12 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers a mix of water-based thrills, scenic lookouts and quirky indoor attractions. Whether you're after adrenaline, coastal views or family-friendly fun, here are the standout spots worth your time.
1
Tourist Attractions Surfers Paradise1. Jet Boat Extreme
Visit for high-speed water thrills. Based in Surfers Paradise, it's the go-to for anyone after an intense ride on the water.
View venue5.0(8,837)· Google72Spot ScoreGreat2
Tourist Attractions Surfers Paradise2. Aquaduck Gold Coast
Visit for a unique amphibious experience. This Surfers Paradise attraction combines land and water in one tour, offering a different angle on the coast.
View venue4.8(3,710)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat3
Lookouts Surfers Paradise3. The Spit Gold Coast
Visit for scenic walking and photo opportunities. This Surfers Paradise lookout provides panoramic views of the coastline and is perfect for a casual stroll.
View venue4.8(2,206)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat4
Lookouts Palm Beach4. Twin Falls
Visit for elevated coastal views. Located in Palm Beach, this lookout rewards visitors with sweeping vistas across the southern end of the Gold Coast.
View venue4.8(1,485)· Google69Spot ScoreWorth a Look5
Tourist Attractions Surfers Paradise5. Best of All Lookout
Visit for unobstructed views of the hinterland and coast. Positioned in Surfers Paradise, it lives up to its name for sunset watching and photography.
View venue4.8(1,411)· Google69Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Tourist Attractions Robina6. Springbrook National Park Canyon Lookout
Visit for lush hinterland scenery. This Robina-area lookout immerses you in natural bushland with dramatic canyon views, a step away from the beachside crowds.
View venue4.8(957)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Tourist Attractions Surfers Paradise7. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Visit for quirky indoor entertainment. This Surfers Paradise odditorium suits rainy days and offers a lighthearted diversion from typical Gold Coast activities.
View venue4.5(4,433)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Tourist Attractions Surfers Paradise8. Pineapple Tours
Visit for a whimsical sightseeing tour. Based in Surfers Paradise, this novelty ride is a playful way to see the main attractions if you want something a bit different.
View venue4.8(411)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Tourist Attractions Coolangatta9. Rainbow Bay Lookout
Visit for southern coastal beauty. Positioned in Coolangatta, this lookout captures the rugged charm of the Gold Coast's quieter southern edge.
View venue4.8(404)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Tourist Attractions Robina10. Kamarun Lookout
Visit for peaceful hinterland views. Located in Robina, this spot offers a tranquil alternative to beachfront attractions with valley and mountain panoramas.
View venue4.8(415)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Tourist Attractions Coolangatta11. Snapper Rocks
Visit for surf breaks and coastal character. In Coolangatta, this is ideal if you want to watch surfers in action or enjoy a scenic coastal walk.
View venue4.8(3,133)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Lookouts Surfers Paradise12. Wunburra Lookout
Visit for a quieter vantage point. This Surfers Paradise lookout offers views without the foot traffic of busier attractions, good for a peaceful moment.
View venue4.6(420)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Boat Extreme | 72/100 | 5.0(8,837) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Aquaduck Gold Coast | 70/100 | 4.8(3,710) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| The Spit Gold Coast | 70/100 | 4.8(2,206) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Twin Falls | 69/100 | 4.8(1,485) | — | Palm Beach | — |
| Best of All Lookout | 69/100 | 4.8(1,411) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Springbrook National Park Canyon Lookout | 68/100 | 4.8(957) | — | Robina | — |
| Ripley's Believe It or Not! | 66/100 | 4.5(4,433) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Pineapple Tours | 65/100 | 4.8(411) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
| Rainbow Bay Lookout | 65/100 | 4.8(404) | — | Coolangatta | — |
| Kamarun Lookout | 65/100 | 4.8(415) | — | Robina | — |
| Snapper Rocks | 64/100 | 4.8(3,133) | — | Coolangatta | — |
| Wunburra Lookout | 63/100 | 4.6(420) | — | Surfers Paradise | — |
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the lookouts listed?+
The Spit, Best of All, and Wunburra Lookout focus on coastal views around Surfers Paradise. Twin Falls (Palm Beach) and Rainbow Bay (Coolangatta) serve the southern coast. Springbrook National Park Canyon Lookout and Kamarun Lookout offer hinterland scenery away from beaches.
Which attractions are best for families?+
Aquaduck Gold Coast, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and Pineapple Tours are designed with families in mind. The lookouts are also free and accessible for all ages.
Are there free attractions in this list?+
The lookouts (The Spit, Twin Falls, Best of All, Springbrook National Park Canyon Lookout, Rainbow Bay, Kamarun, Wunburra, and Snapper Rocks) are generally free to visit, though some may require a small parking donation or national park entry fee.
Which area should I visit first?+
Surfers Paradise is the tourism hub with the most concentrated attractions, including Jet Boat Extreme, Aquaduck, and multiple lookouts. Coolangatta and the hinterland suit a day trip once you've explored the main beach area.
Keep exploring
The best of Gold Coast, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.