s the plane took off from Bali heading to Brisbane, our anticipation for our two and a half week adventure in Australia was palpable! This destination had been on our radar for several years, but for various reasons, we hadn’t visited this region of the globe… until our friends from Australia chose to tie the knot! Residing in Gold Coast, we spent a delightful 12 days exploring both the coastline and the hinterlands.
We settled in Broadbeach, which turned out to be the ideal location. It was conveniently located, pedestrian-friendly, laid-back, and sufficiently close to all the attractions we wished to explore without being immersed in the party atmosphere all the time.
Having local friends to show us around provided us with the highlights of the finest spots to check out, fun activities, dining locales…and naturally, where to find the top-notch wine!
In this article, I’ll highlight the 10 must-see attractions and activities on the Gold Coast that you absolutely shouldn’t overlook.
Remember to Secure Your Entry Visa!
Before diving into the top attractions on the Gold Coast, there’s one crucial aspect I must underscore that we nearly overlooked ourselves.
A valid visa is required to enter Australia.
And I’m not just referring to travelers from specific nations.
Every traveler necessitates some kind of visa or travel authorization to gain entry into Australia. Citizens from New Zealand typically receive a visa on arrival, but all others need to ensure they have the appropriate visa approved prior to their journey.
As Canadians, we mistakenly believed we wouldn’t need a visa and would receive six months in Australia upon arrival, similar to our experience in the UK.
Incorrect.
Fortunately, we recognized this oversight just two days before our departure for Australia. Not quite the stress-free pre-trip experience we were hoping for.
The positive news is that the application process can be fairly simple, but it’s advisable not to procrastinate until the last minute.
Verify your visa requirements prior to booking your flight, or at least well before your departure, and ensure that the visa is linked to the same passport you plan to travel with.
If you’re preparing for a trip to the Gold Coast, or any other part of Australia, you can determine which visa you need and apply online ahead of your travel with iVisa – they provide 24/7 customer support via email, chat, or WhatsApp… in 14 different languages.
If you attempt to apply for the visa independently and make a minor mistake, it could slow down the processing. iVisa boasts a 99% approval rate, demonstrating their reliability and precision.
Of course, all visa decisions/results ultimately rely on governmental authority, and that’s beyond the control of iVisa or other agencies.
About the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast ranks among Australia’s most renowned vacation spots, located in Southeast Queensland, approximately an hour south of Brisbane – which serves as the main airport in the vicinity (and the one we arrived at).
It’s famous for its expansive sandy beaches, vibrant surf culture, towering skyline, amusement parks, nightlife, shopping, and the scenic mountain regions just inland from the shore.
You may already be aware, but the Gold Coast is celebrated for its beaches – boasting around 50 kilometers of coastline. However, I was most taken aback by how swiftly the atmosphere shifts as you traverse the coast.
One moment you’re strolling along a bustling beachfront promenade, the next you’re gazing at a sunset on a secluded beach, driving through verdant valleys, or wandering amidst the rainforests inland.
During our time there, we visited Surfers Paradise, Southport, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera Valley, Tamborine National Park, Coolangatta, Snapper Rocks, Currumbin Valley, and several exquisite locations in between.
Most travelers tend to spend time in Sydney during their Gold Coast adventure. We enjoyed 5 days in Sydney and loved every moment! Don’t miss out on the exciting sights and experiences, and if you’re curious about accommodation in Sydney, click here.
Top Activities on the Gold Coast
After an incredible trip, here’s my compilation of attractions you shouldn’t pass up.
1. Settle in Broadbeach
If you’re uncertain about where to stay on the Gold Coast, I would wholeheartedly recommend Broadbeach.
For us, it was the perfect home base. It offers everything you could need – the beach, fantastic restaurants, cafés, shops, and public transportation, but it feels more tranquil than Surfers Paradise.
You can still stroll along the beachfront, enjoy coffee in the morning, go out for dinner, and be near the excitement, yet Broadbeach maintains a slightly more mature, relaxed vibe. It retains a sophisticated charm without seeming dull.
This was especially wonderful as we were on the Gold Coast to spend quality time with friends, rather than just racing around checking off landmarks.
Kurrawa Beach is right there, and it’s a stunning spot for swimming, a