7 Famous Tourist Attractions in Gold Coast
Australia’s Gold Coast is a popular holiday destination. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches, theme parks, and a bustling nightlife. Situated in the southeastern side of Queensland, there are numerous tourist attractions in Gold Coast that are meant for a trip, and they offer a wide range of activities for tourists to explore.
1. Famous Places to Visit on Gold Coast
Ranging from surfing, scuba diving, and swimming to shopping and dining, it has so many things to offer. In this article, we will be going to explore seven of the most famous tourist attractions in Gold Coast that you don’t want to miss on your trip.
Whether you are traveling alone or with family and friends the attractions here will make you fall in love with this place.
1.1. Surfers Paradise Beach
Surfers Paradise is among the great tourist attractions on the Gold Coast – a famous beach on the Gold Coast with a 3 km stretch of clean and picturesque sand, surrounded by skyscrapers and offering a range of amenities such as shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Photo by City of Gold Coast on Unsplash
The beach is suitable for kids to play and swim, surfers to catch gentle waves, and visitors to take an evening stroll along the illuminated beach. Lifeguards are on patrol along the beach every day, and swimmers stay between the red and yellow flags for safety.
Over 100 market stalls sell fresh produce, souvenirs, jewelry, art, and fashion at Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
1.1.1 Skypoint Observation Deck
SkyPoint is located in the modern Q1 Resort and Spa, which is the tallest residential tower in Australia, offering breathtaking views of the sea world and the entire Gold Coast.
There are two options for visitors to Gold Coast to choose from when they come to SkyPoint. The first is SkyPoint, located on the 77th floor, which provides a complete 360-degree panoramic view of the city center. It is famous for being one of the best tourist attractions in Gold Coast, with the ocean, and the lushly remote areas in the distance.
If you are looking for an even more spine-chilling experience then you may want to consider the Skypoint Climb.
Participants usually climb to a platform which is at the height of 270m, which is above the whole city center, giving you a glimpse of the beauty of the city center and surroundings.
While the SkyPoint climb is pretty expensive, it includes a cafe, informative exhibitions, and guided tours that help visitors plan their trip and learns more about the area. Visitors can choose to climb in the morning, during the day, or at twilight to explore more of the Gold Coast.
1.1.2 Wax Museum Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Wax Museum is also situated in Surfers paradise. It is the largest museum of its kind in Australia having about “110 life-size wax figures”. Tourists can explore a wide range of famous personalities from politics, entertainment, science, medicine, and the military.
The museum is regarded as a Great Wax Museum of the World with its figures crafted by renowned overseas sculptors to meet international standards.
The Museum takes pride in the precise details of its wax figures with each hair strand applied separately and eyes appearing to follow you around the room. One of its standout centers of attraction is the “Chamber of Horrors” which takes tourists on a guided tour through a medieval dungeon showing the history of human cruelty.
The Chamber of Horrors is a unique display unlike any other in the world. Tourists are encouraged to explore the museum at their own pace and imbibe themselves in the captivating world of wax figures, as this is a remarkable tourist attraction on the Gold Coast.
1.2. Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park, located close to the bustling beach strip, offers visitors a peaceful retreat in a World Heritage-listed wilderness among tourist attractions in Gold Coast. The park is dominated by towering rock faces, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and gorges at the “McPherson Range.”
A waterfall delves into a cave which is home to a colony of glow worms, within this place’s biggest theme park, which is “Natural Arch Bridge”.
The park offers a variety of rainforest-fringed walking trails that lead from the picnic area to the river and a lookout with stunning views of Mount Warning, a remnant of a large shield volcano.
A picturesque waterfall is situated in the middle of this park, which is a highlight of this place. Along with that, it is home to many threatened species of birds which makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching.
1.3. Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park, a World Heritage-listed site, is well-known for its striking rainforest scenery golden beaches, numerous waterfalls, and unique wildlife. The park is located in the Border Ranges, about an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise.
The hills in this sphere are the remains of an ancient volcano. Lamington Plateau features some dramatic gorges and cliffs.
