Give the Gift of the Gold Coast

Let’s be real. No-one wants another scented candle or pair of socks for Christmas. But finding good gifts is hard! If you’ve been trawling the mall (or scrolling shopping sites) in vain for a perfect present for your loved ones, we’ve got great news. 

Giving someone an experience instead of more ‘stuff’ is so much more meaningful and will deliver the kind of joy that Christmas is all about. Doing something fun, adventurous or relaxing together fosters connection, affection and amazing memories that will last forever. 

The Gold Coast is absolutely overflowing with great gifts in the form of unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a thrilling activity, a delightful day of indulgence or wildlife encounter, it will be the best present they get this year. Here are some top picks for Gold Coast experiences to share this Christmas.

For the Thrillseekers

Give the gift of adrenaline with these high-octane experiences that will have the recipient hooting, hollering and having the time of their life.

Happitat Adventure Park

Send your friend/ partner/ family member on an insanely fun eco-adventure in nature at Happitat Adventure Park. This is the world’s first cliff park, perched on a mountaintop in Lamington National Park and you can explore the sky high terrain on a thrilling zipline course that takes you soaring across the cliff face. You can also navigate the Via Ferrata, an exhilarating climb that includes a wobbly bridge that will really test your courage. Habitat was created to help humans reconnect with nature and push past fear. We can’t think of a better, more meaningful Christmas present! 

Annual Passes to Theme Parks

Give a gift that keeps giving all year long - an annual pass to Gold Coast’s theme parks! Imagine the excitement, joy and entertainment that will come from 365 days of rides, waterslides, rollercoasters, characters, shows and experiences. Choose between annual pass that gets you unlimited entry at Dreamworld, SkyPoint and WhiteWater World or a Village Roadshow Annual Pass that grants access to four theme parks - Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and Paradise Country.

 

Gold Coast Skydive

If you want to see a grin plastered on someone’s face, be there when they touch down on the soft sands of Kirra Beach, having launched out of a plane 12,000 feet up in the air. Have their experience captured on film so you can laugh about their freaking out facial expressions for many years to come. A gift voucher to Gold Coast Skydive is one of the best presents you can get!

For the Nature Lovers

Find the perfect present for people who love wildlife, wide open spaces and connecting with nature.

Animal encounter at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

The perfect gift for any animal lover in your life! There are 1,000 animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and an animal encounter allows you to have a unique and up close experience with the cute critter of your choice. Choose between Capybaras, Lemurs, Cotton-top Tamarins, Echidnas and more - and get behind the scenes access to learn more about each animal, interact with them and maybe handfeed them too!

Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast

See the Gold Coast landscapes unfurl as you levitate above the earth in a magical hot air balloon experience. See the sunrise from a new and stunning perspective and tuck into a gourmet breakfast after you’ve come back down to earth. As far as unforgettable experiences go, this is a 10/10.

Cooly Eco Adventures - Swim With Turtles

Surprise your special someone with an epic underwater experience. Cooly Eco Adventures will take you on a fun day out on the ocean to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve - a foraging ground for these adorable, gentle marine creatures as well as many species of fish, rays and often dolphins. Snorkel, swim and marvel at the magical underwater world that awaits beneath the surface.

For the Culture Vultures

Treat the music/ theatre/ festival fan in your life to taste of Gold Coast culture. From major gigs and live music moments to unique cabaret shows, there’s something to surprise and delight every arts and culture enthusiast.

Teskey Brothers at Blues on Broadbeach 

Aussie blues icons, The Teskey Brothers, are known for their warm, vintage sound and raw, soulful live performances overflowing with energy. They are headlining the Sunday Ticket show at Blues on Broadbeach on May 17th. If you want to give someone an unforgettable musical experience for Christmas, this is it! 

Laneway Festival

Laneway Festival is one of the biggest and most loved music festivals in Australia, renowned for discovery, community, and championing the most exciting artists from around the world. In 2026 Laneway is coming to the Gold Coast for the first time. Happening at Southport Sharks on February 7th, Chappell Roan is headlining and it’s set to be an absolute banger for everyone who has a ticket!

Dracula’s Cabaret

If you’re looking for a gift that’s a little unexpected, this is it! A gift voucher for a stupendously entertaining night out in a gaudy haunted mansion - enter if you dare! (Spoiler alert -it involves jump scares and audience participation!) The wait staff at Dracula’s channel Halloween horror and play the part, serving a 3-course meal and blood bag cocktails. As you feast and sip, a skillfully crafted cabaret show of music, comedy, aerial artistry and creative production plays out before you. Dinner and a show on the dark side with incredible performers, costumes, set and production.

For the Healthy & Wholesome Ones

These Gold Coast experiences are perfect for the person who wants to slow down, relax and indulge in some luxury.

One Spa at RACV Royal Pines

Get into the joy of giving and treat someone to a sublime pamper session at One Spa at RACV Royal Pines. This stunning resort day spa is renowned for some of the most blissful wellbeing treatments on the Gold Coast. With a state-of-the-art spa, skilled therapists  and a peaceful setting, a massage, facial or body treatment here will leave your special person feeling relaxed, radiant, rejuvenated and full of gratitude for their unique Christmas gift.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat

Does someone you love need a break? Like a proper destress, detox, unplug health retreat kind of break? A weekend at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is the perfect way to press the reset button. Set in stunning natural surroundings in Tallebudgera Valley, Gwinganna is designed to help guests realign, recharge and restore. While each of these luxe retreats offer a different experience, you can expect nourishing organic meals, spa treatments, health and wellness workshops, calming activities like tai chi and yoga and lots of time spent in nature. Plus, purchase a retreat for someone (or yourself) in 2026 and you’ll save 20%.