You’ve got twenty bucks burning a hole in your pocket and you don’t know how to spend it. Said no one, ever. After all, money doesn’t grow on trees, so when you're looking for things to do on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country, the more fun you can have for less, the better.
I've lived in various parts of the Gold Coast as far south as Miami and as far north as Pacific Pines. It always amazes me how many rad things we have access to for a few bucks or for the grand price of free.
Is your bank account significantly lower after birthdays, events, shopping and, well, everything? Me too. With that in mind, the Urban List team and I have foraged together 50 awesome things to do on the Gold Coast in 2025 that are fun, sometimes tasty and maybe even free. You and your bank account can thank us later.
Free (and Cheap) Things To Do At A Glance
- Free And Cheap Things For Couples To Do
- Free And Cheap Things To Do Solo
- Free And Cheap Things To Do With Kids
- Free And Cheap Things To Do At Night
- Free And Cheap Things For Groups To Do
Free And Cheap Things For Couples To Do
Fill Your Bags At A Local Market
Speaking of markets, Gold Coast is home to a ridiculously large selection, and is without question one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast if you’re on a budget. For cheap street eats, vintage finds, free live entertainment and all those feel-good community vibes, start with this list of some of the Gold Coast's best monthly markets.
Get Back To Nature At Currumbin Valley Harvest
Warm up with a steamy pot of herbal tea (with lemon, mint and ginger plucked fresh from the garden) at Currumbin Valley Harvest, open Saturday from 8am to 2pm 7 days. Or climb Tomewin Range for coffee and homemade cake with killer views at Freeman’s Organic Farm. It’s one of my favourite cheap things to do on the Gold Coast when you’re on a budget.
Jump In The Car And Explore Tamborine Mountain
How many times have you stopped to ponder how blessed we are to live just 30 minutes inland from towering ranges bursting with ancient rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife? Consider this your guide to exploring Tamborine Mountain and the surrounding hinterland. Fuel up and make sure you have a designated driver because the amount of wineries on Tamborine Mountain is downright dangerous.
Urban List Contributor Lilyana van Twest notes "Tamborine is turning into quite the booze-lovers destination, and with the arrival of Loborn, Australia’s first dedicated amaro distillery it just got even more so." She continues, "Pop into their small but stylish tasting bar Friday to Sunday to sample a range of amaros and handcrafted gins made with local botanicals and stirred into classic cocktails."
Find Your Balance On A SUP Board
Water activities? On the Gold Coast? You know it. With boards hired from Currumbin Creek’s Boatshed for just $20 for 1.5 hours, SUP’ing is the perfect activity for your tourist pals. Whether you’re a pro or newly learning, it’s a sure-fire way to create some serious deep-belly chuckles. Or check out these top spots to SUP around the Coast.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth At A Gold Coast Bakery
Image Credit: Rise Bakery | Supplied
Nothing beats a cheap and flaky pastry for brekkie or lunch from one of the best bakeries on the Gold Coast. I'm obsessed with Paddock Bakery's pistachio-piped raspberry cake bars, Tarte Bakery's honey-soaked french toast with macadamia praline, Burleigh Baker's sourdough loaves and Custard Canteen's twice-baked biscoff croissants. Don't walk, run.
Find Hidden Gold At An Op Shop
Throw a sickie and spend a weekday trawling the best op shops on the Gold Coast. Wanna dress like the locals? Go vintage and you’ll be safe.
Go Chasing Waterfalls
Chase waterfalls, folks. Don’t listen to TLC; getting lost surrounded by nature is the best medicine, always. Check out our favourite waterfalls around the area and beyond.
Dive Into Cougal Cascades
Image Credit: Cougal Cascades | Brooke Darling Photography
Get wet in Currumbin Valley’s Cougal Cascades. This little slice of paradise is hidden among some lush south east Queensland greenery and is the perfect place to chill out and swim without being attacked by a vicious wave. Then top it off with a trip to Pasture & Co for a slice of gravity-defying lemon meringue. It's my pick for one the best cheap things to do on the Gold Coast in the sunshine.
Grab Binoculars For Whale Watching
Yes, May to November is whale migration season and you can gawk at these wondrous creatures as they frolic and splash their way north, and then south again come springtime. My top pick for a free nature show? Burleigh Hill, Point Danger, The Spit and Miami Lookout. Check out the Gold Coast's best whale watching spots.
