16 Free (& Cheap) Things to Do on the Gold Coast for 2023!

This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, in the event you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.

The Gold Coast is a shocking coastal area on the East Coast of Australia, simply north of Brisbane. It’s top-of-the-line locations to go to for a household trip as a result of it’s packed stuffed with issues to do.

It’s also known as the Theme Park capital of Australia due to the various amusement parks, wildlife parks, zoos, and rollercoasters you can find there.

However what about us finances vacationers? What in the event you don’t have cash to splash out on theme parks and excursions?

Don’t fear, as a result of there are additionally many free (and low cost) issues to do on the Gold Coast which can be good for these touring Australia on a shoestring.

In case you’re on the lookout for free Gold Coast sights or low cost issues to do, then hold studying for our high ideas!

Finest Free Issues to Do on the Gold Coast

Beneath are some examples of enjoyable free issues to do on the Gold Coast for any sort of traveler. Whether or not you’re touring as a household with youngsters, or as a pair, or by your self, you’ll be able to get pleasure from these budget-friendly actions.

1. Cycle the Gold Coast Oceanway

We’ve completed components of The Gold Coast Oceanway, which is a community of pathways alongside the seashores of the coast which vary as much as 4 km lengthy and are in style with cyclists and walkers.

However we’d like to cycle the total size, 36 kilometres in complete from Level Hazard Lighthouse (Coolangatta) within the south to the Gold Coast Seaway (The Spit) within the north.

This is able to make for a implausible day trip to get some train, contemporary air, and take within the magnificent coastal views.

Once you do it, remember to pack your individual lunch, carry loads of water, your swimmers, and a digital camera. Cease off alongside the way in which at any of the seaside cities for a dip and a chilly drink.

2. Free Lorikeet Feeding at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

In case you don’t need to pay the $49 admission worth to see all of the Aussie animals and the journey facet of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, twice per day at 8am and 4pm you’ll be able to feed the wild lorikeets for FREE!

A whole lot of rainbow lorikeets descend upon you from the encircling bushes to get a lick on the candy honey nectar that you just maintain out in a bowl in your fingers. They may climb up your arms, in your head, and simply sit in your fingers consuming.

We did this a number of years in the past and it’s value an hour’s go to to see these lovely birds of Australia up shut and private.

3. Go Strolling on the Coast OR in a Nationwide Park

Strolling is free, good for you, and considered one of our favorite methods to discover a vacation spot.

Stand up at 6am for a Gold Coast stroll and it looks like noon with everybody out strolling or operating. You possibly can’t assist however get caught up within the power of the place.

However you don’t have to pull the children off the bed at 6am, and it’s not simply the coastal space that gives nice strolling alternatives, the hinterland and Nationwide Parks provide pretty walks too!

What’s on our listing:

• Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park – seize a espresso from Nook Espresso then head to the purpose and catch the magnificent dawn earlier than doing the two.5-kilometre coastal stroll across the headland to Tallebudgera Creek. About midway again you’ll come to Tumgun Lookout which provides superior views over Palm Seashore.
• Federation Stroll – a 3.5-kilometre pedestrian walkway situated on the northern finish of the Gold Coast Oceanway on the Southport Spit.
• Springbrook Nationwide Park – the Purling Brook Falls strolling monitor circuit, the Pure Bridge Rainforest Circuit, Canyon lookouts, and Twin Falls stroll.
• Lamington Nationwide Park – has many implausible strolling trails from brief walks to all-day hikes. O’Reilly’s Tree High Stroll is 180 metres in size and made up of 9 suspension bridges. Additionally, do the Booyang Boardwalk and Tooloona Creek circuit.
• Coolangatta to Level Dangar – an incredible little coastal stroll by way of Greenmount and Rainbow Bay. I recommend saving it for late afternoon because the sundown views from Rainbow Bay trying over to Surfers Paradise are magical.
• Tamborine Mountain – is the third oldest Nationwide Park on the earth with 12 strolling tracks, each is now not than 3 kilometres.
• The Oceanway – as a substitute of biking stroll one of many sections every day.

4. Hit the Gold Coast Seashores

Apparent I do know, however is there a greater free day trip on the Gold Coast than hitting up one of many seashores alongside the 57 kilometres of pristine shoreline?!

They don’t name it the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise for nothing! Not solely well-known for enjoyable, the Goldy is famend for its seashores which additionally occur to be residence to among the world’s most well-known surf breaks.

However you don’t should be a surfer or perhaps a water child to get pleasure from them, simply absorb some sunshine, play on the sand and most of them have grasslands, playgrounds, and BBQ areas.

