Sunset has to be the best time of the day (some people we know say sunrise, but we wouldn’t know, ahem) — so sunset it is.

Now that spring has sprung, cue the Spotify sunset mix, we’re keen to start enjoying the balmy evenings and appreciate this gorgeous time of day. To get you all inspired, here’s a list of some of the best sunset-chasing adventures on the Gold Coast. Psst — there’s more to do at golden hour than snap the perfect pic (although you must also do that) #everythingiscontent.

Kick back at a rooftop bar
This one’s a no-brainer, but hear us out. Sure, it took the Gold Coast a minute to catch up to our southern pals in the rooftop bar game. Odd, right? Especially considering we’ve got the best weather in the country—no contest. But hey, better late than never! These days, we’re spoiled for choice with rooftop spots all over the Coast. So why not make up for lost time? Pick your favorite perch, grab a drink, and soak in that golden hour glow as the sun sets on another perfect day. We love The Exhibitionist Bar for its ever-evolving and always killer cocktail list or newbie Sandfire for a sophisticated (kids free) sip overlooking the North Burleigh headland.

Overlook the Gold Coast at Mt Tamborine
The Gold Coast hinterland is the perfect spot for a bit of sunset spying. When it comes to breathtaking views, Mt Tamborine offers a vantage point that’s unmatched. Perched high above the Gold Coast, you get a bird’s eye view of the glittering skyline below, framed by lush, green hinterland. As the sun dips towards the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a magical glow. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely stroll along the scenic trails or just kicking back with a glass of local wine, Mt Tamborine is where you’ll find a slice of sunset paradise that’s truly worth the climb. Why not make a weekend of it and stay a night or two mixing waterfall fuelled adventures with some sunset action?

Get High (on views)
Take things to new heights—literally. Head to SkyPoint Observation Deck, to soak in 360-degree sunset views from the highest vantage point on the Coast. Alternatively, elevate your evening at Horizon Sky Dining, Queensland’s only revolving restaurant. As you rotate, enjoy stunning panoramic views paired with a delicious buffet and handcrafted drinks. These two spots are your best options for soaking in the full circle breathtaking scenery of a Gold Coast sunset

Take a picnic to Burleigh Point
Ah, the iconic Burleigh Hill. It’s a local love and visitors paradise. Having a picnic on this roll of green is an essential activity and must be enjoyed at sunset. Watch as the sky turns its pink hues, and the rays from the descending sun bounce off the glitzy Surfers Paradise towers in the distance. Sounds like a dream if you ask us. You may even spot a whale in passing (this is a known whale-watching location). BYO charcuterie set up (and wine!) or grab a takeaway pizza or fish & chips from one of the many epic options in Burleigh.

Sip frosty beers and bubbles at a surf club
Surf clubs are lifesavers, aren’t they? They’re conveniently located at your local beach, serve affordable drinks and eats, are thong-appropriate, and always know how to deliver a decent palmy. They almost feel like a hoax. Enjoy our opulent ocean-front views, and our savvy b is chilled and affordable. Score! It’s the most laidback Gold Coast-esque way to enjoy yourself a sunset.

Take a dip anywhere
We are spoilt for choice for this one! Take your sunset dip at any of our flawless beaches, creeks or canals, and you won’t go wrong. But what help would we be if we didn’t share a couple of our favourite (and patrolled) gems? Straight up, Kirra would have to be one of the most picturesque spots to take a dip while watching the sun go down. Currumbin and Nobby Beach would follow very closely behind.

Prep your schedules, friends, because another sunset is on its way.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

The Gold Coast is renowned for sunny weather, but it is also home to some pretty impressive thunderstorms and humidity! To avoid any bad weather frustrations here’s a list of 13 things to do on the Gold Coast when it’s raining.

Arcades
This one is a no-brainer, Timezone has been on the Gold Coast since… forever and is the perfect activity for when you can’t be at the beach. The recently refurbished Timezone Surfers Paradise boasts a bumper car track on a 200 sqm track, an open plan prize shop filled with enticing toys, lollies and collectibles, a laser tag arena to get your adrenaline pumping, an onsite café. Oh and don’t forget Zone Bowling right next door!

