7 Cowboy Core Experiences on the Gold Coast

Inspired by the American West, cowboy core is a current trend infiltrating the world of fashion, travel and music. Whether you're obsessed with Yellowstone, blasting Beyoncé’s country album, or just looking for an excuse to rock a pair of cowboy boots, cowboy core is taking over - and the Gold Coast is holding the reins.  Dust off that hat and trade your thongs for boots, because this ain’t Texas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ultimate cowboy-core experience right here on the Gold Coast. From horse riding adventures, country music festivals, line dancing classes, and even a cowboy-themed bar here’s how to live out your country dreams. 

Groundwater Country Music Festival

You’ll want to pencil 17-19 October in your social calendar because Groundwater Country Music Festival is boot-scootin’ its way to Broadbeach. The three-day annual festival brings the country to the coast, delivering a stacked line-up of country music’s biggest stars, from local legends to international favourites. While the 2025 lineup is still under wraps, past acts like Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand, and Shannon Noll prove it’s always a must-see. But here’s the best part - it’s completely free. Yep, you can soak up world-class live music by the beach without spending a cent. Once you’ve blessed your ears, you can tuck into delicious eats at Broadbeach’s best restaurants. 
Location: Broadbeach 

Cowboys Bar 

If you really want to immerse yourself in cowboy core on the Gold Coast, look no further than this Surfers Paradise bar and restaurant. Cowboys is serving pure honky tonk vibes - the country tunes are cranking, Fireball shots are at the ready and the bucking bull (imported all the way from the US) is daring you to take a ride. Soak up the sunshine on the deck (perched on the Nerang River), or step inside and be transported to the deep south, complete with neon signs, a giant chandelier made from antlers and a taxidermy moose on the wall. Feeling competitive? Challenge your friends to a game of pool or electric darts. Pro tip: order the sticky ribs and a beergarita (tequila, triple sec, fresh lime, sugar syrup and beer) for a refreshing Western-themed beverage. 
Location: 58 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, 4217

Australian Outback Spectacular

Saddle up for the ultimate cowboy core experience at Australian Outback Spectacular. The live-action show will transport you to the red dirt, rugged plains and rocky outcrops of Australia’s heartland, where stockmen muster cattle, battle the elements and fight to save a farm. Expect jaw-dropping horseback stunts, plenty of laughs and a serious dose of outback magic - all while tucking into a delicious three-course meal. Think: juicy eye fillet steak and warm apple pie. Want to level up? Upgrade to a Top Rail Premium ticket which includes VIP seating, a pre-show bevvy and a keepsake photo. You can even book in for a backstage tour should you really want to live out your cowboy dreams. 
Location: Entertainment Road, Oxenford, 4210

Wild Wild West at Movie World

Step through saloon doors to enter the set of your very own Western blockbuster at Warner Bros. Movie World, where country tunes fill the streets. As you meander through this wild corner of the theme park, you’ll hear the distant crack of gunfire and gleeful screams from thrill-seekers brave enough to climb aboard the Wild West Falls Adventure ride. Jump inside a wooden log flume and float through eerie ghost towns, bubbling geysers and frontier landscapes. But don’t get too comfy, soon enough you’ll endure a stomach-dropping plunge down a towering waterfall. Pro tip: bring a change of clothes or prepare to walk around the theme park utterly soaked. 
Location: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, 4210 

Horse Riding at Historic Rivermill

Want to live out your cowboy dream IRL? You can saddle up at Historic Rivermill with their gaited horse-riding experience. Nestled in the lush green surroundings of Mount Nathan, beside the peaceful Coomera River, the family-owned ranch is awash with rustic charm. Embark on a dreamy trot through the hinterland on one of the ranch’s beautiful Peruvian Pasos. The unique horse breed is not only adorable but known for their ‘paso illano’, a four-beat lateral gait that means a super smooth ride no matter your skill level. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned rider, there’s a lesson for everyone. 
Location: 950 Beaudesert Nerang Road, Mount Nathan, 4211 

Paradise Country Farmstay 

Embrace the cowboy lifestyle with a getaway to Paradise Country Farmstay. Round up your crew - whether it’s your partner, best mates, or family - and settle into a luxe eco tent, complete with plush beds, air con and a private balcony. Or if you want to go off grid, you can even pitch a tent on their stunning grounds and soak up the serenity. By day, explore Paradise Country where you can get up close and personal with a range of Aussie animals (there’s a koala breakfast experience), take a pony ride, and watch real-life cowboys muster cattle at the Stockman Show. Back at camp, dive into farm life - milk cows, collect eggs, feed the animals, and at the end of the day swap stories by campfire under a blanket of stars. 
Location: Paradise Country, Production Drive, Oxenford, 4210

Line Dancing Classes

If you’re country to your core, it’s time to pull on your finest cowboy boots and two-step your way to Burleigh Heads for a line dancing class. Held every Saturday morning, there’s a beginner class at 8am, and an intermediate session at 9am. It’s just $6 a class or $10 if you want to try both. With toe-tappin’ tunes, friendly instructors and good vibes aplenty, it’s the perfect way to kickstart your weekend (and get those endorphins pumping). Post class, grab a well-earned coffee at the onsite cafe and organise which rodeo you want to check out with your fellow dancers.  cowboy
Location: The Junction, 14 Junction Road, Burleigh Heads, 4220

Want more? Check out Gold Coast's epic events calendar.