4 Great Experiences on the Gold Coast

Pristine coastlines, adrenaline-pumping theme parks and a lively nightlife: the Gold Coast has long cemented itself as an iconic Australian holiday destination. But for those seeking a truly unique slice of what the Gold Coast has to offer, look no further than these unforgettable experiences.

Swim in a saltwater pool with tropical fish

Cascading waterfalls, rock grottos and chic cabanas are waiting to be discovered in JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s saltwater lagoon. Featuring real sand and more than 300 tropical fish such as the domino damsel and moon wrasse that you can snorkel with, it’s no surprise that the feature was recently lauded as Wotif’s best pool in Australia. The luxury resort was designed with multigenerational travellers in mind and also hosts a separate freshwater pool with a kid’s slide and a whirlpool.

The JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa made its Australian brand debut in December 2020 following a substantial $35 million renovation.The décor draws inspiration from both the coastal and hinterland surrounds – with towering greenery, dark oak and vibrant sea blues colouring the hotel – creating a tranquil retreat. Here, all the award-winning rooms (including the Presidential Suite, which won Australia’s leading hotel suite for 2020 at the World Travel Awards) have a view – either of Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast hinterland, or both.

The resort also features six restaurants and bars including Citrique, complete with interactive show kitchen and Bay Bug dumplings that are a must-order, alongside Misono Japanese Restaurant where chefs will make you a teppanyaki banquet of surf and turf.

Be sure to check out the JW Garden where Australian native bees have been introduced to aid pollination, and you can plant fresh herbs and vegetables which are used in all the resort’s culinary menus.

Walk through the treetops of rainforest

Be engulfed by luscious green rainforest canopies as you traverse the treetops on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. A vibrant array of flora and fauna awaits you on this 1.5 km all-ages tour. Starting from the Skywalk’s Eco Gallery on Mt. Tamborine, you’ll explore the forest floors and middle and upper canopies of the emerald rainforest via elevated walkways and a 300-metre steel bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas and remember to look down to catch sight of the crystal-clear rock pools. In this immersive greenery, you won’t believe you’re less than one hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise.

Look out over a dormant volcano

Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland region of Springbrook Mountain, the Best of All Lookout really lives up to its name. Enjoy panoramic views of the hinterland, Murwillumbah, the south-east coastline and Mount Warning (core of the ancient Tweed volcano that erupted 23 million years ago). The viewpoint, 60 minutes by car from the heart of the Gold Coast, is part of Springbrook National Park, so schedule a day trip and visit its other wonders. Springbrook makes up a quarter of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest and is home to the Natural Arch waterfall and glow-worm caves.

Scale Australia’s tallest building

Marvel at the sprawling coastline views at the top of the iconic Q1 skyscraper in Surfers Paradise. The exhilarating 90-minute SkyPoint Climb will see you scaling the exterior of the tower, which also happens to be Australia’s tallest building. Starting on the 77th floor, you’ll follow a guide towards the summit – a whopping 270 metres above sea level – and experience jaw-dropping 360-degree views from SkyPoint’s unique vantage point. For thrill-seekers only!