Your Complete Guide to Winter on the Gold Coast of Australia

The Gold Coast of Australia is renowned for its endless sunshine, long stretches of beaches and vibrant atmosphere that attracts Australians and International visitors alike.

There is no better place to spend the winter in Australia than the iconic Gold Coast.

Here is your complete guide to make the most of your winter on the Gold Coast of Australia.

If this is your first visit to the Gold Coast, be sure to make your way to the 77th floor of the Q1 tower and take in panoramic views of the city that meets the sea. Beneath you will see the ocean, beaches and hinterland as well as the iconic skyscrapers lining the coastline.

If you’re up for a challenge there is also the opportunity to join a Sky Climb on top of the Q1 building, taking place at a casual 270 metres above ground.

The walk begins on level 77 of the SkyPoint Observation Deck and sees climbers walk in a full body suit harnessed to the railings for safety. The crow’s nest is the highest part of the climb and from here you can see incredible views from above.

With the weather improving over the winter season and the Gold Coast seeing a drop in rainfall, winter becomes the perfect time to visit the beaches and make the most of Queensland’s sub-tropical climate.

Begin your beach hopping journey at Broadbeach, one of the most beautiful and centrally located beaches in the Gold Coast. Just a short walk inland from the beach and you will arrive at Pacific Fair, a huge shopping mall housing local and international designers that will easily take you half a day to walk around.

Further down the coastline you will find Nobby beach (“Nobby’s” to locals). This perfect little beach isn’t far from the main thoroughfare but feels a world away. It is here where you can find many great brunch spots, bars and a vibey community of surfers who call this part of town home.

Further south down in the surfer’s haven of Coolangatta you will find Greenmount beach, a coastal headland separating Coolangatta Beach and Rainbow Bay. This beach epitomises what the sunshine state is all about and gives you a local vibe you can’t find in the likes of Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.

With one of the longest seasons on offer to whale watch, joining a whale watching cruise is a great way to venture out into the ocean and enjoy the best of winter in the Gold Coast.

Whale watching season starts in June and is offered through to November, with ample chance to see humpback whales and the occasional orca whale if you are extremely lucky.

If you’re travelling with kids or a big kid at heart, theme parks and the Gold Coast go hand in hand.

There are a number of theme parks to choose from but the introduction of the Green Lantern Coaster at Warner Bros Movie World has made this theme park difficult to miss. The Superman Escape at Movie World is another must visit.

The Gold Coast is known for its extravagant nightlife and beautiful beaches but many people don’t know about its hidden secret, food!

The foodie scene on the Gold Coast is thriving with Hyde Paradiso, the ultimate spot to sip cocktails and dine by the sea.

It’s definitely on my list of places to go next time I’m on the Gold Coast, somewhere to enjoy drinks with a view, mixed by Australia’s most award bartender. 

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a one and a half kilometre rainforest walking experience where you can truly see the diversity of the Gold Coast.

Inland from the coast, Tamborine National Park can be reached in just under one hour from the beaches and tourist area of the Gold Coast.

The Skywalk Bridge inside the National Park is your chance to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of one of Queensland’s most beautiful rainforests. 

Venturing south from the populated beaches of the Gold Coast and onwards to the coastal suburb of Currumbin will lead you to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

This wildlife sanctuary has long been attracting visitors from around the world and is one of the most popular things to do on the Gold Coast for families. 

With endless coastline on offer there are many great places in the Gold Coast to watch the sunrise, though Southport is our handpicked favourite.

The Southport Spit has become a popular choice for local and visiting photographers to capture the cotton candy colours that often paint the sky.

Byron Bay has quickly become one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Australia thanks to its unique blend of coast meets farmland.

In just one hour you will reach Byron Bay, home to a small community of transients and long term locals that call this beach town home. 

Byron Bay is in fact located in the north of New South Wales, though you will hardly notice a change crossing the border from Queensland in the short drive it will take to reach Byron Bay.

Once you are there, be sure to stop at The Farm, a large farm that is open to the public complete with a fine dining restaurant, casual eateries and opportunities to meet and mingle with the farm animals. 

Another highlight of this popular coastal town is to visit the Byron Bay lighthouse and hike along the coastline to some of the more secluded beaches. Some of the best hidden gems include Wategos beach and Tallows beach.

On the first Sunday of every month visitors can enjoy the Byron Bay Markets. Although only available to visitors one day of the month, this market is the best opportunity to buy local handicrafts and produce at once.

Other great markets include the Byron Bay Farmer’s Market and the Byron Bay Artisan Market.