Hey there sunshine seekers, with the weather turning up the heat, now’s the perfect time to dive into all the fun and excitement that a Gold Coast holiday has to offer. All the pages in this magazine are conveniently categorised for a quick search, and some even have discounts to boot!
Make sure you also chat with the locals and find out what hidden gems they’re raving about in their hometown –spoiler alert: they know all the best spots!
But no one knows the Gold Coast quite like we do, so make sure you check out our website at insidegoldcoast.com.au for the inside scoop on the coolest events, tastiest eats, and must-do adventures.
So, whether you’re taking in the thrills of a theme park, spotting one of the magnificent whales passing by or checking out a beloved local hangout, we hope you have a blast. We’re excited to have you here, and remember – always swim between the flags!
Managing Editor: Carly King
Sales: Jess Monro
Kate Granzien
07 5576 3044 sales@infomaps.com.au
Artwork: Filipa Scott
Inside Gold Coast: Belinda Symons
Bianca Trathen
Chelsea Ipsen
Steph Pickett
Adele Micheletti
Jacqeline Bojanowski
Mathilde Bouby
Kirra Smith
Website: insidegoldcoast.com.au
Social Media: #insidegoldcoast
Discover some of Australia s
cover Australia’s
check out the brand new Outback Springs precinct. Meet farmyard animals, pan for gemstones or try some included in General Admission. Dinosaurs and megafauna immersed in Aboriginal culture and don’t miss the Wild Skies Free Flight Bird Show.
Redeem offer on your arrival at the Main Ticket Entry. *Offer is for general admission only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Does not include TreeTop Challenge or any other paid experience or Animal Encounter. Redeem at ticketing gate. Present
10% OFF
10%
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Conditions apply. Book online or phone using code TOURIST10 . Valid for VIP or Cabaret tickets Tues –Fri. Does not include New Yearʼs Eve.
• Historical Facts • Medieval Torture Devices
• More Spine Chilling than fiction
• Authentic Record of Man’s inhumanity to man
• Meet people who made history
• Scientists & Explorers • Royalty & Villains
• Authentic Costumes • British Crown Jewels Replica
when booking online or present in person at reception.
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Use Code
Receive 10% off deluxe entry package, not to be used with any other offer. Use promo code GCMAGDEAL, online bookings only.
Receive 10% off deluxe entry package, not to be used with any other offer. Use promo code GCMAGDEAL, online bookings only.
Step into a real-life snow globe, the coolest experience on the Gold Coast!
IceBar Surfers is kept at a crisp -10°C all year round…
Embrace the chill and enjoy the thrill!
With over 40 tonnes of sculpted ice making up the walls, furniture, and even the bar, it’s an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Cozy snow gear provided, so you can explore comfortably, snap icy selfies, and enjoy a frosty cocktail or mocktail. Perfect for families, couples, and thrill-seekers looking for something completely di erent!
If youʼre looking for something bold, different, and seriously Instagrammable — Mirror Bar is your go-to. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors and glowing lights, this immersive cocktail bar is made for unforgettable nights. Sip, snap, and sparkle in a one-of-a-kind setting that blurs the line between bar and art installation.
COUPLE PASS $35, FAMILY $40 * Kids under 14 free when accompanied by a single adult. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Present Voucher
KIDS FREE
26 The Shooting Centre Gold Coast
27 Putt Putt Golf Mermaid Beach
28 Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre Barefoot Fish
29 Slideways Go Karting Centres
30 ArtVo iPlay
31 Area51
The activities on the Gold Coast bring smiles to people of all ages and stages. With exhilarating rides, exotic animals and endless waterslides to help you cool off on hot summer days, your Gold Coast holiday offers a full spectrum of interactive entertainment –from dazzling big budget Gold Coast theme parks to small, hilariously kitsch museums.
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.
We all love theme parks and sunny beaches, but many people forget about all of the other activities that makes the Gold Coast such a well-rounded and varied holiday destination.
Today, underrated Gold Coast attractions such as winery tours, walking trails, island adventures and mountain drives are just as popular as the theme parks and beaches.
Operating at the same location since 1996, we are the only dedicated indoor public shooting and all-weather facility on the Gold Coast. Open to everyone 11 and up, even if you’re unlicensed.
Not to be used with any other offer. Not valid on public holiday or for
20% offer is redeemable when purchasing 20 minutes of karting per person.
book.
