Enjoy every bit of the popular tourist destination, Gold Coast! 15 recommended sightseeing spots

With its warm climate and many sunny days throughout the year, the Gold Coast is the perfect city to visit for sightseeing. It boasts magnificent natural beauty and a wealth of wildlife, while also featuring an urban landscape filled with numerous theme parks, attracting tourists from all over the world. But the Gold Coast isn’t just about its stunning beaches! This time, we have carefully selected 15 must-visit sightseeing spots. Get ready to fall in love with the charms of the Gold Coast!

1. Surfers Paradise Beach

If you come to the Gold Coast, you can’t miss Surfers Paradise Beach! This is the place where surfers and tourists from all over the world gather, making you truly feel like, “I’ve arrived at the Gold Coast!”

Surfers Paradise Beach is well-maintained, with restrooms and shower facilities available for everyone to use with peace of mind. It’s also close to the downtown area, surrounded by plenty of tourist-friendly spots. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the view of the ocean from the pristine white sands.

From watching the sunrise in the early morning and observing surfers in action to shopping at the night market in the evening, you can enjoy this area all day long.

Surfers Paradise Beach is the perfect place to experience the essence of the Gold Coast. It’s a must-visit, classic tourist destination.

2. Q1 SkyPoint

Q1 is a landmark building in the Gold Coast. On the 77th floor of this tallest residential tower in the Southern Hemisphere is the highly popular observation deck, "Q1 SkyPoint."

After purchasing your ticket on the first floor, take the high-speed elevator for about 40 seconds to reach the 77th floor, approximately 235 meters high. As soon as you step out of the elevator, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gold Coast. The stunning scenery stretching as far as the eye can see will surely leave you in awe! The observation deck also features a café and bar, allowing you to relax and enjoy the magnificent view.

For those who want to go even higher, try the SkyPoint Climb. This thrilling adventure lets you climb even further above the outdoor observation deck! Since you'll be ascending outdoor stairs, the experience is packed with excitement. If you're not afraid of heights, why not take on the challenge? This is an essential stop on any Gold Coast itinerary, so be sure to include it in your travel plans.

3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Located about a 20-minute drive south of the Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife park where you can get up close and personal with Australia's native animals. This highly recommended tourist attraction is bustling with visitors every day.

The vast park is home to more than 1,400 species of animals, with countless highlights to explore! Among the most popular experiences are taking photos while holding a koala and feeding kangaroos. Additionally, various shows and events are held throughout the day, so be sure to check the schedule in advance to avoid missing out.

This is a must-visit spot for animal lovers and a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages.

4. Springbrook National Park

The Gold Coast is home to numerous locations where you can experience rich natural beauty, and one of the most recommended destinations is Springbrook National Park. About an hour's drive from the Gold Coast, this national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Springbrook National Park covers an extensive area of 3,425 hectares and is divided into three districts. The largest of these is the Springbrook Plateau section, which features multiple lookout points offering spectacular views. Visitors also enjoy trekking through the park’s scenic trails while immersing themselves in nature.

A particularly popular attraction is a spot where you can view a powerful waterfall up close and even walk behind it. Feel the refreshing negative ions in the air and recharge your energy with nature’s power. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast, make sure to take a trip out here!

5. Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is the smallest of the three districts within Springbrook National Park.

This incredible spot is famous for the mystical way sunlight shines through its waterfall. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Springbrook National Park. However, what’s capturing the attention of tourists even more now is the mesmerizing glow worms inside the cave, which emit a bluish-white light.

These glow worms, found only in Australia and New Zealand, create a stunning, star-like spectacle. Tourists from all over the world visit to witness this breathtaking phenomenon and capture the perfect photo.

6. Burleigh Heads Beach

Burleigh Heads Beach is a favorite among both tourists and locals in the Gold Coast. It is about a 25-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and is known as a world-class surfing spot that surfers from all over the world dream of visiting.

One of the highlights of this beach is the stunning view! You can see the beautiful scenery around the SkyPoint area of Surfers Paradise, making it a perfect spot for photography. Compared to Surfers Paradise Beach, it is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed time.

Nearby, James Street is a trendy area lined with stylish cafés, boutiques, and gift shops. There are also excellent restaurants perfect for a lunch break between sightseeing. Be sure to stop by and explore!

7. Lamington National Park

Just like Springbrook National Park, which was introduced earlier, Lamington National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from the Gold Coast and is home to vast tropical rainforests.

One of the Gold Coast's top tourist destinations, Lamington National Park is a favorite among visitors. Here, you can explore the lush rainforest, feed wild birds, and participate in various activities. The most popular attraction is the "Tree Top Walk," where you can experience a thrilling walk across a suspension bridge about 16 meters above the ground.

It is said that the park is most beautiful and mystical when wrapped in mist after rain. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge in nature, this is the perfect place.

8. Dreamworld

The Gold Coast is home to some of the most exciting theme parks. In fact, Australia’s top three theme parks are all located here. Let’s introduce them one by one!

Dreamworld is Australia’s largest amusement park and is packed with visitors every day. It is about a 20-minute drive from central Gold Coast. More than just an amusement park, it also has a zoo, making it an incredibly vast attraction.

