Since we figured you were in the planning stages of your trip to the Gold Coast, we thought we would write a more practical article detailing some places to eat and things to do. You might want to bookmark this article for future reference. We have also provided a great list of local resources that will help you plan out your itinerary for your visit. 

Places to eat

The Gold Coast, with its stunning coastal beauty and vibrant culinary scene, boasts an extensive array of dining establishments designed to cater to every palate, dining preference, and financial plan. Whether you're a fan of international cuisine, seeking a trendy fusion eatery, or simply looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank, the Gold Coast has something to satisfy your culinary desires. From upscale gourmet restaurants with breathtaking ocean views to quaint local eateries serving up hearty comfort food, you're sure to find the perfect dining experience that suits your unique taste, style, and budget on the Gold Coast.

Restaurants on the beach

• Glass Dining at Marina Mirage, Main Beach

• Seascape Restaurant and Bar, Surfers Paradise

• Edgewater, Isle of Capri

• BMD Northcliffe Surf Club, Surfers Paradise

• Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club, Currumbin

Cheap and cheerful restaurants

• Daily Deals | Burgster, Palm Beach

• All-You-Can-Meat Wednesdays, The Bavarian, Broadbeach 

• $3 Tacos, Bao & Wings | Hard Fizz HQ, Miami

• El Camino Cantina, Robina and Surfers Paradise

• Harajuku Gyoza, Broadbeach

Family fun restaurants

• Bettys Burgers, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Robina

• Sandbar, Surfers Paradise

• Randy Wallhole Southport 

• Custard Canteen, Palm Beach

• Pancakes in Paradise, Surfers Paradise

All class and 5 star restaurants

• T'Ang Court:  The Langham Gold Coast,  Surfers Paradise

• The Fireplace, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Hope Island

• Kiyomi, The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach

• The North Room, Mermaid Beach

• Restaurant Labart Where: 2a/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads

Something Different (themed restaurants/bars)

• Dracula's Cabaret Restaurant, Broadbeach

• The Roosevelt Lounge, Broadbeach

• The Cambus Wallace, Mermaid Beach

Local events and cultural attractions 

The Gold Coast has a great nightlife, with events like trivia and live music happening almost every night. The sections below outline some of the best spots on the cost if you need a little extra entertainment while you are visiting. 

Trivia

Discover the Gold Coast's most thrilling trivia nights that go beyond the ordinary. From the largest and most interactive trivia at The Park Coomera, featuring a high-tech Infusion Gameshow experience, to the themed pop culture trivia at Southport Sharks, where monthly themes like Harry Potter and Gossip Girl keep the competition fierce. Experience the Last Trivia on Earth at the GC CBD's Last Night on Earth, where $10 gets you entry, a free drink, and a night of fun with questions covering pop culture, music, movies, and more. Dive into themed trivia nights at The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill and The Bavarian, showcasing monthly themes like Marvel and Game of Thrones. For a dragalicious twist, head to Chameleon Lounge Bar & Restaurant for Tuesday Drag Trivia hosted by the fabulous Justine Kase. Other highlights include trivia nights at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club, Bine Bar & Dining's Taco Tuesday Night Trivia, Tipsy Trivia at Precinct Brewing Co., Tuesday Trivia Night at Burleigh Town Hotel featuring Funky Bunch, and free Thursday night trivia at Currumbin RSL, where the good times come with the chance to win awesome prizes. Cap off your week with Salty Fox's rooftop trivia, blending competitive spirit with happy hour specials. Get ready to test your knowledge and make your nights unforgettable on the Gold Coast!