The vast range of waterways makes the city a haven of fun-filled pursuits with good times assured among the numerous aquatic attractions. The Broadwater caters to every on-water activity imaginable, where thrill seekers can choose from jetboating, parasailing, kite surfing, diving or a jet-ski safari. Enjoy snorkelling, cruising or stand up paddle boarding for a more relaxed pace. 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.
MORNING CRUISE: 10.30am to 12noon
MIDDAY CRUISE: 12:30pm to 1:30pm
• See homes of the rich and famous
• Fun facts commentary
• Casual river and canal cruising
• Dolphin spotting
• Selected cruises include complimentary nibbles
• Fully licenced bar on board
• Sundeck balcony seating
• Inside covered seating
SUNSET CRUISE: Ring for time
• Spectacular sunsets & city lights cruises FROM $25 PER PERSON
AFTERNOON CRUISE: 2pm to 3.30pm
Direct bookings only. Not to be used with any other offer, maximum of four people per voucher. Not valid for private parties.
CITY LIGHTS CRUISE: Ring for time
“BEST VALUE RIVER CRUISE ON THE GOLD COAST”
whale watching
Whale watching on the Gold Coast provides a fantastic opportunity for onlookers to get up close and personal with the largest living mammals on Earth. The waters along the Gold Coast are commonly referred to as the Hump Back Highway with approximately 25,000 viewing opportunities during the annual migration up and down the coasts of Queensland. The advantage of having to travel just 10 minutes out to sea to witness these giants in their natural habitat, ensures a fun-filled couple of hours whale watching with plenty of time left in your day to appreciate the many other attractions of the Gold Coast. Running from June through to November, the Gold Coast boasts the longest whale watching season in the country. The whale watching season marks the migration of the Humpback Whale from Antarctica to warmer Queensland waters before they return with their newly born after covering a mammoth distance during their amazing journey. During the Gold Coast whale watching season, visitors are given the rare opportunity to spot Humpback Whales, whale calves, dolphins, Killer Whales and ‘Migaloo’ the famous white Humpback, all in their natural habitat.
25% DISCOUNT
Receive 25% discount on single tickets only. Use code: WHALES25. Not valid with any other offer. Subject to availability.
Whale Watching - Gold Coast
YOUR WHALE WATCHING CRUISE INCLUDES:
• 4-hour sailing experience
• Morning tea & lunch
• Knowledgeable crew
• Owner with 25 years industry experience
• Maximum of 28 passengers onboard
• Stable 38-foot sailing catamaran
• Fully licensed bar
Onboard our Australian Built Vessel , we offer a more intimate, personable and comfor table Whale Watching experience.
Onboard our Australian Built Vessel , we offer a more intimate, personable and comfor table Whale Watching experience.
Receive 10% discount on single tickets only. Not valid with any other offer. Subject to availability. Use code:
10% DISCOUNT
dining & entertainment
42 Soul Boardwalk
43 My Favourite Baker
44 Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar
46 Hideaway Kitchen & Bar | Precinct Brewing Co.
47 The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill
48 Outback Steakhouse Pacific Fair
49 Surfers Brewery
83 Starbucks
The Gold Coast is a place where night bites, hatted restaurants, street-eats and breweries are all served with a side of alfresco.
A place where five-star feasting means dusting the sand from your feet; where surfers swap their boards for a latte at sun-up and little ones break from beachside frolics to feast on epic spreads of fish and chips.
Whether you find yourself among the cool crowd at Nobby Beach, or part of the social scene in Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise, consider yourself an acai aficionado, a sausage sizzler or a coffee connoisseur, nothing says you’ve had a cracker-of-a-holiday quite like gaining a little extra padding around the middle!
• Family Banquets • Vegan Fr iendly
• Free underg round parking
10% OFF THE TOTAL BILL T o a maximum of $20. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Not valid on public holidays.
shopping & beauty
4 Paradise Centre
8 Harbour Town Premium Outlets
50 Crystal Expo
51 Australia Fair
52 The Oasis
53 H & H Hair Braiding
54 Q Super Centre
55 Summer Elisabeth Luxury Day Spa
56 DeBra’s
57 Australia Fair Metro
Shopping on the Gold Coast reflects the city’s relaxed coastal lifestyle with eclectic boutiques, high end designers, dazzling shopping centres and lively markets dotting the coastline. The Gold Coast has become a world-class shopping and lifestyle destination.
