What comes to your minds when you think of Gold Coast?

Endless stretches of sun-kissed beaches and thrilling theme parks are what I thought Gold Coast is all about.

 

I couldn’t be more wrong!

 

We’re lucky to have Chen, our local friend to visit us during the weekend and show a side of the city that we didn’t even know existed!

 

And the best part of the adventures is they are all free!

 

If you want to get the most out of the Gold Coast without breaking the budget, here’s a list of things to do for free that we’ve done.

1. Watch Pelican Feeding at Labrador

Chen’s No.1 recommended tourist attraction in Gold Coast.

Picking us up at Surfer Paradise, it took approximately 15 minutes to reach this place.

 

It’s a truly spectacular sight to see hundreds of magnificent pelicans flying in and gathering on the beach to await their fishy feast. If possible, get there early to ensure that you get a good park (Free 2 hour parking) and a picnic table under shady trees.

 

While waiting for pelican feeding at 1.30pm, we ordered a big seafood box from Charis Seafoods for our lunch. Sitting outdoor with great views overlooking the lagoon while enjoying fresh fish and chips- is a heaven!

 

As the pelican feeding time getting closer, you can see scoops of pelicans descend from the sky towards the watery runway, stretching out their wings wide open and gliding elegantly before coming to a halt on the lagoon.

And now it’s your chance, you can jump in and have a swim with the pelicans in Ian Dipple Lagoon.

 

Then, you’ll see pelicans start waddling up onto the beach and squawking impatiently for foods.

Approximately 1.30pm, a friendly staff at Charis Seafoods carrying buckets filled with fishy leftovers will walk towards the shore and throw the fish scraps to the hungry pelicans.

 

It’s a stunning experience to watch how the pelicans use their long beaks to compete for the fish and devour food down their throat pouch. Here you can really get up close with these wild pelicans!

Absolutely free to watch this pelican feeding every day at 1.30pm! Don’t miss it.

 

Location: Ian Dipple Lagoon, 371 Marine Parade Labrador.

 

2. Get a great view at Rotary Lookout, Tamborine Mountain

Just under an hour drive from Gold Coast, dubbed “The Green behind the Gold”, Tamborine Mountain offers an excellent day trip.

 

Despite its secluded location, it’s quite an easy drive and the roads are well signposted. Driving up the scenic winding road, you’ll see the lush green rainforest, quaint towns and some restaurants along the way.

 

One of the highlights of Mt Tamborine is the picture-perfect lookouts where you get to enjoy stunning view of the natural wonderland.

 

There are few main lookout points on Mt Tamborine. We stopped at Rotary Lookout, a popular spot for hang gliders during weekends.

 

Here you get to enjoy spectacular views over the Gold Coast hinterland towards the Great Driving Range.

 

3. Walk in the rainforest at Tamborine National Park

Let’s take a walk in one of the beautiful the rainforest walking tracks within the Tamborine National Park. Most walking tracks are under 3km taking about 1 hour and relatively easy to cover.

 

During our trip, we’re talking the Cameron Fall circuit at Knoll section (3km). It’s a quiet escape on the non-touristy side of Tamborine National Park.

 

As you amble slowly, take deep breaths to taste the fresh cool air of the rainforest- simply soak up the sights, sounds and smells of nature.

 

This bushwalking track will take you through a subtropical rainforest with large emergent trees, palm groves, ferns, scenic viewpoint and Cameron Falls.

 

Here are some other best walking trails at Tamborine National Park to explore:

• Macdonald Bush Walking Track
•  Palm Grove Rainforest
• Witches Falls Waterfall and Bush Walking Track
• Cedar Creek Falls section
• Curtis Falls, Joalah Section

 

4. Explore Glow-Worm Cave at Springbrook National Park

 

Want to go on an adventure to spot some glow-worms?

The best glowworm-viewing site is in the Natural Bridge section of Springbrook National Park.

Further inland at Mt. Tamborine, the Glow-Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain is another great spot but they are actually man-made caves and you have to pay for an entrance ticket.

 

I never knew that Arachnocampa glow-worms could only be found in New Zealand and Australia. It’s a great reason to visit Gold Coast!

 

Located within a World Heritage listed area, you can enter the Glow Worm Cave, Natural Bridge any time throughout the year for free. The best time to see glow-worms is after sunset.

