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.
- Visit a water park – we’re home to some of Australia’s best, so head up to Wet’n’Wild or White Water World
- Or keep it a little more low-key and check out the inflatable GC Aqua Park on the Broadwater
- Fire up the barbie at one of these BBQ spots on the Gold Coast
- Enjoy sundowners on the beach at Kurrawa Beach Club
- Or spend the day by the pool at one of the city’s best day clubs – we love Cali Beach Club and La Luna
- Learn to surf with Currumbin Alley Surf School
- Go for ice cream (we love these places)
- Ride bikes along the Gold Coast Oceanway
- Visit the Currumbin Rock Pools for a refreshing dip or a try on the rope swing
- Go stargazing with Gold Coast Astronomy
- Embrace the heat and take a Mexican cooking class with Clay Cantina
- Try SUP yoga at Tallebudgera
- Or kayaking with Seaway Kayaking Tours
- Learn about our Aboriginal history with a visit to Jellurgal Cultural Centre
- Or, try one of these other true blue Aussie activities
- Embark on a summer road trip – these are our favourite destinations
- Check out Sanctuary Cove for wining, dining, shopping and waterfront luxury
- Feeling inspired by marina life? Hire your own GoBoat now that they’re available on the Gold Coast
- Snorkel the coastline with the experts at the Gold Coast Dive Centre
- Indulge in a long lunch at Hyde Paradiso (the perfect spot to watch the sunset, cocktail in hand)
- Taste the freshest summer fruits on a safari tour through Tropical Fruit World
- Or tour a working fruit farm (and taste its produce) at Freeman’s Organic Farm
- Enjoy organic local produce at a farmer’s market – our friends at haven magazine have a great list
- Or expand your wardrobe with secondhand finds from 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 slurpies
- Set a reading goal (finishing the book you’ve been reading for the past year totally counts)
- Read on the beach, in the park, on the bus, on your balcony, in your bed – anywhere you can
- Head to the hinterland for a bushwalk or hike – these are some of our favourites for summer
- Go to Sea World to see marine life up close and personal (and ride a rollercoaster or two while you’re there)
- Or boat over to Tangalooma to hand-feed wild dolphins
- Speaking of local islands, why not spend the summer checking out three of our favourites?
- Learn how to throw pots (as in make them, not destroy them) from the experts at Pot Studios
- Or make fun creations like beaded necklaces and woven baskets at the Gold Coast’s craft Mecca, the Craft Parlour
- Try a paint and sip with Pinot and Picasso
- Make the most of the longer days and enjoy some mid-week fun at these local venues
- Stroll through HOTA’s Sculpture Walk to enjoy outdoor art
- Catch an exhibition or workshop at the Dust Temple
- Or brush up on local culture at the museum Surf World
- Take part in a Parkrun – there are so many on the Gold Coast
- 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
- Nothing beats a summer sunset at a lookout, and Rosins Lookout at Lower Beechmont is one of the best
- 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
- Switch your beachside stroll for a walk through the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area
- Enjoy a summer wine tasting at Witches Falls on Tamborine Mountain (or one of these other nearby wineries)
- Go to a brewery – we’re spoilt for choice here on the Goldy
- Sink your teeth into the freshest seafood money can buy at the Gold Coast Fisherman’s Co-Op in Main Beach
- And last but not least, go glamping (we love these local spots)