With our coastal location, winding waterways and lush Hinterland Gold Coast looks good from every angle.. and there are so many ways to explore it! Here’s a list of some epic experiences to admire our beautiful vistas from the land, sea and air. See the city from a different perspective…
The Gold Coast by Land
Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre
Connect to Yugambeh Country at Jellurgal – a dedicated Aboriginal Cultural Centre on the Gold Coast. Want to learn more about Gold Coast ’s indigenous people and partake in one-of-a-kind cultural experiences? Then you’re in the right place. Some of our favourite activities are the guided Walkabout Tour of Burleigh Headland aka Jellurgal (in the local dialect) mountain where guests learn about the Aboriginal history of the area, its key Dreamtime stories, Indigenous fishing and hunting techniques, tasty bush tucker meals and interesting ecological practices. Fans of Aboriginal artwork and artifacts will appreciate the permanent exhibition on display at the Jellurgal Culture Centre (admission is free).
Another immersive option is to join the interactive ‘Cruise with Culture’ experience where participants take to the sea to hear all about ancient customs, see significant sites and witness the proud connection Aboriginal people have with the ocean, the land and the all-important native flora and fauna.
Location: 1171 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Tropical Fruit World
Much more than a tourist attraction, Tropical Fruit World is a cornucopia of nourishing produce (it’s very fertile soil here) and interactive farm life adventures. This family-run working fruit farm is a heritage-listed labour of love that is committed to sustainable practices and showcasing delicious farm-to-table feasts at its onsite restaurant. But wait, there’s more. A lot more! Over 500 varieties of fruit (including some you’ve never heard of) grow on the sprawling property.
The farm tour includes a ride around the farm on tractor train plus a short boat ride. You can get up close and personal with all sorts of farm creatures at their specialised animal encounters, sample an array of tropical fruits and/or native bush tucker and (this is important to parents) let the kids loose at the island playground. Note: every Saturday the grounds turn into a friendly farmers market from 8 - 11am. Tell your family and friends to meet you there!
Location: 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah
Aussie Trike Tours
Riding on the back of a Mustang Boom Trike from the coast to the Hinterland is a surefire way to create a fresh perspective of the Gold Coast in the mind's eye. Aussie Trike Tours can accommodate one or two passengers for intrepid adventures to hit the open road with gusto.
It’s a freedom-loving, wind-in-your-face, adrenaline-charged trip and a bucket list-worthy Gold Coast activity. These epic trike tours can be customised to suit your wants and needs. Or you can choose from four popular options - a ride up toe Springbrook National Park, Mount Tamborine, Beechmont or along the coast to Coolangatta. Vroom vroom!
Gold Coast by Sea
Dive Wonder Reef
Scuba divers are in for a treat on the Gold Coast. There's a hidden gem beneath the surface just off Main Beach - Wonder Reef! An incredible human-engineered artificial dive site, Wonder Reef is an ever-changing ecosystem filled with a variety of sea creatures!
Admire a brilliant mix of vibrant corals, curious marine life inhabiting nine underwater 'flutes' that hang suspended in the water. Think turtles, a myriad of fish species and on occasion, sightings of the gracefully gentle grey nurse sharks. Balmy ocean temperatures that range between 18 and 26 degrees make this dive site a major drawcard. Fun fact: Wonder Reef is the world’s first buoyant reef system and features different depths (8, 18 and 30 metres), meaning divers of all levels/abilities are catered for. All this and it’s only 10 minutes from the Gold Coast city centre!
Jet Ski Safaris
Get the party started with Gold Coast Jet Ski Safaris. Beginners and experienced jet ski riders are all welcome here! Keen to do a hot lap of the Southport Seaway? You’re on! Want to cruise alongside the glistening beaches of South Stradbroke Island or set a leisurely pace with the wildlife amid the mangroves – consider it done!
You can hire a jet ski and head out for a solo adventure, speeding across the surface with a wind and sea spray whipping. Or if you'd prefer, join a guided tour that takes you through the mangroves and across the Broadwater to South Stradbroke Island. Some of these exciting Gold Coast Jet Ski adventures include a yummy lunch and/or light refreshments. We recommend choosing a package that suits your needs best! Tours include basic training for beginners so no experience is neccessary.
Location: 17/60 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Sun Sailing
Step aboard and get set for a Gold Coast sailing adventure. Keep the camera ready to capture those delightful Pacific Ocean vistas from the yacht deck and admire the local marine life in their natural habitat. Book this special experience with the team from Sun Sailing and tailor the trip accordingly.
There’s an option to navigate the Gold Coast’s gorgeous waterways as part of a cruise (as a group or as a couple), charter a private yacht for the day and/or host an exclusive event. Whether you’re seeking romance on the high seas, a floating adventure to explores popular Gold Coast sightseeing highlights, are keen to enjoy a sunset cruise, or simply want to unwind on ocean time, this is the perfect way to see the Gold Coast by sea!
Location: Seaworld Drive boat ramp, Muriel Henchman Dr, Main Beach
Air
The Canyon Flyer Guided Zipline Tour
The fastest, highest and longest zipline tour in Australia is right here on the Gold Coast. The Canyon Flyer is perched amid the dense jungle canopy of Mount Tamborine and hits heart-pumping speeds of up to 70km per hour. Seven different ziplines total a distance of 1.7km - that's a fair distance to fly through the air!
This carefully curated, adrenaline-charged tour actually starts before you reach the beginning of the zipline with a fun offroad 4WD experience to kick off the journey from Thunderbird Park to the ancient rainforest of Cedar Creek Canyon. The first four ziplines are all about towering heights and extreme speed thrills! You will build your confidence easily (no prior zipline experience is necessary) and if you're game, use the last three ziplines to challenge yourself. Go backwards or try hanging upside - yes, the expert tour guides will show you how. It’s a sensational way to see plenty of the Gold Coast's natural scenery! The Canon Flyer Guided Zipline is an affordable 3-hour adventure too, with pricing starting from $105 per child and $125 for adults (aged 14 years and up).
Location: Corner Tamborine Mtn Rd & Cedar Creek Falls Rd, North Tamborine
Hot Air Balloon
Take sight seeing to new heights with a hot air balloon ride above the Gold Coast city skyline. It's exciting, but very serene at the same time. Meet your crew before sunrise and witness the balloon being inflated before you step into the basket and lift off! Drift silently over the Hinterland as mist rises from the mountains and the sun rises from the Pacific Ocean.
Hot air ballooning on the Gold Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the professional team at Go Ballooning is ready to share it with you. Their expert pilots and fun-loving ground crew launch guests high into the atmosphere to witness 360-degree panoramic views at every turn and digital photography packages are available too. It's a magical experience that will stay with you long after you're back on solid ground.
Gold Coast Skydive
Now here’s a rad aerial activity for the adrenaline seekers - a skydiving experience on the Gold Coast is such a rock-star move! Freefalling from 12000 feet is electrifying, exhilarating and some would say, just a touch crazy. But you’re in safe hands - Gold Coast Skydive (operating since 1998) has an immaculate safety record.
Your adventure starts with a short flight in a small plane. And then, strapped to an experienced instructor, you take the plunge and take flight! Float through the sky admiring the Gold Coast's best views for a major thrill mixed with a little fright. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of our sparkling coastline and touch down on the soft sands of Kirra Beach. Be sure to opt for the video package because this is a memory-making moment you’ll want to relive time and time again.
Location: 18 Coyne St, Coolangatta
If you like to enjoy beautiful views and sunshine with your meal, check out Gold Coast's Best Outdoor Dining Experiences.
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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.