Like vivid flocks of exotic birds, the Gold Coast fashion set have a look that is all their own. With bright, flowing maxi dresses, chic sandals, and hair done up in casual top knots, their perennial tans give them a sumptuous glow of health.
Shopping on the Gold Coast reflects this relaxed coastal lifestyle. Markets, outlet malls, boutiques and high end designers all cater to the local love of colour.
HOLID Y ESSENTIALS
magical
Let the magic unfold at Q Super Centre these holidays as the mystical fairies take up residence with their magical homes nestled throughout the centre.
When you find a fairy door, scan the fairy
When you find a fairy door, scan the QR code to find who lives there.
If you find all 7 doors & find all the fairy’s names, then head to Centre Management to claim your prize of your very own fairy door to take home and paint and use in your garden.
hinterland
58 Sip & Create Tamborine Mountain
59 Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
60 Australian Outback Opals
61 Cedar Creek Glow Worms
63 Mountview Alpaca Farm
64 O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
65 Pineapple Tours
Some say this is the green behind the gold, which makes the Gold Coast so seductive, and it’s easy to see why Tamborine Mountain is in tune with tourists. Let’s start with the rainforest, which celebrates the remnants of the former Wollumbin/Mount Warning volcano.
There are numerous walks and lookouts from which to enjoy Mother Nature at her most blindingly brilliant, including the mysteriously-named Witches Falls or charming Cedar Creek. There’s 12 walking tracks in all and each one is no longer than around 3km, so if you like a stroll among the birds, bees, flowers and the trees, this is for you.
For a change of pace, enjoy several wineries, a brewery and even a distillery up on the mountain, which is perfectly punctuated with award-winning restaurants, art galleries, sweeping coastal views and that delicious mix of old and new-world charm. Indulge in home-grown produce such as avocados, kiwifruits and macadamia nuts as well as award-winning cheeses and fabulous fudge, or dine in some seriously swish restaurants.
Choose from any fi ve OʼReillyʼs artisan wines directly from the Cellar Door.
and 1 person use only. Cannot be used with any other offer.
We’re famous for our Gourmet Picnic Baskets featuring the best produce from the Scenic Rim!
We are OPEN EVERYDAY for delicious picnic baskets, pizzas, cheeseboards and cafe meals plus our artisan O’Reilly’s wine - including Wine Paddles for just $25!
We are OPEN EVERYDAY for delicious picnic baskets, pizzas, cheeseboards and cafe meals plus our artisan O’Reilly’s wine - including Wine Paddles for just $25!
Book your picnic basket online and settle in by the bubbling Canungra Creek. Enjoy Live Music every weekend.
Book your picnic basket online and settle in by the bubbling Canungra Creek. Enjoy Live Music every weekend.
Book your picnic basket online and settle in by the bubbling Canungra Creek. Enjoy Live Music every weekend. We’re famous for our Gourmet Picnic Baskets featuring the
Directly across the state border from Australia’s most famous holiday destination, the Tweed region offers a tranquil, naturebased 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 award-winning 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, October 5, 2025 through to Sunday, April 6, 2026. During this period, NSW is one hour ahead of Queensland.
Cape Byron Lighthouse
YOUR WEEKEND GUIDE TO MURWILLUMBAH
Once known as The Tweed’s quieter corner, Murwillumbah is officially worth adding to your getaway list. This arty-meetsfoodie town blends leafy streets with local legends, creative charm and plenty to eat, sip and snap. If your ideal day involves toptier coffee, vintage shopping, murals and a side of handmade pasta, clear your calendar. First up: caffeine. The Modern Grocer is where Murwillumbah gets its morning mojo. The coffee? Silky smooth. The croissants? Buttery, flaky perfection.
Once you’re fuelled, it’s shopping o’clock. Bolt & Buckle is where form meets function, stocking leather goods and outdoor gear that’ll outlive your last three phone chargers. Prefer to browse with a latte in hand? Hit up The Foundry for homewares, handpicked books and gifts that actually feel thoughtful. Or get lost (in a good way) in Bowerbird Emporium: vintage vibes, rare finds and plenty of “I definitely need this” moments.
