Top 10 FREE things to do on the Gold Coast Australia
The Gold Coast Australia has some amazing attractions and pristine beaches. But some of them can be pretty expensive. That’s why I’ve created this list of top 10 FREE things you can do while visiting this iconic corner of the world and save some money at the same time. Check it out!
My husband and I finally bit the bullet and flew from Utah all the way to Australia. Among our many stops was the Gold Coast. This amazing stretch of land is chock full of gorgeous beaches, animals and jungle adventures. Here’s our favorite tourist spots that are completely free.
#1: Burleigh Head National Park overlook
This scenic coastal hike through lush rainforest leads you to an incredible ocean overlook of the Gold Coast. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of wildlife including lizards, whales, birds and koalas. A local resident told me that she even saw a koala and her baby walking along the trail once.
#2: Tree top walkway
About an hour’s drive inland from the Gold Coast, you’ll find a super cool tree top walkway in Lamington National Park. This short hike leads you along bridges suspended up to 110 feet above the ground. It includes nine suspension bridges and two observation decks. And it is completely free. Even getting to the walkway is amazing with scenic windy roads through one of Australia’s many national parks.
#3: Ride bikes along the Gold Coast beach
If you don’t have your own bike, then I guess this technically isn’t free. But, we rented a Lime bike and road the entire length of the Gold Coast and it was fabulous. You can see so much more of the city and it was one of my favorite things that we did. For about an hour, I think I paid about $25. Not bad. Highly recommend.
#4: Shopping at Surfer’s Paradise
Surfer’s Paradise is the Gold Coast’s epicenter and there is tons of shopping. From street performers to souvenir shops to delicious restaurants, it has it all. You could easily spend a day there if you wanted. The night life is particularly lively with people walking around enjoying the ocean air.
#5: Tallebudgera Creek Beach inlet
If you’re looking for a fun place to swim with calmer waters that are more “family-friendly”, Tallebudgera Creek Beach is the place to be. Take a quick, refreshing dip and enjoy a picnic on the beach. With bathrooms close by and restaurants steps away, this was a super fun place for us to cool off after a long day of site seeing. We LOVED it!
#6: Melaleuca Boardwalk and Kangaroo Trail
If you want to see some wild kangaroos and possibly a koala or two, check out the Melaleuca Boardwalk and Kangaroo Trail in the Coombabah Lakelands. Just a 20-minute drive from the Gold Coast, you’ll experience Australia’s wildlife at its finest. This short walk will not disappoint. Truthfully, we didn’t get a chance to walk this trail, we ran into some people who said they saw multiple koala in the trees and plenty of kangaroo jumping around.
#7: Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park
If you’re up for a scenic drive inland through Australia’s lush landscape, head over to Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. This trail leads you into an arched cave with a waterfall plunging from above. At night, you can witness the tiny green lights of thousands of nocturnal glow worms. It’s definitely a site to see.
#8: Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay Beach
The Gold Coast is world-renowned for excellent surfing beaches. You can watch surfers attempt to catch some of the best waves in the world while enjoying a picnic on the beach near the Rainbow Bay Surf Club. We happened to be there just days before a Cyclone Alfred was about to hit the Gold Coast. Professional surfers from around the world were riding giant waves. Crowds of people flocked to the area to watch. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
#9: Feed the pelicans at Ian Dipple Lagoon
For a family-friendly experience, check out Harvey Park and Ian Dipple Lagoon. This wave-free lagoon protected by a sandbar is the perfect place to swim. With playgrounds surrounding the area, your kids will have a blast. Plus, around 1:30 p.m., staff from Charis Seafood feed the local pelicans. It’s amazing!
#10: Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Only 10 minutes from Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast, this hidden garden oasis is completely free to the public. It is definitely worth a visit. You can stroll along the boardwalks, do some bird watching next to the lake or just sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you.
Bonus: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Although definitely not free, this sanctuary is worth a visit if you want to experience all of Australia’s native animals up close. The highlight is the kangaroo area. You can sit right next to them, feed them by hand and enjoy the company of these magical animals.
What other fun and free places do you know about on the Gold Coast Australia? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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