The 15 best things to do in Gold Coast (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. 2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure

   Outty Ranking91

   This is the ultimate Australian Surfing Adventure. Experience the thrill as you learn surfing, have a laugh and make new friends. With a maximum of five students per instructor, you get lots of attention. We offer a 100%. 90+ Club at 91/100, 5.0/5 from 250 traveler reviews, 2h from $46, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise

   Outty Ranking91

   Don't just see the Whales, EXPERIENCE THEM! Our experience is like no other! Onboard our new state-of-the-art vessel, we are able to get you to the whales a lot quicker, meaning more time watching whales and less time tr. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.9/5 from 381 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $63, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast

   Outty Ranking88

   Escape the city and embark on an unforgettable wine-tasting tour in Tamborine Mountain, Queensland’s stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. Visit two award-winning boutique wineries and sample handcrafted wines from crisp white. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.8/5 from 473 traveler reviews, 8h from $143, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Whale Watching by Sea World Cruises

   Outty Ranking88

   Sea World Whale Watch is the Gold Coast’s Closest Operator to the Humpback Highway; spend less time in transit and more time with the whales! Observe the breathtaking display of whales launching into the air, slapping. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.8/5 from 359 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $64, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. ArtVo Gold Coast – Queensland’s First Trick Art Gallery

   Outty Ranking86

   Stepping into a world of optical illusions, the larger than life murals allow people of all ages to come face to face with wild animals, scale rocky crevasses and surf the ultimate pipelines. Stretching over 1400 square. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.9/5 from 152 traveler reviews, 2h from $21, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Flight

   Outty Ranking85

   Go Ballooning is a family-run business that strives to provide high-quality customer experience and create unforgettable memories. The company's basket is six meters long, leaving passengers plenty of room to take their. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.9/5 from 701 traveler reviews, 4h from $284, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise

   Outty Ranking85

   Set sail on the stunning waters of the Gold Coast on this exclusive, two-hour lunch and sightseeing cruise, departing from a convenient spot in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Step aboard our luxurious vessel Spirit of El. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.8/5 from 294 traveler reviews, 2h from $64, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Whale Watching Tour with Spirit of Gold Coast

   Outty Ranking84

   Get excited and be amazed on this 2.5 hour Gold Coast Whale Watching tour. Witness the beauty of the Humpback Whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from May to October. This family-owned and operated business with o. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.6/5 from 919 traveler reviews, 2.8h from $53, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)

   Outty Ranking84

   As our guest, you’ll be warmly welcomed by fantastic and friendly guides before paddling across the beautiful Broadwater to a hidden island just minutes from the city. Along the way, we share stories of the marine life,. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.7/5 from 358 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $71, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!

    Outty Ranking84

    You can’t come to the Gold Coast without experiencing the ultimate Jet Ski adventure! No licence or experience required !! We cater for all levels, from adrenaline seekers to first timers we have something for everyone. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 380 traveler reviews, 3h from $214, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. 30 min Jet Ski Safari

    Outty Ranking83

    30 Minute Jet Ski, our mini safari! The half hour Safari will blast you along pristine beaches, Wave Break Island, through Crab Island, south of Sovereign Island and back down along the sandy shores of South Stradbroke. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 159 traveler reviews, 2h from $93, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Tamborine Mountain High Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park

    Outty Ranking83

    Unlike other adventure parks, the TreeTop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain offers: Australia’s largest aerial adventure — more activities and ziplines than anywhere else in the country A chance to fly through world-heri. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.8/5 from 163 traveler reviews, 3h from $57, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Surf Lesson on the Gold Coasts locals Favourite beach (Ages 14+)

    Outty Ranking82

    Anyone can now experience the thrill of a surfing lesson at one of the area's best surf schools. You'll have fun, be safe and you won’t believe how easy it will be to get up and riding! Learning to surf is an amazing exp. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.9/5 from 99 traveler reviews, 2h from $54, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Gold Coast Parasailing – Tandem & Triple Flights

    Outty Ranking82

    • Enjoy the thrills of parasailing for you and a friend or partner in this experience • Great gift idea or idea for a fun & memorable experience • Soar in the sky 400ft high above the Gold Coasts broad water taking e. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.8/5 from 297 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $71, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. 50 Minutes, Southport GC Aqua Park Inflatable Water Activity

    Outty Ranking82

    Book 50 minutes of non-stop inflatable fun with Gold Coast’s award-winning water park, crowned Queensland’s Best Major Tourist Attraction in 2024 and winner of multiple tourism and traveller choice awards. Located in th. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 237 traveler reviews, 0.8h from $25.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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