The Gold Coast always surprises first-time visitors. Often expected to be a sleepy, sunny beach town but find instead a bustling metropolis. If you’re planning your first trip to the Gold Coast, here are things you won’t want to miss. Australia car rentals will provide you with a variety of cars for your trip from world-class theme parks to natural wonders & everything in between.
Visit the beaches
If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the sun in Gold Coast, then visiting one of the many beaches is a must. With over 60 km of coastline, plenty of options to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for.
Pick up your car from the airport with 8 seater car hire Gold Coast airport and enjoy all from family-friendly beaches with calm waters, to Surfers Paradise with world-famous waves, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget the iconic Stradbroke Island, just a short ferry ride away from the mainland.
Try the local food
This coastal city has a variety of seafood options that are sure to please any palate. For those looking for something a little different, there are also plenty of Australian-inspired dishes to pick from. Here are some restaurant recommendations to get you started:
Fishworks
This eatery is all about fresh seafood, and they have an extensive menu to prove it. From oysters and prawns to fish tacos and lobster rolls, there’s something for everyone at Fishworks.
Gumtree Kitchen
If you’re looking for Australian-inspired cuisine, Gumtree Kitchen is the place for you. They offer traditional dishes like kangaroo tartar and wallaby pie, as well as more modern interpretations of Australia’s culinary traditions.
TheFishHouse
As the name suggests, TheFishHouse is all about seafood. They have a constantly changing menu that features seasonal catches from the local area, so you know you’re always getting the freshest seafood possible.
Whatever your taste, Gold Coast has a restaurant that will suit your needs. Be sure to try the local fare during your stay – you won’t be disappointed!
Go hiking or camping in the national parks
There are plenty of national parks to explore in Gold Coast, and what better way to do it than by hiking or camping?
Rent a car and find plenty of trails to hike, and there are even some campgrounds within the parks if you want to stay overnight. Just be sure to bring all the necessary equipment and supplies, and don’t forget your camera to capture all the beautiful scenery!
Visit the museums and art galleries
Gold Coast is home to many museums and art galleries that are worth visiting during your stay. The Surf World Gold Coast Museum is a great place to learn about the history of surfing on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast City Gallery is another excellent option for those interested in the arts, as it houses a variety of rotating exhibitions. For those looking to explore the city’s history, the Gold Coast Heritage Museum is a must-visit. And finally, no trip to Gold Coast would be complete without stopping by one of its world-famous beaches!
SkyPoint Observation Deck
SkyPoint Observation Deck is Australia’s tallest building, with a viewing platform that allows you to soak in the stunning Gold Coast skyline from above. If you’re looking for things to do in Gold Coast during your first stay, this is a must-do. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, it’s easy to find and has an elevator that will take you up to its top floor where you can enjoy views over the city.
You might even spot some koalas during your visit! If not, there are plenty of other animals around so don’t worry too much about missing them—just make sure you bring your camera along so that you can snap some great photos once up there!
Warner Bros. Movie World
Warner Bros. Movie World is a theme park in Oxenford, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is owned by Village Roadshow Theme Parks and is the second park of the larger Warner Bros. Movie World complex which also includes Wet’n’Wild Water World and AUSSIE KIDS WORLD. The park features numerous thrill rides and live shows along with many shops, restaurants and arcades. The park opened 1992 as part of the Gold Coast Oceanway project – a series of attractions built along the Pacific Motorway (now known as M1) from Brisbane to Coolangatta; it was one of Australia’s first four theme parks when it opened along with Paradise Country.
Conclusion
Gold Coast is a beautiful place to visit and there are many things you can do during your first stay. You can swim in the ocean, check cars for rental, walk on the beach or take a boat ride along its shoreline. There are many activities for children too like water slides at theme parks and mini golf courses where kids can play around with plastic golf clubs as if these were real ones!
