Things to do on the Gold Coast

A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire

The Gold Coast is one of those destinations that reveals its best secrets once you get away from the high-rise strip and follow a few local tips. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team loves sharing those “hidden gem” spots that make visitors feel like insiders – and many of the recommendations below come straight from customers who return to the counter buzzing about their favourite discoveries.

At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time in Australia. Whether you’re here for the surf, family fun or a quick beach escape, a few insider tips from locals can make all the difference.​​

With branches across Australia and New Zealand, including our handy Gold Coast Airport location, our teams are genuinely passionate about their own “home” cities, and the Gold Coast is no exception. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team spend their days helping visitors plan beach hops, hinterland drives and value-packed day trips, and we also love hearing what our customers enjoyed most so we can pass those ideas on.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best things to do in and around the Gold Coast, from coastal walks and neighbourhood markets to hinterland adventures and local food spots. Instead of just repeating the same big theme parks and Surfers Paradise highlights you’ll see on every list, we’ve focused on ideas that the RaD Gold Coast Airport team and our customers actually talk about at the counter.

As a perfect extension from Brisbane or a standalone beach holiday, the Gold Coast rewards those who explore at their own pace, and with a hire car from the airport, you’re set to discover it all.

Gold Coast Activities

Kicking things off, here are some Gold Coast activities that the RaD Gold Coast Airport team likes to recommend when customers say, “We’ve done the beach and the big parks – what else is there?” These are the kinds of experiences that often surprise people, and many are free or low‑cost, which is perfect for budget-conscious travellers.

1. Hinterland drives and rock pools (free to $)

The team often suggest using your RaD rental car to head into the Gold Coast Hinterland for waterfalls, lookouts and natural swimming holes where locals cool off.

  • Currumbin Rock Pools or Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook National Park are stunning, free spots for a swim and picnic – pack supplies and let the kids play for hours.​
  • Customers frequently tell us how refreshing these escapes are after a beach day, and the short drives make them easy to slot in.​

Of course, these are just a couple of examples of the off-the-beaten-track recommendations our team likes to make. Be sure to ask lots of questions when you pick up your rental car or even fire through an email to the team prior to your airport pick up, and they will be more than happy to provide you with some more tailored tips if this sort of thing floats your boat.

2. Neighbourhood markets and coastal walks (free to $)

A lot of visitors stick to the main drag, but our team and customers rave about local markets and beachfront paths that feel more authentic.

You hire car from RaD lets you get to some of these more remote places where there aren’t as many crowds and you can take in the true beauty of the Gold Coast.

3. Broadwater Parklands and lagoons (free)

One of the biggest pieces of feedback is how much visitors love the Broadwater area for relaxed, family‑friendly fun.

  • Feed the pelicans at Ian Dipple Lagoon (daily at 1:30pm), then let kids splash in the free water playgrounds or bouncy pillows.​
  • Staff recommend timing a BBQ picnic here for sunset – it’s a zero-cost highlight that beats a lot of paid attractions.

Broadwater Parklands is also the home of the Gold Coast Marathon if that is more your scene, as well as other big events throughout the year including Christmas Carols in the park and a Monster Machinery Day.

4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary day trip ($ to $$)

Head to Currumbin for an authentic wildlife experience that feels more local than the big theme parks.

  • Feed kangaroos and lorikeets during the daily free-flight bird show, wander tree-top rope bridges and see koalas up close – entry covers a full day of shows and exhibits.​
  • The RaD Gold Coast Airport team often recommend it to families wanting native animals without huge crowds, and many customers say it’s better value than the flashier parks nearby.

If this is your first time visiting Australia, this is a great chance to see some of our most beloved animals, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats and more.

5. Easy day drives to quieter spots (mostly free, fuel only)

With the Gold Coast as your base, hinterland and southern drives are simple with a hire car.​

Whichever direction you head – north, south or west – you are guaranteed to find something that ticks all your boxes, whether you are looking for family-friendly activities, exploring the great outdoors or something more relaxing.

Gold Coast Places to Eat

Choosing where to eat can be one of the toughest parts of planning a trip, and the Gold Coast has options for every taste and budget. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team have pulled together a mix of places that staff love personally and that customers keep recommending when they drop the keys back.​​

Below are some styles of places to look for, along with an idea of budget using $ (Budget‑Friendly) to $$$$ (Luxury).​

Masu Izakaya

Cuisine: Japanese Izakaya

Budget: Moderate ($$)

Suburb: Burleigh Heads

Highlights: Masu Izakaya is a contemporary Japanese restaurant blending traditional technique with a relaxed izakaya vibe. Centred around a lively sushi bar, the menu celebrates shared dining with artfully prepared sushi, sashimi, crisp tempura and Japanese style Teppanyaki cooked by the Chef-led. Local produce meets premium Japanese ingredients, brought together with refined presentation and bold, authentic flavours. For vibrant group dining and elevated Japanese cuisine, Masu Izakaya is a standout Burleigh Heads destination. 

Burleigh Pavilion

Cuisine: Mediterranean and modern Australian

Budget: Moderate - Upscale ($$)

Suburb: Burleigh Heads

Highlights: Burleigh Pavilion is one of the most iconic venues on the Gold Coast, with stunning ocean views and city skyline as a backdrop for unique event experiences. The full-service Tropic restaurant offers a premium day or night event experience in a setting surrounded by the sun and sea. The menu is a fun, Mediterranean-inspired menu of seafood, shareable treats and reimagined classics, paired with drinks. Burleigh Pavilion is the ultimate destination for those looking for epic beachfront water views on the Coasts. 

Yi Dynasty

Cuisine: Korean BBQ and hot pots
Budget: Moderate ($$)
Suburb: Southport
Highlights: Yi Dynasty brings authentic Korean BBQ to the Gold Coast with premium Australian meats like wagyu brisket and pork belly grilled on high-quality cast-iron pans, served with fresh banchan side dishes, bibimbap and hearty soups like gamjatang. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team recommend it for groups who love interactive table grilling and sharing platters, and customers often rave about the generous portions, warm hospitality and feeling of a proper Korean dining experience away from the beach crowds.

Freghete

Cuisine: Italian and Mediterranean
Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Broadbeach
Highlights: Freghete offers refined Italian dishes in a stylish setting, with house-made pasta, fresh seafood and wood-fired specials that highlight local produce in a sleek Pacific Fair location. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team likes to suggest it for date nights or celebrations, where the polished service and extensive wine list elevate a night out, and many customers mention it as their standout sophisticated meal on the Gold Coast.

Hurricanes

Cuisine: South African braai (grill) and seafood
Budget: Moderate to Upscale ($$ – $$$)
Suburb: Surfers Paradise
Highlights: Hurricanes specialises in flame-grilled prawns, ribs and steaks with a South African twist, served in generous platters perfect for sharing amid a lively beachside atmosphere. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team points visitors here for that classic Gold Coast seafood feast without the fuss, and customers frequently return talking about the massive portions, fun vibe and how it became a trip highlight for families and groups.​

Bar Italia

Cuisine: Italian trattoria
Budget: Moderate ($$)
Suburb: Mermaid Beach
Highlights: Bar Italia delivers casual yet authentic Italian fare like handmade gnocchi, veal parmigiana and tiramisu in a neighbourhood setting with friendly, family-run service. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team loves recommending it to those seeking a homey pasta night away from tourist traps, and diners often tell us the generous serves, fresh ingredients and relaxed outdoor seating made it feel like a local secret.

Thai Eatery

Cuisine: Thai street food and regional specials
Budget: Budget-friendly ($)
Suburb: Main Beach
Highlights: Thai Eatery serves up vibrant curries, pad Thai and fresh salads in a no-frills local spot that punches above its weight with bold flavours and quick service. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team suggest it for affordable, tasty takeaways after a beach day, and customers praise the authentic tastes, huge portions and value that keep them coming back for casual dinners near the sand.​

Additional cafes and casual eats that the RaD Gold Coast Airport team and our customers love:

  • Goto – vibrant Japanese café with excellent ramen and coffee ($$)
  • Hot Shott – trendy brunch spot for creative avo toast and smoothies ($–$$)
  • Whiney Cow – playful burgers and craft beers in a fun, laid-back vibe ($$)
  • Le Jardin – French-inspired patisserie with flaky pastries and éclairs ($)
  • Dipcro – modern dips, flatbreads and share plates for light lunches ($$)
  • Yakiniku – casual Japanese BBQ bites and skewers for quick group feeds ($$)


Gold Coast Accommodation

The Gold Coast offers everything from hostels to luxury resorts. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team regularly help match stays to budgets and plans – and customer feedback keeps our suggestions spot‑on.

The Langham, Gold Coast

Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
Suburb: Surfers Paradise
Features: The Langham offers an ultra-premium beachfront experience with opulent rooms featuring marble bathrooms, private balconies and ocean views, plus a Chuan Spa, infinity pool, multiple dining venues and personalised service that rivals five-star city hotels. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team recommend it for couples or families seeking a lavish treat, and customers often highlight the serene beach access, world-class facilities and attention to detail as their standout memories.​

Meriton Suites Broadbeach

Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Broadbeach
Features: Meriton Suites Broadbeach delivers spacious studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments up to three times larger than standard hotel rooms, complete with full kitchens, in-suite laundries, private balconies and stunning ocean or hinterland views. With indoor/outdoor pools, a gym, sauna and free unlimited WiFi, it’s a top pick from the RaD Gold Coast Airport team for longer stays or groups wanting self-catering flexibility near Pacific Fair and the beach.

Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Surfers Paradise
Features: Peppers Soul combines sleek apartment-style suites with resort facilities including a heated outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre and on-site dining, all just a short walk from the beach and heart of Surfers. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team suggest it to visitors who want modern comfort with a central location for nightlife and shopping, and many customers praise the spacious layouts, attentive staff and value for a premium stay.

Circle on Cavill

Budget: Moderate ($$)
Suburb: Surfers Paradise
Features: Circle on Cavill provides self-contained apartments with kitchenettes, balconies and resort perks like a lagoon pool, waterslides, gym and tennis court in the thick of Surfers Paradise action. It’s a firm favourite of the RaD Gold Coast Airport team for budget-conscious families or groups who still want fun facilities and easy beach access, with customers frequently mentioning the kid-friendly pools and proximity to Cavill Avenue as trip-savers.

Oaks Calypso Plaza

Budget: Moderate ($$)
Suburb: Surfers Paradise
Features: Oaks Calypso Plaza offers comfortable one and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, laundry facilities and balconies overlooking the city or hinterland, plus a rooftop pool, spa and BBQ area steps from the beach. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team love pointing guests here for practical stays that balance cost and convenience, and feedback often calls out the clean, spacious units and relaxed vibe as ideal for Gold Coast self-drive holidays.

Gold Coast Beaches and Attractions

With your RaD rental car, beach-hopping and attraction runs become effortless day trips across the Gold Coast's 57km coastline and hinterland. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team and customers love mixing free beach time with unique experiences that feel authentically local rather than touristy.​

Gold Coast Beaches

Surfers Paradise

Location: Surfers Paradise
Features: The jewel in the crown of the Gold Coast is undoubtedly Surfers Paradise, one of the country’s most recognised destinations. The surfside suburb has been a tourism hot spot since the 1920s, when Brisbane hotelier Jim Cavill purchased 10 hectares of land in the then-named Elston. Now named the far more appropriate Surfers Paradise. It stretches for kilometres along the Gold Coast, the golden strip of sand is where locals and visitors alike come to swim, surf and soak up the sunshine. Backed by a lively foreshore with Café, markets, and entertainment, it’s the perfect spot for families, adventurers, and anyone who loves the ocean. 

Rainbow Bay

Location: Coolangatta (southern Gold Coast, near the NSW border)
Features: Rainbow Bay offers a long, north-facing stretch of golden sand ideal for swimming and bodyboarding, backed by grassy parkland perfect for picnics and backed by the famous Snapper Rocks surf break. Locals head here for its relaxed family vibe, free parking and short coastal walks to greener headlands – a quieter alternative to the central strip.

Currumbin Beach

Location: Currumbin (southern Gold Coast)
Features: Currumbin combines a sheltered swimming bay with excellent surf options, plus rock pools and a beachfront café strip that locals frequent for all-day hangs. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team point visitors to the free beachside exercise stations and dog-friendly stretches early in the morning when parking is easiest.

Burleigh Heads

Location: Burleigh Heads (central-southern Gold Coast)
Features: Burleigh Heads National Park frames this patrolled beach with headland walks offering 360-degree ocean views, yoga spots at sunrise and a relaxed bohemian atmosphere. Families and surfers alike love the calm southern end for swimming, while free BBQs and picnic tables make it a budget go-to for full beach days.

Broadbeach

Location: Broadbeach (central Gold Coast)
Features: Broadbeach delivers wide sands, safe swimming zones and easy access to Pacific Fair shopping, with a stretch that's less crowded than Surfers yet still lively. The RaD team recommend it for its free beachside paths, nearby markets and family-friendly facilities like showers and shaded playgrounds.

Palm Beach

Location: Palm Beach (central Gold Coast)
Features: Palm Beach offers calm, turquoise waters in a horseshoe bay perfect for young kids, paddleboarding and snorkelling, with a shady park and playground right behind. Locals swear by its sheltered vibe, free parking and short walks to Pacific Park for picnics – an easy win for relaxed beach mornings.

Gold Coast Attractions

Theme Parks

Warner Bros. Movie World // Sea World // Dream World // Wet’n Wild // White Water World // Paradise Country // Australian Outback Spectacular

Cost: ~$80–$189 adult day pass (family deals/combos available; check online)
Location: Around the Gold Coast (Oxenford – Coomera - Southport)
Features:

  • Warner Bros. Movie World: Known as "Hollywood on the Gold Coast," it features DC Super Hero-themed rollercoasters, live stunt shows, and the Wizard of Oz precinct.
  • Sea World: A marine mammal park combining rides with education, offering dolphin shows, polar bear encounters, and the Atlantis thrill precinct.
  • Dreamworld: Australia's largest theme park, featuring high-thrill rides, native wildlife experiences, and the new Rivertown jungle precinct.
  • Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast: A massive water park offering adrenaline-pumping slides, wave pools, and relaxing water play areas.
  • WhiteWater World: Located next to Dreamworld, offering a variety of water slides, a, and a family-friendly splash zone.
  • Paradise Country: An immersive Australian farm experience where families can see native wildlife and experience life on an Australian homestead.
  • Australian Outback Spectacular: An evening dinner show featuring immersive technology, animals, and stories of the Australian heartland.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Cost: Free entry; tastings $8–$15 per board (check site for tours/masterclasses)
Location: Tamborine Mountain (Gold Coast Hinterland, ~45min drive)
Features: This award-winning craft distillery crafts unique liqueurs, gins and spirits using local botanicals in a picturesque Tudor-style tasting room, with guided tours revealing traditional methods and generous samples. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team suggest it for couples or groups on hinterland drives, and customers rave about discovering flavours like rainforest liqueur amid stunning mountain views.

Skypoint Climb

Location: Surfers Paradise (Q1 building, central Gold Coast)
Cost: ~$129–$179 per person (day/night climbs; discounts for online booking)
Features: Skypoint Climb takes you outside the highest external building climb in the Southern Hemisphere at 270m up, harnessed for 360-degree views over the coastline, city lights and hinterland – a bucket-list thrill for fit adventurers. The RaD Gold Coast Airport team recommend sunset or night climbs, with customers calling it the ultimate Gold Coast photo op and adrenaline rush.

