The 10 Best Attractions in Gold Coast (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 10 picks

The best attractions on the Gold Coast in 2026 are Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the SkyPoint observation deck in Surfers Paradise, the beaches and headland walk at Burleigh Heads, the big theme parks (Sea World, Movie World and Dreamworld), and the rainforests of Springbrook and Lamington in the hinterland.

The Gold Coast stretches about 60 km from Coolangatta in the south to the theme parks around Coomera and Oxenford in the north, with Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach in the middle. The light rail (the G:link) runs along the coast between Broadbeach and Helensvale, connecting to the train to Brisbane. The hinterland's rainforest national parks are an hour's drive inland and make a cool escape from the beach.

1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary — Currumbin

The Gold Coast's best wildlife park, with koalas, kangaroos and a wildlife hospital.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · First-timers

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been a Gold Coast favourite for decades. You can walk among kangaroos, see koalas up close and watch the free-flight bird show and the famous lorikeet feeding.

Its wildlife hospital treats thousands of injured animals a year, and you can watch the vets at work. Allow at least half a day.

Good to know: Be there for the lorikeet feeding; the birds land on you.

28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223

Google Maps Website

2. SkyPoint Observation Deck — Surfers Paradise

A view of the whole coast from the top of the Q1 tower.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for First-timers · Couples

SkyPoint is the observation deck at the top of Q1, one of Australia's tallest towers, with views from the hinterland to the ocean and down the whole length of the coast.

For more of a thrill, the SkyPoint Climb takes you up the outside of the building's spire on a harness.

Good to know: Go up just before sunset and stay for the lights coming on.

Level 77, Q1 Building, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Google Maps Website

3. Burleigh Heads — Burleigh Heads

A surf beach, a rainforest headland and the coast's best view back to Surfers.

Best for Couples · Families · Budget

Burleigh Heads has a long surf beach, a grassy foreshore with picnic spots and a headland of rainforest in Burleigh Head National Park. The walk around the headland takes about 30 minutes and offers views up the coast to the Surfers Paradise skyline.

James Street behind the beach is the Gold Coast's best strip of cafés and restaurants.

Good to know: Watch the surfers at the point from the headland walk.

Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Google Maps

4. Surfers Paradise Beach — Surfers Paradise

The famous beach under the high-rise skyline.

Best for First-timers · Families · Budget

Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast's best-known beach, with patrolled flags, golden sand and the skyline right behind. The Esplanade has shops, restaurants and, on some nights, the beachfront markets.

It is busy and lively, and a good base for first-timers without a car, with the light rail on hand.

Good to know: Always swim between the red and yellow flags.

The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Google Maps

5. Sea World — Main Beach

A marine theme park with dolphins, sharks, polar bears and rides.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Families

Sea World on the Spit combines marine animal shows and exhibits with rides, including roller coasters for older children. Dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sharks and polar bears are among the animals.

It is one of the most relaxed of the big parks for families with mixed ages.

Good to know: Buy tickets online ahead; they're cheaper than at the gate.

Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217

Google Maps Website

6. Warner Bros. Movie World — Oxenford

Movie-themed rides and roller coasters with superhero characters.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Families

Movie World is a film-themed park with roller coasters, a kids' area and shows starring DC superheroes and Looney Tunes characters. Its big coasters suit thrill-seekers.

Wet'n'Wild water park is next door, so plan a multi-park pass if you'll visit both.

Good to know: Head to the biggest coasters first thing, before queues build.

Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210

Google Maps Website

7. Dreamworld — Coomera

Thrill rides plus an Australian wildlife section.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Families

Dreamworld is the Gold Coast's largest theme park, with thrill rides, a kids' area and Dreamworld Wildlife, where you can see koalas, kangaroos and other Australian animals.

Its water park, WhiteWater World, is next door.

Good to know: Check the ride schedule online; some rides close for maintenance.

Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209

Google Maps Website

8. Springbrook National Park — Gold Coast Hinterland

Rainforest waterfalls, lookouts and a glow-worm cave.

Best for Couples · Families

Springbrook National Park, about an hour inland, is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area. Walks lead to waterfalls such as Purling Brook Falls and to lookouts over the coast.

At the Natural Bridge, a waterfall plunges through a rock arch into a cave lit by glow worms after dark.

Good to know: Visit the Natural Bridge after dusk to see the glow worms; no torches on them.

Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211

Google Maps

9. O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat — Lamington National Park

A mountain lodge in Lamington, with a treetop walk and wild birds.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Families

O'Reilly's is a historic guesthouse high in Lamington National Park, a World Heritage rainforest. Day visitors can walk the Tree Top Walk, hand-feed wild parrots and take rainforest trails to lookouts and waterfalls.

Stay the night to hear the forest at dawn; the lodge also has villas and a restaurant.

Good to know: The road up is narrow and winding, allow about 90 minutes from the coast.

3582 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra QLD 4275

Google Maps Website

10. HOTA, Home of the Arts — Surfers Paradise

The coast's arts precinct, with a free gallery and outdoor stage.

Best for Couples · Budget

HOTA is the Gold Coast's cultural centre, on parkland by the Nerang River, with the HOTA Gallery, theatres, an outdoor stage and a rooftop restaurant.

The gallery is free to enter, and the Sunday morning farmers' market on the lawns is a local favourite.

Good to know: Visit for the Sunday farmers' market, then the gallery.

135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one attraction on the Gold Coast?

Its beaches, from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta. Beyond the sand, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the theme parks are the most visited paid attractions.

Which Gold Coast theme park is best?

For younger children, Sea World and Movie World are the most rounded; Dreamworld has the biggest thrill rides and a wildlife section. Wet'n'Wild is the water park. Multi-park passes save money if you plan to visit more than one.

Where can I see koalas on the Gold Coast?

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place, with koalas, kangaroos and a wildlife hospital. Dreamworld also has a wildlife section, and David Fleay Wildlife Park in West Burleigh is a smaller, quieter option.

What can you do in the Gold Coast hinterland?

Walk to waterfalls in Springbrook National Park, see the glow worms at the Natural Bridge, and walk the treetop walk at O'Reilly's in Lamington National Park. Tamborine Mountain has a skywalk, galleries and cellar doors.

Is the Gold Coast good for families?

Yes, it is Australia's family holiday capital, with patrolled beaches, theme parks, wildlife parks and lots of apartment accommodation. See also our best beaches in Australia.

1. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary — Currumbin

2. SkyPoint Observation Deck — Surfers Paradise

3. Burleigh Heads — Burleigh Heads

4. Surfers Paradise Beach — Surfers Paradise

5. Sea World — Main Beach

6. Warner Bros. Movie World — Oxenford

7. Dreamworld — Coomera

8. Springbrook National Park — Gold Coast Hinterland

9. O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat — Lamington National Park

10. HOTA, Home of the Arts — Surfers Paradise

Frequently asked questions

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