Dreamworld - the big 'all in one' theme park. They have everything from big rides, waterpark, animals (native and tigers). They also own SkyPoint in Q1 Building in Surfers (Tallest tower on Gold Coast, with 360 views of the beaches and city)

Movieworld - One of my favourite theme parks. Warner Brothers own it so they do stunt shows, character meet and greets, Marvel themed ride, Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo themed rides.

If you go to only one theme park, go here. They also own Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild (water park) and you can get a multi day pass to each.

Australian Outback Spectacular - Dinner and a show about Australia. This is next to Movieworld, so if you're not completely pooped after a day at Movieworld, you can head to it after dinner and get transfers out of Surfers Paradise.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - If you know are only coming to the Gold Coast and can't make it up to the Sunshine Coast for Australia Zoo (Crocodile Hunter/Irwin Family), then Currumbin Sanctuary is great for them to have the Australian animal experience. They can still see all the animals, feed kangaroo, koala photo, crocodiles, bird show etc. and its really close to our wedding venue.

Whale watching tour- It is humpback whale season when you are here, so there are so many whales out in the beach. We have a number of Whale Watching tours, some are private and Sea World also does them. Includes lunch.

Hijinx Hotel - Challenge rooms, so much fun for all ages. 2hrs tops. In Surfers Paradise. Super affordable activity ($20) that will have you laughing your heads off.

Holey Moley - Fun Putt Putt indoors. You can also get a package deal with Hijinx Hotel, Holey Moley and Bowling for $36pp. Surfers Paradise based, all walkable.

BROADBEACH

O Bagel - This specialty bagel house boasts an extensive menu of sandwich bagels—fat bagels stuffed with loaded gourmet fillings—or simple bagels for when you’re just after the classics.

The Star Casino - Kiyomi Japanese (hatted)

Hideaway Kitchen - Asian fusion, tasty share plates and cocktails

Harajuku Gyoza

Loose Moose - The Best Burgers, Ribs, Wings, Craft Beer & Whiskey in Broadbeach. The Loose Moose is a vibrant Prohibition-style Tap & Grill House that redefines casual dining.

BURLEIGH

Tarte Bakery – you'll immediately feel the collision of Parisian and New York style bakery. Freshly baked pastries, huge all day food menu, good coffee and all the little things done properly. Everyday from 6am - 3pm.

Paddock Bakery - The Gold Coast's best and most awarded café for breakfast and lunch, set in an old cottage/house.

Grandad Jacks - Gold Coast's first and only craft Gin, Vodka, Whiskey & Liqueur distillery located just two minutes walk from North Burleigh beach with over 100 international and national prestigious awards for our spirits and distillery bars since opening.

Mohr Cafe

Social Brew

Precinct Brewery -Beer, tasty pizzas, stand-up comedy, live music and some captivating, limited releases like their recent Big If True, Hazy IPA.

Black Hops Brewery

FIZZ HQ - Fisher (DJ) taproom where the FIZZ is always cold and the vibes are always good. Tucked away in the so called ‘Liquor Lanes’ of Burleigh Heads, HARD FIZZ TAPROOM is an eclectic Neverland of delicious (and often exclusive) HARD FIZZ on tap, not to mention our mouth watering bar snacks that won’t break the bank

Roji Cat - Gold Coast’s very own Japanese beer den. This vibey laneway bar brings together the holy trinity of izakaya dreams: cold Japanese brews, sizzling street eats, and neon-lit nostalgia with over twenty sakes.

The Tropic/The Pavillion -

MIAMI/NOBBYS

Bam Bam Bakehouse - best pastries, coffee and breakfast on the Coast. Won many awards

Estu Izakaya - Top rated Japanese restaurant. Contemporary spot with a curved wooden ceiling, for Japanese dishes to share plus sake and whiskey.

Glenelg Public House - Our menu is steak-focused, using the World's best beef, which is grown right here in our backyard. Boutique wine and craft beer.

Franc Jnrs - BEST DEEP PAN PIZZA in Australia (american style), book in early this place is popular.

Miami Marketta - is where creativity, good food, and live music all come together

Mexicali - delicious mexican upstairs for big groups

JuJu - fine dining

The Oxley - a collective of fine dining and delicious eateries

CURRUMBIN/TUGUN

Balter Brewing Company - the amazing Balter Taproom never disappoints. Its line-up of founders includes some seriously famous sporting legends, and it just oozes chillax and cool in equal measure. Whether it’s from the tap or can, there’s a variety of styles to get your tastebuds singing. Kick back in the beer garden and enjoy live beats with your brew, along with food truck goodness.

Tarte Beach house - The best breakfast cafe on the water, pastries, good coffee, yummy food and beautiful view

Tommy’s Italian - Italian on the beach, say less!

Tommy’s Tacos - small mexican with great nightly deals

Salt Mill Coffee - best local cafe

Stable Coffee at Cornerstone Stores - run by Clay's brother Chris, this was our back up wedding venue. Chilled vibes, fancy take on breakfast food. Right across from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Sticky Rice - Delicious thai food

The Bread Social - Bakery and Cafe

SURFERS PARADISE

Janus Deli - Japanese/Korean inspired sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, donuts and good coffee

SHOPPING CENTRES (MALLS)

Pacific Fair - in Broadbeach (on tram line after Surfers Paradise, next to Casino). You can spend and entire day here. Everything under the one roof, last minute wedding guest cloths, groceries, restaurants, outdoor lounge, it is one of the biggest most beautiful shopping malls. You could come over here without an outfit and be sorted for everything here.

Robina Shopping Centre - again, everything you need all under the one roof. All the big department stores, groceries, make up, clothes, cinemas all in one.

Australia Zoo, founded by the Irwin family, offers a unique, high-energy experience focused on hands-on conservation, world-class crocodile shows in the massive Crocoseum, and intimate, close-up wildlife encounters with both native and exotic animals. It stands out for its passionate staff, large, immersive, naturalistic habitats, and active involvement in protecting endangered species.

The "Crikey" Experience & Live Shows: The zoo is famous for its daily, high-energy wildlife shows in the 5,000-seat Crocoseum, featuring saltwater crocodiles and birds of prey, often showcasing the legacy of Steve Irwin. Robert Irwin (winner of Dancing with the Stars) is regularly the host of the show, if you are lucky and he is there for your dates.

Unmatched Animal Interactions: You can get closer to animals than in many other parks, including feeding kangaroos, meeting lemurs, walking through Bindi’s Island, and witnessing tigers and giant tortoises, with opportunities for special up-close encounters.

Conservation Focus: The zoo operates the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, allowing visitors to see firsthand the dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife.

Immersive Exhibits: Rather than traditional cages, the zoo features large, naturalistic habitats that allow animals to roam, including an African savannah exhibit with rhinos, zebras, and giraffes.

A Full Day Out: The sprawling, clean, and well-maintained grounds offer a full day of entertainment, including a water park for children and extensive, varied, and educational wildlife talks.

PLEASE NOTE: Australia Zoo is on the Sunshine Coast (north of Brisbane, 3hrs from Gold Coast) and requires a car from Brisbane for the 1hr 15min drive, alternatively you can get the train or shuttle from Brisbane but it takes longer. There is not a lot else around Australia Zoo and the closest attractions are staying at the Sunshine Coast beaches (30min drive back from Australia Zoo) or an airbnb out in Maleny which is a quiet hinterland town with cute cottages and bakeries.