The Gold Coast is an adventurer’s paradise. With its vibrant atmosphere, dazzling beaches, exciting nightlife and exhilarating theme parks, there is loads on offer. Its accessible and well-connected coastal location also makes it an excellent springboard for day tours. The next time you visit, go beyond the shoreline and embark on an unforgettable Gold Coast day tour.

Theme Parks

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear “Gold Coast”? Theme parks! For a fun family out, play a day tour to the Gold Coast’s world-renowned theme parks. Each theme park offers endless excitement for all ages. If thrilling rides are your thing, Dreamworld will have you covered with rides that will push your limits. For lovers of movies and superheroes, a day trip to Water Bros. Movie World is the obvious choice. Sea World offers a unique blend of entertainment and education where you will be enchanted by marine creatures like dolphins, seals, and penguins. For the ultimate water park adventure, make a splash at the water slides and wave pools of Wet’n’Wild (all of which are heated during the winter months). For the ultimate Gold Coast day trip, you can combine theme parks at a discounted rate! Airtrain staff at the Brisbane Airport station can assist you with purchasing tickets to the Gold Coast theme parks.

Explore the rainforest

When you need a break from the buzz of the Gold Coast, immerse yourself in nature at one of the many nearby rainforests. Just a short drive from the coastline, the Gold Coast Hinterland is a tropical oasis with ancient rainforests, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking views. The Gold Coast Hinterland is made up of several different rainforests, each with their own unique beauty and attractions. At Mount Tamborine, you can go to new heights and hike through the treetops on the famous Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. If you’re up for an adventure, head to Lamington National Park or Springbrook National Park for a bushwalk day tour. There are lots of tracks of different distances and difficulty levels, so you can choose from a light stroll, an arduous mountain hike or something in between.

Hit the water

As a coastal city, there are countless water-based activities to choose from for your next Gold Coast day tour. A kayak tour is one of the more relaxing ways to get a great vantage point on the beaches and wildlife of the Gold Coast, while learning about the region’s ecology and animals. With full instruction and equipment provided, it’s an activity suitable for first-timers and experienced paddlers. 

For those chasing an adrenaline rush, experience the thrills of jet boating on the Gold Coast. On a group day tour you’ll make a splash as the captain takes you through a series of spins, slides, and other jet boat moves. As part of the journey, you’ll also see many local iconic attractions from the water.

Visit the vineyards

The Gold Coast is Queensland’s fastest-growing wine region and home to many boutique vineyards. In fact, wine day tours are one of the most popular activities on the Gold Coast. For a memorable day, book a guided day tour where you can be chauffeured around the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland and taken to different estates to sample local wines and learn about the process and history. For a more intimate winery day trip on the Gold Coast, head to Mount Tamborine where you’ll find a collection of wineries all within close proximity and many where you can enjoy the local drop alongside a fine dining experience.

Get up close with wildlife

Boasting a diverse range of wildlife, the Gold Coast offers several day tours that offer close encounters with creatures of all kinds. At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can enjoy a truly immersive wildlife experience where you can wander along the pathways as kangaroos hop by, watch a spectacular bird show and even cuddle a koala. Visit the Airtrain counter at Brisbane Airport station to pre-book tickets to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The David Fleay Wildlife Park is an eco-friendly sanctuary dedicated to preserving unique fauna. Visitors can observe and learn about native species like platypuses and reptiles, as well as endangered species like cassowaries.

For something a bit more off the beaten track, check out Springbrook National Park. Just a short drive from the Gold Coast, this UNESCO World Heritage site is full of natural wonder. In a more natural habitat, you will encounter pademelons, frogs, snakes and birds. For a magical experience, book a guided evening tour through the glow worn caves.

Gold Coast tours everyone will enjoy

Create lasting memories and embark on your next Gold Coast day tour. With so many options for families, friends and couples, it’s no wonder the Gold Coast is one of the top tourist destinations in Australia. 

Travelling to your Gold Coast day tour

Make Airtrain part of your journey as you explore the Gold Coast. Airtrain runs express from the Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast, and access buses or the G:link tram from Helensvale station. For assistance with pre-booking tickets to Gold Coast attractions and experiences, contact our helpful staff via the Contact Us page or visit our staff on arrival at the Airtrain counter at Brisbane Airport.

Travelling to and around the Gold Coast is easy with a go card, accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. To purchase your smartcards or to find out more, head to the nearest Airtrain counter. 

Translink’s Smart Ticketing system offers more ways to pay, for a more convenient journey. Smart Ticketing allows you to pay with your Visa, Mastercard, and American Express debit and credit cards at any South East Queensland train station, including Domestic and International Airports.

No matter your favourite way to spend the day on the Gold Coast, you’ll get there on time and in comfort thanks to Airtrain.