20 Things to Do on the Gold Coast This Winter

Gold Coast winter is the city's sweet spot. Perfect temperatures, clear skies, and the beach crowds of summer have thinned to reveal a city with a surprising amount of depth beyond the sand and surf. Here are 20 things to do on the Gold Coast this winter.

Beach and ocean

1. Morning surf at Burleigh Heads — the break is at its most consistent in June and July, and the headland is the best spectating spot in southeast Queensland. 2. Ocean swimming at Coolangatta Beach — the southern end of the Gold Coast is the quietest and the water is clear. 3. Whale watching from the Currumbin headland — humpbacks pass the coast from June through September. 4. Stand-up paddleboarding on the Broadwater at Southport — sheltered, flat and easy in winter conditions.

Hinterland

5. Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park — a waterfall, a cave and glow worms in a single walk. 6. Lamington National Park Birdworld and the treetop walk at O'Reilly's — spectacular rainforest and superb bird life. 7. Tamborine Mountain — the mountain village markets, the Gallery Walk shops and the views from Eagle Heights. 8. Bike ride through the hinterland valleys of the Currumbin Valley.

Culture and entertainment

9. Gold Coast Arts Centre — check the current program for theatre, film and exhibitions. 10. HOTA (Home of the Arts) — the cultural precinct at Surfers Paradise with exhibitions, performances and a cinema. 11. Gold Coast City Gallery — free to enter, regular rotating exhibitions. 12. Pacific Fair or Robina Town Centre for a winter afternoon retail and dining session.

Food and markets

13. Burleigh Heads Farmers Market on Saturday mornings — the best food market on the Gold Coast. 14. Broadbeach dining strip — some of the coast's best restaurants are concentrated between the casino and the beach. 15. Breakfast in the hinterland at one of the Tamborine Mountain cafes. 16. Fish and chips at Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta — the classic Queensland coastal lunch.

Active pursuits

17. Gold Coast Parkrun at Broadwater Parklands every Saturday morning — free, social and well-attended. 18. Cycling the Gold Coast Oceanway from Coolangatta to Southport — 30km of beachside path. 19. Golf at one of the Gold Coast's many courses — the courses are in their best condition in winter and tee times are easier to secure. 20. The Gold Coast Marathon in July — enter the full, half or shorter distances and be part of one of Australia's biggest running events.

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