Our favorite household Gold Coast seashores are:

• Rainbow Bay – Queensland’s most southerly coastal city. Light rolling surf, protected swimming situations, and year-round surf patrols make Rainbow Bay the proper place for a calming household seaside day. And residential to “Snapper Rocks” which holds the annual Quiksilver Professional Browsing occasion.
• Coolangatta / Greenmount Seashore – an 800 m lengthy north-facing seaside protected by the headland. Usually protected with normally low waves and two surf lifesaving golf equipment and lifeguard towers.
• Currumbin / Currumbin Creek – is a well-liked spot with households the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a spread of watersports together with browsing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
• Tallebudgera Creek – on the southern facet of Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park. No waves in fact and a pleasant spot for a swim, stand-up paddle board, or kayak.
• Burleigh Heads – voted #1 by vacationers on Journey Advisor and is likely one of the finest swimming, physique boarding, and browsing spots on the coast. The headland of Burleigh, generally known as “The Level”, is a favorite for weekend BBQs and sundown drinks. On a Sunday afternoon, native musicians and fireplace twirlers come out to the park beside the surf membership for a jam session.
• Broadbeach – in direction of the northern finish of the coast. The lengthy, clear stretch of seaside is bordered by giant grasslands and a playground good for a picnic. Additionally residence to weekend markets.

5. Store on the Gold Coast Markets

Wherever we go we at all times try to hit up the native markets, and I’m amazed on the selection of markets open on the Gold Coast,

From trend to farmer’s markets, to artwork & craft, to music to every part in between. Now that we live right here, it would take us a while to discover all of them!

They’re all free to attend and very often there are many free samples on provide or bargains.

We particularly love farmer’s markets for stocking up on provides for self-catering when having picnics and BBQs, or when staying in flats with kitchens.

As a lot as we love consuming out, it can save you a reasonably penny getting ready your individual meals and it may be extra relaxed with younger youngsters.

Our favorite markets on the Gold Coast are:

• Burleigh Farmers Markets – Our native. Each Saturday at Burleigh Heads State College this connoisseur meals market provides stalls promoting regionally grown fruit and greens, bakery, meat, fish, deli gadgets and reside leisure. It’s an incredible vibe!
• Miami Marketta – one other locals favorite is Miami Marketta. It looks like we had been again in Thailand because the market comes alive with avenue meals, reside music, boutique wines and craft beer. It’s open each Friday and Saturday.
• Miami Farmers Market – open each Sunday on the Miami State faculty. The world’s first actually Natural Growers Market straight from the farm.
• The Village Markets – it opens each 1st & third Sunday at Burleigh Heads State College. The unique boutique trend and life-style market plus reside native music and meals from all over the world due to the lineup of meals vehicles. They’ve superior reside music too!
• Marina Mirage Farmers Market – held each Saturday. Situated at Seaworld Drive on the Broadwater Spit, Foremost Seashore, reverse the Sheraton Mirage Resort.
• Carrara Markets – it has over 500 stalls and is a Gold Coast establishment with locals and vacationers on the lookout for a cut price. It’s open each Saturday and Sunday.
• Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – each Wednesday, Friday & Sunday evening alongside the seaside Esplanade at Surfers. It has over 100 stalls and could be particularly good on a heat night.
• Well-known Beachfront Markets – it opens every Sunday in a unique beachside location from Broadbeach, to Coolangatta to Burleigh.

6. Hit the Playgrounds and Parks

In case you’re on the lookout for free issues to do on the gold Coast with youngsters, then that is an apparent previous time exercise.

Having solely lived on the Gold Coast for 2 months, we had been always amazed on the amount and high quality of playgrounds and parks on provide.

At nearly each seaside, or inexperienced area, there’s a playground with picnic benches and BBQ’s. The council does such an incredible job of offering and sustaining these services for everybody to get pleasure from, and normally proper on the seaside.

You possibly can let the children play on the tools, kick a ball round, or simply calm down with a picnic or BBQ. And in addition to the price of your BYO food and drinks they’re all free!

Listed below are some nice playgrounds to take a look at:

• Paradise Level Parklands, one of the lovely parks on the Goldy overlooking the broadwater.
• Justins Park in Burleigh Heads, proper on the seaside subsequent to the surf membership.
• Pat Fagan Park in Coolangatta, proper on the seaside with views all the way in which to Surfers Paradise.
• Mcintosh Island Park in the midst of Surfers Paradise.
• Laguna Park in Palm Seashore, big journey playground with pirate ship.
• Kurrawa Pratten Park proper within the coronary heart of Broadbeach.
• Aquasplash, Australia’s first open water enjoyable park, open Nov-Apr in Southport Broadwater Parklands.
• Broadwater Parklands, three kilometre stretch of parklands alongside the foreshore in Southport.
• 
  

7. Expertise the Gold Coast Festivals and Occasions

There are a number of free occasions and festivals held all year long on the Gold Coast celebrating music, artwork, sports activities, comedy, and our multicultural society.

We visited Blues on Broadbeach, which was cool and had an incredible ambiance.

