Things to do in Rainbow Beach

Great Sandy National Park

At Kulula Great Sands National Park, you can admire magnificent masterpieces of nature sculptures on the sand. There are huge sand dunes, towering cliffs and colorful sandy beaches. You can pack your tent and embark on a two- to four-day trip on the Cooloola Wilderness Trail. Drive along the beach or through towering forest and wilderness along the Kurula Path and Freshwater Road.

Carlo Sand Blow

Dolphin Feeding Tin Can Bay

BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park

Tin Can Bay Country Club

Rainbow Beach Sports Recreation and Memorial Club

Inskip Point

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Queensland

Gold Coast beach

Gold Coast beach stretches for approximately 70 km, and its golden sand is the defining feature of this coastline, from which the name "Gold Coast" is derived. The sand is fine and glows with a warm golden luster in the sunlight, while the seawater transitions from a shallow turquoise near the shore to a deep blue in the distance, creating distinct layers. The beach is lined with various sections, each with its own unique character; the northern section has a lively atmosphere, while the southern section is relatively quiet, catering to different preferences. Surfing is a quintessential, long-standing experience at this beach. The coastline features several well-known surf breaks, among which the "Superbank" near Snapper Rocks is famous for producing long, hollow waves, attracting large numbers of surfing enthusiasts year-round. The coastal walkway connects multiple beach sections, making it a great way to explore by walking or cycling. Located in a subtropical region, the area enjoys a mild climate and abundant sunshine, making it a suitable destination to visit all year round.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is split in two by the Gold Coast Highway, with the two areas connected by a concrete tunnel. Established in 1947, the sanctuary was initially known for feeding wild rainbow lorikeets and has since gradually developed into a comprehensive park integrating animal exhibits, interactive experiences, and wildlife rescue. The kangaroo area is one of the core experience zones in the park, where kangaroos and emus roam freely within an open grassy enclosure, and visitors can feed and observe them up close. Koalas reside in a dedicated koala area, where visitors can walk into the koala habitat for close observation and have the opportunity to take photos with the koalas. The park is also home to Australian native species such as crocodiles, cassowaries, possums, echidnas, and dingoes. There is a wild lorikeet feeding experience every morning and evening, where flocks of rainbow lorikeets fly in and land on visitors' hands to feed—a signature activity the sanctuary has carried on to this day. The WildSkies free-flight bird show displays the flying skills of various bird species, and the Lost Valley area brings together tropical rainforest species such as red pandas, tree kangaroos, and capybaras. There is also an Aboriginal cultural performance every afternoon, presenting traditional dance and didgeridoo performances. The wildlife hospital in the park is also open to the public, where visitors can learn about wildlife rescue work through observation windows. △ Get up close and personal with Australia's native species △ Learn more about biology and geography △ Enjoy exciting performances held daily

2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

SkyPoint Observation Deck

The SkyPoint Observation Deck is located at the top of the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, situated on the 77th and 78th floors, approx. 230 m above the ground. It is one of the few coastal high-altitude observation decks in Australia. The Q1 building beneath was completed in 2005, standing over 300 m tall including its spire. It held the record as the world's tallest residential building for several years after its completion and remains a striking landmark on the Surfers Paradise skyline. △ 360° panoramic view of the entire Gold Coast, offering a full appreciation of the magnificent scenery of the sea, sky, and golden sandy beaches △ The elevator takes only 43 seconds to reach the 77th-floor observation deck of Q1 Tower, allowing travelers to quickly enter sightseeing mode △ SkyPoint Observation Deck is not only charming during the day,The night lights also make this a great spot to enjoy the Gold Coast night view