Gold Coast 2020: This years Hot Attractions & Things to Do

Here is our mega-list of all the hot things to do on the Gold Coast including a swathe of free stuff, nature exploring, the must-see attractions, secret local scenic spots, the beaches and much much more.

2020 looks set to be a big year on the Gold Coast with major new rides opening at Dreamworld, Movie World and Sea World, the new ferry service Hopo starts operation, the new Green Bridge at HOTA is set to complete along with massive investments into local parks, beaches and the construction of new dive sites.

The year kicks off with huge summer events including the Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines Resort, KFC Big Bash League matches at Metricon Stadium, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, Eurovision – Australia Decides at the GCCEC, NRL Harvey Norman All-Stars match at CBus Super Stadium, and The Sand Safari Arts Festival on Surfers Paradise beach. See the major events page for dates and details.

Free Things to do on the Gold Coast

Enjoy the Beach Lifestyle – It’s probably why you came! The GC has the best beaches in the world, yes, I am biased :), so enjoy the beach volleyball at Surfers Paradise, swimming (between the flags), walking the beach at sunrise and sunset, a game of beach cricket with friends or simply just lazing about.

Mt Tamborine Walking Tracks This site provides a great list and description of the walking tracks located amongst the beauty of Tamborine Mountain National Park.

O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk The Tree Top Walk is a unique and innovative structure that gives visitors what can only be described as an exhilarating experience – a chance to observe life in the rainforest canopy at close range for the first time in their lives.

HOTA – formerly the Gold Coast Arts Gallery, is home to an extensive collection of works including ceramics and host to some of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes.

The Gold Coast top scenic spots – Check out these amazingly beautiful scenic spots. No entry fees required!

Arts and Craft Markets – There are numerous regular street markets for food, arts and crafts, check out the Gold Coast City website for full date and location details.

Federation Walk – A 3.7km track through patches of littoral rainforest through to the sand pumping jetty and the Gold Coast Sea Way.

Skate Boarding & Skate Parks – The Gold Coast Council provides a number of skate parks for enthusiasts at various locations. This page at gcparks.com.au also lists youth activities, BMX parks and programs of events for school holidays.

Go cycling – The city has a well developed on-road and off-road bicycle tracks

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – You can find lots of arts and crafts, along with souvenirs. Normally held every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night but check the web link for updates.

Gold Coast Parks & Reserves – The Gold Coast is lucky to have a variety of well maintained, beautiful parks, most with amenities for recreation, relaxing and picnic/BBQ. At the gcparks.com.au website, you can easily search for park locations and amenities.

The Broadwater Parklands – This area in Southport has numerous attractions and is very family friendly, The Rockpools is loads of fun on a hot day featuring many water fountains and water-themed activities. Nearby is the Aquatic Centre. There may be charges for some services.

Gold Coast National Parks – Enjoy the natural and scenic beauty, waterfalls, hiking tracks and more.

Free Yoga and Meditation – In conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council, the Australian School of Meditation offers free yoga and meditation classes, see their website for more details.

Events and Festivals – The Gold Coast is home to regular surfing carnivals, music festivals, food festivals and much more. Check out the link for an up to date list of what’s on.

Gold Coast Wineries – Explore the many wineries and cellar doors.

Also, see our list of the Top 10 Free Things to Do on the Gold Coast

The Big Attractions

Movie World – a large park with a number of thrill rides including roller coasters and regular live stunt shows.

Dreamworld – Sprawling amusement complex featuring themed areas, with rides, attractions and a wildlife park.

Wet’n’Wild – Expansive water park with many water-based thrill rides and an impressive wave pool.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary A must-visit for kids and the family.

Sea World – an oceanographic theme park with marine animals & polar bears, plus shows, rides & interactive tours.

Australian Outback Spectacular – A stage show based on the Australian spirit of the outback.

See more: Gold Coast Theme Parks and Animal Theme Parks

Hinterland & Nature

Explore Tamborine Mountain – Explore National Park Walks, Waterfalls, Nurseries, and Botanic Gardens

Rainforest Skywalk – Enjoy the spectacular views of the lush Gold Coast Hinterland from the new canopy walk.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – A must-visit for kids and the family.

