Besides the stating the obvious that the Gold Coast has to offer like it’s 57km stretch of golden beaches, premium shopping centers and abundance of parks, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best free things to do on the Gold Coast!
Discover the Markets
Markets are a favourite must do when visiting any holiday destination. It is essential that you experience the local markets and soak up the culture and atmosphere that each has to offer and go shopping (and eating!). Whether you are a local or a visitor, the Gold Coast has a wide range of markets suitable for everyone. Check out what markets are happening this month:
Miami Marketta – Street Food Market
Chinatown Street Markets
Marina Mirage Saturday Farmers Market
Gold Coast Beachfront Art & Craft Markets
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Tamborine Mountain Country Markets
Mummy Tree Markets – Sanctuary Cove
Explore Tamborine Mountain
It is hard to put in words the beauty and tranquility of the Tamborine Mountain plateau (also often referred to as Tambourine Mountain, Mount Tamborine, Mt Tamborine, or Tambourine Mtn), located only 30kms from the Gold Coast and 70kms from Brisbane. At every turn you will encounter breathtaking scenery and views, abundant wildlife and clean mountain air. Stroll down Gallery Walk (the main street) and take delight in the famous cuckoo clock shop and quirky antique stores. Gaze at the hang gliders or hike through the rainforest to find the glow worm caves and lush waterfalls.
Free lorikeet feeding at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If you don’t want to pay the $49 admission price to see all the Aussie animals and the adventure side of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, twice per day at 8am and 4pm you can feed the wild lorikeets for free! Hundreds of rainbow lorikeets parrots descend upon you from the surrounding trees to get a lick at the sweet honey nectar that you hold out in a bowl in your hands. They will climb up your arms, on your head and just sit on your hands drinking.
Broadwater Parklands
Located on the Broadwater side of Marine Parade, Southport (opposite Australia Fair), the Gold Coast’s world class Broadwater Parklands offers a range of diverse locations and facilities, with free Wi-Fi, playgrounds, aqua splash waterpark, bbq areas, events and activities like salsa dancing, tai chi, pilates, yoga, mobile library, treasure hunts, workshops and more. See the upcoming calendar of events here: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/broadwater-parklands-events-29755.html
Currumbin Rock Pools
This is a must-do when the weather is hot! The Rock Pools are just a 15-minute drive from Currumbin Beach, and are a favourite spot with the locals. Perfect area for a family day out with picnic tables, BBQs, grassy river banks, and toilets at close hand, you’ll have fun in this hidden paradise waterhole. There’s varying pool depths for everyone and rope swings, rock slides and ledges to jump off, and just another five minutes along Currumbin Creek Road is the Mount Cougal section of Springbrook National Park – looking forward to doing that 800 metre walking trail to cascading waterfalls, more rock pools and an historic bush sawmill.
