidaymakers can delight in restaurants with ocean panorama views sprinkled along the coast-line and relish in tropical fruits, the freshest seafood and local produce from Australian beef to creamy cheeses and award-winning boutique wines.
The multicultural nature of the Gold Coast has brought about a deliciously successful food and wine industry.
Be it romantic high-tea, lively night-time beachfront markets or the freshest fish and chips overlooking the glittering city, the Gold Coast offers a sensory feast to suit all palates.
Similarly, relaxed beachside cafes, funky hole-in-the-wall bars and more casual eateries are in abundance to ensure a taste to suit every style.
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A full range of essential health services can be found on the Gold Coast, including doctor surgeries, emergency hospitals, medical centres and pharmacies, as well as dentists and other necessary facilities.
Looking to switch off? Good for you. Step away from that screen and take a proper break – one that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul.
To experience a sense of relaxation and tranquility make sure you take the time to escape the day and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience of a relaxing massage.
Indulge in all that a massage or beauty treatment has to offer from thex moment you smell the calming aroma of essential oils and enjoy the serene ambience to ensure your holiday is enjoyable and stress-free.
A number of beauty enhancements from teeth whitening to facial fillers while holidaying will have you return from your vacation truly feeling and looking refreshed.
Despite having access to all the medical help you could ever need on the Gold Coast, it’s important to remember that you can avoid having your holiday soured by illness or injury by simply observing surf safety guidelines, road rules, and wearing adequate sun protection.
Northern NSW
Directly across the state border from Australia’s most famous holiday destination, the Tweed region offers a tranquil, nature-based alternative. Just 15 minutes drive south of the Gold Coast Airport, you’ll discover a unique combination of quintessentially Australian experiences – unspoilt beaches, World Heritage rainforests, rural villages, eclectic communities, lush farmland and more – all centred around the sweeping slopes of Wollumbin (Mt Warning).
Just past Wollumbin, you’ll find Byron Bay. It’s the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by. It has a strong artisan vibe, with artists inspired by the area’s wondrous natural beauty, and relaxed ambience. Explore the funky, new-age markets and discover exquisite artwork and intricate glass-blown creations.
Byron Bay is a gourmet’s delight, offering everything from fish and chips overlooking the beach, to awardwinning vegetarian cafes, right through to indulgent top-notch restaurants. Don’t miss Cape Byron, the Australian mainland’s most easterly point.
Please remember that NSW has daylight saving time beginning Sunday 5th October 2025 through to Sunday 5th April 2026. During this period, NSW is one hour ahead of QLD.
One-way
Hinterland
While we love our coastline, every now and then we trade our salty air and surf to binge on fresh mountain air and waterfalls. If the urge to reset befalls you, hit the road and head west along ribbon-like roads winding through a canvas of verdant hills dotted with vineyards and roadside produce stalls. The yin to the coastal yang, the Gold Coast Hinterland is a definite sojourn for the well-informed traveller and a revelation to those lucky enough to stumble across it.
Just a 40-minute drive inland from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach sees the scenery change from surf to serenity; where the air is crisper and the stars shine brighter. Stand hundreds of metres above sea level and drink in the infinite views that stretch across an ancient realm.
Our backyard is a World Heritage Listed habitat filled with all manner of natural wonders and wildlife. Locations like Binna Burra, Tamborine Mountain, O’Reilly’s and Springbrook and Lamington National Parks encompass 100,000-hectares of waterfall-flowing, rainforest-frolicking goodness.
Stay close to mother nature with these Hinterland accommodation options and explore a wide range of things to do. Think winding roads, escapes, country drives, bracing hikes, picnics to sample the delicious local produce, guided day trips and rainforest adventures.
Mount Tamborine
Mount Tamborine boasts 12 walking trails each no longer than around 3km. If adventure calls, head to Morans Falls.
Stop in to collect some local produce, including cheese, wines from Witches Falls or some award-winning liqueurs from the Mount Tamborine Distillery, each born of native mountain delights.
Springbrook National Park
Nestled in the untouched World Heritage area, Purling Brook Falls is a must for any visit. You’ll hear it before you see it with fresh water falling over 100 meters to the rock pool below. Let the night birds be your soundtrack at 850m above sea-level at a Rainforest Retreat.
If a cosy cedar chalet isn’t enough to pull on the heart strings, the sound of a mountain stream cascading beside the chalet and hard wood crackling in the fireplace just might.
Lamington National Park
This is a jewel in the crown of Australian bushwalking destinations. Don’t miss Elabana Falls, cool off at the swimming hole along the Box Forest Circuit and stay overnight at a Lodge or Rainforest Retreat.
Tamborine Mountain Golf Club
