Ah, The Gold Coast. One of the most iconic destinations in Australia, boasting some of the best beaches, attractions, and experiences you'll find anywhere in the world. But with so much to explore on this stunning stretch of coast, it can be hard to know where to start.

With sunshine on tap and an endless supply of beautiful beaches, parklands, and attractions to enjoy, you'll never want to leave. Whether you're looking for fun in the sun or a chance to explore the best dining, entertainment, and relaxation in the region, Dorsett Gold Coast puts you within reach of the best of the best.

If you're looking for the best Gold Coast things to do that are perfect for couples, groups and families, here are a few of our top picks for you.

Hot Air Balloon Over Miami Beach

The Best Gold Coast Beaches

Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches to relax on, or ones for the most amazing insta-worthy photoshoots, the Gold coast serves up sun, sand, and surf like nowhere else in Queensland. Pack a bottle or two of Adam's ale, grab your sunscreen, throw down your beach towel, and get ready to enjoy some of the best Gold Coast beaches the region has to offer!

Broadbeach

Enjoy endless days of sunning yourself under cloudless skies just South of Surfers Paradise at Broadbeach Beach. If you’re after a strip of sand that’s just as beautiful as Broadbeach - but quieter, then wander south for a few minutes to Kurrawa Beach. Here you’ll find plenty of space to sunbathe, swim, surf, and snack to your heart's content, with plenty of cafes, shops, and shaded parks to enjoy.

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is easily one of the most beautiful stretches of sand along Australia's Gold Coast. With pristine waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing, it is the perfect spot for a long and lazy beachside barbeque while relaxing with friends and family. Nestled between Kurrawa Beach and Miami Beach, it offers a quiet spot for families to unwind with the kids and create unforgettable childhood memories and puts bustling Burleigh within easy reach.

Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads Beach is a must-visit for any visitor to the Gold Coast. This gorgeous beach has a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing – whatever your pleasure may be. Plus, if you're an experienced surfer looking for a challenge, Burleigh is home to some of the best breaks in Australia. So grab your board and hit the waves!

Gold Coast Activities Shopping at Harbour Town

Shopping & Retail Therapy

The Gold Coast isn't just about beaches, bars, and national parks – it's also home to some great shopping too! From the designer boutiques in Mermaid Beach to the bustling markets of Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, there's something for everyone on the Gold Coast.

Whether you're looking for the latest trends in fashion, a unique piece of art, or an unusual souvenir to remember your trip by, you're sure to find something special! Here are some of the best places to shop on the Gold Coast.

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

If you see shopping as a sport and not a chore, you're going to love what's on offer at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Get your game face on and get ready to explore more than 400 luxury, high-end, and high-street retail stores, bars, and restaurants in the heart of Broadbeach. Whether you're a bargain hunter or a fan of high fashion, it's the perfect destination for those who love a challenge.

Harbour Town Premium Outlets

Next up on the list is Harbour Town Gold Coast - a shopping destination known for its great deals and high-end brands. There's nothing quite like Harbour Town to get you out of your comfort zone and into a fabulous new wardrobe. Whether you're looking to update your style, get some great deals on the latest fashions, or just enjoy a day of recreational shopping, enjoy more than 180 stores and restaurants with brands, such as Guess, Nike, and Armani up for grabs.

Surfers Paradise Night Markets

When it comes to the perfect place to browse through stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery and artwork to delicious snacks and sweet treats, the Surfers Paradise Night Markets are hard to beat. Located right on the beachfront, these markets offer a fun and exciting evening out, with live music and entertainment to keep you entertained. Whether you're looking for some unique souvenirs or just want to check out the local scene, the Surfers Paradise Night Markets are a must-visit during your time in Australia.

Family Fun & Theme Parks

Dream World Selfies

Wet ‘n’ wild

When it comes to family-friendly water-based Gold Coast activities, nowhere quite compares to the Gold Coast's Wet 'n' Wild waterpark. With over 40 rides and attractions to enjoy, from giant, world-class waterslides, to splashing your way through the fountains, Wet’n'Wild has something for all ages to enjoy. Make the most of an action-packed day out with the family, guaranteed to plant the seeds of memories that will last a lifetime.

Movie World

With 6 mega rollercoasters and a whole host of exhilarating rides and attractions to explore, Warner Bros Movie World is the biggest and best movie-themed amusement park in Australia. Featuring all of your favourite characters, from DC Comic superheroes to Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo, this is THE place to be for all movie fans! Feel your heart race as you soar on exhilarating white-knuckle rides, witness impressive stunt shows, feel the power of the Force, discover magical worlds and so much more.