David Fleay Wildlife Park – David Fleay Wildlife Park is a heritage-listed wildlife park

Top Sight Seeing and Scenic spots – A list of the top natural sightseeing spots.

Gold Coast National Parks You can take a short trip or spend days exploring the natural wilderness of the beautiful national parks.

Gold Coast Beaches – It’s what the region is famous for, so don’t miss it!

The Broadwater Parklands – This area in Southport has numerous attractions and is very family-friendly, The Rockpools is loads of fun on a hot day featuring many water fountains and water-themed activities. Nearby is the Aquatic Centre. There may be charges for some services.

Luxury Gold Coast Tours – Enjoy the Gold Coast in absolute luxury with one hour tours, day tours, scenic tours and winery tours on offer via a range of luxury vehicles and coaches.

Couran Point Day Cruise – Take a day cruise to Couran Point on South Stradbroke Island. The resort offers pristine beaches, nature walks along with activities for all ages.

See more natural attractions, national parks, and parks on the GC

Family & Kids

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – A must-visit for kids and the family.

Thunderbird Park – Located at Mt Tamborine, a family orientated theme park and nature escape, the activities are too numerous to mention including mini-golf, horse riding, laser skirmish, bushwalking, camping and more.

Timezone™ Surfers Paradise – covers an area of 5000sqm offering the latest in digital games and interactive attractions.

Ripley’s Surfers Paradise – it’s one of the Gold Coast’s longest-running attractions and is newer and better than ever with more unusual oddities in it’s 156 themed galleries that showcase the bizarre and unusual from across the world.

See all our picks for family-friendly attractions on the Gold Coast.

At Night

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – You can find lots of arts and crafts, along with souvenirs. Normally held every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night but check the web link for updates.

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant – Located at Broadbeach, it’s an icon of the Gold Coast entertainment scene.

Illusions Magic Show – Located at Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island. Shows run every weekend.

The Star – features regular live performances ranging from bands to comedy acts.

HOTA – regular live shows inc. theatre, music, comedy and more.

Gold Coast Nightclubs & Bars – The Gold Coast comes to life after dark is renowned for it’s vibrant and diverse nightlife. Follow the link for a list of all the popular nightclubs and bars on the Gold Coast.

See more in our listings of the top restaurants and bars on the Gold Coast in Nightlife & Dining.

For Couples and Adults

Gold Coast Wineries – Explore the many wineries and cellar doors.

Rainy Days & Bad Weather (or anytime)

The Infinity experience – Located in Surfers Paradise, this futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder offers an extraordinary series of mind-blowing environments.

HOTA – Home to an extensive collection of works including ceramics and host to some of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes.

The Escape Hunt Experience – The escape room experience. Put your detective hat and in a race against time make your escape.

Superbee Honeyworld – Discover the wondrous world of bees and witness nature’s sweetest process at Australia’s only dedicated bee attraction by the beach. Located adjacent to Currumbin Sanctuary.

Timezone™ Surfers Paradise – covers an area of 5000sqm offering the latest in digital games and interactive attractions.

Ripley’s Surfers Paradise – it is one of the Gold Coast’s longest-running attractions and is newer and better than ever with more unusual oddities in it’s 156 themed galleries that showcase the bizarre and unusual from across the world.

Game Over Gold Coast – An indoor entertainment center packed with go-karts, laser tag, wall climb and more. Located at the northern end of the Gold Coast, in Helensvale.

iFly Indoor Skydiving – Indoor Skydiving is both an exhilarating experience and a highly addictive sport. It is safe for kids, fun for adults.

Surf World Gold Coast – A collection of classic surfing memorabilia, photos, and new surfboard designs.

Adventure

SkyPoint Climb – Climb to the top of the Q1 Gold Coast, or if heights are not your thing, check out the observation deck at the Q1.

Stunt Park – Challenging Stunt Park action-packed features offer new experiences and activities. These are suitable for kids, teenagers, adults, and corporate.

Surf in Paradise – Learn to surf in friendly waves with Surf in Paradise Surf School. With only six people per class, you’ll get individual help, advice, and encouragement from friendly teachers. Visit their website for details on lesson prices and packages.

Xtreme Karting – The fastest karting circuit in Australia offering a range of kart options.