 

Take an evening stroll along a walkway (1km) with your own torch, walk through the Gondwana rainforest to the Natural Bridge rock arch and you’ll arrive at a cave illuminated with beautiful blue-green light.

 

The glow-worms are actually larvae that emit light to attract their prey. So remember don’t shine your light directly at the glow-worms or they will hide away and stop feeding.

 

Take a moment to immerse yourself in the darkness, gaze over the millions of tiny lights twinkling on the ceiling of the cave. It’s an astounding and unforgettable experience!

 

If you don’t have a car, then it’s quite difficult to visit this glowing cave from Gold Coast. I’d recommend joining a Natural Bridge Glow Worm Night Tour in that case. It’s definitely worth a visit.

•  See the natural glow worm colonies and enjoy a guided night walk at Springbrook National Park

 

5. Feeding Lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

As though the wild rainbow lorikeets know the exact feeding time and place. Every day at 8 am and 4 pm, hundreds of colorful wild lorikeets will fly from the surrounding trees to eat right from your hands, land on your arms, heads and shoulders.

 

You don’t have to pay for the entrance ticket to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to see these beautiful Aussie birds. Though you can donate a gold coin to feed the wild rainbow lorikeets.

 

6. Enjoy glorious ocean view at Elephant Rock Currumbin

With less than 5 minutes walk from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll come to this pristine beach with an ancient rock perched on the shore.

 

Take a short climb to the Elephant Rock Lookout. Spend some time on the lookout platform to enjoy the glorious ocean view, listen to the waves and smell the ocean salt-kissed air.

 

7. Wander through Surfer Paradise Beachfront Market

Meander through the Surfer Paradise Night Markets on the Esplanade, you’ll find a variety of clothing, food, beauty products, artworks and homewares.

 

The markets are open every Wednesday, Friday and Sundays nights, from 4pm to 9pm.

 

8. Go Shopping at Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre

Harbour Town is the best of all shopping centers in Gold Coast. If you want to get the best deals, this is a perfect place to shop.

There are over 240 stores selling almost everything at warehouse prices. Walking through the open-air outlet mall, you’ll find a huge selection of shoes, clothing, bags, accessories, makeup, watches, electronic gadgets, health supplements and more.

 

You can catch the free shuttle bus from Gold Coast City. Refer to the timetable here.

 

Browsing is free of course. But if you’re looking to buy something, shopping at Harbour Town will actually save you more money!

 

Remember to get a FREE Tourist Discount Card at Harbour Town’s Tourism Lounge to enjoy additional discounts and special offers!

9. Hit the Gold Coast Beaches

Last on the list but this is the Top 1 free to do things for (almost) everyone traveling to Gold Coast.

Of course, no trip to Gold Coast is complete without going to the beaches!

 

We stayed in Broadbeach and it took us less than a minute walk to the beach. I enjoyed taking a nice stroll along the beach to the Surfer Paradise. It’s one of the best beaches that I’ve been.

 

Seemingly infinite stretch of pristine sandy coastline, gentle breeze, clear blue water, running alongside the towering skyscrapers right in the heart of the Gold Coast city. It’s absolutely stunning.

 

Here are other awe-inspiring beaches along the coastline that you can check it out :

• Burleigh Heads
• Main Beach
• Coolangatta
• Mermaid Beach
• Nobby Beach
• Miami Beach
• Palm Beach
• Tugun Beach
• Currumbin Beach

Conclusion

Between gorgeous beaches, theme parks, hinterland sights, wildlife activities, beachfront markets, there is something for everyone in Gold Coast.

 

We spent 5 days in Gold Coast and barely scratched the surface of adventures Gold Coast has to offer. I hope this guide will help you in planning your trip and ticking off these free things to do in Gold Coast.

 

What’s your favorite free thing to do in Gold Coast?

Do you have any favorite place or thing to do in Gold Coast that I didn’t mention in this post?

Feel free to share with us in the comment below.

 

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Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, offers the most up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. It is ideal for those who want to both explore the top sights and take the road less traveled.

 

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• Tourist Refund Scheme: How to Claim TRS airport refund on Australia GST
• 7 Useful Tips That Will Help You Find Cheap Hotel Rooms Every Time 

 

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