Dream World

An icon on the Gold Coast, Dreamworld is famed for being Australia’s largest theme park. Spend a day riding the exhilarating roller coasters and flying through the air on a range of thrilling rides, making pit stops for ice cream, doughnuts and fairy floss as you go. For little ones, there are plenty of kiddie rides and areas to run around, including Tiger Island and Wiggles World.

Sea World

Explore the hidden world beneath the waves at one of the best marine parks in Queensland - Sea World Gold Coast. With plenty of awesome rides, animal attractions and waterslides to enjoy, you'll have a blast taking on the waves of Storm Coaster or meeting our friendly dolphin friends. Making for the most amazing day out with the whole family, kids will love exploring the wonders of Sea World.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

As one of Australia's most beloved and iconic destinations for animal lovers, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been delighting visitors for over 75 years now. Home to numerous species of animals, birds, reptiles and marine life, it's a place where you can get up close to Australia's wildest creatures. From wallabies and koalas to crocodiles and wombats, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has them all! The perfect place for an amazing day out with the whole family, spend an afternoon exploring the park and taking part in one of the many animal encounters.

Gold Coast Nature Walks

When looking for Gold Coast things to do for free, you can’t go wrong with a walk amongst some of the best natural beauty the region has to offer. Pull on your comfies, fill up your water bottle, and get ready to lose yourself for a few hours on these amazing nature walks.

Mount Cougal Circuit Track, Hinterland

The Gold Coast Hinterland offers some of the most spectacular walks in Australia. From short and easy hikes to long day trips with challenging terrain, there is something for everyone no matter their level of fitness or experience. For those seeking a moderate walk with amazing views, the Mount Cougal Circuit track is a popular Hinterland choice, taking walkers through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region. The 8.5 km loop offers an array of lush tropical rainforests and jagged mountain ridges, with incredible views of creeks and waterfalls that can be enjoyed along the journey.

Federation Walk Coastal Reserve

The Federation Walk Coastal Reserve stretches across 93 hectares of Gold Coast shoreline, serving up serene beaches, endless walking tracks, and stunning ocean views. Pack your swimmers, a few sandwiches, and a good book, and take full advantage of a seemingly endless stretch of white sand. The endpoint of the walk is The Spit, where you can enjoy some local Gold Coast activities including kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, or swimming before making your way back.

Tamborine National Park

If you're looking for something a bit different than your typical beach holiday, then head inland to Tamborine National Park. Here you'll find lush rainforests filled with incredible wildlife and native plants as well as plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, waterfall and creek swims and hinterland lookouts. When visiting Tamborine National Park, don't forget to check out the Glow Worm Cave! Home to hundreds of thousands of tiny glow worms, enter a magical world brushed with a soft neon green glow that will ignite the imaginations of any little ones tagging along.

Antipasto At Cucina Vivo

Local Restaurants and Bars

Home to the freshest bar and restaurant scene on the Gold Coast, The Star Gold Coast brings award-winning cuisine, inspired dining, and upscale bars and lounges to the heart of Broadbeach. Better still, Dorsett Gold Coast is connected to The Star Gold Coast, so you can enjoy all of the precinct's world-class amenities, entertainment and dining options during your stay!

Here’s what you’ll find inside The Star Gold Coast:

  • Garden Kitchen & Bar
  • Kiyomi
  • Uncle Su
  • Nineteen At The Star
  • Cucina Vivo
  • Mei Wei Dumplings
  • Veladora
  • Atrium Bar
  • M&G Cafe & Bar
  • The Sports Bar

Whether you're looking to celebrate in absolute style with exquisite menus accompanied by sommelier-selected wines, cocktails, and canapes with a view, or enjoy a casual bite to eat and refreshing drink, The Star Gold Coast has something for everyone.

Explore Dorsett Gold Coast

Dorsett Gold Coast

Wake up to glorious views of the coastline or lush hinterland in our amazing rooms. Boasting 313 stylish, modern, and well-appointed guest rooms, discover the true meaning of comfort in the heart of Broadbeach.

Live your best life poolside with cabana-bound cocktails at Isoletto Pool Club, the only place to be seen during the hot summer months, and enjoy a well-deserved glow-up at Azure Spa & Fitness. Feeling that little bit extra? Why not upgrade to an executive room to gain exclusive access to the Executive Lounge; where breakfast comes with Gold Coast views and sunset is served with a side of champagne and canapes?

Head on down to the Lobby and make your way across to The Star Gold Coast, home to world-class bars, restaurants, and entertainment in the region. From fine dining to fine wining, experience upscale eats and sensational sips just moments from your room in Dorsett Gold Coast. When it comes to checking out the best Gold Coast things to do, why not start at your accommodation?

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