If you’re a thrill seeker who’s looking for something to keep you busy in the Gold Coast outdoors, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve handpicked a selection of our top 3 must-do outdoor activities when you’re on the Gold Coast, as revealed by locals.
Blues on Broadbeach
Happening this 20 May to 23 May 2021, the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival is known for being one of the biggest free music events throughout Australia.
Yes, you read that right, it’s completely free.
But don’t assume that just because it’s free, that there can’t be any quality musicians or artists in the lineup. You will be gladly blown away with the quality and spectacular stage performances that have proven year on year what a good blues festival is all about.
Coming from humble beginnings as far back as 19 years ago, Blues on Broadbeach has hit international fame. It’s one of Queensland’s most highlighted events every year, with the location of the event already being a hotspot for premier nightly entertainment.
There are 20 performance areas set up on the Broadbeach beachfront, as well as those scattered throughout the streets. Spoil yourself with amazing food crafted and pair it nicely with local brew at the bars and restaurants in the area. After all, good food, great drinks, and even better music, guarantee the perfect night.
Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park is an Australian heritage site in its own right. With evidence of trees that date back to when Australia was still connected to Antarctica, the significance of this park is unbelievable.
Making up a quarter of the Gondwana Rainforest, as listed as a world heritage site, the Springbrook National Park stretches inland from Gold Coast down south to the border of New South Wales.
The park is filled with ancient beauty, featuring a kaleidoscope of waterfalls and brooks that meander throughout the rainforest. Admire the walls of the caves, and see if you can spot a glowworm.
Explore the flora and identify some of the most ancient vegetation in Australia, with some roots dating back as far as over 100 million years ago – well beyond the dinosaur era.
Adventure to the Twin Falls Circuit and chase some waterfalls. The circuit takes around 2 hours with a 4 kilometre return. Take a dip in one of the cool rock pools as you gaze above at the towering splashes of the twin waterfalls.
The Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is Australia’s theme park capital. So why not get the most from this opportunity and find the adrenaline junkie within you.
From roller coasters that bend and drop from enormous heights to exhilarating shows that do not fail to entertain, there’s always something for everyone in one of the most popular theme parks around the world.
Dreamworld is great for younger families, with a ton of kid-friendly rides, including the Wiggles and Shrek themed ones. It’s also the only theme park here that has its very own animal corroboree and tiger island, featuring tiger stunts and playtime. The park also has a train that will take you around in style. Not to mention, there are massive developments up ahead, and Dreamworld is bound for some big changes that will have you experiencing the best of the best in no time.
For more movie action, head to Movie World, where the latest rides will blow your mind. With the new DC Rivals Hypercoaster, followed by other thrilling rides such as Arkham Asylum, Green Lantern, Superman Escape, Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster and the Doomsday Destroyer. This is where you want to bring older kids who have a thrill for some adrenaline rush.
If you find yourself more in tune with marine life, head to Sea World instead. State of the art enclosures offering close encounters with some of the most curious creatures, embrace in the cool air of a polar bear, huddle next to the glass of a flock of penguins, watch as the sharks and stingrays swim around their domain, and keep your eye out for some jellyfish stingers. There are also many rides, exhibits and attractions to keep you busy should you wish to do more than just watch fish or animals. Jump on the monorail to get around the park quickly while getting some vantage views of the whole set up.
Drinks at the Cooly Beer Garden
Sometimes you just need a moment to unwind, and what better way to do so than to grab a cold one at a local beer garden?
If you aren’t the outdoorsy type, or simply just need a good place to hang out at, drop by the Coolangatta Hotel’s Beer Garden for a night you won’t forget. Offering full table service, you get the chance to explore a wide variety of pub classics, or explore the wonders of international drinks instead.
Promising an epic ambiance that resonates the very best of what a beer garden should be, the feel and vibe of the Cooly Beer Garden will set the evening in just the right mood. Sip a cold one, enjoy the alfresco overlooking the Coolangatta Beach, and take this chance to mingle with the locals.
The bar opens from 9am to late, 7 days a week. For groups of 10 or more, be sure to make a booking to avoid disappointment by calling (07) 5589 6888.
Banner image credit: ABC