Live music

Discover the diverse and vibrant live music scene on the Gold Coast beyond its famous beaches, as the region evolves into a haven for music enthusiasts. From the iconic Miami Marketta, hosting renowned acts like Matt Corby and Meg Mac, to the hidden gem Nightjar in Burleigh Heads, offering rock n' roll vibes and nightly live music or DJs, the Coast has an array of venues to suit every taste. Explore Burleigh Bazaar's fusion of night market and live music venue, or immerse yourself in the transformed music scene at Soundlounge in Currumbin, winner of the 'Best Music Venue Gold Coast.' Eddie's Grub House in Coolangatta boasts American-style burgers and free live music on Fridays and Saturdays, while Den Devine in Broadbeach channels the spirit of New Orleans, New York, and Chicago. Vinnie's Dive Bar in Southport caters to metalheads with grunge-style bands, and Mo's Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh Heads offers tequila, tapas, and a gritty, creative music space. Experience live acts at The Avenue in Surfers Paradise or venture into the mysterious Soho Place in Broadbeach for top-tier spirits and unique talent. Elsewhere in Surfers Paradise serves as a mesmerizing nightclub-meets-bar venue, and Waxy's Irish Pub, Finn McCool's, and Cafe Catalina in Southport provide Irish charm, acoustic tunes, and a laid back atmosphere. The Coolangatta Hotel, situated on the southern foreshore, is a holiday vibe hotspot with big acts from around Australia and beyond, while The Local Tavern in Surfers Paradise delivers soulful blues and live music Saturdays for a pub experience. Honourable mentions include Hound & Stag, Burleigh Town Hotel, Burleigh Pavilion, and The Cambus Wallace. 

Cultural Tours and Experiences

Immerse yourself in the rich Aboriginal culture of Brisbane and the Gold Coast without venturing into the outback. Spirits of the Red Sand, located 45 minutes from both cities, offers an immersive experience in an authentic pre-European Aboriginal village, featuring day activities like bush tucker tasting and boomerang painting, and an evening dinner with a captivating Aboriginal storytelling performance. BlackCard Cultural Tours in Brisbane's city center provides a genuine exploration of Meeanjin with Aboriginal guides, showcasing Aboriginal art, ancient knowledge, and cultural performances. Head to North Stradbroke Island for the Quandamooka Coast's Indigenous-operated whale watching cruise, or participate in cultural walks to learn about bush tucker and Creation stories. In Brisbane, Birrunga Gallery & Dining serves as an Indigenous-owned cultural hub, offering art, performances, and a monthly First Nations Artisan Market. The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, just 20 minutes from the Gold Coast in Burleigh Heads, provides guided walks highlighting Yugambeh history and culture. Finally, Tweed Eco Cruises, 40 minutes from the Gold Coast, offers a unique experience with Yugambeh Tribe Member Luther Cora, including traditional hunting methods and a hands-on exploration of modern fishing practices.

https://www.australia.com/en/places/brisbane-and-surrounds/experience-aboriginal-culture.html

Resources if you're looking for more things to do (locally) 

Government and tourism websites are excellent for finding things to do year-round, as well as upcoming events:

https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do

https://www.queensland.com/au/en/places-to-see/destinations/gold-coast/free-things-to-do

https://www.australia.com/en/places/gold-coast-and-surrounds/family-fun.html

https://www.destinationgoldcoast.com/things-to-do

The state public transport website Translink is also a great resource for checking upcoming events, including disruptions and service delays, even when not using public transport: 

https://translink.com.au/service-updates

Various online calendars and communities list opportunities to get outside with others, especially fun runs and the lead-up to the Gold Coast Marathon in July:

https://www.runningcalendar.com.au/calendar/running/queensland/gold-coast/

https://runcalendar.com.au/goldcoast

https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/events/endurance-events/gold-coast-marathon

Local culture writing is also great to follow in the lead-up to the conference, as they feature things to do in the area, other cities such as Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, as well as arts and culture to check out:

https://www.theurbanlist.com/goldcoast/a-list/things-to-do-on-the-gold-coast

https://www.broadsheet.com.au/brisbane/search/gold%20coast

https://inqld.com.au/arts/

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/gold-coast-boredom-busters-100-things-to-do-on-the-coast-when-it-seems-like-youve-done-it-all/news-story/681d37484d0a6b4f56fb131cd1dab6e5