Best of Gold Coast
Free Things to Do on the Gold Coast: Beach, Parks and Wildlife
The Gold Coast's greatest free asset is its 57-kilometre stretch of beach, accessible at dozens of points from Coolangatta in the south to The Spit at Main Beach in the north. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has a free daily lorikeet feeding session at certain times, though general entry to the sanctuary carries a fee. The Broadwater Parklands at Southport and Biggera Waters offer waterside parks with no entry cost. Burleigh Head National Park and the hinterland parks at Springbrook and Tamborine Mountain are free to enter, with paid parking at some trailheads. The Gold Coast Arts Centre (Home of the Arts, HOTA) runs free events and gallery exhibitions alongside its ticketed program.
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1
Gold Coast Beaches (Free)
All 35km of Gold Coast beaches, from Coolangatta to South Stradbroke Island, are free to access, swim and surf at any time.
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2
Burleigh Heads National Park Walk
A free 2km coastal walk around the Burleigh Heads headland through eucalyptus forest, with views along the entire Gold Coast beachfront.
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3
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (Walk-In)
The exterior walkways of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are free to stroll past, with views of the creek and wetlands, though the animal encounters require entry.
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4
Springbrook National Park Lookouts
A series of free lookouts in the Hinterland, Natural Bridge, Purling Brook Falls and Canyon Lookout offer spectacular rainforest views with no entry fee.
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5
Gold Coast Oceanway Walking Track
A continuous 36km beachfront walking track from Coolangatta to The Spit, with free access to all beaches, surf clubs and foreshore parks along the way.
More Best of Gold Coast
- Burleigh Heads Guide: Beach, Cafes and the National Park
- Best Surf Beaches on the Gold Coast: Breaks for Every Level
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: A Guide to Movie World, Sea World and More
- Best Coffee on the Gold Coast: Specialty Cafes From Burleigh to Broadbeach
- Gold Coast Suburbs Guide: From Surfers to Coolangatta
- Gold Coast Hinterland Day Trips: Rainforest, Views and Village Stops