The ultimate triple threat, Hijinx Hotel, Archie Brothers and Holey Moley in Surfers offer the perfect opportunity to while away a rainy day. With immersive game rooms, all your fave arcade games, bumper cars and mini golf, this epic entertainment precinct is a game-changer for fun-seekers Located under the supremely popular Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise. Click here for your discounted Archie Bros fun bundle.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise and 3197 Surfer Paradise Blvd, Elkhorn & Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Infinity Attraction
Infinity Attraction in Surfers Paradise is a crowd pleaser, a super fun activity to do with your friends! Infinity’s maze is both challenging and mind blowing. It’s an extraordinary series of 20 multi- sensory environments filled with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, ultra-groovy music and spectacular illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity! Get 10% off entry with our coupon code (“infoinsidegc”) here.
Where: Shop 31, Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Go see a Cabaret show
Dracula’s, The Pink Flamingo and Australian Outback Spectacular all offer nights of total entertainment! Drac’s combines burlesque, contemporary music, comedy and dining, all in one incredible venue! But be aware, Drac’s is MA15+ show, so leave the kids at home and get ready to be entertained! 10% off the Dracula’s show here. Pink Flamingo welcomes hundreds of guests each week and is home to three resident productions; Zirque La La, Ripped and Forbidden. Get your 20% off discount code here. The Australian Outback Spectacular is a family friendly Australiana dinner and show package featuring many Australian animals, songs and of course bush tucker.
Where: Dracula’s, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach, The Pink Flamingo, Corner of 88 Surf Parade & Victoria Ave, Broadbeach and Australian Outback Spectacular, Pacific Motorway, Oxenford

The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast is an adult’s playground and the perfect entertainment destination for those bad weather days. You can have a feast at one of the award-winning restaurants, watch a show or concert at the theatre or just see and be seen with your friends.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Miami Marketta
Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm onwards you can be part of Miami Marketta’s food stall craze. Mouthwatering food stalls, shopping and live music all in one spot and all undercover. It’s the perfect rainy-day date-night spot.
Where: 23 Hillcret Parade, Miami

Shooting
Southport Indoor Pistol Club is a good time if you’re keen to experience real firearms and ammo without needing licenses or previous experience. They offer rifles, pistols, shotguns to tactical weapons, from small to very large, the hardest thing you have to do is pick one! Click here for their latest discounted offer.
Where: Southport Indoor Pistol Club, 1/76 Ferry Road, Southport

Catch a movie
Keen to channel your inner movie buff and check out the latest blockbuster flicks? Perhaps you’re arty and prefer international films from arthouse and foreign productions? Or, maybe you just want to take the kids somewhere where they’ll actually sit still for a couple of hours these school holidays? All roads lead to one destination… and that’s the Dendy Cinema in Southport’s Queen Street Village. Click here to grab your 20% discount on tickets.
Where: Queen Street Village, Nerang Street, Southport

Ripley’s Believe it or not!
Believe it or not, but Ripley’s is a great indoor attraction for you, your family and yes, even your friends. It’s a museum full of odd, unique and incredible artefacts, art, photographs and stories of the 200+ countries Mr Ripley has visited over the years. They’ve just added several new attractions, read about them here. Click here for an exclusive offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise

The Wax Museum
The Wax Museum is one of the longest-standing attractions on the Gold Coast. Head in for a guided tour and discover some of the more gruesome torture methods that were used in ancient times. Or prepare to be starstruck, get up close and personal with some of Hollywood’s biggest names or grab a photo with royalty. For 10% off entry, click here.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Shopping
Rain = the perfect excuse to go shopping undercover. The Gold Coast is a haven for indoor shopping centres, so if you’re in Broadbeach hit up Pacific Fair Shopping Centre or The Oasis Shopping Centre, if you’re in Surfers Paradise, the Paradise Centre or Australia Fair Shopping Centre in Southport.

Escape Rooms
Get a group of friends together, ditch the mobile phones for an hour and go have some fun! Choose from Escape Hunt in Southport or Fox in a Box, Eclipse Escape Rooms and Padlock’d in Surfers Paradise. Note that you will have to use your brain. 60 minutes to use the clues provided to solve the puzzles and escape! Click here for discounts. The newly opened Other World HQ in Surfers provides an unparalleled and thrilling escapade. The first experience introduced is Saboteurs, which invites individuals into the real-life world of “Among Us.” Not technically an Escape Room, but if you’ve got some rage to unleash try Rage Cage in Southport. Click here for a discount.
Where: Southport and Surfers Paradise

Go Karting
Slideways Go Karting Centre in Nerang is Go Karting is just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise is a uniquely designed track and surface to allow karts to drift and get Slideways! Their go kart track is indoors and not affected by the weather – open rain hail or shine! They have 20 European state-of-the-art Sodi karts, powered by de-governed, 9hp, four stroke Honda kart engines, which means it will take some skill to achieve a good lap. Get 20% off a 20 minute session here.
Where: 10 Spencer Road, Nerang

Head to a day spa 
Sometimes a little self-love is needed, particularly when it’s raining and you want to be all cosied up inside. A day at the spa sounds like heaven to us, check out our list of faves here.

