Some adventure enthusiasts get their kicks from more gentle pursuits rather than extreme action-packed activities. From sunrise ballooning to sunset cruising, the Gold Coast has plenty to offer leisure-seekers who love the laid-back approach. Here’s some suggestions on how experience every corner of Australia’s favourite playground at your own pace.
SKY-HIGH HOT AIR BALLOONING
Set your alarm super early to experience the Gold Coast from a completely unique perspective with a breathtaking sky-high adventure. Float across the majestic Gold Coast hinterland to watch the sunrise across the city with Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast. Your early adventure will be toasted over a champagne breakfast at the iconic O’Reilly’s Vineyard Grand Homestead, set on the fringe of Lamington National Park. Tuck into a delicious, chef-prepared breakfast and clink your glass of sparkling to a magical morning. Afterwards, explore the expansive gardens, enjoy a free wine tasting at the cellar door and if you feel like staying, grab a pre-booked picnic basket and make some new furry friends at Mountview Alpaca Farm. This interactive animal experience means you can meet, feed and walk one of the 50+ alpacas in a gorgeous creek-side setting at the winery.
AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULAR
Experience the same sense of adventure without the arduous journey, red dust and soaring temperatures at Australian Outback Spectacular – one of the Gold Coast’s most loved productions. Step inside the iconic Queenslander-style setting complete with corrugated roof, native bushland and winding billabong, before entering a purpose-built, state-of-the-art arena to watch ‘Heartland’ – a fascinating tale about what life is like living on the land. A fabulous show that fuses sophisticated technology, special effects and a magnificent display of local animal talent. And you’ll feast on an all-Aussie three course meal while watching the on-stage action. Come early for a coldie at Bazza’s Bar, or book a behind-the-scenes tour to enhance your spirited outback adventure.
HAVE BREAKFAST WITH THE KOALAS
Fancy a breakfast date with a difference? A fry up with the furry, friendly locals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is hard to beat. This southern Gold Coast nature reserve is a firm favourite on the must-do activity list and caters to every visitor, from the young and to the young at heart. Settle in for a gourmet breakfast spread under the gum trees located within the Koala Habitat Precinct. Enjoy your morning coffee with a side of koala cuddles while listening to an informative chat with the keepers and a special photograph keepsake to take home. But your day is far from over; get your steps up with a walk around the Sanctuary – there are 27 hectares of bushland and rainforest to explore and plenty of Aussie animals to meet. If you’d prefer to preserve your energy, take in the sights from the train, which loops around the sanctuary at regular intervals daily and stops off at key attractions – from kangaroo feeding and croc-spotting to the free flight bird show.
CRUISE THE BROADWATER IN STYLE
Perhaps you prefer your breakfast with a glass of bubbly on the Broadwater. If your idea of adventure is centred around sipping, sunning and sailing in luxury surrounds, Sea World Cruises Champagne Breakfast Cruise is for you. Recently undergoing a beautiful transformation, their vessel, Spirit of Elston welcomes guests to experience a 1.5 hour cruise through the Broadwater, soaking in the 360-degree, million-dollar views of the skyline, local islands and waterfront homes from the open-top sun deck. Exploring the Gold Coast from the water is one of the best ways to take in the city. With a fully-licensed bar on board, plus a kitchen plating up BBQ bacon and egg or vegetarian rolls, baked goods, sweet treats and selection of tropical fruit, this may just be your new favourite way to experience the Gold Coast. The G:Link stops just a stone’s throw from the departure point too (Cavill Avenue) so save yourself a drive.
UP CREEK WITH A STAND UP PADDLE
If you’re looking to get active, but not too active, may we suggest a more relaxed approach to exercising while also exploring the Gold Coast’s winding waterways? Stand-up paddle boarding – or SUPing as it’s now been affectionately dubbed – is a favourite pastime on the Coast, appealing to all ages, and abilities. Cruise the crystalline creek waters at Currumbin with Gold Coast SUP, offering day rates for board hire (you can even tandem with your child or pet). Or if you want to hit the northern beaches, Go Vertical offers a two-hour guided tour and SUP lessons from Budds Beach, which will take paddlers through the calm waterways of Surfers Paradise and Main Beach, spotting marine life and local landmarks as you glide across the Broadwater.
Like this article? You might like Walk on the Wild Side: 5 Easy Nature Walks on the Gold Coast.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.