Now: culture hour. Stop in at the Tweed Regional Museum to see the latest exhibition. Speak Easy, running until 22nd November explores the breakthroughs that changed how we connect, from secret messages to social networks. History buffs, this one’s for you.
Feeling fancy? The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is non-negotiable. It’s home to jaw-dropping visual stories, including Margaret Olley’s home studio re-creation, a peek inside the life and mind of one of Australia’s most-loved artists. Quietly stealing the show: the gallery deck’s sweeping valley views. Definitely worth a pause (and a photo).
Speaking of photo ops, Murwillumbah’s laneways are basically an open-air gallery. From Kyle Slabb’s Guwang Djagaibin to Bec Denholm’s Window to the Wild, the murals here are bright, bold and seriously scrollstopping.
Now let’s talk carbs. Pasta Bah is basically your pantry’s new best friend. Handmade pasta. Olive oil. Cheese that deserves its own fan club. Whether you’re stocking up for later or grabbing a bite right now, this Italian deli’s got you covered.
Ready for the main event? Tweed River House is where things get luxe. Housed in a beautifully restored home with next-level views of Wollumbin Mount Warning, it’s fine dining
with local flair. Go all out in the restaurant, keep it cool in the Palm Lounge, or sip and snack at the Lawn Bar.
If you’re keen to explore beyond the main streets, hire a comfy fat-tyre e-bike from Valley E-Bikes and cruise the 24km Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. It’s all rolling green views, fresh country air, and plenty of scenic stops along the way.
And since one day in Murwillumbah definitely isn’t enough, settle in for the weekend with a stay at Glenelg Murwillumbah. This boutique spot blends heritage charm with modern comfort, complete with stylish rooms and leafy surrounds – all within walking distance of the town’s best bites and shops.
Ready to plan your own Murwillumbah moment? From riverside dining to laneway art and vintage finds, there’s plenty more to uncover. Head to VisitTheTweed.com.au to start planning.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
ZEPHYR HORSES 10% DISCOUNT Use discount code: GOLDY10 for 10% discount on all group rides booked. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Subject to availabiity. Conditions apply. Present
transport & car hire
Family owned and operated
Over 35 years experience
Friendly, hassle free service
Our Guarantee No hidden fees. What we say is all you pay!
72 Surfers Rent A Car
73 Con-X-ion
75 Riide
Hatchbacks, sedans, SUV’s and 8-12 seat people movers
Usage from Noosa to Byron Bay
ZERO excess (drivers aged 25 to 75)
A great way to explore the surrounding regions of the Gold Coast is to hire a car and discover it for yourself.
Baby seats, booster seats and GPS available
TWO LOCATIONS:
6 Hilton St, Currumbin Waters
2/11 Northview St, Mermaid Waters
Affordable and reliable rental cars
From rural Beenleigh in the north to picturesque Byron Bay in the south, west to the hinterland region and the famed Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach in between; the Gold Coast experience is much more than you expect.
Just 40 minutes drive from Gold Coast beaches is a hinterland of subtropical rainforest, interspersed with mountain villages, bushwalks, waterfalls and swimming holes, plus valleys of working produce farms and cattle stations.
The World Heritage-listed Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, plus the extended township of Tamborine Mountain offer access to unmatched landscapes, roaming wildlife and an array of flora and fauna represent nature at its finest.
Centre Soul Boardwalk Chevron Renaissance Circle on Cavill
HOTA (Home of the Arts)
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The Star Gold Coast
LAKE INTREPID
LAKE WONDERLAND
LAKE HUGH MUNTZ
FOR STARS KEEP REWARDS COMING!
nearest Starbucks earning stars with beverage. closest store: REACH FOR THE STARS AND KEEP THE REWARDS COMING!
Visit your nearest Starbucks to start earning stars with every beverage.
Visit your nearest Starbucks to start earning stars with every beverage.
Visit your nearest Starbucks to start earning stars with every beverage.
Visit your nearest Starbucks to start earning stars with every beverage. Find your closest store: REACH FOR THE STARS AND KEEP THE REWARDS COMING!
Find your closest store: REACH FOR THE STARS AND KEEP THE REWARDS COMING!
Find your closest store: REACH FOR THE STARS AND KEEP THE REWARDS COMING!
Find your closest store: REACH FOR THE STARS AND KEEP THE REWARDS COMING!
Visit your nearest Starbucks to start earning stars with every beverage. Find your closest store:
