Must-See Sights on the Gold Coast

September 24, 2025

Top Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss

An beautiful view of a gold coast city with tall buildings and a beach.

The Gold Coast is known for its beaches and sunshine, but there’s so much more to see. Whether you are here for a weekend or a week, these are the spots you won’t want to miss during your stay.

Surfers Paradise

This is the most iconic part of the Gold Coast and one of the busiest. Surfers Paradise has a wide beach, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and regular beachfront markets. It is great for a first look at the city’s energy and beach culture. You can swim, take surf lessons or just relax on the sand.

SkyPoint Observation Deck

Located at the top of the Q1 building, SkyPoint gives you stunning 360-degree views over the entire coastline and hinterland. You can go during the day or at night, and there’s even a café and bar where you can enjoy the view with a drink. It is perfect for that wow moment during your trip.

Burleigh Heads National Park

This coastal park is a local favourite. There is a well-maintained walking track that wraps around the headland with ocean views on one side and rainforest on the other. At the top, you’ll find lookout points with panoramic views back to Surfers Paradise. After your walk, relax on Burleigh Hill and watch the surfers.

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Located in Broadbeach, Pacific Fair is the biggest shopping centre on the Gold Coast. You’ll find a mix of designer brands, high-street stores, beauty salons, cinemas and a great food court. It’s more than just shopping — the centre itself is open-air, stylish and a great way to spend a rainy or hot afternoon.

Tamborine Mountain

Just under an hour from the coast, Tamborine Mountain feels like a different world. You’ll find walking trails, waterfalls like Curtis Falls, local cafés, wineries and the famous Gallery Walk filled with handmade gifts and sweets. It is cooler in temperature, making it a great escape on hot summer days.

HOTA – Home of the Arts

HOTA is the cultural heart of the Gold Coast. It has a often free art gallery, outdoor sculpture trail, cinema, theatre and events almost every weekend. From food festivals to open-air concerts, it’s always worth checking what’s on. The HOTA lookout also offers a beautiful view over the canals and skyline.

Theme Parks

If you’re travelling with family or love adventure, the Gold Coast’s theme parks are a must.

Dreamworld for rides and animals
Movie World for entertainment and characters
Wet’n’Wild for water fun
Sea World for marine life and shows
They’re all located in the northern part of the city and easy to reach by car or shuttle.

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What's on in November: Gold Coast Events

By Sophie B • November 1, 2025

The bottle shops have tripled their supply of cowboy shot buckets…instant noodle sales are front and centre at Woolworths…it can only mean one thing: Schoolies Season is upon us. As an accommodation provider, November on the Gold Coast is one of our busiest (and craziest times) of the year! If you have planned your family holiday for November fear not - Schoolies is so well organised now you’ll hardly even know they are here. There are plenty of events, markets and family friendly spots to escape to, check out our top picks below: NOVEMBER EVENTS Nitro Circus: Off the Rails World Tour When: November 1, 2025 – 7:00 pm Where: People First Stadium The Vibe: A high-octane spectacle of FMX, BMX and scooter stunts, pyrotechnics and non-stop action. Expect adrenaline-filled thrills and big crowds. Surfing State of Origin When: November 15 & 16, 2025 Where: John Laws Park, Burleigh Heads The Vibe: A surf showdown between Queensland & New South Wales, where the top 8 teams battle it out. The local surf clubs will be packed, and it’s a great way to experience local culture. Rolling Sets Festival When: November 29, 2025 Where: Ebenezer Park, Tweed Heads The Vibe: Think coastal music festival meets surf/skate culture. Headliners include Hilltop Hoods, Spacey Jane and the Parcels, with plenty more acts to follow. Lee Kernaghan – Boys From The Bush The Concert When: November 29, 2025 Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach The Vibe: One of Australia’s leading country music acts, expect feel good tunes and plenty of sing alongs. Schoolies Week One & Two Week One: November 22 – 29, 2025 | Week Two: November 29 – December 6 2025 Where: Typically around Surfers Paradise / official Schoolies venues. The Vibe: Two weeks of pure chaos. Just kidding, while it can seem the streets are a little busier than usual it’s an extremely well run event - beach parties, theme nights, concerts and group events. Week One is usually busier as it’s for Queensland students, with numbers dropping off for Week Two / interstate guests. NOVEMBER MARKETS Love Me Again Markets When: November 15, 8am - 12pm Where: Miami Marketta: Hillcrest Parade, Miami The Vibe: One of the best pre-loved fashion markets on the Gold Coast! Grab a coffee, grab a bag, and scout a vintage bargain. The Village Markets When: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 8am - 1pm Where: Burleigh Heads State School, The Vibe: Ever wanted to shop in an influencer's closet? That’s what the Village Markets are for. A huge range of preloved clothes, plus food stands, local labels and gifts. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 4pm Where: The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise The Vibe: Beach vibes, local labels, gifts and market food galore. Come for the sunset, stay for the shopping. B roadbeach Art & Craft Markets When: October 5 & 19, 8am – 2pm Where: Pratten Park, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach The Vibe: One of the most popular markets on the Gold Coast for families. These markets are full of handmade gifts, art, jewellery, local labels and of course - plenty of food! HOTA Farmers Markets When: Every Sunday, 6am – 11.30am Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise The Vibe: Fresh produce, live music and a relaxed Sunday morning vibe. Perfect for picking up local goods and enjoying breakfast outdoors. Be sure to check back next month for your December go-to guide featuring all the best Holiday Season events!