15 Free Issues to do on the Gold Coast, Queensland: take pleasure in your trip and save in your pockets
Take a break out of your actuality and discover all that this lovely coastal vacation spot has to supply! Whereas South East Queensland is a significant vacationer hub, it’s recognized that almost all actions can include a better price ticket. However surprisingly, there isn’t any scarcity of free issues to do on the Gold Coast.
This contains picturesque hikes, beautiful bike paths, distinctive sights, and unbelievable wildlife experiences. So, for these with an adventurous soul curious to discover town vibes of Gold Coast, we’ll be looking at a few of the wonderful issues that the budget-friendly people can take pleasure in.
So, let’s prepare on your subsequent Queensland journey!
Free Issues to do on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a stretch of utopia that can depart you in awe. It’s not solely blessed with a few of the finest seashores in Australia, nevertheless it additionally boasts a must-see vacation spot like Surfers Paradise. With its beautiful seashores, clear blue waters, and thriving surf tradition, it’s no surprise why so many guests select to base themselves right here.
However, whereas it’s a stylish place to go to, there are all the time causes to fill in your time with actions that don’t break the financial institution. Due to this fact, we’ll begin by itemizing them beneath!
Pure Bridge
Nestled within the western a part of Springbrook Nationwide Park, the Pure Bridge is extremely simple to get to and a must-see waterfall. In case you didn’t know, this space is situated inside the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage Space.
The park provides guests a picturesque rock formation that has been sculpted and fashioned by the power of the waterfall over the underlying basalt cave. Merely park your automobile simply off the Nerang-Murwillumbah Street and observe the straightforward one-kilometre circuit.
Descend slowly by the traditional, lush rainforest, and also you’ll quickly be rewarded with the magnificent Pure Bridge rock arch. Throughout the day, you may spot paradise riflebirds, inexperienced catbirds, and endangered species just like the cascade tree frog and Koalas. Nonetheless, when you take a guided nocturnal tour, you may get a glimpse of protected glow-worms and micro bats.
Swimming on the many seashores
The Gold Coast is thought for its beautiful seashores and crystal clear waters, and it’s no surprise it’s a vacationer vacation favorite. Whether or not you’re trying to catch some waves, go kayaking, or just take in the solar with your loved ones, this is among the finest free issues to do on the Gold Coast.
This beautiful shoreline runs for about 50 kilometres, and you’ll select between suburbs like Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera, Currumbin, and Miami Seaside. Virtually all open seashores are patrolled by lifeguards seven days per week (Between the Purple and Yellow Flags) and are typically inside strolling distance from most lodging.
There are numerous spots to stake your declare within the sand and watch the waves roll in. So, it’s no shock that these seashores maintain a particular place within the hearts of each locals and guests alike.
Currumbin Rock Swimming pools
There’s no scarcity of native swimming holes on this space, and the Currumbin Rock Swimming pools are fairly well-liked. It’s tucked away within the serene Currumbin Valley, and you’ll swim within the refreshing freshwater rock swimming pools and hearken to the calming stream.
Households can even respect the picnic tables, grassy river banks, shut parking, and BBQs accessible. Plus, you’ll want to make the most of the 1.6km strolling path by the Mount Cougal Nationwide Park, which provides beautiful views of the Currumbin Valley.
Cedar Creek Falls
Are you uninterested in the identical previous routine of sweltering summers spent at crowded seashores and water parks? Then, look no additional than Cedar Creek Falls at Tamborine Mountain.
Surrounded by a towering amphitheatre of rocks and set towards a backdrop of lush tropical rainforests, the swimming pools are nature’s final playground. Right here, you’ll be handled to a symphony of sounds, from the soothing rush of waterfalls to the melodious chirping of birds above.
You’ll have a blast exploring the completely different swimming pools and gushing waterfalls however do be aware that it could actually get chilly even within the top of summer time. Nonetheless, do not forget that leaping from increased areas is a no-go attributable to hidden rocks, and it’s finest to go early earlier than the automobile park fills up.
O’Reilly’s Tree High Stroll
The unbelievable O’Reilly’s Tree High Stroll attraction provides guests a singular perspective of the rainforest by permitting them to stroll by the cover itself! It was the primary of its sort in Australia, and also you’ll be in awe of the blooming bushes and vines, the orchids and ferns, and the various array of birds and animals that decision the treetops their residence.
What’s extra, the Tree High Stroll is 180 metres in size, with 9 suspension bridges and statement decks standing at a dizzying top of 30 metres. Together with being situated after a fast and straightforward 300-metre boardwalk from the customer centre through the Booyong Stroll.
Artwork & Craft Markets
In case you’re on the hunt for distinctive present concepts or simply wish to peruse some regionally made style, then try a few of the Arts and Crafts markets. With areas popping up far and wide, you’re certain to stumble throughout one on a weekend. This contains Surfers Paradise, Helensvale, Carrara, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads.
Not solely do they provide all kinds of native arts and crafts, however you can too discover farmers’ markets and automobile boot gross sales. Browse for inspiration, store for low cost souvenirs, or attempt a scrumptious snack made recent from native produce. And one of the best half? Stay entertainers set the proper, laid-back environment as you wander alongside the attractive coastal stretch.
Tumgun Lookout
Tumgun Lookout is among the finest views on the Gold Coast and is very easy to get to within the Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park. The lookout pears out throughout the inlet to Tallebudgera Creek and south to Coolangatta or out within the ocean to identify whales.
There’s additionally a pleasant sized platform with a sitting bench on the again, simply excellent so that you can take all of it in. Though, maintain a watch out for wildlife, as you may spot Koala’s, native birds, and loads of beaded dragons (lizards).
