Set your holiday in motion from Palm Beach, your easy base for the Gold Coast. Start with a headline gold coast attraction, add hands-on wildlife encounters, then slow the pace at calm coastal corners.
High-energy theme parks, scenic lookouts, and waterfront walks are minutes from your door. Use our must-see map to plan days that move smoothly from one highlight to the next, so you spend more time enjoying the coast and less time deciding where to go.
Gold Coast Attractions Worth Your Time
You can build a full day around:
- A quiet morning swim at the beach
- Midday thrills at a nearby theme park
- An afternoon stroll or picnic by the estuary
When time is limited, location is everything. Palm Beach puts you close to the best things to do in Gold Coast, without the traffic delays or the need to overschedule. Planning what to do on the Gold Coast becomes much simpler when your base is surrounded by standout spots.
This stretch of coastline has Gold Coast attractions that are easy to reach and worth the time. You don’t need to chase every listing.
Just focus on what brings the most value to your stay. This guide highlights the high-return choices so you can spend less time guessing and more time enjoying what matters.
Theme Parks That Deliver Big Fun
The southern Gold Coast is known for its energy, and the local theme parks are a big reason why. These attractions bring on the excitement in their own distinct way and are an easy drive from Palm Beach.
Dreamworld Gold Coast
Dreamworld Gold Coast is the largest theme park in the region. It’s home to the Big Nine thrill rides, family-friendly zones, and Australian wildlife exhibits.
Sky Voyager is a standout; it’s an immersive flying experience that often gets crowded early, so plan to arrive before 10 am. The food options lean toward fast fare, so packing a few healthy snacks is a smart move.
Sea World Gold Coast
Sea World Gold Coast blends marine wildlife with entertainment. The Dolphin Nursery Pool and Polar Bear Shores are popular spots, and the splash zones offer fun for younger guests.
A light poncho can come in handy if you want to stay dry. The park layout is stroller-friendly, with shaded areas for quieter breaks throughout the day.
Warner Bros Movie World Gold Coast
Warner Bros Movie World Gold Coast is all about characters, coasters, and high-action shows. It gets busy by midday, so using the Village Roadshow app will help you stay ahead of the queue times.
Wildlife Close to Home
Families staying in Palm Beach are just minutes away from one of the easiest, most rewarding outings on the Gold Coast.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary ranks high on the list of Gold Coast family activities. It’s only ten minutes from Royal Palm and has just the right mix of nature, wildlife, and structure to keep your day running smoothly.
This is one of the cool things to do on the Gold Coast that gives kids room to roam while parents enjoy the pace.
Great for All Ages
Younger kids love the miniature train, gentle kangaroo feeding, and tree-shaded play zones. Older ones lean into the high ropes course and the scheduled bird show. For a koala photo, choose a morning session for soft light and a relaxed, unhurried experience.
These things to do in Gold Coast with kids keep everyone engaged while you keep the day simple.
A Quick, Easy Day Out
The sanctuary has its own café, or you can bring a picnic to enjoy under the trees. It’s a short drive or Uber from Palm Beach, which makes it one of the most convenient day trips around.
Free Fun in Palm Beach
Palm Beach is home to some of the best family activities Gold Coast visitors can enjoy without spending a cent.
Pirate Treasure Island Playground
This is one of the Palm Beach attractions families keep coming back to. Designed for all-day play, it features timber forts, splash areas, climbing nets, and shaded zones perfect for younger kids.
Located inside Palm Beach Parklands, the playground is spacious and rarely crowded. There’s also plenty of open grass nearby, ideal for a picnic or a casual kick of the footy.
Calm Waters and Coastal Picnics
Next to the playground, the estuary provides a shallow, quiet spot for paddling and sand play. It’s safe, scenic, and perfect for little swimmers.
Just a short stroll from the water’s edge, Dune Café serves barista coffee and easy meals for a relaxed lunch break. These are the kinds of free family activities Gold Coast locals rely on: simple, close, and perfect for low-effort fun.
Scenic Stops Worth the View
Sightseeing in Gold Coast, Australia, doesn’t always need an itinerary. Some of the best views are just a short stroll or an easy drive from Palm Beach.
Burleigh Headland Lookout
Just north of Palm Beach, Burleigh Headland offers one of the most iconic coastal walks on the Gold Coast.
The trail curves around the cliffs with ocean views and quiet pockets of bushland. It’s a favourite for sunrise walkers and casual strollers alike. Pandanus trees edge the path, and during whale season, you might spot a spout offshore.
Currumbin Rock Pools and Lookout
Head inland and you’ll reach the Currumbin Rock Pools. These freshwater swim spots are family-friendly and shaded by tall gums. They’re perfect for a relaxed morning before heading back toward the coast. For those wanting a broader view, Currumbin Hill Lookout offers wide-angle scenery and a peaceful break between adventures.
These scenic stops make Gold Coast sightseeing easy to work into your day, and each one is within 20 minutes of your accommodation.
A Holiday That Hits the Highlights
When you plan around the right Gold Coast attractions, everything runs smoothly. Big-name parks, relaxed local spots, and scenic lookouts stay within reach, and so does your energy.
This guide pulls together the must-do moments that make the trip worthwhile. Less guesswork. More good days.
Stay Close to the Action
Royal Palm Resort sits right on Palm Beach and keeps you close to everything that matters. Theme parks, wildlife encounters, and easy coastal walks are all nearby, so every outing feels simple to manage.
Apartments are spacious and self-contained, with full kitchens, a lagoon-style pool, a tennis court, and direct beach access. It’s the kind of setup that gives families room to breathe and fun when they want it.
Plan your stay with us and keep everything you need within reach.
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Movie World
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