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5 Things To Do In The Gold Coast, Australia
- Silke
- Dec 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 12
5 Must-Try Activities/Places on the Gold Coast, Australia: Inspired by My Time as a Local
In the summer of 2022, I moved to Australia for what was meant to be five months but turned into a full year. During those 12 months, I set out to explore as much of the Gold Coast as possible, uncovering its hidden gems and unique experiences. In this blog, I’ll share my top 5 favourite places and activities on the Gold Coast that I absolutely loved—and that you simply must try too!
Miami Marketta
One of my absolute favourite spots to visit is Miami Marketta. This vibrant night market is set in an open hall adorned with twinkling lights, captivating art, and an abundance of delicious food. Open every Wednesday to Sunday, it also hosts live music, creating the perfect atmosphere for a fun night out. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for something unique to do with friends, this place never disappoints. What makes it truly special is the variety of street food on offer. With food stalls representing different cuisines from around the world, you can enjoy your favourite dishes while your friends indulge in something completely different!
Burleigh Heads National Park
To be honest, this isn’t just about the National Park. While the walk itself is lovely, offering stunning views and being relatively short, there’s so much more to Burleigh Heads. If you do take the walk, treat yourself to a smoothie from The Fruit Shop—it’s absolutely worth it! Burleigh Heads has plenty more to offer, including its beautiful beach. I often went there to relax, and it’s also fantastic for surfing. If you have the time, make sure to check out the rock pools. I spent a lot of time exploring them during my internship and found so many fascinating things, from gorgeous shells to incredible sea creatures. Just remember to admire the wildlife without taking any animals home!
Paddock Bakery
I don’t think I’ve ever had better pastries than the ones from this place. They serve incredible breakfast and lunch, the coffee is excellent, and the atmosphere is even better. There’s really nothing more to add—just go and see for yourself!
Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area
When I lived in Labrador, I often went hiking through the Coombabah Lakelands. This stunning reserve protects over 1,200 hectares of wetland, eucalypt forest, salt marsh, and mangrove habitat. It became my personal sanctuary—a place where I could find peace, relax, or simply enjoy watching the wildlife. As you walk through the park, you’ll likely spot plenty of kangaroos and, if you look carefully, even koalas! The sunsets here are especially breathtaking but keep in mind that the gates close at 6 PM, so be sure to leave on time. A word of caution: watch out for snakes! I once came very close to stepping on a red-bellied black snake.
Swimming with whales
From October to May, it’s whale season on the Gold Coast, and almost every time you look out at the ocean, you’ll see whales breaching or splashing in the water. For a truly unique experience, Aqua Adventures in Southport offers the chance to 'swim' with whales. While you won’t get too close, it’s still an extraordinary opportunity.
The experience begins with a brief introduction to the process. You’ll join a small group on a boat and head out to find whales that are considered 'safe' to approach in the water. For instance, they avoid mothers with calves or energetic young whales that jump frequently, focusing instead on older, calmer whales. Once the instructor finds the right whales, they’ll throw a long rope with colourful floats into the water. You’ll hold onto the rope as you enter the water with your snorkel gear. Looking down, and with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to see the whales and even hear their enchanting songs underwater.
For me, this was an unforgettable experience—especially hearing the whales sing beneath the surface. Although it’s quite pricey, it’s absolutely worth it!
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