Essential Gold Coast Attractions for First-Time Visitors

Famed for its spectacular coastline, perfect weather, and adventure-filled theme parks, the Gold Coast welcomes millions of visitors every year.

With so many attractions on the Gold Coast, it helps to plan ahead so you can make the most of your first visit. Whether you’re tackling swells, exploring rainforest hinterland, or chasing euphoria at a Gold Coast theme park, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below for your inaugural trip to the Gold Coast.

One of the major draws of the Gold Coast is its iconic 70 kilometre coastline that stretches from Coolangatta up to the south of Brisbane. Since this is your first holiday on the Gold Coast, you would be remiss not to include some of these popular Queensland beaches in your itinerary – and enjoy the best accommodation the area has to offer. 

This two kilometre beach is synonymous with the Gold Coast, and there’s a reason why surfers and holidaymakers flock here year after year.

Board hire and surf lessons are available along the beach, or you can simply enjoy a dip in the inviting blue waters. Surfers Paradise is also well-known for its buzzing nightlife, so you’ll find plenty to keep you busy when the sun goes down.

Where to stay in Surfers Paradise:

Immerse yourself in all that Surfers Paradise has to offer with a multi-night stay at Peppers Soul Surface Paradise. Choose from luxury ocean view or sky view apartments, private pool apartments, sub penthouse apartments, or the premium presidential suite.

Another great accommodation option located just moments away from Surfers Paradise beach is Novotel Surfers Paradise. Stay in an ocean front or city view room with your own private balcony and access to the hotels facilities including the swimming pool, spa, gym, and BBQ area.

Just two kilometres south of Surfers lies Broadbeach, where you’ll find the surf, sand and atmosphere more relaxed overall. This Gold Coast attraction is perfect if you’re looking to make your first visit a quieter one.

Where to stay in Broadbeach:

In addition to its beautiful beach, you’ll also enjoy Broadbeach’s range of chic, upmarket accommodation options. Just 300 metres from the beach, experience French luxury, warm hospitality and premier dining at the five-star Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach.

Situated at the southernmost end of the Gold Coast’s titular coastline, Coolangatta is known for its immaculate beach, oceanfront cafes and slower pace of life. Coolangatta is also famous for its surf breaks, so this sleepy suburb is a must-stop for your first time hitting the Gold Coast’s waves. 

Where to stay in Coolangatta:

Located on Marine Parade, enjoy breathtaking views over Kirra, Greenmount and Rainbow Bay at Mantra Coolangatta Beach. The hotel is also a mere 10 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, making it perfect as your first – or last – stop.

Your first trip to the Gold Coast would be incomplete without a visit to Australia’s legendary attractions – and Gold Coast’s theme parks don’t disappoint.

Best for: thrill-seeking movie fans.

From world-class rides to a full line up of daily parades and entertainment, Movie World Gold Coast offers a stacked itinerary for every visitor. 

Best for: animal lovers and young kids.

Filled with shows, rides, and interactive exhibits – plus a diverse array of marine life and animals – Sea World Gold Coast is a fun, family day out. 

Best for: families who want a mix of relaxation and excitement. 

This much-loved water park has aquatic attractions for all ages and adventure levels. Wet ‘n’ Wild’s water rides range from kid-friendly to sheer thrill-seeker!

Best for: rollercoaster fanatics and adrenaline junkies.

Whether you’re taking the little ones out for the day or wanting your own rollercoaster fix, Dreamworld Gold Coast has ample rides to choose from.

If you’re planning to visit multiple Gold Coast theme parks during your visit, we suggest staying local to make the most of your time. 

For central, yet affordable, accommodation, book your stay at BreakFree Beachpoint Surfers Paradise, where you and the family can take a 30-minute shuttle from the hotel to your pick of the Gold Coast’s theme parks. 

For apartment-style accommodation, you’ll find comfort and convenience at Mantra Sun City Surfers Paradise, which boasts a lagoon-style pool and waterslides for the kids. Conveniently, the hotel is only a 25-minute drive from local theme parks. 

One of the top things to do on the Gold Coast is get up close to some of Australia’s most beloved mammals, birds and reptiles at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages, enjoy the daily lorikeet feeding, trail the boardwalk for exotic species, arrange an animal encounter with a koala, or visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. 

If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, Mantra Twin Towns Coolangatta is just a 15-minute drive from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. You can choose between 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartments to accommodate small or large groups.

While there are plenty of attractions in the Gold Coast to keep you busy, you’ll find some of Queensland’s most impressive natural wonders outside of the city borders.  

Less than an hour’s drive inland from the Gold Coast, Springbrook National Park is home to awe-inspiring waterfalls, lush forest, and spectacular views. The Twin Falls circuit is a must: the hike clocks in at a brisk 90 minutes with a gentle incline... and an incredible waterfall and swim spot at the halfway mark. Add Natural Bridge to your stop, where you can see the waterfall peeking through age-old cave formations. In warmer months, you’ll be able to spot the glow worms in the caves – where they go to retreat from the heat.

This beloved natural Gold Coast attraction is another easy drive (under an hour) from the city centre. Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Tamborine Mountain has a number of walks, with varying degrees of difficulty, where you can explore rainforest, rock pools and waterfalls. The Cedar Creek Falls walk is a favourite for many first-time visitors.  

After spending several languid days on the beach, or riding roller coasters at Gold Coast theme parks, make time to treat yourself to some of the city’s finest dining experiences. 

Boasting Mediterranean flavours inspired by the Amalfi Coast, Hyde Paradiso serves up some of the Gold Coast’s best tapas and cocktails. Oceanfront views give this spot an extra touch of European charm.

Nestled on Level 3 of Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, Bistro On3 offers stylish, family-friendly dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re partial to artisan pastries and dark roast coffee, try the indulgent buffet breakfast – you’re in for a treat.

Channelling the sophistication and elegance of Broadbeach, Room81 is renowned for its signature cocktails, curated wine list, and intimate setting. Tailor-made for couples with a taste for fine wine, spirits, and aperitifs from around the world, your first trip to the Gold Coast wouldn’t be complete without it.

Now that you have crossed the major Gold Coast attractions off your list, discover all that Queensland’s capital city has to offer with the best things to do in Brisbane with a family.