12 Museums & Galleries Worth Visiting on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has more to offer than just beaches. Whether you're into art, automotive history, or local heritage, there's a museum here to match your interests. We've rounded up a dozen venues across the region—from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads and beyond—to help you plan a cultural day out.
- 1Museums Surfers Paradise
1. Gold Coast Motor Museum
Petrolheads should head to Surfers Paradise for a dedicated collection of classic and vintage vehicles.
Open SundaysView venue4.7(935)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Museums Burleigh Heads2. Beenleigh Historical Village & Museum
Also in Burleigh Heads, this venue offers a glimpse into local heritage and early settlement history.
Open MondaysView venue4.5(425)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Museums Burleigh Heads3. Gold Coast Hinterland Heritage Museum
Another Burleigh Heads option if you're interested in the region's rural and agricultural past.
Open SundaysView venue4.8(53)· Google57Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Museums Surfers Paradise4. Gold Coast War Museum
Based in Surfers Paradise, this museum focuses on military and wartime history specific to the region.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(149)· Google57Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Museums Surfers Paradise5. MUSCLE CAR MUSEUM
Also in Surfers Paradise, this is your spot if you prefer American muscle cars over general automotive collections.
Open SundaysView venue4.4(103)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast Motor Museum | 66/100 | 4.7(935) | — | Surfers Paradise | Open Sundays |
| Beenleigh Historical Village & Museum | 61/100 | 4.5(425) | — | Burleigh Heads | Open Mondays |
| Gold Coast Hinterland Heritage Museum | 57/100 | 4.8(53) | — | Burleigh Heads | Open Sundays |
| Gold Coast War Museum | 57/100 | 4.4(149) | — | Surfers Paradise | Open 7 days |
| MUSCLE CAR MUSEUM | 56/100 | 4.4(103) | — | Surfers Paradise | Open Sundays |
Frequently asked questions
Which museum on the Gold Coast is best for families?+
Based on the venues listed, Queensland Museum Kurilpa in Burleigh Heads and the Gold Coast Motor Museum in Surfers Paradise tend to appeal to broad audiences. However, we'd recommend checking directly with venues for age-appropriate exhibits and facilities before visiting.
Are there any art galleries in this list?+
Yes. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and Pérez Art Museum Miami both have gallery collections. Museum of Sex also includes gallery spaces, though its focus is narrower.
Which suburbs have the most museums?+
Burleigh Heads has three venues: Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Beenleigh Historical Village & Museum, and Gold Coast Hinterland Heritage Museum. Surfers Paradise has three as well: Gold Coast Motor Museum, Gold Coast War Museum, and MUSCLE CAR MUSEUM. Miami also has three or four, depending on how you categorise them.
Are opening hours listed for these venues?+
Opening hours are not provided in this guide. We recommend contacting venues directly or checking their websites before visiting to confirm current hours.
How far apart are these museums?+
They're spread across the Gold Coast region from Coolangatta in the south to Hope Island in the north. Some clustering occurs around Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise, which could allow for a half-day itinerary if combined.
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