Your summer bucket list

We’re just about halfway through summer but, with the Silly Season taking up most of December, you might be feeling like you haven’t made the most of it yet. Fear not – we’ve come up with a whopping 51 things to do on the Gold Coast this summer.

1. Visit a water park – we’re home to some of Australia’s best, so head up to Wet’n’Wild or White Water World
2. Or keep it a little more low-key and check out the inflatable GC Aqua Park on the Broadwater
3. Fire up the barbie at one of these BBQ spots on the Gold Coast
4. Enjoy sundowners on the beach at Kurrawa Beach Club
5. Or spend the day by the pool at one of the city’s best day clubs – we love Cali Beach Club and La Luna
6. Learn to surf with Currumbin Alley Surf School
7. Go for ice cream (we love these places)
8. Ride bikes along the Gold Coast Oceanway
9. Visit the Currumbin Rock Pools for a refreshing dip or a try on the rope swing
10. Go stargazing with Gold Coast Astronomy
11. Embrace the heat and take a Mexican cooking class with Clay Cantina
12. Try SUP yoga at Tallebudgera
13. Or kayaking with Seaway Kayaking Tours
14. Learn about our Aboriginal history with a visit to Jellurgal Cultural Centre
15. Or, try one of these other true blue Aussie activities
16. Embark on a summer road trip – these are our favourite destinations
17. Check out Sanctuary Cove for wining, dining, shopping and waterfront luxury
18. Feeling inspired by marina life? Hire your own GoBoat now that they’re available on the Gold Coast
19. Snorkel the coastline with the experts at the Gold Coast Dive Centre
20. Indulge in a long lunch at Hyde Paradiso (the perfect spot to watch the sunset, cocktail in hand)
21. Taste the freshest summer fruits on a safari tour through Tropical Fruit World
22. Or tour a working fruit farm (and taste its produce) at Freeman’s Organic Farm
23. Enjoy organic local produce at a farmer’s market – our friends at haven magazine have a great list
24. Or expand your wardrobe with secondhand finds from places like Miami Marketta and The Village Markets
25. When the sun goes down, catch an outdoor movie with the Gold Coast’s free Movies Under the Stars program
26. Or go old school with a visit to the Yatala Drive In
27. While you’re there, make sure you stop by the Yatala Pie Shop for a feed
28. Drink your bodyweight in slurpies
29. Set a reading goal (finishing the book you’ve been reading for the past year totally counts)
30. Read on the beach, in the park, on the bus, on your balcony, in your bed – anywhere you can
31. Head to the hinterland for a bushwalk or hike – these are some of our favourites for summer
32. Go to Sea World to see marine life up close and personal (and ride a rollercoaster or two while you’re there)
33. Or boat over to Tangalooma to hand-feed wild dolphins
34. Speaking of local islands, why not spend the summer checking out three of our favourites?
35. Learn how to throw pots (as in make them, not destroy them) from the experts at Pot Studios
36. Or make fun creations like beaded necklaces and woven baskets at the Gold Coast’s craft Mecca, the Craft Parlour
37. Try a paint and sip with Pinot and Picasso
38. Make the most of the longer days and enjoy some mid-week fun at these local venues
39. Stroll through HOTA’s Sculpture Walk to enjoy outdoor art
40. Catch an exhibition or workshop at the Dust Temple
41. Or brush up on local culture at the museum Surf World
42. Take part in a Parkrun – there are so many on the Gold Coast
43. 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
44. Nothing beats a summer sunset at a lookout, and Rosins Lookout at Lower Beechmont is one of the best
45. Cuddle koalas (and see loads of other animals) at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
46. Or check out the heritage-listed David Fleay Wildlife Park, a lesser-known (but just as good) place to see Australian wildlife
47. Switch your beachside stroll for a walk through the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area
48. Enjoy a summer wine tasting at Witches Falls on Tamborine Mountain (or one of these other nearby wineries)
49. Go to a brewery – we’re spoilt for choice here on the Goldy
50. Sink your teeth into the freshest seafood money can buy at the Gold Coast Fisherman’s Co-Op in Main Beach
51. And last but not least, go glamping (we love these local spots)