Summer on the Gold Coast: 10 Fun Things To Do

Long, lazy days, salty swims, sunshine and plenty of reasons to stay outdoors. The Gold Coast is made for summer, so embrace the warmer weather, find fun ways to cool off and make the most of the season. From refreshing hinterland swims to beachside BBQs and sunset fish and chips, here are 10 ways to get into the summer spirit.

 

1. Swim in rock pools

Trade the beach for a refreshing freshwater swim in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Currumbin Rock Pools and Cougal Cascades, tucked away in the lush Currumbin Valley, are both within a 30 minute drive from the coast and make the perfect spots to cool off surrounded by nature. There are plenty more swimming holes to explore in the Hinterland.

2. Enjoy a cold beer at a local brewery

Few things hit the spot quite like a cold beer on a summer afternoon. Pull up a chair at a local brewery like Padre Brewing or Precinct Brewing Co, settle in and soak up the laid-back atmosphere with a couple of cold ones. It's a great way to support local while enjoying a little downtime. The Gold Coast's craft brewery scene is thriving so there are plenty of places to sample a local drop.

 

3. Shop when it's hot

When the summer sun is doing its thing, take a break from the heat with a little retail therapy. Head to Pacific Fair for a mix of fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores, or browse the bargains at Harbour Town Premium Outlets. With plenty of air-conditioned comfort, it's a great way to spend a few hours when the temperature starts to climb.

 

4. Chill out with an ice cream

Is it even summer without a scoop (or two) of ice cream? Cool down with something sweet from local favourites like My Gelato in Broadbeach or Burleigh Gelato Co. From fruity flavours to rich and creamy classics, it's the perfect excuse for a little afternoon treat.

 

5. Make a splash at a water park

Turn up the summer fun with a day at one of the Gold Coast's epic water parks. Race down the slides at Wet'n'Wild or WhiteWater World, tackle the inflatable playground at GC Aqua Park on the Broadwater, or check into accommodation with its very own water park for a splash-filled holiday from start to finish.

6. Head for the Hinterland

When the coast heats up, head inland to the Gold Coast Hinterland, where the higher altitude brings a welcome change of temperature. Spend the day exploring shady rainforest trails, chasing waterfalls or finding a peaceful waterhole to dip your toes in. It's the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a different side of the Gold Coast.

7. Feast on fish and chips

Hot, crunchy chips, fresh fish and a sea view – it doesn't get much more classic than that. Pick up some takeaway fish and chips, find a spot overlooking the ocean and settle in as the sun starts to set. Just add a squeeze of lemon and a little sea breeze for the ultimate summer evening. Discover some of Gold Coast's best fish and chips. 

8. Watch a sunrise over the ocean

Set the alarm and catch the first rays of sunshine breaking over the horizon and lighting up the coastline. Summer mornings are lovely and cool, and there's something pretty special about watching the sun rise over the ocean before the rest of the world wakes up. Grab a takeaway coffee and find a spot on the sand for a beautiful start to the day. Check out the top spots to watch a sunrise (or sunset).

 

9. Cruise the waterways

With waterways winding through the city, there's plenty of fun to be had beyond the beach. Sit back and enjoy a lunch cruise with Sea World Cruises, add a little romance with a gondola ride or take the captain's seat yourself with GoBoat, where no boat licence is needed. It's a lovely way to see the Gold Coast from a different perspective.

10. BBQ and beach cricket

The humble beach BBQ is a summer essential, best enjoyed with a game of beach cricket thrown in. Along the Gold Coast Oceanway, you'll find coastal parks dotted with BBQs and shady picnic spots just metres from the sand. Pack the snags, sauce, bread and esky, fire up the barbie and enjoy a classic summer feast before grabbing a bat and tennis ball for a friendly game on the beach.