The park is a haven for bird watchers, as there are more than 190 species of birds, including vibrantly colored parrots and the exclusive bowerbird, which is known for its intricate arches built to impress potential mates. Other species in this habitat include red-necked pademelons and long-nosed bandicoots.
To reach O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, guests must drive up a winding hilltop road. This guesthouse and spa, which also has a café, is a great place for nature lovers to spend the night. Along with everything, couples can stay here overnight at this romantic retreat.
Visitors can explore the park by walking O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, which is a 180-meter series of suspension bridges that offer spectacular views of famous tourist attractions in Gold Coast and the rainforest canopy.
1.4. Coolangatta Beach
Coolangatta Beach is one of the famous tourist attractions in Gold Coast – a beach that is situated near the state border of New South Wales. Its beautiful beaches provide a quieter alternative to the Gold Coast’s bustling Surfer’s Paradise beaches.
The beach is only a 30-minute drive south of Main Beach in Surfers which makes it easily accessible. Spending a day lounging on the soft, palm-fringed sand is a highly recommended thing to do on the Gold Coast.
Coolangatta is also home to the Gold Coast’s only airport so visitors arriving by air will find this beach more convenient.
This section of the coast faces north, resulting in calmer waters that are ideal for swimming, making it a popular spot for families. Although some waters aren’t suitable for swimming. Lifeguards patrol the beach all year, ensuring a safe environment for visitors that makes it the best tourist attraction on Gold Coast.
If you want to get away from the sun, golden sand, and sea, there are several shops and cafés just across the street from the beach. The waterfront park, alongside the best beaches around it is a beautiful place to stroll. It is lined with Norfolk pines and is a popular winter spot for whale and dolphin watching.
Duranbah is located near Snapper Rocks and, on the east coast, Kirra Beach, which is known for its excellent sand-breaking right-hand point among Gold Coast tourist attractions.
1.5. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is another must-visit tourist attraction in Gold Coast for families in the Gold Coast region. The non-profit National Trust of Australia Queensland owns it and offers a variety of exciting activities.
“Rainbow lorikeets” that feed from visitors’ hands are a favorite among bird enthusiasts. A free-flight bird show, Adventure Park High Ropes Course, Segway tours, and a train for toddlers are also available.
Photo by Steve Franklin on Unsplash
You can have close animal encounters with koalas, echidnas, red pandas, or cotton-top tamarins. The Wildlife Hospital viewing experience and “Tree-Top Challenge” with zip lines and suspended canopy walks are outdoor activities perfect for adventure-seekers. Besides birds, you can also interact with kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.
1.6. Warner Bros Movie World
Warner Bros Movie World is one of many perfect tourist attractions in Gold Coast for families – especially with teenagers and young kids. It offers a thrilling experience with superhero characters, roller coasters, and interactive rides.
The theme park also has a designated area for younger children with Looney Tunes characters and colorful rides.
Younger children enjoy the DC Rivals Hypercoaster, Doomsday Destroyer, and Green Lantern Coaster, while older children enjoy Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster Next Generation. The Parades of Main Street are fun rides also worth watching. However, height restrictions may apply to many of the rides.
1.7. Federation Walk Coastal Reserve
It spreads over 3.5 kilometers and is considered a perfect getaway. It starts from a fig tree located opposite Sea Worlds car park and extends to the Gold Coast on the side of the seaway. This covers a vast area of coastal land that interweaves the bush and beach.
Image From: Shutterstock
It consists of a unique dune system something rare in the gold coast, that acts as an essential habitat for native species. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife which includes galahs, rainbow lorikeets, and rosellas (pale-headed). Visitors can spot kingfishers, pittas, bee-eaters, and fairy wren during their stroll.
2. Conclusion
We can conclude that Gold Coast has great tourist attractions and are a got-to-go place for any traveling enthusiast who wants to explore the best of Australia. From its beautiful beaches and theme parks to its sparkling nightlife and delicious cuisine and dining options, this city has something to offer to everyone.
