As most of you likely recognize, we lately settled down on the Gold Coast, which simply occurs to be Australia’s primary holiday vacation spot – and absolutely, it does experience like we’re still on a everlasting excursion up right here.
however after travelling round Australia for 18 months, we’re excited to stay put for a while and get to realize our new backyard.
even though we’ve visited the Goldy many times previously, there seems to be endless activities at the Gold Coast and over the next six months we’re planning on experiencing as many activities as viable.
but, there may be simplest one trouble with travel in Australia, even journey on your own outside, it tends to be a bit at the steeply-priced facet. So this post is a list of factors to do for free (or cheap) that we've got formerly carried out or are planning to do.
So in case you’re making plans a journey to the coast soon, optimistically these pointers will assist you store a couple of dollars, and if’ you’ve already been or show up to stay here as properly, we’d love to pay attention your hints within the comments down below!
loose activities on the Gold Coast
1. Cycle the Gold Coast Oceanway
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Australia
We’ve executed elements of The Gold Coast Oceanway, that is a network of pathways along the beaches of the coast which variety up to 4km lengthy and are famous with cyclists and walkers.
but we’d love to cycle the whole duration, 36 kilometres in total from point danger Lighthouse (Coolangatta) inside the south to the Gold Coast Seaway (The Spit) inside the north.
this will make for a high-quality time out to get some exercise, fresh air, and take in the astounding coastal perspectives.
while you do it, make sure to % your very own lunch, convey masses of water, your swimmers and a digicam. stop off alongside the way at any of the seaside cities for a dip and a chilly drink.
2. loose lorikeet feeding at Currumbin natural world Sanctuary
Currumbin gold coast Queensland
photo: Tourism Queensland
in case you don’t want to pay the $49 admission charge to see all the Aussie animals and the adventure aspect of the Currumbin flora and fauna Sanctuary, twice in keeping with day at 8am and 4pm you can feed the wild lorikeets for free!
hundreds of rainbow lorikeets descend upon you from the surrounding trees to get a lick on the sweet honey nectar which you preserve out in a bowl in your arms. they'll climb up your hands, in your head and simply sit down for your arms consuming.
We did this a few years ago and it's far well worth an hour visit to see those lovely birds of Australia up close and private.
3. pass taking walks on the coast OR in a country wide Park
Burleigh Heads country wide Park, Gold Coast, Australia
Burleigh Heads country wide Park
strolling is loose, excellent for you, and considered one of our favourite ways to discover a vacation spot.
stand up at 6am at the Gold Coast and it looks like midday with everybody out and approximately walking or strolling. you may’t assist however get caught up inside the power of the place.
but you don’t have to pull the children out of bed at 6am, and it’s now not just the coastal area that offers brilliant walking opportunities, the hinterland and countrywide Parks imparting lovable walks too!
What’s on our listing:
Burleigh Heads country wide Park – grab a espresso from corner coffee then head to the point and seize the marvelous dawn before doing the 2.five-kilometre coastal stroll across the headland to Tallebudgera Creek. approximately half-manner back you’ll come to Tumgun Lookout which gives exceptional perspectives over Palm beach.
Federation walk – a 3.five-kilometre pedestrian walkway positioned on the northern give up of the Gold Coast Oceanway at the Southport Spit.
Springbrook national Park – the Purling Brook Falls strolling song circuit, the natural Bridge Rainforest Circuit, Canyon lookouts and dual Falls stroll.
Lamington countrywide Park – many splendid strolling trails from quick walks to all day hikes. O’Reilly’s Tree pinnacle walk is a hundred and eighty metres in duration and made up of 9 suspension bridges. additionally do the Booyang Boardwalk and Tooloona Creek circuit.
Coolangatta to point Dangar – a high-quality little coastal stroll through Greenmount and Rainbow Bay. I recommend saving it for past due afternoon because the sunset perspectives from Rainbow Bay searching over to Surfers Paradise are magical.
Tamborine Mountain – is inside the 0.33 oldest country wide Park in the international with 12 strolling tracks, each one is now not than three kilometres.
The Oceanway – instead of biking walk one of the sections each day.
four. Hit the beaches
Coolangatta seaside, Gold Coast, Australia
Coolangatta
obvious I recognize, but is there a better free day trip at the Gold Coast than hitting up one of the seashores alongside the 57 kilometres of pristine shoreline?!