Listed below are another nice festivals and occasions Queensland has to supply:

• Blues on Broadbeach is held yearly in Might and is thought to be one of many world’s largest free festivals with a number of phases and reveals unfold over the four-day interval. It brings collectively the most effective blues and soul music from all around the nation, nurturing Australian expertise, in addition to offering a stage for worldwide acts.
• Cooly Rocks On is Australia’s largest 50’s & 60’s Nostalgia Pageant held yearly in Coolangatta celebrating Basic Vehicles, Rock ‘N Roll, Dancing, Browsing, Nostalgia, and extra! Cooly Rocks is a free occasion and open to all ages takes place in June.
• Swell Sculpture Pageant at Currumbin Seashore turns into residence to dozens of sculptures by native, nationwide, and worldwide artists. Over a 10-day interval in September guests can expertise the sculptures without cost on twilight walks and even talks by among the artists.
• The Quiksilver Professional Browsing Occasion is your likelihood to look at the world’s finest female and male surfers battle it out at one of many world’s finest browsing spots, Snapper Rocks at Rainbow Bay in February / March annually.
• For browsing fanatics, there’s additionally the Breaka Burleigh Professional Occasion in February.
• Bleach Pageant is the Gold Coast’s largest arts and cultural Pageant. It has over 50 occasions for all ages, over 17 days up and down the coast. It takes place in August.
• Broadbeach Jazz Pageant is held yearly in August and is one other free occasion that includes leisure on out of doors phases and in venues, together with an array of actions for folks of all ages all through Broadbeach.
• Sanctuary Cove Worldwide Boat Present – this 4 day occasion attracts boating fanatics from across the globe. The occasion takes place yearly in Might.
• Surfers Paradise Pageant is likely one of the premier Gold Coast occasions and occurs over the course of 4 weekends in November. It’s a celebration of artwork, tradition, music, and meals and consists of avenue parades and events, live shows, and a la carte within the park.

8. Go Whale Watching from the Headlands

Whale watching season sometimes runs from Might to October when 1000’s of humpback whales migrate north from Antarctica, passing up and again down the coast.

You don’t must fork out massive bucks to get a glimpse, you’ll be able to strive your luck without cost from one of many elevated headlands alongside the coast, and even out of your skyrise house, as whales generally tend to come back in fairly near shore.

A few of the finest naturally elevated viewpoints embody Level Hazard, Greenmount, Kirra Hill, Currumbin Rocks, Tumgun Lookout inside Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park, North Burleigh/Miami headland.

Look out for the massive spouts of mist that shoot up into the air. Convey a zoom lens and perhaps some binoculars!

9. Watch The Dawn & Sundown

How about beginning off your day one of the best ways potential, by watching the dawn over the ocean. Throw within the surfers doing their factor on the morning swell and you may sit and be mesmerized.

Seize a smoothie or a espresso at one of many cafes and also you’re prepared for the day forward.

My favorite place to look at the dawn and sundown is from Burleigh Level, simply comply with the trail up the hill from the surf membership. Additionally, the Rainbow Bay Surf Membership is a superb spot for sundown drinks as you watch the sky mild up within the distance behind the Surfers Paradise skyline.

10. Go to The Currumbin Rock Swimming pools

That is on our should do listing when the climate warms up once more.

The Rock Swimming pools are only a 15-minute drive from Currumbin Seashore, and are a favorite spot with the locals, and sound like the proper space for a household day trip with picnic tables, BBQs, grassy river banks, and bathrooms at shut hand.

There’s various pool depths for everybody and cord swings, rock slides and ledges to leap off, and simply one other 5 minutes alongside Currumbin Creek Highway is the Mount Cougal part of Springbrook Nationwide Park – trying ahead to doing that 800 metre strolling path to cascading waterfalls, extra rock swimming pools and an historic bush sawmill.

Seems like nature at its finest and an one of the distinctive free issues to do on the Gold Coast

11. Head to The Gold Coast Lookouts

It’s not all simply seashores and theme parks on the Gold Coast you already know, the town can be well-known for its superb views as you’ve little question seen panorama pictures on many postcards.

We’re planning to go to all the most effective Gold Coast lookouts and incorporate a picnic or BBQ into the expertise.

The “Better of All’’ lookout at Mudgeeraba seems to be aptly named, and among the many finest lookouts. From Canyon Lookout in Springbrook Nationwide Park, they are saying you’ll be able to see waterfalls and the principle strip of the Gold Coast skyline off within the distance.

Mt Tamborine comes extremely beneficial, providing sweeping coastal views, and naturally, the beforehand talked about Tumgun Lookout inside Burleigh Heads NP is a should.

12. Train!

We love the outside life-style on the Gold Coast, and the way everyone seems to be so lively, it’s addictive.

