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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 stunning coastal vacation spot has to supply! Whereas South East Queensland is a serious vacationer hub, it’s recognized that the majority actions can include a better price ticket. However surprisingly, there is no such thing as a scarcity of free issues to do on the Gold Coast.

This consists of picturesque hikes, beautiful bike paths, distinctive sights, and unimaginable wildlife experiences. So, for these with an adventurous soul curious to discover town vibes of Gold Coast, we’ll be having a look at among the wonderful issues that the budget-friendly of us 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 go away you in awe. It’s not solely blessed with among the greatest seashores in Australia, but it surely additionally boasts a must-see vacation spot like Surfers Paradise. With its beautiful seashores, clear blue waters, and thriving surf tradition, it’s no marvel why so many guests select to base themselves right here.

However, whereas it’s a stylish place to go to, there are at all times causes to fill in your time with actions that don’t break the financial institution. Subsequently, we’ll begin by itemizing them under!

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. If you happen to didn’t know, this space is positioned inside the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage Space.

The park presents 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 comply with the simple one-kilometre circuit. 

Descend slowly by way of the traditional, lush rainforest, and also you’ll quickly be rewarded with the magnificent Pure Bridge rock arch. Through the day, you’ll be able to 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 marvel it’s a vacationer vacation favorite. Whether or not you’re seeking to catch some waves, go kayaking, or just absorb the solar with your loved ones, this is without doubt one of the greatest 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. Nearly all open seashores are patrolled by lifeguards seven days per week (Between the Crimson 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 take heed to the calming stream. 

Households will even recognize the picnic tables, grassy river banks, shut parking, and BBQs obtainable. Plus, you should definitely make the most of the 1.6km strolling path by way of the Mount Cougal Nationwide Park, which presents 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 totally different swimming pools and gushing waterfalls however do be conscious that it may get chilly even within the top of summer season. Nonetheless, do not forget that leaping from greater areas is a no-go as a consequence of hidden rocks, and it’s greatest to go early earlier than the automobile park fills up. 

O’Reilly’s Tree High Stroll

The unimaginable O’Reilly’s Tree High Stroll attraction provides guests a singular perspective of the rainforest by permitting them to stroll by way of 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 dwelling. 

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 positioned after a fast and straightforward 300-metre boardwalk from the customer centre through the Booyong Stroll.

Artwork & Craft Markets

If you happen to’re on the hunt for distinctive present concepts or simply need to peruse some domestically made style, then try among the Arts and Crafts markets. With areas popping up far and wide, you’re sure to stumble throughout one on a weekend. This consists of Surfers Paradise, Helensvale, Carrara, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads.

Not solely do they provide all kinds of native arts and crafts, however you too can discover farmers’ markets and automobile boot gross sales. Browse for inspiration, store for low cost souvenirs, or attempt a scrumptious snack made contemporary 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 without doubt one of the greatest 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, preserve a watch out for wildlife, as you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to comply with round for train, or within the winter, fireflies may be seen at nightfall. 

Watch the Lorikeet’s feed.

Lorikeets are considered one of Australia’s most vibrant birds, and you’ll recognize 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, but it surely additionally supplies an up-close and private expertise with among 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’ll be able to maintain a plate of specifically formulated chicken meals. And, after a small wait of standing nonetheless, they are going to fly in your head, arms, and shoulders, attempting to get nearer to the meals. 

Whale Recognizing

Do you know that yearly, from June to November, you’ll be able to witness probably the most awe-inspiring pure phenomena proper right here on the Gold Coast? That’s proper, the majestic humpback whales make their manner from Antarctica, previous the nice and cozy Queensland waters, and placed on a present like no different. 

Certain, you’ll be able to 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 gained’t value you a single penny to glimpse these magnificent creatures from one of many many elevated lookouts alongside the shoreline. This consists of 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 seaside showers, this recreation park is the proper place to take pleasure in a sunny time out of your resort. 

Take a night stroll to observe the sundown or get up to the solar rising over the ocean waters. Most 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 positioned on the beachside finish of Cavill Avenue and proper in entrance of the Esplanade driveway. Take it from one facet with the seaside within the background or from the opposite facet with town skyscrapers towering over you. Both manner, it’s a brief and fast factor to do on the Gold Coast. 

Purling Brook Falls

If you happen to haven’t received sufficient of the waterfalls, then Purling Brook Falls may be added to your record whereas visiting Springbrook Nationwide Park. If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to go in the summertime or after some vital rain, the quantity of water coming down can be far 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, this can be a fashioned monitor however can get muddy and slippery after some rain. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to view the falls from two simple and brief lookout factors from both facet on the prime. 

Browsing at Currumbin Seaside

When you can surf in many alternative locations alongside the Gold Coast, Currumbin Seaside is without doubt one of the extra well-liked locations. Both seize your personal surfboard and head out into the waters or watch the energy and expertise of all of the surfers on the market. Certain, it may get a little bit 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 encompassing rocks. Not solely that, however the Surfers Paradise skyline provides for some good views within the background. Nonetheless, when you don’t know the right way to surf, then a Surf Faculty van is parked down right here each day for these keen vacationers desirous to attempt it out for a cost.

Discover the Pelicans

Pelicans are continuously flying round all around the Gold Coast. However you may be assured to see these huge stunning creatures at 1:30 pm each day outdoors Charis Seafood in Labrador. 

Every day, the native seafood store supplies a scrumptious meal (Seafood scraps) for the pelicans who name the realm dwelling. It’s a formidable sight to see so many birds collect for his or her each day feast, and you’ll be taught a bit alongside the way in which from the employees. 

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 too can have some lunch on the takeaway store or go swimming within the lagoon. 

Watch the Dawn over the seaside.

The East Coast of Australia is not any higher place to observe the solar cross the horizon over the water. You are able to do this by strolling down the seaside 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 instantly 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 exceptional view. 

Belief that that is the easiest way to begin your day, and after an hour, you’ll be able to wander the streets in search of 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 gratifying keep. Whether or not heading out for a day of seaside combing or an evening of stargazing, this record of free issues to do on the Gold Coast will preserve you on a finances. 

Even higher, these stunning 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 presents 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 supplies invaluable data and inspiration on your vacation spot travels. She lives in Australia and has travelled to 36 nations and in-depth throughout Australia.

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