Event destination
Gold Coast, Australia
Gold Coast: Where Adventure Meets Serenity
Top things to do in Gold Coast
Beaches and Water Activities
- Surfers Paradise Beach: Famous for its golden sands and surf-friendly waves, it's a must-visit for beach lovers.
- Broadbeach: Offers a more relaxed beach experience with excellent dining and shopping nearby.
- Coolangatta Beach: Known for its beautiful scenery and great surf conditions.
- Water Sports: Try surfing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, or kayaking.
Theme Parks
- Sea World: Marine park featuring animal exhibits, shows, and rides.
- Warner Bros. Movie World: Theme park with movie-themed rides and attractions.
- Dreamworld: Offers thrill rides, animal encounters, and entertainment.
- Wet'n'Wild: A large water park with numerous slides and pools.
Nature and Wildlife
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Get up close with Australian wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos.
- Burleigh Heads National Park: Offers scenic walking tracks and great views.
- Springbrook National Park: Known for its waterfalls, rainforests, and natural rock formations like the Natural Bridge.
- Lamington National Park: Famous for its walking trails, birdlife, and lush rainforest.
Shopping and Dining
- Cavill Avenue: The main shopping and dining precinct in Surfers Paradise.
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: A major shopping mall with a wide range of stores and restaurants.
- Harbour Town Premium Outlets: Great for discounted brand shopping.
Nightlife and Entertainment
- Night Markets: Explore the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets for unique local crafts and food.
- The Star Gold Coast: Casino and entertainment complex offering dining, shows, and nightlife.
- Live Music and Clubs: Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach have numerous bars and clubs with live music and DJs.
Family-Friendly Activities
- Infinity Attraction: A futuristic maze with special effects and illusions.
- Ripley's Believe It or Not!: A museum with bizarre exhibits and oddities.
- Timezone: A large indoor entertainment center with arcade games, mini-golf, and more.
Adventure and Sports
- SkyPoint Climb: Climb to the top of the Q1 building for panoramic views.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience breathtaking views of the Gold Coast from above.
- Whale Watching: Seasonal tours to see humpback whales during their migration (June to November).
Cultural and Scenic Tours
- Gold Coast Hinterland: Take a scenic drive or tour through the hinterland's mountains, rainforests, and vineyards.
- Art Galleries and Museums: Visit local galleries and the Gold Coast City Gallery for contemporary art exhibitions.
Relaxation and Wellness
- Spas and Wellness Centers: Indulge in a day spa experience or wellness retreat.
- Yoga on the Beach: Join a morning yoga session by the sea.
Local Transportation
1. Airport Transfers
If you're arriving by air, there are convenient airport transfer options:
Gold Coast Airport (OOL): Approximately 22 km south of Surfers Paradise. You can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rideshare service like Uber or Ola. Shuttle services can be booked online or at the airport.
Brisbane Airport (BNE): Approximately 85 km north of Surfers Paradise. Options include an Airtrain service to Nerang Station or Helensvale Station, followed by a tram to Surfers Paradise. Alternatively, you can book a direct shuttle service or take a taxi/rideshare.
2. Public Transport
G:link Tram: The Gold Coast light rail system is a convenient way to travel around. The Surfers Paradise Station is near the hotel. Trams run frequently and connect to key locations including Broadbeach, Southport, and Helensvale.
Buses: TransLink operates bus services throughout the Gold Coast. Routes 700, 705, and 731 are some that pass through Surfers Paradise.
3. Taxi/Rideshare
Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or via apps.
Rideshare services like Uber and Ola operate extensively in the area.
4. Car Rentals
Several car rental companies operate on the Gold Coast. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. There are rental desks at both the Gold Coast and Brisbane airports as well as in Surfers Paradise.
5. Walking and Cycling
Surfers Paradise is very walkable, with plenty of attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of the Novotel. There are also bike rental options if you prefer cycling.
6. Tips
Go Card: Purchase a Go Card for easy and discounted travel on all TransLink buses, trains, and trams.
Translink: https://translink.com.au/
Airtrain: https://www.airtrain.com.au/catch-airtrain-to/gold-coast-surfers-paradise/