Words by Kirra Smith.

There have been about 53 public holidays of late, meaning more time for activities and more money going out of your wallet. Meanwhile, the sun is shining (most of the time) and it’s almost summer, so there are still plenty of good times to be had.

Thankfully we have the answer, FREE THINGS TO DO on the Gold Coast. They do say the best things in life are free!

Bike crawl to Burleigh
There are many sweet spots to cruise along on the Gold Coast. Start at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach and head south to the hill at Burleigh Heads. You’ll mostly be on the Esplanades but there are bike lanes on the roads for max safety. Wear your helmet.

Sunset at Burleigh Hill
Everybody’s favourite picnic spot. Roll out a blanket and kick up your heels for one of the best sunset views on the Gold Coast. People watching is at an all-time high here too if that’s your thing. Take some sport-related things to throw/kick and join in with the rest of the revelers.

Cruise through the markets
The Coast is home to lots of epic markets including beachside ones at Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Broadbeach, the ever-popular Village Markets at Burleigh Heads State School every second Sunday and the HOTA markets every Sunday. So many goodies.

Stroll through the national park
We are lucky enough to boast some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world (if we do say so ourselves). Take a stroll over Burleigh Hill through the national park and around to Tallebudgera Creek and then return on the Oceanview path. Make sure to keep an eye out for breaching whales.

Paddle in Tallebudgera Creek
The water in Talle Creek is all of the absolutely stunning shades of blue and green and it’s truly a sight to behold. Swim out into the middle, float around on your back and think about how lucky you are to experience it.

Check out The Spit
Main Beach is home to a spot called The Spit which is home to a dog beach and a sweet pier-style situation so you can both make lots of hairy new friends and take some sweet snaps to remember it all.

Feed the birds
Okay, so this one is almost free but well worth the gold coin donation. Head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and feed the hundreds of lorikeets who gather there twice a day (8am and 4pm). They’re beautiful and loud and it’s an amazing experience.

Splash at Currumbin Rock Pools
Just a short drive from Currumbin are the Currumbin Rock Pools, complete with a jumping rock and little waterfalls to splash around in. It can get busy but it’s a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon.

Take a hike
Actually. There are TONS of hikes you can take around the Gold Coast from short little easy ones (yes please) to more challenging, mountainous ones and all with absolutely stunning views and lots of natural goodness to soak up.

Swim in a waterfall
Also just a short drive from Currumbin are Cougal Cascades, a collection of beautiful waterfalls you can swim under and take pretty pics of. You can also laze about in the rock pools and slide down the rocks themselves. It’s a delight. There are plenty more around too.

Slide into a playground
The Gold Coast is home to many epic playgrounds for kids. Most of them have tables and BBQ facilities, so pack an esky and make a day of it. The perennially popular Pirate Park in Palm Beach has just had an upgrade and it’s now bigger than ever.  Other unmissable parks include Bim’bimba Park, Pimpama, named the 2020 Best New Park in Queensland and the new Broadwater Parklands North with a 5 storey slide!

Find the frog
Down south a little further, there’s a stunning walk around the ocean from Coolangatta to Snapper Rocks. Go in search of the big green frog on your way, he’s overlooking a secluded little beach called Froggies (for obvious reasons).

Gaze at local art
The Gold Coast is home to several art galleries showcasing our talented local artists plus, of course, some from further afield. Find 19 Karen in Mermaid Beach, Dust Temple in Currumbin and the impressive contemporary HOTA Gallery in Bundall. Grab your Nikes, a LIME bike, skateboard, scooter, or your choice of wheels and hit the trail of the Gold Coast’s best street art with Art Roll. Their easy-to-navigate maps will have you rolling to the best street art by suburb.

Frolic on the beach
We’re lucky enough to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Surfers Paradise to Snapper Rocks, the options are endless and each one more beautiful than the last. Don’t forget water and sunscreen of course, that Gold Coast sun is unrelenting.

Make your way up the mountain
Mt Tamborine is only a 40 minute drive from the Coast and the views from up there are next-level. Not only that, there are more beautiful walks than you can poke a stick at, waterfalls and the main street is a sight to behold in itself. Plenty of shops to scope out if you’ve got some spare change too.

Enjoy, friends, those should keep you going for awhile.

Words by Kirra Smith