Paddleboarding at Currumbin Boatshed

Cost: ~$30–$50/hour rental (lessons/groups available)
Location: Currumbin Creek (Currumbin Waters)
Features: Currumbin Boatshed offers stand-up paddleboard rentals on serene, glassy Currumbin Creek amid mangroves and wildlife, with calm waters perfect for beginners or families. The RaD team love sending visitors here for a low-key water adventure away from ocean swells, and customers highlight the peaceful paddle to beaches and hidden sandbars as a trip highlight.

Surf World Beach and Culture Museum

Cost: ~$20 adult entry (concessions/kids cheaper; free under 5)
Location: Currumbin Beach (southern Gold Coast)
Features: Surf World showcases Australia's largest surf history collection with rare boards, photos, memorabilia and interactive exhibits celebrating Gold Coast surf culture from 1960s pioneers to modern stars. Right across from Currumbin Beach, it's a quick, affordable stop the RaD Gold Coast Airport team suggests to surf fans, with visitors loving the stories, films and beachfront location.

Gold Coast Best Shopping Destinations

Pacific Fair

Location: Broadbeach
Features: One of Queensland’s largest, featuring over 400 stores, including luxury brands (Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton) and major Australian retailers. Getting to Pacific Fair during your holiday is a breeze! Pacific Fair is conveniently located on the Gold Coast Highway, just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport. Pacific Fairs provides customers with 5 hours of free parking per day with 6,500 open and undercover parking spaces.

Harbour Town Premium Outlets

Location: Biggera Waters
Features: Australia’s largest outdoor outlet shopping centre with over 220 retailers, including brand direct outlet and clearance stores offering up to 70 per cent off every day. The open-air, palm-lined mall is also home to an impressive alfresco dining destination, Harbour Town Eats, offering cuisine from around the world plus iPlay to entertain kids of all ages and the Gold Coast's biggest and most affordable cinema complex, Readings Cinemas. Harbour Town Outlets has multiple open car parks with plenty of free parking available throughout the day. 

Renting a car in the Gold Coast

If you're arriving at Gold Coast Airport – whether domestic or international – the RaD Gold Coast Airport team make getting on the road simple and stress-free. Customers consistently praise the smooth handover process, warm welcome and practical tips that set them up for beach runs or hinterland escapes right away.​

Why choose RaD at Gold Coast Airport?

  • Meet-and-greet convenience

Your hire car will be waiting for you as soon as you exit arrivals, parked in a convenient lot close to the terminal – visitors tell us this beats crowded rental desks and waiting for shuttles every time, especially with kids or after long flights.

  • Cars and prices for every budget

Choose from economy compacts perfect for couples, SUVs for beach gear or large people-movers for family holidays, spanning value-priced options to premium late-model vehicles. Feedback highlights our competitive daily rates, spotless presentation and dependability for everything from quick beach hops to multi-day coastal drives.

  • Newer Range Vehicles

Offers the latest models of family vehicles on Kia Carnival, Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi Outlanders with modern safety features and Apple Car/Android Auto for navigating the trips in competitive rate and great value.

  • Friendly, local advice

What sets us apart in reviews is the genuine, tailored guidance – whether plotting the quickest route to Burleigh Heads, spotting uncrowded hinterland lookouts or sharing customer-tested café stops. Repeat renters say they wouldn't go anywhere else thanks to the hassle-free pick-up and team that treats you like a mate, not just a booking.

  • Exceptional customer service

High customer satisfaction over the hundreds of reviews. RaD Gold Coast has an outstanding reputation with 5-star testimonials from customers who praise everything from the seamless process to the quality of the vehicles. 

Whether you're beach-hopping between Coolangatta and Surfers or venturing inland to Tamborine Mountain, the RaD rental from Gold Coast Airport unlocks the freedom to explore on your schedule – backed by local know-how from our team and insights from thousands of happy customers who've cruised these roads before you. If you're looking for a reliable, customer-focused car rental experience at the Gold Coast Airport, RaD Car Hire is a top contender. You can visit our website for more information and to check availability.

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