Gold Coast for the nature-lover

The Gold Coast not only has vibrant city life, but also lots of beautiful natural places to relax, exercise or do activities. There are numerous bush walking options, tranquil creeks and stunning beaches to explore. This guide is packed full of great outdoor places for the nature-lovers on holiday. If these are your main interests for your next Gold Coast getaway, check out my recommendations.

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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

@josieking

If you’re an animal lover or just want to hang out with some Australian kangaroos, add the Wildlife Sanctuary to your itinerary. The reviews speak for themselves- it is enjoyed by people of all ages. Recommended for a fun day out with the family.

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Jet Ski Safaris

@josieking

Such a fun activity if you’re looking for something adventurous on your holiday. Great to do with a group of friends, family or your partner. Ride the jetski over to South Stradbroke Island for a quick drink and bite to eat. Really exhilarating experience when you’re driving at full speed over the open water.

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The Spit Gold Coast

@josieking

The Spit is the most northern section of the Gold Coast beach strip and is a popular spot with the locals to enjoy a relaxing day out. You can pack a picnic to enjoy in the parkland area, take surfing lessons, go fishing, or bring your furry friend for a run around. The dog beach is well kept and very popular among pet owners. You can walk to the end of the very long jetty and be surrounded by the beautiful water and sea breeze. I’d recommend doing a trip here if you’re staying close to the area, such as at SeaWorld Resort or at Surfers Paradise/ Main Beach.

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Mount Tamborine

@josieking

For a beautiful and relaxing day out, I’d recommend travelling up to Mount Tambourine. There are lovely bush walking options, but if that’s not your thing, there’s also lots of cute little shops and eateries around. Walk down the main strip and you’ll come across a variety of stores and places to have a break with a cup of coffee and slice of cake. A tour of the glow worm cave is an amazing experience I would suggest while you’re up there. You can do a day trip by car or stay the night in a cabin nearby. I always love to visit the German Cuckoo Clock store while I’m there.

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Gold Coast Gondolas

@josieking

Such a cool and romantic activity to do with a partner. Decide which Italian meal you’d like upon booking and they bring it fresh to the gondola.

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Currumbin Rock Pools

@josieking

Lovely location to get away from the bustle of city life and enjoy a relaxing swim in the rock pools. It is a family friendly area and is popular with the locals. Pack and picnic and have lunch under the shade of the trees. There’s a small waterfall people often enjoy jumping off.

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Springbrook National Park

@josieking

For a beautiful bush walk with refreshing waterfalls, head up to Springbrook. There are different trail options, so doesn’t matter if you’re not much of a hiker. No tour guide is needed- it can be easily navigated on your own. Pack some water and lunch in your bag and purch up on some rocks by a waterfall. Make sure to take all rubbish back with you!

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Lamington National Park

@josieking

Another lovely rainforest to go for a bush walk and enjoy the stunning view down the mountain. There are different track options you can take depending on what suits you. If you’re going while it is a bit wet and rainy, beware of leeches! Bring some salt with you to dry them out as pulling them off can lead to infection. Otherwise it is a very peaceful and beautiful walk. Would recommend packing some lunch to enjoy at the lookout or by a waterfall.

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O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

@josieking

I loved my stay here and would highly recommend it. The infinity pool with a view overlooking the mountains was amazing. I also really enjoyed the hot tub on our private balcony. Such a relaxing atmosphere out in nature and is very romantic for a couples getaway. We had a delicious Italian dinner at the restaurant and watched the burning sunset just outside. If you’re an animal lover, you’d probably also like the friendly rosellas that fly up to the balcony wanting snacks.

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Tallebudgera Creek

@josieking

Tallebudgera creek, or “Tallie” as the locals call it, is a beautiful and tranquil place to hang out on a sunny day. Running inland from the beach, it’s a great creek for a refreshing swim without waves. You can hire stand up paddle boards, cook a BBQ lunch, or set up for the day with your beach gazebo. It’s very popular, so get there early on a clear day to make sure you can get a spot.

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North Burleigh Lookout (Little Burleigh)

@josieking

Beautiful lookout point over the famous view of the Gold Coast beach line. Lots of people go for walks or runs up the path and stop here for a while to admire the view. Lovely spot to get some holiday photos and enjoy the sea breeze. It is the dividing point between Miami and North Burleigh beach, but you can go up and over it if you’re walking the full beach stretch.

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Burleigh Hill

@josieking

Very popular spot for day time picnics leading into the evening before heading off for dinner or drinks. Lots of people set up with picnic rugs and pillows to enjoy some cold beverages with a great view of the beach. Nearby to lots of restaurants and bars.

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Emerald Lakes

@josieking

Emerald Lakes is a mini Italy located on the central Gold Coast in Carrara. The amazing architecture will truely make you feel like you’re strolling the streets of Cinque Terre. There is a pathway that wraps the whole way around the large lake and makes for a beautiful walk or jog. There’s a mini dog-friendly beach, so you can bring your puppy for a swim while you have a picnic lunch. There are also a few restaurants, cafes and shops over the other side. You could bring the family here to explore or meet up with friends.

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Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

@josieking

These gardens are a lovely area to have a picnic lunch or let the kids around in a safe area. This peaceful spot has tables and amenities, so you can set up for the day and enjoy nature.

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Mermaid Beach

@josieking

Mermaid beach is my favourite beach on the Gold Coast because it has lots of parking and has such a vast expanse of soft, white sand to set up on. It’s much quieter than Surfers and Burleigh beaches, so you can find your own space to relax. It’s a safe area so you can leave your belongings on the beach while you go for a swim or a little stroll.

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Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

@josieking

Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4-9pm the beachfront comes alive with markets. There’s a wide variety of stall types, including crafts, clothing, gifts, jewellery etc. It’s really nice to have a stroll through at nighttime after dinner.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Josie King

I’m a 28 year old female who loves to travel and share my experiences! I really enjoy going out for meals and drinks, so I can give you plenty of dining suggestions. I also like to recommend fun activities and places where you can just relax and explore. I lived on the Gold Coast in Australia for 25 years, so I know heaps of fantastic places to visit there. My family is from Tasmania, so I have done many trips to the beautiful state and have lots of tips to share. I have been to Europe 3 times, one of which was a gap year spent nannying and travelling. I’m very honest in my reviews and recommendations, so if you need helpful tips for your next trip, check out my guides!

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