At Tiger Island within the park, you can see rare white tigers, and of course, you can also hold a koala! Dreamworld offers a huge variety of rides, including thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions, ensuring fun for everyone. With so much to explore, you won’t get bored spending an entire day at Dreamworld. Make sure to dedicate a full day to enjoy this fantastic amusement park during your visit to the Gold Coast!

9. SeaWorld

Just a 10-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, Sea World is a combined aquarium and amusement park, making it one of the must-visit attractions in the Gold Coast.

At Sea World, you can see not only classic marine animals like penguins, dolphins, and sea lions but also polar bears! In addition to dolphin and sea lion shows, the touch pools—where visitors can interact with starfish and stingrays—are particularly popular. The park offers not just exhibits but also interactive attractions, making it a unique experience.

The amusement park section features not only thrilling rides but also plenty of kid-friendly attractions, ensuring fun for the whole family. Since there’s so much to see and do, you can easily spend an entire day here. Make sure to visit Sea World during your stay in the Gold Coast!

10. Warner Bros. Movie World

The last of the top three theme parks in Australia is Warner Bros. Movie World. This Hollywood-themed amusement park is created by Warner Bros., the studio behind many blockbuster films.

Located about a 20-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, Movie World lets you experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood without leaving the Gold Coast. The park features movie-themed streets, character appearances, live shows, and parades, providing an exciting experience for visitors of all ages. You can even take photos with famous movie characters walking around the park!

The Gold Coast is the only place where you can enjoy all three of Australia’s biggest theme parks. Be sure to include them in your travel plans and create unforgettable memories!

11. Harbour Town Shopping Centre

Harbour Town, an outlet mall in the Gold Coast, is a popular shopping destination where visitors can enjoy great discounts compared to regular shopping centers.

The mall features a variety of well-known brands, including Australia’s famous "UGG," as well as popular surf and international fashion brands. With plenty of restaurants and cafés, you can take your time and enjoy a leisurely shopping experience. Harbour Town also has a Tourist Lounge, making it especially convenient for visitors. You can receive discount coupons and find brochures in Japanese, ensuring a stress-free shopping experience for tourists.

For added convenience, a free shuttle bus operates from the Gold Coast to Harbour Town for tourists. If you’re looking for a shopping experience during your trip, this is the perfect place to visit.

12. Wet 'n' Wild Water World

Although we have already introduced Australia’s top three theme parks in the Gold Coast, there are still more theme parks to explore! The Gold Coast is home to two large water parks, and first up is "Wet’n’Wild Water World."

Wet’n’Wild Water World is the largest water park in Australia, boasting an extensive area filled with exciting attractions. In addition to spacious pools, the park features giant slides, long water rides, and plenty of thrilling attractions for adrenaline seekers. A dedicated kids' area ensures fun for the whole family, while the heated spa provides a relaxing retreat after an action-packed day.

Located just a 20-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, this water park is perfect for those who want to swim, splash, and have a blast. It’s a highly recommended destination for tourists looking for adventure.

13. WhiteWater World

The second water park in the Gold Coast is "WhiteWater World," located right next to Dreamworld. It’s another must-visit attraction for water lovers.

Compared to Wet’n’Wild Water World, WhiteWater World has a more relaxed atmosphere. While it offers a great selection of water slides, it has fewer extreme rides. Because it is less crowded, and lifeguards are stationed throughout the park, it is an excellent choice for families with small children.

One of the highlights of WhiteWater World is its cabanas—private poolside rooms where visitors can relax on beach chairs and enjoy the view. After a day of adventure at Dreamworld, cooling off in this water park is a great way to unwind.

14. Australian Outback Spectacular

For an unforgettable evening experience in the Gold Coast, the "Australian Outback Spectacular" is a must-see. This dinner show features breathtaking horseback performances while guests enjoy a traditional Aussie meal.

The show’s thrilling stunts and stunning performances make it an exhilarating experience, even for those who do not understand English. In addition to the impressive entertainment, the high-quality Aussie beef served during the show has received excellent reviews.

Highly rated by visitors, the Australian Outback Spectacular is a great way to spend an exciting night in the Gold Coast.

15. Robina Town Centre

If you’re looking for a shopping destination in the Gold Coast, Robina Town Centre is the place to go. Known as the most stylish shopping center in the region, it is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Located in a quiet residential area, it is about a 20-minute drive from Surfers Paradise.

Robina Town Centre is an enormous, beautifully designed shopping mall. It features well-known department stores like Myer and David Jones, major supermarkets, and around 300 specialty stores, including popular fashion brands. The center also offers a variety of restaurants and cafés, as well as a movie theater where visitors can enjoy the latest films.

On select days, tourists can take advantage of a free shuttle bus service. If you’re looking for souvenirs or simply want to enjoy a day of shopping, Robina Town Centre is a fantastic choice. You’re sure to find something special!

◎ Summary of popular tourist spots in the Gold Coast

What do you think? The Gold Coast is full of amazing attractions, making it difficult to decide where to start! Many locations offer enough entertainment for an entire day, which can make planning a challenge. Choosing destinations based on your mood or travel theme might be a great way to narrow it down. With its fantastic weather, the Gold Coast is the perfect place to enjoy endless adventures. Have an amazing time exploring everything this vibrant city has to offer!

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Enjoy every bit of the popular tourist destination, Gold Coast! 15 recommended sightseeing spots