Planning a trip to the Gold Coast? Retrace our steps in this comprehensive guide outlining the best things to do. From thrilling adventure flights overlooking the main beach and jet boat rides to family-friendly fun that will make your holiday unforgettable.
A High-Flying Bucket List Adventure at Gold Coast Adventure Flights
This trip was all about ticking things off the bucket list, and an adventure flight with Gold Coast Adventure Flights was high on the list. We put one of our normally fearless crewmates to the test, but for once, there was a real sense of trepidation. I feel our host had met his match in our pilot, Mick Schiller, who had a cheeky twinkle in his eye like he had something special in store. But there was no backing out. Once those wheels left the tarmac, this daring warbird flight was an experience unlike any he’d had before… and the results are absolutely hilarious.

Catching the Perfect Wave with Go Ride A Wave
You simply can’t visit the Goldie and not try surfing—it’s practically a rule! We knew our convoyers were keen, but we were so impressed by their spirit when it came time to actually take to the water. These days, with the bigger, more stable boards, pretty much everyone is good to have a go. Thanks to the great team at Go Ride A Wave, a few of our guests were up and riding in no time. It’s a great, fun activity that’s an absolute must when you’re on the coast.

Chasing the Ultimate Thrill on a Paradise Jet Boating Ride
Hold on to your hats, people. If you’re chasing the ultimate thrill on the Gold Coast, you’re about to take a jetboat ride with the Paradise Jet Boating crew departing from Surfers Paradise that will give any thrill seeker an adrenaline hangover. This isn’t just a scenic tour; this is an adrenaline pumper, and we were subjected to the most fun you can have on the water. Think 360-degree spins, high-speed drifting, power slides, and beach-buzzing that you won’t forget in a hurry. Honestly, it’s a hoot for the entire family!

Entering a Mind-Bending Maze at the INFINITY Attraction
We wanted to see what the kids were into these days, and boy, were we in for an adventure! We stepped into the extraordinary realm of INFINITY and were immediately immersed in a dazzling, futuristic labyrinth. It’s a mesmerising 30-minute odyssey through twenty different multi-dimensional playgrounds, each a sensory marvel with captivating special effects, soundscapes, and mind-bending illusions that stretch into eternity! It was loud, colourful, and a lot of fun—a great way to spend an afternoon, so long as you don’t have a hangover.

Finding a Sunset Respite aboard Sea World Cruises
After a day filled with absolute adrenalin and adventure, we decided it was time to dial things back a little. A sunset dinner cruise with Sea World Cruises was the perfect contrast and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast. The vessel was excellent for sightseeing, with an open top deck for the fresh air and an air-conditioned lower deck, making it perfect for all climates. It truly was the ideal way to finish our action-packed stay before hitting the road again.
- Find your perfect stay in our guide to the best NSW and Qld holiday parks and explore our full East Coast road trip, through the words of author and editor Leanne O’Neill.
