Explore the Gold Coast
Gold Coast Day Trips – Explore Beyond Broadbeach
The Gold Coast is filled with incredible day trip destinations that cater to every interest. From pristine beaches and nature parks
to shopping hubs and family-friendly attractions, there’s plenty to explore just a short drive from Broadbeach.
Gold Coast Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is famous for its world-class theme parks, including Dreamworld, Sea World, and Warner Bros. Movie World. These parks offer thrilling rides, water slides, and live shows, making them an exciting choice for families and adventure-seekers alike.
Highlights: Roller coasters, water parks, live shows, family fun
Broadwater Parklands
For a relaxing day of family fun by the water, head to the Broadwater Parklands. This scenic parkland along the Gold Coast Broadwater offers BBQ areas, walking trails, numerous playgrounds, Rock Pools, and GC Aqua Park. Don’t miss the new Peninsula Playground including an 18-metre spiral tower with four levels of interactive play.
Highlights: Picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails, waterfront views
Burleigh Heads National Park
Just south of Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads National Park offers scenic oceanfront walking trails, lookouts with panoramic views, and beautiful picnic spots. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful day outdoors or a morning hike with views over Tallebudgera Creek.
Highlights: Coastal views, walking trails, Tallebudgera Creek, beachside picnics
Springbrook National Park
Escape into the lush beauty of Springbrook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Gold Coast hinterland. Known for its rainforests, waterfalls, and the iconic Natural Bridge, Springbrook is a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers.
Highlights: Rainforest hikes, waterfalls, Natural Bridge, Glow Worm Caves
Mount Tamborine
Mount Tamborine is a charming mountain retreat where you’ll find wineries, art galleries, local markets, and scenic lookouts. This picturesque destination is ideal for a leisurely day of exploring and sampling local wines.
Highlights: Wine tasting, boutique shopping, lookout points, rainforest walks
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic destinations, offering a mix of attractions and a buzzing nightlife scene. Don’t miss the immersive Infinity Attraction, quirky fun at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and lively clubs and bars. Surfers Paradise also features the new Hijinx Hotel, a fun, puzzle-based adventure venue that’s great for groups.
Highlights: Infinity Attraction, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Hijinx Hotel, nightlife
Carrara Markets
Experience Australia’s largest permanent weekend market at Carrara Markets. With over 400 stalls offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, it’s a great spot to browse, shop, and enjoy some delicious market food.
Highlights: Fresh produce, local crafts, weekend market, family-friendly
The Spit and Marina Mirage
The Spit is a scenic area north of Main Beach, offering stunning coastal views, quiet beaches, and seafood restaurants. Nearby, Marina Mirage is a luxury shopping and dining precinct overlooking the marina, making it ideal for a stylish day out.
Highlights: Scenic beaches, seafood dining, luxury shopping, marina views
Harbour Town Shopping Centre
Shop for big brands at discounted prices at Harbour Town Shopping Centre. This outlet shopping centre features a range of fashion, homewares, and electronics stores, along with cafes and a cinema for a full day of shopping and entertainment.
Highlights: Outlet shopping, dining, cinema, family-friendly
Paradise Country
Paradise Country offers a unique Australian farm experience where you can meet kangaroos, koalas, and farm animals up close. It’s a great family-friendly destination that also features shows, farm activities, and animal encounters.
Highlights: Kangaroo and koala encounters, farm shows, Aussie bush experience
Topgolf Gold Coast
For a fun-filled day of golfing, head to Topgolf Gold Coast. This high-tech golf driving range offers games for all skill levels, delicious food, and a social atmosphere that makes it great for groups and families.
Highlights: High-tech golf games, food and drinks, social atmosphere, family-friendly
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a family favourite, allowing visitors to interact with native Australian animals, from kangaroos and koalas to colourful birds. This sanctuary also features wildlife shows and treetop adventures, making it a fun and educational outing.
Highlights: Koala encounters, wildlife shows, treetop adventures, family-friendly
HOTA – Home of the Arts
HOTA (Home of the Arts) is the cultural heart of the Gold Coast, hosting art exhibitions, theatre performances, outdoor events, and cinema screenings. It’s the perfect destination for art and culture lovers looking to add a creative flair to their holiday.
Highlights: Art exhibitions, live theatre, outdoor events, cinema
Broadwater Parklands
For a relaxing day of family fun by the water, head to the Broadwater Parklands. This scenic parkland along the Gold Coast Broadwater offers BBQ areas, walking trails, numerous playgrounds, Rock Pools, and GC Aqua Park. Don’t miss the new Peninsula Playground including an 18-metre spiral tower with four levels of interactive play.
Highlights: Picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails, waterfront views
Springbrook National Park
Escape into the lush beauty of Springbrook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Gold Coast hinterland. Known for its rainforests, waterfalls, and the iconic Natural Bridge, Springbrook is a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers.
Highlights: Rainforest hikes, waterfalls, Natural Bridge, Glow Worm Caves
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic destinations, offering a mix of attractions and a buzzing nightlife scene. Don’t miss the immersive Infinity Attraction, quirky fun at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and lively clubs and bars. Surfers Paradise also features the new Hijinx Hotel, a fun, puzzle-based adventure venue that’s great for groups.
Highlights: Infinity Attraction, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Hijinx Hotel, nightlife
The Spit and Marina Mirage
The Spit is a scenic area north of Main Beach, offering stunning coastal views, quiet beaches, and seafood restaurants. Nearby, Marina Mirage is a luxury shopping and dining precinct overlooking the marina, making it ideal for a stylish day out.
Highlights: Scenic beaches, seafood dining, luxury shopping, marina views
Paradise Country
Paradise Country offers a unique Australian farm experience where you can meet kangaroos, koalas, and farm animals up close. It’s a great family-friendly destination that also features shows, farm activities, and animal encounters.
Highlights: Kangaroo and koala encounters, farm shows, Aussie bush experience
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a family favourite, allowing visitors to interact with native Australian animals, from kangaroos and koalas to colourful birds. This sanctuary also features wildlife shows and treetop adventures, making it a fun and educational outing.
Highlights: Koala encounters, wildlife shows, treetop adventures, family-friendly
Plan Your Gold Coast Adventure
With everything from coastal escapes and wildlife encounters to shopping havens and cultural landmarks, the Gold Coast offers an array of unforgettable day trips. Make Opus Broadbeach your base, and explore everything this iconic region has to offer.
