Young or old, you should have a bucket list. The list can even be short or long and comprised of anything that you wish. That’s the beauty of a list like this – it’s a reflection of anything and everything you want to do in life.
There is no better place to have a bucket list than on the Gold Coast, especially in the summer. Families can spend the weekends ticking off activities and experiencing new adventures together.
The Best Activities on the Gold Coast
From whitewater rafting to bungee jumping, there is no shortage of bucket-list-worthy activities to take part in on the Gold Coast. The 1.7 million square kilometres of Queensland territory has something for everyone.
Water-based thrills
1. Whitewater rafting
Tackle the rapids head-on while navigating your raft through the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest on the Tully River. Families with older kids will enjoy facing these grade-three and four rapids front-on. At the end of the rafting adventure, relax and refuel with a riverside barbeque.
2. Jet Boating
For those who are ready and willing to soar through the water at speeds of up to 80kph, there are several boating companies operating from the Broadwater.
With these hair raising speeds, families with teenage children might like to try this adrenaline-filled activity. Most jet boating companies will take interested parties out for an hour for this fast-paced trip. Enjoy the beach views and local scenery like never before.
3. Swimming with whales
For those not quite ready to swim with the sharks, why not try swimming with whales? Once you go underwater you can quite literally come hand to fin with some of these gentle giants. Depending on the time of year and location, those ready to take the plunge can swim with humpback whales or dwarf minke whales.
4. Jetpacking, jet boarding or jet biking
This is one for adventurous families. Jetpack Adventures is one of the newer experiences on the Gold Coast and they have opened with 3 exciting attractions. Those willing to participate will get the thrill of a lifetime as you rocket into the air above the Broadwater.
On land adventures
5. Attending a music festival
The Gold Coast is home to some of the most exclusive music festivals in the country. Across the summer months, there will be three festivals to attend.
There are a lot of different music styles to pick from when deciding to attend a festival this summer with Send It Festival, One Love and For The Love to name a few.
6. Day tripping to Twin Falls
A trip to Twin Falls is a bucket-list-worthy activity for families who crave slow-paced action in an outside setting. Twin Falls is known as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South East Queensland.
Often best explored after heavy rainfall, the walk to the base of the falls is one of the easiest trails in the region, making this a perfect activity for little ones as well.
7. Visiting a theme park
The Gold Coast is home to some of Australia’s best theme parks. One of the best activities to put on a bucket list is riding the DC Rivals HyperCoaster at MovieWorld. This rollercoaster is the tallest, longest and fastest HyperCoaster of its kind in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere.
Soaring through the sky
8. Bungy jumping
AJ Hackett Cairns is Australia’s one and only bungee tower and giant Minjin Jungle Swing right in the heart of the rainforest. With 16 different Bungy jump styles, the whole family is sure to have some heart-racing fun.
Want to take this experience to the next level? Opt for the BMXtreme where you ride a BMX bike off the roof.
9. Skydiving over the Whitsundays
With Skydive Australia you can jump out of a plane and soar over the 74 islands of the Whitsundays. This experience gives you a crazy free fall for roughly 60 seconds and five to seven minutes of stunning views as you slowly make your way down to land at Airlie Beach.
10. Ziplining
Zipline through the heart of the Daintree Rainforest with Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours. Ziplining is one of the most exciting ways to experience the World Heritage listed rainforest from right in the thick of it.
What makes ziplining even better is the fact that from both the 5m and 20m above ground platforms, you can see as far as the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.
Making Memories on the Gold Coast
Whether it’s something as exhilarating as sky diving or as slow-paced as taking a trip to Twin Falls, Queensland has it all. These bucket list items will keep adventurous families and those who love to keep their two feet on the ground entertained all summer long.
While you’re out and about, why not visit The Coolangatta Hotel for an unforgettable experience dining and entertainment experience for the whole family.
