It’s officially autumn, but you wouldn’t know it – we don’t feel the changing seasons much here on the Gold Coast. Still, there’s no time like the present to get started on your seasonal bucket list. Here are 46 things to do on the Gold Coast this autumn.
- Since Easter is fast approaching, get a chocolate fix at one of these local spots.
- You can also cuddle a bunny at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Macadamia Castle).
- Head up the mountain to see the trees change colour at the Tamborine Botanic Gardens.
- Or keep it closer to home and get your nature fix at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens.
- Set a reading goal (and yes, finishing the book you’ve been reading for the past year totally counts) – this list of cosy mystery novels is calling our name this autumn.
- Pack your latest read, a picnic blanket and a full travel mug and head to one of the Gold Coast’s many great parks – some of our favourites include Cascade Gardens in Broadbeach and the Hinterland Regional Park in Mudgeeraba.
- If the days are getting shorter, we may as well make the most of them. Enjoy an outdoor breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of these BBQ spots on the Gold Coast.
- Get up at sunrise (now that it’s a little bit later in the morning) and join – or just watch – the surfers at your local surf break.
- Then, grab a coffee – we love these spots for a post-surf caffeine fix.
- Beat the cold with a sauna session at Soak Bathhouse (or embrace it in their ice bath).
- Enjoy sunrise and a good stretch with a spot of beach yoga, courtesy of the City of Gold Coast’s Active and Healthy program.
- Ride your bike along the Gold Coast Oceanway.
- Stop by a farmers market on the way – the Miami Farmers Market and Burleigh Market are both just a block or two back from the beachside bike path.
- Turn your fresh market produce into classic autumn recipes like pumpkin soup or fresh scones. Yum.
- Take a refreshing dip in the Currumbin Rock Pools…
- Then, head to Ground Currumbin in the Eco Village for a warming coffee and organic seasonal breakfast.
- Go stargazing with Gold Coast Astronomy.
- Experience Burleigh Headland like never before on a tour with Jellurgal Cultural Centre.
- Embark on a hinterland road trip (and beyond) – these are our favourite destinations.
- Head to an orchard and pick fresh fruit. Longan Farm offers a unique experience picking – you guessed it – longans.
- Or tour a working fruit farm (and taste its produce) at Freeman’s Organic Farm
- Perfect your autumn wardrobe – James Street in Burleigh is home to some of our favourite boutiques, but we love Pacific Fair and Harbour Town for a bigger dose of retail therapy.
- You can also shop for autumn essentials online with these local businesses.
- Or discover secondhand finds at places like Miami Marketta and The Village Markets
- When the sun goes down, catch an outdoor movie with the Gold Coast’s free Movies Under the Stars program.
- Or go old school with a visit to the Yatala Drive In.
- While you’re there, make sure you stop by the Yatala Pie Shop for a feed.
- Drink your bodyweight in chai tea/lattes, the most autumnal of drinks. Our favourite is at BSKT in Nobbys.
- Make the most of the cooler days and go for a hinterland bushwalk or hike – these are some of our favourites.
- Eat scones at Historic Rivermill Farm.
- See an art exhibition at one of our local galleries – there’s HOTA, of course, but also Gallery One, 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace or Anthea Polson on Tedder Ave.
- Speaking of art, catch an exhibition or workshop at the Dust Temple. They’ve always got so much going on.
- Learn how to throw pots (as in make them, not destroy them) from the experts at Pot Studios (then drink your favourite hot beverage out of it all autumn and winter long).
- Or make fun creations like cosy candles and ceramic teapots at the Gold Coast’s craft Mecca, the Craft Parlour.
- Try a paint and sip with Pinot and Picasso.
- Learn to crochet or knit before winter arrives – even if it’s just a scarf.
- The days might be shorter, but they don’t need to be boring – have some mid-week fun at these local venues.
- Or host a seasonal party, like an autumn brunch or winter dinner.
- Embrace the cold and take a mid-week morning dip with Cold Nips – followed by a hot coffee, of course.
- Go fishing at one of the great spots around the coast, like the Gold Coast Seaway, the bridge over the lake at Bond University or Snapper Rocks.
- Cuddle koalas (and see loads of other animals) at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Or check out the heritage-listed David Fleay Wildlife Park, a lesser-known (but just as good) place to see Australian wildlife.
- Enjoy an autumn wine tasting at Witches Falls on Tamborine Mountain (or one of these other nearby wineries).
- Go glamping (we love these local spots).
- Head south to The Farm to crack your own macadamia nuts.
- Last but certainly not least, go to the beach as often as you can. The thinning crowds and crisp air make it the place to be during autumn.