They don’t call it the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise for not anything! no longer handiest famous for a laugh, the Goldy is renowned for his or her seashores which additionally occur to be domestic to a number of the arena’s maximum famous surf breaks.
however you don’t must be a surfer or maybe a water child to revel in them, just take in a few sunshine, play at the sand and maximum of them have grassland, playgrounds, and BBQ regions.
Don’t forget about those gadgets:
Sunshade / seashore umbrella
Sunscreen
Towels
Hats
Rashies
Water
Snacks
shades
Bucket & spades
our favorite circle of relatives beaches:
Rainbow Bay – Queensland’s maximum southerly coastal metropolis. gentle rolling surf, safe swimming conditions and year spherical surf patrols make Rainbow Bay the proper vicinity for a calming family seaside day. And domestic to “Snapper Rocks” which holds the yearly Quiksilver pro browsing event.
Coolangatta / Greenmount seaside – an 800 m lengthy north facing beach covered by the headland. typically secure with usually low waves and two surf lifesaving golf equipment and lifeguard towers.
Currumbin / Currumbin Creek – is a popular spot with families wherein you may enjoy more than a few watersports which include surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Tallebudgera Creek – on the southern facet of Burleigh Heads country wide Park. No waves of path and a nice spot for a swim, stand up paddle board or kayak.
Burleigh Heads – voted #1 with the aid of travelers on ride guide and is one of the first-rate swimming, body boarding and browsing spots on the coast. The headland of Burleigh, called “The point”, is a favorite for weekend BBQs and sundown beverages. On a Sunday afternoon local musicians and fireplace-twirlers come out to the park beside the surf club for a jam consultation.
Broadbeach – toward the northern cease of the coast. lengthy, clean stretch of seaside and bordered by means of large grasslands and a playground ideal for a picnic. also domestic to weekend markets.
five. Hit the markets
Village markets at Burleigh
where ever we cross we continually try and hit up the neighborhood markets, and that i’m amazed at the selection of markets open on the Gold Coast,
From fashion to farmers markets, to artwork & craft, to tune to the whole thing in between. Now that we're residing right here, it will take us a while to discover all of them – first-rate trouble!
they are all loose to wait and quite often there are plenty of free samples on provide, or deals.
We specifically love farmers markets for stocking up on resources for self-catering whilst having picnics and BBQ’s, or while staying in residences with kitchens. As a good deal as we like consuming out, you could shop a quite penny preparing your own food, and may be greater relaxing with young youngsters.
On our listing:
Burleigh Farmers Markets – Our neighborhood. each Saturday at Burleigh Heads kingdom college this connoisseur grocery store with locally grown fruit and vegetables, bakery, meat, fish, deli, plus stay entertainment and a exceptional vibe!
Miami Marketta – simply determined this locals favored ourselves! seems like we had been back in Thailand. each Friday and Saturday it comes alive with street food, live track, boutique wine and craft beer.
Miami Farmers market – each Sunday on the Miami country faculty. The vicinity’s first clearly natural Growers market immediately from the farm.
The Village Markets – each 1st & third Sunday at Burleigh Heads country college. The authentic boutique style and life-style market plus stay neighborhood tune and food from round the arena way to the lineup of food vehicles.
Marina Mirage Farmers marketplace – held each Saturday. placed at Seaworld power at the Broadwater Spit, predominant seaside, opposite the Sheraton Mirage hotel.
Carrara Markets – over 500 stalls and a Gold Coast group with locals and tourists seeking out a bargain. Open each Saturday and Sunday
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday nights along the seashore Esplanade at Surfers. Over one hundred stalls and might be mainly exceptional on a heat evening.
famous Beachfront Markets – each Sunday in a extraordinary beachside region from Broadbeach, to Coolangatta to Burleigh
6. Hit the playgrounds and parks
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Australia
Justins Park, Burleigh Heads
Having only lived at the Gold Coast for two months now we are constantly amazed at the quantity and first-class of playgrounds and parks on provide.
At almost each beach, or green space, there's a playground with picnic benches and BBQ’s. The council does the sort of amazing job of presenting and retaining those centers for all and sundry to revel in, and commonly proper on the beach.
you can permit the youngsters play on the gadget, kick a ball round, or just loosen up with a picnic or BBQ. And besides the price of your BYO food and drink they’re all unfastened!
test out those locations:
Paradise point Parklands, one of the maximum beautiful parks at the Goldy overlooking the broadwater.
Justins Park in Burleigh Heads, proper on the seaside subsequent to the surf club.
Pat Fagan Park in Coolangatta, right on the seashore with perspectives all the manner to Surfers Paradise.
Mcintosh Island Park, within the middle of Surfers Paradise.
Laguna Park in Palm seaside, big journey playground with pirate deliver.
Kurrawa Pratten Park right inside the heart of Broadbeach.
Aquasplash, Australia’s first open water fun park, open Nov-Apr in Southport Broadwater Parklands.
Broadwater Parklands, three kilometre stretch of parklands alongside the foreshore in Southport.
Rockpools at Southport, extremely famous playground for young ones on a sunny day.
7. revel in the fairs and occasions
Broadbeach Blues festival, Gold Coast, Australia
Broadbeach Blues festival
There are numerous loose events and festivals held throughout the year celebrating song, artwork, sports and our multicultural society.
We these days experienced Blues on Broadbeach, which become cool, and stay up for checking the relaxation out:
Blues on Broadbeach is held every 12 months in may also and is regarded as one of the world’s biggest unfastened festivals with a couple of stages and shows unfold over the four day length. It brings together the fine blues and soul tune from all around the usa, nurturing Australian skills, in addition to gives a level for worldwide acts.
Cooly Rocks On is Australia’s largest 50’s & 60’s Nostalgia pageant held annually in Coolangatta celebrating conventional automobiles, Rock ‘N Roll, Dancing, browsing, Nostalgia and more! Cooly Rocks is a loose event and open to every age and in 2016 will be held from June three-sixteen.
Swell Sculpture pageant at Currumbin beach will become home to dozens of sculptures by nearby, country wide and worldwide artists. Over a ten day length in September visitors can experience the sculptures for free on twilight walks or even talks from some of the artists.
The Quiksilver seasoned browsing event is your risk to observe the world’s quality male and girl surfers conflict it out at one of the global’s best surfing spots, Snapper Rocks at Rainbow Bay in February / March each yr. There’s additionally the Breaka Burleigh seasoned in February.
Bleach festival is the Gold Coast’s biggest arts and cultural pageant and coincides with the release of the sector browsing tour, the Quiksilver and Roxy pro at Snapper Rocks in March. Over 50 occasions for all ages, over 17 days up and down the coast.
Broadbeach Jazz pageant in August is another free event providing amusement on outdoor tiers and in venues, together with an array of activities for people of every age all through Broadbeach.
Sanctuary Cove international Boat display – this 4 day event is now in its twenty seventh 12 months and draws boating fanatics from around the globe. subsequent display is 19-22 can also, 2016.
Surfers Paradise competition is one of the gold standard Gold Coast occasions and happens over the path of 4 weekends. It’s a celebration of artwork, culture, song and meals and consists of street parades and events, live shows and a l. a. carte in the park.
8. cross whale looking from the headlands
Gold Coast, Australia
View from Tumgun Lookout, Burleigh Heads NP
Whale looking season typically runs from can also to October while heaps of humpback whales migrate north from Antarctica, passing up and back off the coast.
You don’t need to fork out big greenbacks to get a glimpse, you could attempt your good fortune for free from one of the accelerated headlands alongside the coast, or even from your skyrise apartment, as whales have a propensity to come in pretty near shore.
a number of the best naturally improved viewpoints consist of factor danger, Greenmount, Kirra Hill, Currumbin Rocks, Tumgun Lookout inside Burleigh Heads countrywide Park, North Burleigh/Miami headland.
look out for the large spouts of mist that shoot up into the air. deliver a zoom lens and maybe a few binoculars!
9. Watch sunrise & sundown
sunrise at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Australia
sunrise at Burleigh point
How about taking off your day the satisfactory manner viable, through looking the dawn over the sea. Throw inside the surfers doing their element on the morning swell and you may take a seat and be mesmerized.
grab a smoothie or a espresso at one of the cafes and you’re geared up for the day ahead.
My favourite region to watch the dawn and sundown is from Burleigh point, just observe the path up the hill from the surf club. additionally, the Rainbow Bay Surf membership is a fantastic spot for sundown drinks as you watch the sky mild up within the distance in the back of the Surfers Paradise skyline.
10. Currumbin Rock swimming pools
this is on our should do listing when the climate warms up again.
reputedly, the Rock pools are only a 15-minute force from Currumbin seaside, and are a favourite spot with the locals, and sound like an appropriate vicinity for a own family time out with picnic tables, BBQs, grassy river banks, and toilets at near hand.
There’s various pool depths for absolutely everyone and twine swings, rock slides and ledges to jump off, and simply some other 5 mins along Currumbin Creek street is the Mount Cougal phase of Springbrook national Park – looking forward to doing that800 metre taking walks path to cascading waterfalls, greater rock swimming pools and an historical bush sawmill.
appears like nature at its fine!
eleven. Lookouts
It’s no longer all just beaches and theme parks on the Gold Coast you recognize, the town is likewise well-known for its superb perspectives as you’ve absolute confidence seen panorama photographs on many postcards.
We’re making plans to move to all of the exceptional lookouts and include a picnic or BBQ into the experience.
The “nice of All’’ lookout at Mudgeeraba seems to be aptly named, and many of the great lookouts. From Canyon Lookout in Springbrook country wide Park, they are saying you can see waterfalls and the principle strip of the Gold Coast skyline off within the distance.
Mt Tamborine comes tremendously advocated, offering sweeping coastal perspectives, and of course, the formerly noted Tumgun Lookout within Burleigh Heads NP is a should.
12. workout
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
The Oceanway, Surfers Paradise
we love the outdoors way of life at the Gold Coast, and how each person is so lively, it’s addictive.
adequate, you’re probable on holidays and now not looking to workout, but if you want preserving up your level of fitness up and down the coast there are workout machines and equipment that are loose for all of us, plus the before stated walking and cycle routes.
The metropolis of Gold Coast created an energetic & healthy program to get residents and site visitors up and working out, with several reasonably-priced training on provide alongside the coast consisting of circuits, boxing, center strengthening and stretching, and tai chi.
Caz has participated within the bootcamp in Burleigh class held two times in step with week, for $3 a class, what awesome cost. There are instructions appropriate for every age and health levels and you can test out the magnificence options and instances here.
almost loose
thirteen. enjoyment e book
We signed up for a membership of The entertainment e-book whilst we first arrived and have stored a couple of bucks on various activities.
It’s a way to stand up to 50% off and 2-for-1 gives for some of the nice eating places, points of interest, accommodations, journey, wearing activities, purchasing and much greater.
when you purchase a membership, it’s a awesome way that will help you store on sports.
you can get a printed book, or do what we did and get the app on your cellphone.
14. Flights are getting less expensive
We’ve seen flights from Sydney to the Gold Coast for as low as $48 currently. the key to locating reasonably-priced flights anywhere is being bendy for your tour dates and the real time of day you fly.
If you can keep away from the height vacation intervals and travel within the shoulder-season you may save a quite penny. And permit’s face it, the weather is nearly continually beneficial on the Gold Coast.
hold your eyes on Jetstar’s Friday Fare Frenzy between four-8pm on maximum Friday’s to your hazard to snag a deal.
15. Annual subject Parks skip
Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Australia
if you live neighborhood or visit the Goldy often sufficient and love getting your thrills at the topic parks, it makes sense to purchase an annual bypass or excursion pass and get the best bang in your dollar!
That manner you could go to limitless times and feature flexibility on which days you visit, heading off the massive crowd days.
if you’re making plans on touring Dreamworld, Whitewater global or the SkyPoint observation deck, yTravel readers can get a ten% bargain by means of purchasing your tickets thru this link.
examine more posts on things to do on the Gold Coast:
four walks on the Gold Coast
14 places to live at the Gold Coast
eight of our favourite neighborhood finds in Burleigh
Plan Your trip to the Gold Coast
We’ve been visiting consistently for 17 years and have come to depend on some trusted websites that shop us time and money whilst reserving accommodation, flights, and vehicle rental. below are our desired partners:
accommodation on the Gold Coast
reserving.com has 700,000+ motels, residences and hostels international. You get free cancellation on maximum rooms and a great charge guarantee.
Flights to the Gold Coast
Skyscanner is a comparison internet site that searches millions of flights. when you discover your exceptional deal, e book without delay via the airline (no extra costs).
vehicle condo at the gold Caost
RentalCars.com is the sector’s largest automobile rental reserving service that compares all the predominant manufacturers like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.
For delivery to and from the airport and numerous locations try Con-x-ion shuttles. We use them all of the time to visit Brisbane airport and they’re tremendous. ebook your
