The Gold Coast in Australia is a fun and sunny destination known for its long golden beaches, exciting theme parks, and laid-back coastal vibe. It’s a perfect place for surfing, relaxing by the ocean, or taking a walk along the vibrant beachfront. You’ll also find great shopping, delicious food, and beautiful nature spots like rainforests and waterfalls just a short drive away. I travelled to the Gold Coast for a few days back in June 2025, and I wanted to share with you the 8 best things to do in Gold Coast, Australia, to help you plan your next trip there! 

Table of Contents

• 1. Visit Surfer’s Paradise
• 2. Swim at Burleigh Beach
• 3. Watch the sunset at Burleigh Hill
• 4. Walk around Burleigh Head National Park
• 5. Take in the views at North Burleigh Lookout
• 6. Go shopping at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
• 7. Head up the SkyPoint Observation Deck
• 8. Take a day trip to Brisbane

1. Visit Surfer’s Paradise

Surfer’s Paradise, located on the iconic Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, is a great blend of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and high-rise glamour. You’ll find surfers here of all levels, even in the winter. Beyond the beach, there are lots of bustling cafes, shopping, and rooftop bars with panoramic views of the ocean. By day, you can catch waves or explore nearby hinterlands; by night, the streets light up with live music, night markets, and a youthful, cosmopolitan crowd. It’s the ultimate destination for those who crave a mix of adventure, relaxation, and non-stop entertainment.

Here are some cafes I recommend:

• Stairwell Coffee: It’s a bit of a hidden place, and I had to make lots of detours to get there, but the coffee is super good!
• ESPL Coffee Brewers: The location is right on the beach, and they have such a cute outdoor seating area.
• ELK Espresso: Really cute place by the beach, and they also offer a variety of food!
• O Bagel Broadbeach: The YUMMIEST BAGELS, coming from someone from Montreal where there is a big bagel culture. I had the breakfast bagel sandwich before going to the airport, 10/10.

2. Swim at Burleigh Beach

Burleigh Beach is a beautiful, relaxed spot on the Gold Coast, just south of Surfer’s Paradise. Its golden sand stretches for miles, and the waves are perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. The beach is surrounded by green parks and a calm creek, making it great for picnics or a peaceful walk. Nearby, you’ll find cozy cafes, local markets, and small shops, giving the area a laid-back, friendly vibe. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sun, surf, and a slower pace of beach life.

Personally, I love walking, so I walked from Surfer’s Paradise all the way to Burleigh Beach (and to Burleigh Hill), in the sand, and it was GORGEOUS and so peaceful. I recommend if you able to do this walk!

3. Watch the sunset at Burleigh Hill

Watching the sunset at Burleigh Hill is pure magic. From the top of the hill, you get a clear view of the ocean and the coastline as the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and purple. The sound of the waves below mixes with the gentle evening breeze, creating a peaceful, almost dreamy feeling. It’s a perfect spot to relax, take photos, or just sit and enjoy nature’s beauty while the day slowly ends.

A tip, you can bring picnic food/snacks, and it would be a great date/evening activity. You will see lots of people also sitting there, people watching and enjoying the sunset. I would of brought a journal and journaled for hours, but I forgot to bring one.

4. Walk around Burleigh Head National Park

Burleigh Head National Park is a small but stunning park right next to Burleigh Beach. It’s full of walking trails that wind through lush rainforest and along rocky cliffs with amazing views of the ocean. You might spot birds, lizards, and even dolphins in the waves below. The mix of green forest and blue sea makes it a peaceful place to explore, hike, or just sit and enjoy nature. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants a quiet escape near the beach.

To walk around the whole park, it took me probably around 30 minutes, and I really took my time, stopping lots of time to take in the views and to take pictures. You also don’t need any special shoes, sandals are as good.

5. Take in the views at North Burleigh Lookout

North Burleigh Lookout is a great spot to see Burleigh Beach and the coastline from above. A short walk up the hill takes you to a viewpoint with sweeping views of the ocean, surfers riding the waves, and the city in the distance. It’s perfect for taking photos, watching the sunset, or just enjoying a peaceful moment while looking out over the beach and the sparkling water below.

On one side, you will see Burleigh Beach, and on the other side, it’s the direction of Mermaid Beach/Surfer’s Paradise. There is a platform that brings you to different view points, so make sure to go to all of them!

6. Go shopping at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a huge, modern shopping spot on the Gold Coast. Inside, you’ll find all kinds of stores, from popular fashion brands to electronics, home goods, and luxury labels. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and even a food court, so it’s easy to grab a bite while shopping. With bright, open spaces and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a fun place to spend a few hours browsing, eating, or just exploring. It’s nice because it’s an outdoor mall, and the decor was really pretty.

If you are a girl like me that likes the Aritzia type of style, then you need to check out Kookaï! It’s my new favourite Australian brand clothing store. I bought so many pieces from there, because I feel like I could never find those type of pieces back at home haha.

7. Head up the SkyPoint Observation Deck

The SkyPoint Observation Deck sits on top of the Q1 building in Surfer’s Paradise and offers amazing views of the Gold Coast. From up high, you can see the beaches, ocean, city skyline, and hinterland all at once. It’s perfect for taking photos, watching the sunset, or just enjoying the feeling of being on top of the world. There’s also a café where you can relax while looking out over the stunning scenery.

I recommend going right before sunset! You get the golden lighting before sunset, and it’s also really cool to see the skyline at night!

8. Take a day trip to Brisbane

A day trip to Brisbane from the Gold Coast is fun and easy. There are lots of things to do in Brisbane, and you can easily fit it into a day trip. You can explore South Bank, a lively area with parks, riverside paths, and markets. You can visit the Queensland Art Gallery or the Science Centre, or just relax by the river. You can talk a walk through the city streets to see the skyline and stop at a café for lunch. You could visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to see koalas and kangaroos up close. You can stroll along the river or a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane for great views before heading back. It’s a mix of culture, wildlife, and city vibes all in one trip.

It’s also super easy to get to from the Gold Coast. It takes about 1.5-2 hours if you take the bus/train, or if you decide to rent a car and drive, it only takes 45 minutes! You can also do the opposite, stay in Brisbane and do a day trip to the Gold Coast 😉