Quack'r Duck: Non-Touristy Things to Do on the Gold Coast
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The Gold Coast is more than just its iconic skyline, local theme parks and beautiful beaches. Locals know that there's a wealth of fun activities beyond the typical tourist attractions.
If you're looking to experience the Gold Coast like a local the next time you visit, check out these off-the-beaten-path gems.
Embrace the Café Culture
Start your day right with a taste of the Gold Coast's thriving café culture. From Espresso Moto in Palm Beach to the charming Nook in Burleigh, the coast is dotted with unique cafes and eateries.
Sip on your morning coffee while soaking in the local atmosphere – it's an experience that brings you closer to the community.
Indulge in Food Truck Delights
For a taste of local flavours, skip the upscale restaurants and head to the food trucks.
The Miami Marketta is a foodie's paradise, where a diverse array of food trucks serves up delectable treats from around the world, and the music scene here is not too bad either.
Grab a variety of taster plates and enjoy live music and craft beer as you mingle with the locals.
Explore by Bicycle
See the Gold Coast from a different perspective by exploring on a bicycle. With over 2400 km of bikeways and cycling routes, you can venture beyond the usual tourist spots.
Take a leisurely ride from Burleigh Heads to Currumbin Beach or Mermaid Beach, or explore dedicated cycling routes like the Darren Smith Memorial Route and Currumbin Valley for stunning scenery and exciting outdoor activities.
Lime's electric bikes make biking effortless. Found at key locations, these bikes offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore.
Register on the Lime App, unlock a bike with your smartphone, and start your journey. Pick up and drop off wherever you like.
Sunset Serenity on Burleigh Hill
Escape the crowds by visiting Burleigh Hill on a Sunday afternoon. This popular spot offers stunning coastal views and a serene atmosphere.
Pack a picnic (or order a takeaway pizza from popular Justin Lane located just down the road) and enjoy the sunset while listening to the waves from a picnic blanke. As the night falls, you might even catch fire twirlers and bongo drummers performing, adding a touch of magic to your evening.
Besides the hill being a popular attraction, Burleigh is also known for its world-class surf breaks, unbeatable golden beaches, lively cafe scene, delicious food, nature walks, and the all-around sunny vibes this epic location offers.
Image credit: We are Gold Coast
Find Unique Treasures at Local Markets
Dive into the local culture through vibrant farmers markets and crafts markets. Along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays bustle with market stalls offering fresh produce and distinctive handmade items.
Engage in the festive ambience with live music and connect with locals, embracing the true essence of the Gold Coast. For a bi-monthly artisan experience, head to The Village Market at Burleigh Heads State School every first and third Sunday from 8:30am to 1pm.
Hosting over 100 curated stalls in fashion, art, and lifestyle, it's not just a market – it's a creative community where emerging entrepreneurs, like Peony Swimwear, Grace Bijoux, and Kivari, have taken flight.
Join the Sunday morning good vibes on the Gold Coast at The Village Markets.
Shop with a Local Twist
While the Gold Coast offers luxury shopping, you can also uncover hidden shopping gems.
Robina Town Centre and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre have been revamped to provide a high-end shopping experience. From top global brands to local finds, these centres offer a blend of luxury and local charm.
If your bank balance is looking a little bleak but your eagerness to snag a sale is still up there, enter Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre.
A utopia for bargain hunters, this hotspot is full to the brim with discounts from an assortment of topnotch brands like Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Sheridan, Lacoste, Royal Doulton, Coach and Kathmandu, just to name a few.
Get Closer to Nature
Step away from the bustling city and connect with nature. Take a short ferry ride to South Stradbroke Island for untouched beaches and wildlife encounters.
If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, visit a glamping site in the Gold Coast hinterland on Mt Tamborine where you can see the glow worm caves, hike and unwind amidst stunning scenery.
Embark on a rainforest hike in Lamington National Park and discover beautiful walking tracks, stunning waterfalls, rare birds, and lush rainforests.
You could also check out Springbrook National Park, Natural Bridge or Binna Burra.
Make Your Visit Extraordinary
Don't confine your Gold Coast journey to the ordinary. With this guide, dive into exciting activities and uncover lively café scenes, savour food truck delights, pedal through exploration on bicycles, and unearth unique gems at local markets. And for a one-of-a-kind family day out, add the Quack'rDuck Guided Tour to your list of memorable experiences.
Departing from Surfers Paradise, this tour blends land and sea travel, offering breathtaking views of the city, pristine beaches, and even Sea World. Take the plunge into Marina Mirage, Paradise Waters, and possibly a dolphin encounter.
The Quack'rDuck operates daily, so you can easily fit this awesome amphibious adventure into your schedule. Book now for a family experience you'll all cherish!
