Action-Packed Activities on the Gold Coast
Stretching out over the southeast coast of Queensland, the Gold Coast is the ultimate city and beach combination. Renowned for its theme parks, beaches, vibrant nightlife and close proximity to more than 100,000 hectares (247,100 acres) of rainforest, this subtropical city abounds with outdoor activities. Create a rewarding incentive program with this three-day itinerary.
What to know
- Three-day program
- Includes Gold Coast theme parks, hinterland adventures and wildlife encounters
- Gold Coast Airport is located in Coolangatta, a 30-minute drive south of Surfer's Paradise
Day 1: Visit Sea World and SkyPoint Observation Deck
Sea World Dolphin Cove, Gold Coast, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Morning
Ride on the back of a Harley-Davidson motorbike to Sea World, where you’ll have exclusive use of all the attractions. At Dolphin Beach, enjoy a hot buffet breakfast for up to 200 people while watching a dolphin show, then join the dolphins in the water. Visit Seal Harbour to spot playful seals, or enter the penguin enclosure to get up close with majestic king penguins. At Shark Bay, spy sharks, stingrays and tropical fish from the underwater viewing deck of the world’s largest man-made lagoon. For thrill seekers, Sea World is also home to a range of rollercoasters and other rides.
Afternoon
Next, head to Four Winds 360° in Surfers Paradise. Queensland’s only revolving restaurant, Four Winds is located on the rooftop of the Crowne Plaza hotel, so you can enjoy a sumptuous seafood buffet with 360-degree views of the Gold Coast’s beaches, skyscrapers and hinterland. You’ll then take a helicopter ride to South Stradbroke Island, at the northern tip of the Gold Coast. Spend the afternoon swimming or bushwalking through the 1,800-hectare (4,448 acre) conservation park, where you might spot wallabies and kookaburras. For something more fast-paced, take a spin on a speedboat or jet ski.
Evening
Back in Surfers Paradise, watch the sun set while you enjoy with canapés and drinks at Skypoint’s Observation Deck, 77 floors above the Gold Coast. Then dine on a superb bespoke menu as the lights of the Gold Coast start to twinkle below. Available for exclusive use, take your program to new heights for up to 280 guests seated or 380 for a cocktail function. A gala end to a superb day.
Day 2: Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland
Hot air balloon, Gold Coast, Queensland © Juno Kim/Tourism and Events Queensland
Morning
Take off at dawn to float gently over the picturesque landscape in a hot air balloon, then enjoy a champagne breakfast once you’re back on the ground. You’ll then transfer by road to the Gold Coast hinterland, a 45-minute drive west. Head to Mount Tamborine to take in views of the Gold Coast from above, then visit nearby villages to shop for pieces made by local artisans and explore the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
Afternoon
After lunch, return to the Gold Coast for a round at one of its 40 world-class golf courses. As the home of the Australian PGA Championship and Ladies Masters, RACV Royal Pines Resort has played host to some of the world’s best golfers. Just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise, this course boasts 27 holes, providing the flexibility of three 18-hole combination golf courses. Other options for the afternoon include shopping at Harbour Town in Biggera Waters or Pacific Fair in Broadbeach, or indulging with high tea or a luxury spa treatment.
Evening
In the evening, enjoy a unique dinner and show experience at the Australian Outback Spectacular, a 25-minute drive north of Surfers Paradise. You’ll be entertained by a performance of outback music, drama and action involving more than 40 stock horses, while you dine on a three-course Australian barbecue dinner.
Day 3: Tour the Gold Coast's theme parks
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Morning
Begin your day with a private Dreamworld experience as the theme park is opened up exclusively for you. You can start by hosting up to 250 people for breakfast on Tiger Island, before riding some of the tallest and fastest rides in the world. Return to the Gold Coast for a surfing lesson with the Gold Coast Surf Academy at Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, or just swim, stroll or play on one of the Coast’s 70 kilometres of beaches.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for an up-close encounter with native Australian animals. Get up close with a koala, feed a crocodile, meet a possum or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the park’s bird and reptile enclosures. Then drive 20 minutes south to Tropical Fruit World, where you can discover more than 500 varieties of tropical fruits from around the world, while enjoying a plantation safari. After you’ve toured the grounds, indulge in a tropical fruit pavlova at the Plantation Café.
Evening
Arrange a fleet of stretch Hummers for the 25-minute drive north to Warner Bros. Movie World, where you’ll step out on to the red carpet for a grand entrance to your gala dinner. Memorable, fun-filled venues for your final dinner include the Scooby-Doo Castle, Justice League Hall or Dirty Harry Bar. Be entertained by special appearances from Batman, Wonder Woman or Austin Powers, or create a Hollywood-themed event. For large-scale functions, the Star Pavilion can host up to 1,200 for a banquet or 3,000 for a cocktail function.