Okay, you’re in all probability on holidays and never desirous to exercise, however in the event you like maintaining your degree of health up and down the coast there are train machines and tools which can be free for everybody, plus the aforementioned strolling and cycle routes.

The Metropolis of Gold Coast created an Energetic & Wholesome program to get residents and guests up and figuring out, with a number of low cost lessons on provide alongside the coast together with circuits, boxing, core strengthening and stretching, and tai chi.

Caz has participated within the bootcamp in Burleigh class held twice per week, for $3 a category, what nice worth. There are lessons appropriate for all ages and health ranges and you may try the category choices and instances right here.

13. Hit the Buying Centres

One other in style factor to do on the Gold Coast without cost is to wander across the procuring centres, which is a good way to cross the time and expertise some cool air con.

One among our favorite procuring centres within the Gold Coast is the Australia Truthful Buying Centre due to the array of procuring and restaurant decisions.

Whereas malls are free to go to, you’ll at all times discover one thing to purchase!

14. Picnic on the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are an incredible free attraction on the Gold Coast and the proper place for leisure.

They’re situated simply 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise and canopy an space of 31 hectares.

There may be a lot to see and do on the botanic gardens, comparable to discover the Sensory Backyard, stroll via the mangroves or mountain stroll, see the native Butterfly Backyard and wander across the Rose Backyard.

You possibly can stroll, cycle, or jog across the boardwalks subsequent to the lake, take your youngsters to the youngsters’s playground, and even take your pooch to an off-leash canine space.

The Gardens are open each day of the yr from 5am to 7pm and are free to enter. Make sure to try the what’s on calendar earlier than visiting as there are sometimes occasions held right here all year long.

15. Go to Residence of the Arts (HOTA)

For artwork lovers, a go to to Residence of the Arts can’t be skipped. This cultural precinct spans for 17 hectres, and serves as an area for performing arts, leisure, and tradition to thrive.

There may be an out of doors stage surrounded by lush, pure magnificence. There’s additionally a cinema, artwork museum, and cafe.

It’s free to go to the precinct and HOTA Gallery, however occasions and reveals are ticketed.

16. Dine at Dracula’s Cabaret Theatre and Restaurant (An Nearly Free Factor to Do on the Gold Coast)

Now that we’ve shared the fully free issues to do on the Gold Coast, let’s take a look at an affordable factor to do on the Gold Coast.

Dracula’s Cabaret theatre and restaurant is a spot the place you’ll be able to watch a horror-themed present while stuffing your face with chocolate cake. That is maybe one of the uncommon issues to do on the Gold Coast!

The present is meant for audiences aged 15+ and is a comedy spectacle. With reside cabaret with singing, dancing, burlesque, magic, juggling, and aerial performances…you’ll neglect all about ordering your meals!

Methods To Save Cash on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast shouldn’t be recognized to be low cost, so listed below are a number of methods to economize on the Gold Coast.

1. Get The Gold Coast Leisure Guide

We signed up for a membership of The Leisure Guide once we first arrived and have saved a couple of dollars on varied actions.

It’s a method to stand up to 50% off and 2-for-1 provides for lots of the finest eating places, sights, lodges, journey, sporting occasions, procuring and rather more.

As soon as you buy a membership, it’s a good way that will help you save on actions. The Leisure Guide is now an app, which makes it even simpler to make use of.

2. Guide Flights to the Gold Coast Early

We’ve seen flights from Sydney to the Gold Coast for as little as $48, so long as you guide upfront.

The important thing to discovering low cost flights anyplace on the earth is being versatile in your journey dates and the precise time of day you fly.

In case you can keep away from the height vacation intervals and journey within the shoulder-season it can save you a reasonably penny. And let’s face it, the climate is nearly at all times beneficial on the Gold Coast.

Maintain your eyes on Jetstar’s Friday Fare Frenzy between 4-8pm on most Friday’s in your likelihood to snag a deal.

3. Get An Annual Theme Parks Cross

In case you reside native or go to the Gold Coast usually sufficient and love getting your thrills on the theme parks, it is smart to buy an annual cross or vacation cross and get the most effective bang in your buck!

That manner you’ll be able to go to limitless instances and have flexibility on which days you go to, avoiding the big crowd days.

Earlier than You Go

So there you might have it, these are the most effective free issues to do on the Gold Coast and as you’ll be able to see, there may be a variety of enjoyable available with out spending some huge cash.

I hope this information helped you determine what to do on the Gold Coast on a finances and gave you some inspiration.

Earlier than you go, keep in mind to guide your lodging upfront to get the most effective deal. The Gold Coast is a well-liked vacation spot in Australia and so the most effective lodges guide up early. Don’t go away it to the final minute if you wish to lower your expenses!

Extra Gold Coast Inspiration:

Are you on the lookout for extra concepts for issues to do on the Gold Coast? Then it’s possible you’ll like these different guides:

Save It On Pinterest: