Go chasing waterfalls
When it’s a nice sunny day, most Gold Coast locals will gravitate toward the ocean. Don’t get us wrong, we love the beach big time (as you’ll see later on in this article) – though a little adventure and some hikes inland will also unlock a bevy of swimming holes and waterfalls that are just waiting to be explored. The next time you’re craving a dip and an activity that won’t cost you a penny, why not strap on some boots, spend some time in nature and splash into one of the many beaut waterfalls within road-trip distance of the Gold Coast? Here are some of our favourite waterfalls that we recommend ticking off your bucket list. Cedar Creek Falls, here we come!
Roll out your rug at these top picnic spots
There’s a reason people flock to Burleigh Heads – it’s breathtakingly beautiful and provides the perfect backdrop to roll out a rug and while the day away with a portable grazing platter and excellent company. The best part? It’s a free afternoon of bliss! The only real downside is that everyone on the coast has the same idea, so it can be hard to find some space to spread out. If you’re looking for a few alternatives that are a little more off-the-beaten track, check out our round-up of sensational picnic spots.
Slip, slop, slap and head to the beach
Gold Coast weather is pretty spectacular year-round. So when the sun is shining, the waves are rolling in and you’re looking to spend a few hours relaxing without dropping some cash, there’s no better activity then plunging yourself into the nearest ocean and sprawl out under a cabana on the sand. If this sounds your ideal free activity, we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up a few of the best beaches in and around the Gold Coast that aren’t your usual suspects (looking at you, Tallebudgera Creek).
Window shop at these weekend markets
If you’re eager to stroll through some stalls and perhaps stock up on some fresh fruit and veg over the weekend (if you happen to have some spare cash to splash), be sure check out these markets – Burleigh Farmers Market, Gold Coast Organic Markets, HOTA Farmers & Artisan Market, Helensvale Farmers Markets, Palm Beach Food & Farmers Market and Marina Mirage Farmers Markets. For delicious nighttime eats, hit up family-friendly twilight event Dreamworld Night Market. Every second Sunday, you can head to Burleigh Heads for The Village Markets, where a treasure trove of creative goods, arts, delicious street food, live music and entertainment awaits.
Enjoy brain teasers and beers at these weekly Gold Coast trivia nights
If you’re on the hunt for some mid-week fun that’s well within the budget, then try your hand at trivia. Whether you’re keen to test your knowledge over a hearty parmy and a schooner of the good stuff, or if Italian pizza and wine is more your style, then this handy list of Gold Coast trivia nights will be right up your brain-busting alley. Here’s one to get your juices flowing – what was the name of the French monk who invented champagne? No Google allowed.
Those after a family-friendly free activity should make tracks to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Every day at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm at the sanctuary, you can enjoy the experience of feeding wild lorikeets. These colourful birds are not shy of humans and like to eat right from your hands or take a rest on your head and shoulders – so yes, you will get some adorable pics for the ‘gram. These are the birds which founded the sanctuary over 75 years ago and generations later they still know the exact time and place to come feed. There’s no entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary required, and this amazing experience is free to watch or you can donate a gold coin to have a go at feeding the birds yourself. Learn all about it here.
Take your boots walking around these top-notch hiking trails
As much as we love spending days skipping from the sand to the sea, there’s something equally grounding about lacing up your sneakers and heading inland for a tree change. The incredible thing about the Gold Coast is that you can literally go from the beach to the bush in 25 minutes. If you’re keen to take a break from the sun and sand (as well as spending your savings) and get amongst nature, we’ve rounded up some of the best hikes around the Gold Coast. Are you ready, boots? Start walking!
Stroll through eye-catching art at HOTA Gallery
Strolling through an art gallery is a great way to spend your free time, especially when you’re on a budget. The Gold Coast’s premier destination for art, HOTA Gallery, is completely free to visit and no bookings are required. There are more than 4000 artworks on display at the gallery at any one time – and there’s even a dedicated children’s gallery too with plenty of fun activities for little ones. Those who have a few extra dollars to spend can mosey on up to the Exhibitionist Bar for some seriously stellar views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and a killer cocktail or grab tickets to Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize. This enchanting exhibition (running until October 2) explores the rich history of the Archibald Prize, unearthing fascinating stories behind more than 100 carefully selected artworks. Tickets for Archie 100 can be purchased at the HOTA website.
Image one and three credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
