Free Things to Do in Gold Coast

You don't need to spend a cent to get a real feel for the Gold Coast. Beyond the theme parks and high-rises, the region is stacked with national parks, headland walks, beachside parklands and free-entry galleries that show off both the coastline and the hinterland. From the rainforest gorges of Springbrook to the open foreshore at Broadwater Parklands, there's plenty to fill a day without opening your wallet.

Why Gold Coast delivers

Free attractions here lean on the Gold Coast's two biggest assets: its beaches and its hinterland. You can spend a morning walking the Burleigh Head National Park track, an afternoon chasing waterfalls in Springbrook National Park, and still have time for a gallery stop — all at no cost. It suits families, walkers, art-curious visitors and anyone travelling on a budget who wants more than the tourist strip.

Highlights

• Coastal walks and headland views at Burleigh Head National Park and Point Danger in Coolangatta
• Rainforest and waterfall walks in Springbrook National Park, including Natural Bridge, Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls
• Family-friendly parklands at Broadwater Parklands and Doug Jennings Park in Southport
• Art lovers exploring HOTA, Home of the Arts in Surfers Paradise and the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre near Burleigh Heads
• An easy hinterland walk on the Curtis Falls Walking Track
• Beachside open space at The Spit and Pratten Park in Surfers Paradise

Our top picks

Hand-picked from our highest-scoring listings:

• Burleigh Head National Park — Burleigh Heads
• Springbrook National Park — Robina
• Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park — Robina
• The Spit Gold Coast — Surfers Paradise
• Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park — Robina
• ArtVo Gold Coast — Surfers Paradise
• Twin Falls — Palm Beach
• Broadwater Parklands — Southport
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens — Miami
• Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Burleigh Heads

Explore more

Browse all parks, beaches, galleries, walks, lookouts in Gold Coast.

Frequently asked questions

What are some free things to do on the Gold Coast?

You can walk the trails at Burleigh Head National Park, explore Springbrook National Park (including Natural Bridge, Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls), relax at Broadwater Parklands in Southport, take in the views at Point Danger in Coolangatta, or visit galleries like HOTA, Home of the Arts in Surfers Paradise.

Where can I see waterfalls near the Gold Coast?

Several waterfall walks sit within Springbrook National Park, including Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls, while the Curtis Falls Walking Track offers another hinterland option. We'd recommend checking current track conditions before you head out.

Are there free things to do with kids on the Gold Coast?

Yes. Broadwater Parklands in Southport and Doug Jennings Park nearby are open public spaces suited to families, and the foreshore at The Spit in Surfers Paradise is another spot to spread out and explore.

Can you visit galleries on the Gold Coast for free?

There are several galleries worth a look, including HOTA, Home of the Arts in Surfers Paradise, ArtVo Gold Coast and the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre near Burleigh Heads. Check each venue directly for any entry or exhibition fees before visiting.