With a free automobile park mendacity on the finish of Goodwin Terrace, the climb as much as the lookout will take you round fifteen minutes. However for the younger and match, it may take even much less! Nonetheless, there are a number of tracks you may observe round for train, or within the winter, fireflies might be seen at nightfall.
Watch the Lorikeet’s feed.
Lorikeets are one among Australia’s most vibrant birds, and you’ll respect their magnificence at a feeding close to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Twice a day, at 8 am and 4 pm, guests are handled to the sight of untamed lorikeets flocking to the designated feeding space. Not solely is that this a free exercise, nevertheless it additionally gives an up-close and private expertise with a few of the most pleasant birds on the earth.
The lorikeets have returned to this each day feeding spot for over 75 years, and it’s a treasured favorite exercise on the Gold Coast. Nonetheless, for a small gold coin donation, you may maintain a plate of specifically formulated chook meals. And, after a small wait of standing nonetheless, they are going to fly in your head, arms, and shoulders, making an attempt to get nearer to the meals.
Whale Recognizing
Do you know that yearly, from June to November, you may witness one of the awe-inspiring pure phenomena proper right here on the Gold Coast? That’s proper, the majestic humpback whales make their approach from Antarctica, previous the nice and cozy Queensland waters, and placed on a present like no different.
Positive, you may take a whale-watching tour and see them up shut. However because you’re after the free issues to do on the Gold Coast, know that it received’t value you a single penny to glimpse these magnificent creatures from one of many many elevated lookouts alongside the shoreline. This contains the Tumgun lookout talked about above or viewing out of your resort balcony.
Stroll the Esplanade
The Gold Coast Oceanway and Esplanade strolling path stretches alongside all of the seashores. With its expansive walkways, picnic amenities, and seashore showers, this recreation park is the proper place to take pleasure in a sunny time out of your resort.
Take a night stroll to look at the sundown or get up to the solar rising over the ocean waters. Lots of the locals will use it for each day train. Plus, with accessibility options, all members of the neighborhood can take pleasure in the great thing about this space.
Get a selfie with the Surfers Paradise Signal.
Nothing says “I’ve been to the Gold Coast” than getting your image taken with the Surfers Paradise signal. This well-known landmark has turn into synonymous with the Gold Coast, and capturing it in your picture will impress your mates and Instagram followers.
It’s situated on the beachside finish of Cavill Avenue and proper in entrance of the Esplanade driveway. Take it from one facet with the seashore within the background or from the opposite facet with town skyscrapers towering over you. Both approach, it’s a quick and fast factor to do on the Gold Coast.
Purling Brook Falls
In case you haven’t obtained sufficient of the waterfalls, then Purling Brook Falls might be added to your record whereas visiting Springbrook Nationwide Park. In case you’re fortunate sufficient to go in the summertime or after some important rain, the quantity of water coming down might be rather more spectacular.
The entire stroll is about 4 kilometres, and it’ll take a leisurely 2.5 hours to stroll to the underside of the falls and again out once more. Moreover, it is a fashioned observe however can get muddy and slippery after some rain. Nonetheless, you may view the falls from two simple and quick lookout factors from both facet on the high.
Browsing at Currumbin Seaside
When you can surf in many alternative locations alongside the Gold Coast, Currumbin Seaside is among the extra well-liked locations. Both seize your personal surfboard and head out into the waters or watch the energy and abilities of all of the surfers on the market. Positive, it could actually get slightly busy, and discovering a park is likely to be difficult, however don’t let that deter you.
What’s glorious about Currumbin is the rolling waves into the creek and accessing the depths from the encircling rocks. Not solely that, however the Surfers Paradise skyline provides for some good views within the background. Nonetheless, when you don’t know how you can surf, then a Surf College van is parked down right here each day for these keen vacationers eager to attempt it out for a cost.
Discover the Pelicans
Pelicans are consistently flying round all around the Gold Coast. However you might be assured to see these massive lovely creatures at 1:30 pm each day exterior Charis Seafood in Labrador.
Every day, the native seafood store gives a scrumptious meal (Seafood scraps) for the pelicans who name the world residence. It’s a powerful sight to see so many birds collect for his or her each day feast, and you’ll study a bit alongside the best way from the workers.
These birds are large however surprisingly light, making for an unforgettable, family-friendly expertise as you rise up shut and private with them. Sadly, the entire course of is over in about ten minutes, however you can too have some lunch on the takeaway store or go swimming within the lagoon.
Watch the Dawn over the seashore.
The East Coast of Australia isn’t any higher place to look at the solar cross the horizon over the water. You are able to do this by strolling down the seashore along with your freshly brewed cup of espresso and even out of your resort room balcony.
The air is crisp, the waves are rolling, and also you abruptly really feel at peace watching the seagulls flying round. Because the solar slowly rises, the sky transitions from pale blue to fiery oranges and pinks, creating an outstanding view.
Belief that that is the easiest way to begin your day, and after an hour, you may wander the streets on the lookout for a breakfast location.
Conclusion – Free issues to do on the Gold Coast
It’s encouraging to know that with some analysis and creativity, many cost-friendly actions could make for an satisfying keep. Whether or not heading out for a day of seashore combing or an evening of stargazing, this record of free issues to do on the Gold Coast will maintain you on a price range.
Even higher, these lovely areas are readily loved by anybody at any time! So why not be adventurous, attempt one thing new, and expertise one of the best of what the Gold Coast provides with out spending greater than needed?
Visitor bio
Chris Fry is the author and photographer behind Aquarius Traveller, the place she shares her journeys and gives beneficial info and inspiration on your vacation spot travels. She lives in Australia and has travelled to 36 international locations and in-depth throughout Australia.
