Top 5 Adventures to Experience on the Gold Coast
From the lush rainforests of Springbrook National Park to the sun-soaked beaches of Snapper Rocks, the Gold Coast offers a diverse range of adventures that all travellers will enjoy.
- Springbrook National Park
- Snapper Rocks
- Theme Parks
- Hinterland Food and Wine
- Currumbin Creek
1. Springbrook National Park
- Purling Brook Falls Circuit
- Best of All Lookout
- Glow worms
Embark on a scenic drive to Springbrook National Park, about an hour from our Gold Coast Airport branch, for an uplifting journey to begin your Gold Coast holiday. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Springbrook is a natural haven on the New South Wales / Queensland border, ideal for everyone seeking solitude or adventure. Split into four sections, visitors and locals come to Springbrook to walk amongst the wilderness, unwind with a picnic and see native wildlife. Walk the spectacular Purling Brook Falls Circuit in the Springbrook plateau for stunning views of one of the tallest cascades on the Gold Coast. From the greenery of the eucalypt forest to the waters of the gorge at the bottom of the falls, find your centre at Springbrook and bring along a journal to write reflections and musings as you wander through nature. Head up to the Best of All Lookout for breathtaking scenery and views across New South Wales and of Wollumbin / Mount Warning - a 1,157-metre-high peak formed by the remains of the now-extinct Tweed Volcano. If you’re visiting Springbrook after sunset, you’ll be able to see the caves and rocks lit up by blue-green glow worms in the Natural Bridge section of the Park. Remember to follow the cave rules to protect wildlife, and check the Park alerts before you visit.
2. Snapper Rocks
- Surfing lessons
- Point Danger Lookout to Currumbin Alley trail
- The Strand at Coolangatta
- Rainbow Bay Bistro
Swap the canopies and waterways of the rainforest for sun, sand and surf at Snapper Rocks - one of the Gold Coast’s premier surfing spots. On the headland between Coolangatta Beach and Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks is the perfect place to get your dose of Vitamin D and ease into your Gold Coast holiday. Whether swimming between the flags in the aquamarine-coloured waters, trying your hand at surfing or watching pro surfers tackle the waves, a beach day at Snapper Rocks perfectly embodies a Gold Coast adventure. When visiting Australia, many choose to try out surfing, especially on the Gold Coast. Try it out at Rainbow Bay Beach, with a one-on-one or group lesson where you’ll be taking on the waves in no time. If you prefer tramping trails to surf waves, the Point Danger Lookout to Currumbin Alley trail is a four-hour out-and-back adventure with excellent coastal views alongside Coolangatta’s bustling hub. Consider stopping by The Strand at Coolangatta along the way to get a feel of the local culture. Pop into a resort-wear boutique like Beach N Beyond, or grab a coffee from Cayman Cafe to fuel your day. After a day of beachside relaxation and adventure, unwind with a meal at the Rainbow Bay Bistro. Savour the seafood-inspired menu while reflecting on your Queensland experience so far.
3. Theme Parks
- Movie World
- Wet’n’Wild
- Dreamworld
A visit to the Gold Coast would be incomplete without an outing to one of the region’s famed theme parks. From Movie World to Wet’n’Wild, there’s a park to suit all ages and personalities. Movie World is an excellent choice for fans of Warner Bros. characters like Bugs Bunny and Superman. From thrill rides to shows and entertainment, you’ll have a ball exploring the park’s unique precincts, rollercoasters and parades. Dreamworld is ideal for those seeking a little more adventure, with rollercoasters, giant drops and pendulum rides being this park's specialty. Plus, wildlife lovers can get up close and personal with Sumatran and Bengal tigers on Tiger Island. With most theme parks and more just a 45-minute drive from our Gold Coast airport branch in your Ace rental car, it’s easy to set off and enjoy your holiday as soon as you touch down.
4. Hinterland Food and Wine Trail
- Tamborine Mountain
- Mount Nathan Winery
- Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Discover the Gold Coast through taste and texture with a scenic drive to Tamborine Mountain, stopping at wineries, breweries and restaurants along the way. Visit Mount Nathan Winery for a charming wine tasting surrounded by lush greenery. Aside from savouring award-winning wines, you can also feed animals like alpacas and sheep here for a unique experience in the Gold Coast hinterland. If you prefer spirits to wine, Tamborine Mountain Distillery offers tastings of their signature beverages and guided tours through the distillery and museum. Sample liqueurs and spirits, gin, rum tasting or vodka with Tamborine Mountain’s tasting offers or book a masterclass to make your own spirit or cocktail. Always appoint a designated driver when indulging in alcohol on your road trip.
5. Currumbin Creek
- Currumbin Boatshed Bait and Tackle
From seas to lakes, the Gold Coast has plenty of waterways to explore for every type of adventurer. Currumbin Creek is a popular haven for kayakers, jet-skiers and boat-goers, and an excellent spot to explore even more of the Gold Coast. With the option to rent a single or double kayak, stand up paddle board (SUP) or fishing equipment from Currumbin Boatshed Bait and Tackle, you can take to the waters in several ways. Plus, the Boatshed offers SUP lessons for those who’d like to try out the sport for the first time.
As your journey through the Gold Coast comes to a close, carry with you the memories of its breathtaking vistas, tranquil forests, and captivating wildlife. Whether you're a nature enthusiast seeking serenity or an adventure seeker craving adrenaline, a visit to the Gold Coast offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
