Bucket List Activities on the Gold Coast

Jet boat on the Gold Coast's Broadwater

From the rolling waves along the golden shores to the cute and iconic Australian wildlife, glistening Broadwater, and lush green canopies of Mount Tambourine, you’ll never have a dull day exploring all that the Gold Coast has to offer!

Let our Budds in Surfers team guide you through their handpicked bucket list activities for an unforgettable adventure.

1. Learn to Surf

Budds backpackers on the beach huddled around their learn to surf coach
Sourced: Budds Instagram Page

If there’s one thing the Gold Coast is known for, it’s the golden stretches of pristine beaches that offer some of the best surfing conditions in the world, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Budds in Surfers Hostel offers free in-house surfing lessons so guests can channel their inner grom, learn a thing or two and tick off that learn-to-surf bucket list item!

2. Paradise Jet Boating

Jet boat on the Gold Coast's Broadwater
Sourced: Paradise Jet Boating Instagram

Feel the wind in your hair and the rush of excitement as you take off on a thrilling jet boating adventure with Paradise Jet Boating. Fly through the pristine waters of the Gold Coast, twisting and turning against a backdrop of stunning skyscrapers and natural beauty. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other and the perfect way to kickstart ticking off your Gold Coast bucket list.

3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary guide with Kangaroo and park visitor
Sourced: Currumbin Sanctuary Instagram

Get up close and personal with Australia’s most iconic wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. From cuddly koalas to bounding kangaroos, this sanctuary is a haven for animal lovers of all ages. Take a leisurely stroll through lush rainforest habitats, hand-feed colourful lorikeets, or witness the breathtaking beauty of the Free Flight Bird Show. It’s a wildlife experience unlike any other, right in the heart of the Gold Coast.

4. Gold Coast Skydive

Aerial view of the Gold Coast from a sky diving plane
Sourced: Gold Coast Skydive Instagram

Ready to take the ultimate plunge? Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a tandem skydive over the stunning Gold Coast skyline. Feel the adrenaline rush as you freefall from 12,000ft before gliding gently back to solid ground, and what better way to view the breathtaking beaches and glittering skyscrapers? It’s an experience that will leave you speechless and longing for more.

5. Hinterland Walking Tracks

Hiking bridge in the Gold Coast hinterland
Sourced: Google Images

Step off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of the hinterland of the Gold Coast with a scenic walking track adventure. Lace up your hiking boots and explore lush rainforests, flowing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, our staff at Budds in Surfers can point you in the direction of an unforgettable adventure. We can highly recommend our guide to the “Best walks and hikes on the Gold Coast“.

6. Markets

Hostel guests at the Surfers Paradise beach side markets
Sourced: Village Markets Instagram

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Gold Coast with a visit to its bustling markets. From crafts to mouthwatering street food and the freshest produce, these markets offer a sensory feast for the soul. Stay close to home and explore the stalls of Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, being only a 20-minute walk from Budds in Surfers, or head down the coast to discover hidden treasures at the Village Markets in Burleigh Heads. With a plethora of markets to choose from, there’s always something new to uncover.

Looking for other great food spots, check out “Our Top Five Must Visit Gold Coast Cafés“.

At Budds in Surfers Hostel, the adventure never ends, and with this bucket list, you’ll be creating a trip of a lifetime! Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrills or moments of tranquil serenity, the Gold Coast offers it all. So, pack your bags, grab your bucket lists, and we’ve got your room waiting for you at Budds In Surfers, your home away from home.

Are you ready to create memories that will last a lifetime? Book your stay today at Budds in Surfers.