11 Best Sights in The Gold Coast, Queensland

A Gold Coast institution and perhaps the most ecologically minded wildlife facility in the region, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 70-acre, not-for-profit National Trust Reserve featuring more than 60 koalas and an on-site wildlife hospital. Established in 1947 as a lorikeet sanctuary, it now shelters a wide variety of Australian species, including kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, emus, and rare birds. There are more than 10 daily animal feedings, shows, and performances, friendly 'roos (often with joeys in their pouches!) love to be petted and hand-fed, and the fleet of young koalas make for perfect cuddle and photo opportunities. All revenue goes toward Currumbin's work protecting, treating, and rehabilitating local wildlife.

Tickets are much cheaper if bought online in advance, especially in low season.

Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, beautiful Lamington National Park is a lush, subtropical-temperate zone that shelters abundant and highly diverse plant and animal life. Forming part of the largest subtropical rain forest in the world, find Antarctic beech trees dating back more than 3,000 years, as well as waterfalls, mountain pools, breathtaking views, bright wildflowers, and more than 160 native bird species. The Park is laced with 160 km (100 miles) of bushwalking tracks, ranging from 1.2 km (¾ mile) to 54 km (34 miles), with campsites along the way. All park camping areas require nightly permits, obtained in advance.

The Australian Outback Spectacular lets visitors experience "the heart and soul of the Australian Outback." The evening show features state-of-the-art visual effects and performances from top local stunt riders, interactive team racing, and live country and orchestral music. Guests get a hearty, three-course dinner and complimentary drinks during the 90-minute, A$23-million production, plus a souvenir stockman's hat. There is also a monthly matinee performance on Sunday.

Located in the town of Burleigh Heads—7 km (4½ miles) south of Broadbeach—and named for an Australian wildlife naturalist, the park features a daily program of ranger-led walks and presentations, a boardwalk trail, and picnic facilities. See koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, platypuses, and crocodiles, grouped together in separate zones according to their natural habitat, or discover threatened species and the elusive platypus in the state-of-the-art nocturnal house. There's also a café and a gift shop.

Daily presentations are included in the ticket price; the platypus feeding at 10:30 am is a must-see.

At Coomera's Dreamworld, the main draw is the high-tech thrill rides, including the aptly named Giant Drop, a nearly 400-foot vertical plummet akin to skydiving that is the tallest ride in the southern hemisphere; the nine-story, 360-degree pendulum swing of Claw; and Tail Spin, a soaring mini-airplane adventure. Animal lovers will enjoy Tiger Island where Bengal tigers and their gorgeous cubs swim and play, Koala Country, and the conservation-focused on-site Wildlife Sanctuary (including crocs). There are also Family Rides, a range of rides for young children, pools and waterslides of Whitewater World, and Corroboree, an interactive celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island heritage and culture. Purchase tickets online for discounts and specials.

Billed as "an authentic Australian farm experience," the park appeals to families with wildlife tours, animal feedings, koala cuddling, sheep shearing, boomerang throwing, and displays of horsemanship. Meanwhile, adults can book a private wine-tasting session. You can also stay overnight in an on-site tent, including eco-tents, or your own motor home. The park is directly behind the Australian Outback Spectacular. Car parking spaces are limited.

The peaks of Springbrook National Park rise to around 3,000 feet, dominating the skyline west of the Gold Coast. The World Heritage–listed park has four regions: scenic Springbrook plateau, Mt. Cougal, Natural Bridge, and Numinbah. Highlights include waterfalls and cascades, Jurassic age hoop pines, ancient rain forest, and abundant native birds and wildlife. Thanks to steep, winding roads and longish distances between sections, it takes at least a full day to explore this large park. It's about 30 km (19 miles) from the tiny hamlet of Springbrook to Natural Bridge—a waterfall that cascades through a cavern roof into an icy pool, which is home to Australia's largest glowworm colony. Several waterfalls, including the area's largest, Purling Brook Falls, can be reached via a steepish 4-km (2½-mile) path (allow 15 minutes for each half mile). The 54-km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk extends from the Settlement campground to Green Mountains campsite in Tamborine National Park. For those short on time or energy, the lookout near the parking lot has beautiful waterfall views. Camping is permitted only in designated private campgrounds. Book online in advance ( qpws.usedirect.com).

More than 20 million years ago, volcanic eruptions created rugged landscapes, while fertile volcanic soils produced the luxuriant tracts of rain forest that make up the enchanting Tamborine National Park. It's worth spending at least a day or two here. Apart from the natural environment, there are wineries, lodges, restaurants, and the famed Gallery Walk, a 1-km-long (½-mile-long) street lined with art galleries. Some of the simplest (under two hours) and best trails here are the Cedar Creek Falls Track with waterfall views, Palm Grove Rainforest Circuit, and Macdonald Rainforest Circuit, a quieter walk popular with bird-watchers. Start your visit with a stop at Tamborine Mountain Visitor Information Centre (open 10 am to 3 pm weekdays and until 4 pm weekends), and don't forget to stop by the local Botanic Gardens for a rest and a picnic.

Mixing old Hollywood ambience with live character shows, interactive adventures, and thrill rides for young and old, Warner Bros. offers something for everyone. Rides include the Batman-theme DC Rivals HyperCoaster—the southern hemisphere's longest, fastest, and highest. With a large portion of its area now covered by a 43,055-square-foot roof, this park is a smart choice in bad weather. It's adjacent to Australian Outback Spectacular.

Oxenford's Wet 'n' Wild Water World boasts magnificent, adrenaline-pumping waterslides, including the tallest water-park tower in Australia, the Double Barrel two-person body slide, and the Surfrider that simulates the sensation of surfing the world's biggest waves. Kids love Buccaneer Bay, a pirate-theme aquatic playground with multiple levels, and the new Wet 'n' Wild Junior area, featuring another eight kid-friendly slides, including miniversions of the park's most popular thrill rides. Select pools and slides are heated May through September, when days are often still sunny and warm. The park is ½ km (¼ mile) down the Pacific Highway from Warner Bros. Movie World.

Thrice weekly, crowds flock to haggle for handmade crafts and gifts at the busy Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets.