15 Free Issues to do on the Gold Coast, Queensland: get pleasure from your trip and save in your pockets
Take a break out of your actuality and discover all that this lovely coastal vacation spot has to supply! Whereas South East Queensland is a significant vacationer hub, it’s identified that the majority actions can include the next price ticket. However surprisingly, there is no such thing as a scarcity of free issues to do on the Gold Coast.
This consists of picturesque hikes, beautiful bike paths, distinctive sights, and unimaginable wildlife experiences. So, for these with an adventurous soul curious to discover town vibes of Gold Coast, we’ll be having a look at among the wonderful issues that the budget-friendly people can get pleasure from.
So, let’s prepare to your subsequent Queensland journey!
Free Issues to do on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a stretch of utopia that can go away you in awe. It’s not solely blessed with among the greatest seashores in Australia, however it additionally boasts a must-see vacation spot like Surfers Paradise. With its beautiful seashores, clear blue waters, and thriving surf tradition, it’s no surprise why so many guests select to base themselves right here.
However, whereas it’s a classy place to go to, there are at all times causes to fill in your time with actions that don’t break the financial institution. Subsequently, we’ll begin by itemizing them beneath!
Pure Bridge
Nestled within the western a part of Springbrook Nationwide Park, the Pure Bridge is extremely simple to get to and a must-see waterfall. In case you didn’t know, this space is positioned inside the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage Space.
The park affords guests a picturesque rock formation that has been sculpted and shaped by the drive of the waterfall over the underlying basalt cave. Merely park your automotive simply off the Nerang-Murwillumbah Street and comply with the straightforward one-kilometre circuit.
Descend slowly by the traditional, lush rainforest, and also you’ll quickly be rewarded with the magnificent Pure Bridge rock arch. Through the day, you possibly can spot paradise riflebirds, inexperienced catbirds, and endangered species just like the cascade tree frog and Koalas. Nevertheless, when you take a guided nocturnal tour, you would possibly get a glimpse of protected glow-worms and micro bats.
Swimming on the many seashores
The Gold Coast is thought for its beautiful seashores and crystal clear waters, and it’s no surprise it’s a vacationer vacation favorite. Whether or not you’re seeking to catch some waves, go kayaking, or just absorb the solar with your loved ones, this is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do on the Gold Coast.
This beautiful shoreline runs for about 50 kilometres, and you’ll select between suburbs like Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera, Currumbin, and Miami Seaside. Nearly all open seashores are patrolled by lifeguards seven days per week (Between the Crimson and Yellow Flags) and are typically inside strolling distance from most lodging.
There are numerous spots to stake your declare within the sand and watch the waves roll in. So, it’s no shock that these seashores maintain a particular place within the hearts of each locals and guests alike.
Currumbin Rock Swimming pools
There’s no scarcity of native swimming holes on this space, and the Currumbin Rock Swimming pools are fairly fashionable. It’s tucked away within the serene Currumbin Valley, and you’ll swim within the refreshing freshwater rock swimming pools and hearken to the calming stream.
Households can even recognize the picnic tables, grassy river banks, shut parking, and BBQs out there. Plus, be sure you make the most of the 1.6km strolling path by the Mount Cougal Nationwide Park, which affords beautiful views of the Currumbin Valley.
Cedar Creek Falls
Are you bored with the identical outdated routine of sweltering summers spent at crowded seashores and water parks? Then, look no additional than Cedar Creek Falls at Tamborine Mountain.
Surrounded by a towering amphitheatre of rocks and set in opposition to a backdrop of lush tropical rainforests, the swimming pools are nature’s final playground. Right here, you’ll be handled to a symphony of sounds, from the soothing rush of waterfalls to the melodious chirping of birds above.
You’ll have a blast exploring the completely different swimming pools and gushing waterfalls however do be conscious that it could get chilly even within the top of summer season. Nevertheless, do not forget that leaping from greater areas is a no-go on account of hidden rocks, and it’s greatest to go early earlier than the automotive park fills up.
O’Reilly’s Tree Prime Stroll
The unimaginable O’Reilly’s Tree Prime Stroll attraction offers guests a singular perspective of the rainforest by permitting them to stroll by the cover itself! It was the primary of its type in Australia, and also you’ll be in awe of the blooming bushes and vines, the orchids and ferns, and the various array of birds and animals that decision the treetops their residence.
What’s extra, the Tree Prime Stroll is 180 metres in size, with 9 suspension bridges and commentary decks standing at a dizzying top of 30 metres. Together with being positioned after a fast and straightforward 300-metre boardwalk from the customer centre through the Booyong Stroll.
Artwork & Craft Markets
In case you’re on the hunt for distinctive present concepts or simply wish to peruse some regionally made style, then try among the Arts and Crafts markets. With areas popping up in all places, you’re sure to stumble throughout one on a weekend. This consists of Surfers Paradise, Helensvale, Carrara, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads.
Not solely do they provide all kinds of native arts and crafts, however you can too discover farmers’ markets and automotive boot gross sales. Browse for inspiration, store for low cost souvenirs, or strive a scrumptious snack made recent from native produce. And the very best half? Dwell entertainers set the proper, laid-back environment as you wander alongside the gorgeous coastal stretch.
Tumgun Lookout
Tumgun Lookout is without doubt one of the greatest views on the Gold Coast and is really easy to get to within the Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park. The lookout pears out throughout the inlet to Tallebudgera Creek and south to Coolangatta or out within the ocean to identify whales.
There’s additionally a pleasant sized platform with a sitting bench on the again, simply excellent so that you can take all of it in. Though, preserve an eye fixed out for wildlife, as you possibly can spot Koala’s, native birds, and loads of beaded dragons (lizards).
With a free automotive park mendacity on the finish of Goodwin Terrace, the climb as much as the lookout will take you round fifteen minutes. However for the younger and match, it may take even much less! Nevertheless, there are a number of tracks you possibly can comply with round for train, or within the winter, fireflies might be seen at nightfall.
Watch the Lorikeet’s feed.
Lorikeets are considered one of Australia’s most vibrant birds, and you’ll recognize their magnificence at a feeding close to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Twice a day, at 8 am and 4 pm, guests are handled to the sight of untamed lorikeets flocking to the designated feeding space. Not solely is that this a free exercise, however it additionally offers an up-close and private expertise with among the most pleasant birds on this planet.
The lorikeets have returned to this day by day feeding spot for over 75 years, and it’s a treasured favorite exercise on the Gold Coast. Nevertheless, for a small gold coin donation, you possibly can maintain a plate of specifically formulated chicken meals. And, after a small wait of standing nonetheless, they’ll fly in your head, arms, and shoulders, making an attempt to get nearer to the meals.
Whale Recognizing
Do you know that yearly, from June to November, you possibly can witness probably the most awe-inspiring pure phenomena proper right here on the Gold Coast? That’s proper, the majestic humpback whales make their method from Antarctica, previous the nice and cozy Queensland waters, and placed on a present like no different.
Positive, you possibly can take a whale-watching tour and see them up shut. However because you’re after the free issues to do on the Gold Coast, know that it received’t price you a single penny to glimpse these magnificent creatures from one of many many elevated lookouts alongside the shoreline. This consists of the Tumgun lookout talked about above or viewing out of your resort balcony.
Stroll the Esplanade
The Gold Coast Oceanway and Esplanade strolling path stretches alongside all of the seashores. With its expansive walkways, picnic amenities, and seashore showers, this recreation park is the proper place to get pleasure from a sunny time out of your resort.
Take a night stroll to look at the sundown or get up to the solar rising over the ocean waters. Lots of the locals will use it for day by day train. Plus, with accessibility options, all members of the neighborhood can get pleasure from the fantastic thing about this space.
Get a selfie with the Surfers Paradise Signal.
Nothing says “I’ve been to the Gold Coast” than getting your image taken with the Surfers Paradise signal. This well-known landmark has change into synonymous with the Gold Coast, and capturing it in your photograph will impress your pals and Instagram followers.
It’s positioned on the beachside finish of Cavill Avenue and proper in entrance of the Esplanade driveway. Take it from one facet with the seashore within the background or from the opposite facet with town skyscrapers towering over you. Both method, it’s a brief and fast factor to do on the Gold Coast.
Purling Brook Falls
In case you haven’t acquired sufficient of the waterfalls, then Purling Brook Falls might be added to your listing whereas visiting Springbrook Nationwide Park. In case you’re fortunate sufficient to go in the summertime or after some important rain, the quantity of water coming down can be rather more spectacular.
The entire stroll is about 4 kilometres, and it’ll take a leisurely 2.5 hours to stroll to the underside of the falls and again out once more. Moreover, this can be a shaped monitor however can get muddy and slippery after some rain. Nevertheless, you possibly can view the falls from two simple and brief lookout factors from both facet on the prime.
Browsing at Currumbin Seaside
Whilst you can surf in many alternative locations alongside the Gold Coast, Currumbin Seaside is without doubt one of the extra fashionable locations. Both seize your personal surfboard and head out into the waters or watch the power and expertise of all of the surfers on the market. Positive, it could get somewhat busy, and discovering a park may be difficult, however don’t let that deter you.
What’s wonderful about Currumbin is the rolling waves into the creek and accessing the depths from the encircling rocks. Not solely that, however the Surfers Paradise skyline provides for some good views within the background. Nevertheless, when you don’t know how you can surf, then a Surf College van is parked down right here day by day for these keen vacationers eager to strive it out for a cost.
Discover the Pelicans
Pelicans are consistently flying round everywhere in the Gold Coast. However you might be assured to see these large lovely creatures at 1:30 pm day by day outdoors Charis Seafood in Labrador.
Every day, the native seafood store offers a scrumptious meal (Seafood scraps) for the pelicans who name the realm residence. It’s a powerful sight to see so many birds collect for his or her day by day feast, and you’ll be taught a bit alongside the way in which from the employees.
These birds are big however surprisingly light, making for an unforgettable, family-friendly expertise as you rise up shut and private with them. Sadly, the entire course of is over in about ten minutes, however you can too have some lunch on the takeaway store or go swimming within the lagoon.
Watch the Dawn over the seashore.
The East Coast of Australia is not any higher place to look at the solar cross the horizon over the water. You are able to do this by strolling down the seashore along with your freshly brewed cup of espresso and even out of your resort room balcony.
The air is crisp, the waves are rolling, and also you abruptly really feel at peace watching the seagulls flying round. Because the solar slowly rises, the sky transitions from pale blue to fiery oranges and pinks, creating an outstanding view.
Belief that that is one of the simplest ways to begin your day, and after an hour, you possibly can wander the streets in search of a breakfast location.
Conclusion – Free issues to do on the Gold Coast
It’s encouraging to know that with some analysis and creativity, many cost-friendly actions could make for an satisfying keep. Whether or not heading out for a day of seashore combing or an evening of stargazing, this listing of free issues to do on the Gold Coast will preserve you on a price range.
Even higher, these lovely areas are readily loved by anybody at any time! So why not be adventurous, strive one thing new, and expertise the very best of what the Gold Coast affords with out spending greater than crucial?
Visitor bio
Chris Fry is the author and photographer behind Aquarius Traveller, the place she shares her journeys and offers invaluable info and inspiration to your vacation spot travels. She lives in Australia and has travelled to 36 international locations and in-depth throughout Australia.
