How to solo travel your way around the Gold Coast

GUIDE

Gold Coast Hydrofoil Tours | solo travel Gold Coast

By Danielle Reckless

Published 24 hours ago

Sunshine, skyline, surf - and you. The Gold Coast was made for solo adventures, whether you’re chasing thrills, beach-hopping, or soaking up vibes with a cocktail in hand. All you need is a sense of adventure (and maybe a beach towel).

Planning solo travel on the Gold Coast? Here’s what to know, and what to do.

Adventure

Group learning to surf on the Gold Coast — Get Wet Surf School, Main Beach, Gold Coast

Adrenaline’s practically part of the postcode here. Whether you’re surfing, paddling or plunging from a plane, the Gold Coast brings big energy for solo travellers.

Learn to surf with one of the many surf schools dotting the coast from Main Beach to Coolangatta.
Paddle the coastline with Australian Kayaking Adventures for a sea-level view of the city (and hidden island frolicking).
Rev things up on a Gold Coast Jet Ski Safari. It's fast, salty and guaranteed to make you grin.
Ride the coasters at Dreamworld or Warner Bros. Movie World for some heart-racing fun.
Or if you're really brave, throw yourself out of a plane with Gold Coast Skydiving for truly thrilling views.

Nature

Woman walks along elevated boardwalk in the rainforest of Lamington National Park — Tree Top Walk, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast

There's one thing to know about Gold Coast locals: we practically live outside.

Visit and you'll quickly see why. In a single day you can go from salty swims to shaded hiking trails, and maybe even zipline through the rainforest canopy before sunset drinks back beachside.

Put these nature experiences on your radar:

Swim and sunbathe at Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Beach, or Snapper Rocks, depending on your vibe.
Swap sand for scenery in the Gold Coast Hinterland: rainforest trails, waterfalls and fresh mountain air is waiting. Don't miss the tree top walk at O’Reilly’s.
Join a small group hinterland tour if you fancy some company while exploring the cellar doors, farms and cute mountain villages.
Fly through the forest on Australia’s longest, fastest, highest zipline.

Wildlife

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Get heart-to-heart with endangered koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and watch the lorikeets do their thing at this iconic (and heritage-listed) animal haven. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been delighting travellers of all ages since 1947. The wildlife hospital is a must-visit experience.

Whale Watching

Visit from June to November for a chance to see humpbacks flipping, breaching and waving their fins just off the beach. It’s a goosebumps kind of moment. Here’s how to book a tour.

Culture

Indigenous performers dance on the beach during sunrise — BLEACH* Arts Festival, Gold Coast

The Gold Coast’s cultural side is more than top-notch beaches and brunch. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find stories, festivals and art that bring the region to life.

Discover local First Nations culture at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, with Dreamtime stories and coastal walks through Burleigh Head National Park.
Catch live music, theatre, art exhibitions or an indie film at HOTA (Home of the Arts). This centre in Surfers Paradise has become the city's cultural heartbeat.
Time your trip with BLEACH* Arts Festival, Blues on Broadbeach, Swell Sculpture Festival or the famous Gold Coast Marathon (cheer squad counts too).

Add these unmissable Gold Coast events to your wish-list.

Eat and drink

Chef preparing and cooking food Restaurant Labart — Restaurant Labart, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

No need for a plus-one when you’ve got food this good. From beachside bites to buzzing bars and solo-friendly food tours, the Gold Coast is a treat.

Join the local set for a decadent brunch.
Head to Burleigh Heads for a solo food crawl: book in at Rick Shores or The Tropic for beachfront brilliance.
Go gourmet at Restaurant Labart, one of the Gold Coast’s best fine-dining experiences.
Snack your way through the coast’s coolest street food hangout, Miami Marketta.
Join a Gold Coast Food & Wine Tour to discover hidden gems (and meet fellow foodies).
Get sipping at local breweries or distilleries like Granddad Jack’s, where you can even make your own gin.

Where to stay

Woman stands on hotel balcony overlooking the beach — Peppers Soul, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

On a budget

Keep it social and affordable at backpacker hostels across Surfers Paradise, where the beds are comfy and the vibe’s just right for meeting new mates.

Sweet-spot Stays

Mid-range magic? Think Meriton Suites, Golden Sands at Main Beach, Novotel Surfers Paradise, or boutique faves like The Island and The Pink Hotel Coolangatta.

Love all things retro? We’ve got you sorted.

Treat yourself

Make it luxe with ocean views at QT Gold Coast, beachfront glamour at Peppers Soul, top-tier indulgence at The Darling or brand-spanking-new Mondrian.

Check out our Gold Coast accommodation guide.

Want to spend a little longer in paradise? Consider Queensland's Working Holiday Maker program.