Performance Driving Centre – The Performance Driving Centre is a $8m facility that includes V8 Super Cars Experience on the Gold Coast. Facilities include a 2km training circuit, skid pan, full fleet of training vehicles consisting of a variety of the latest Holden models, an off-road four-wheel drive training course, and a Motor Sports Gallery.

GC Wake Park – Whether you’re into skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding or just looking to have a good time on the lake and learn something new, you will find something for the whole family at Gold Coast Wake Park.

Skirmish Gold Coast – Skirmish Gold Coast is the ultimate paintball experience, perfect for adrenaline charged bucks party, birthdays, or just a fun casual game with your mates!

Gold Coast Heli Tours – Enjoy a helicopter tour of the Gold Coast taking in all the sights from an amazing viewpoint. Located at Mirage Heliport – Marina Mirage – Seaworld Drive, Main Beach. QLD 4217

Sling Shot and Vomatron Park Surfers Paradise – located in Surfers Paradise including adrenalin pumping thrill rides like the Vomatron, the Sling Shot, Fly Coaster and more. 6 Palm Ave, Surfers Paradise – (07) 5570 2700

Thunderbird Park – Located at Mt Tamborine, a family orientated theme park and nature escape, the activities are too numerous to mention including mini golf, horse riding, laser skirmish, bushwalking, camping and more.

Gold Coast Sky Dive – Parachuting on the Gold Coast, Gold Coast Sky Dive offer tandem skydive and parachuting experiences. Located at Hanger 22, Lores Bonney Circuit, Bilinga, QLD. 4224 (near Gold Coast Airport).

Jet Boating on the Broadwater – Take a thrill ride across the Gold Coast Broadwater at Marina Mirage in a Jet Boat.

Gold Coast Sea Planes – Gold Coast Sea Planes offer scenic flights and a variety of packages for scenic tours, getaways, and air charter. Located at Level 1, Suite 144 Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive Main Beach, Qld, Australia. 4217

Numinbah Valley Adventure Trails – Catering for all levels of experience and ages they offer a unique range of horse riding trails & lessons, abseiling, rock-climbing, caving, bush-walking, and farm activities amongst the unspoiled tracts of mountain, caves, rivers, and rainforest. Located on the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD 4211

Balloon Down Under – Hot Air Balloon flights are another way to explore the magnificent views of the Gold Coast in a memorable way.

BKS Fishing Charters – Experience ocean reef and game fishing with everything supplied, suitable for first-time anglers and experienced fishers.

The Infinity experience – Located in Surfers Paradise, this futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder offers an extraordinary series of mind-blowing environments.

See all our picks for adventure attractions on the Gold Coast.

Sport & Fitness

Go cycling – The city has a well developed on-road and off-road bicycle tracks

Sports Super Centre – The Sports Super Centre was built at Runaway Bay, just north of Surfers Paradise, features gym, pools, spa & sauna, various other facilities.

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre – Located at Southport’s Broadwater Parklands, the centre boasts six pools, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and access to Café Catalina.

Gyms and Fitness Centres – find fully equipped air-conditioned gyms with Treadmills, Cross Trainers, Steppers, Rowers, Seated & Upright Bikes and Vibra Plates etc.

Gold Coast Golf Courses – Enjoy a round of golf at one of the many courses on the GC.

See all our reviews for sports attractions on the Gold Coast

Spa & Wellness

Endota Spa – Therapists specialise in relaxation, remedial, deep tissue, pregnancy and hot rock massage, organic and advanced facials, hydro-microdermabrasion, facial peels, body wraps, and scrubs, manicures, pedicures, waxing, eyelash tinting and spray tans.

spa Q – Modern, retro, and upmarket. A range of signature treatments, hammam and ice fountain

Q1 Spa – Choose from buffs, scrubs, wraps, masks, stones, hydrotherapy, exfoliations, pearl polishes, earth clays, and marine muds as well as the wonder of The Spa Jet and Hydrostorm experiences.

For Foodies – Coffee, Cafes & Fine Dining

Dining Out – The Gold Coast is a foodies heaven, here’s a guide to the hot spots.

Buffet Restaurants – A list of the top buffet restaurants on the Gold Coast including seafood buffets and breakfast buffets.