Host A Sunset Picnic On Burleigh Hill
Image Credit: Burleigh Hill | Instagram
Burleigh Hill is the greatest picnic spot on the Gold Coast and my absolute weekend arvo go-to when mates are in town. Grab a pizza from Justin Lane, fish and chips from Burleigh Pavillion or finger-lickingly delicous chips from Freddy's and make sure you've snagged a spot in time for sunset.
Explore Currumbin Rock Pools
Get wet at the Currumbin Rock Pools. This little piece of paradise is hidden amongst some lush South East Queensland greenery and is the perfect place to chill out and swim in natural pools. Pack a picnic and bask waterside on lush grass.
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Go For A Sunset Cycle
Head out for a sunset bike ride from Main Beach to Burleigh (or vice versa). While everyone else is stuck in traffic racing home from the office, there’s nothing better than winding down with a cruisy pedal along the bike-friendly foreshore. You’ll work up a sweat and be in awe of the gorgeous skyline glimmering above the sea. Pick up a well-deserved cheap eat on your trek.
Hit The Pavement On A Stunning Coastal Walk
Speaking of walks, if you're after strictly oceanfront views then you need to conquer the Gold Coast's best coastal walks. Nothing beats sea breezes and epic views with a side of getting physical.
Set Up A Sunset Picnic
Grab a picnic blanket, your favourite buddies, a phone with some banger playlists, dips, crackers and your unrivalled cheese board skills, then set up a picnic with your friends. Any of these awesome picnic spots will do just fine.
Sip Your Way Around The Gold Coast's Best Distilleries
Sip your way through the abundance of gorgeous distilleries we are blessed with on the Gold Coast. From Granddad Jack’s craft spirits to Wildflower Gin’s botanical gins, a tipple or two won’t set you back too much coin and you can even learn about the spirit distilling process. Bonus.
Test Your Rock Climbing Skills
Lace up and get a full top-to-toe workout with indoor rock climbing. The Gold Coast is packed with prime rock climbing spots, and with climbing sessions costing around $30 (and loads of places offering free trials) this fun activity won’t dig too deep into your wallet.
Play Mini Golf At Holey Moley
You can order an espresso martini with a side of golf? Now that's winning. Holey Moley is where cocktails and bar snacks collide with crazy putt putt golf and good times galore. Located in Surfers Paradise, nine holes here will set you back $18 for players 18+, just bring extra cash for beers and burgs.
Free and Cheap Things To Do Solo
Be Inspired At HOTA Gallery
Image Credit: HOTA Gallery | Supplied
Be inspired by over 4, 400 incredible artworks on display at HOTA Gallery. This stunning gallery is the largest public gallery outside a capital city in Australia, so you can expect it to be absolutely incredible. Grab a cheeky chips and bev from the rooftop Exhibitionist Bar for less than $20, but with dazzling views and meander around the free galleries to feel both fancy, smart and budget-conscious in one. You clever thing.
Try A New Active Hobby
Grab your yoga mat and get into your best downward dog with one of the many sessions run by the GCCC’s Active & Healthy Yoga Program. Most weekly yoga sessions are free, others $5, and with dance, pilates, self defence classes and beyond, it's one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast if you're ready to test out some new potenital dream hobbies.
Take Snaps At The Most Insta-Worthy Cafes
Image Credit: Tarte Bakery | Brooke Darling Photography
Fulfil your influencer dreams at the most Insta-worthy cafes across the Gold Coast (and trust me, there are plenty of them). Grab a coffee and snack at one of the many aesthetic AF spots, perfect for pimpin’ your feed.
Indulge In The Gold Coast's Best Hot Chocs
I sure am a sucker for molten chocolate in a mug, AKA a hot chocolate, which is the best treat during the chillier months in my opinion. Bring out your coin purse and wrap your mitts around the best hot chocolates on the Gold Coast.
Urban List Editor Isabel Croker shares that "There’s more chocolate than there is milk in Tarte's Parisian Hot Chocolate. It's essentially a cup of high-quality French melted dark and white chocolate topped with flame-torched housemade marshmallow." Sign me up.
Hit The Open Road On A Local Road Trip
Jump in the car, turn the car tunes up to the max and explore eight stunning road trips that showcase the natural wonders right on our doorstep. Most of these roadtrips will take you north towards Brissy, but that's what a roadtrip is all about right? All you need to do is pack the car snacks.
Urban List Contributor Shannon Coward recommends you "Start with a romp through gorgeous Lamington National Park to set the tone for the rest of the trip, before heading on over to the O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards for a lunch that totally ruins all those calories you just worked off."
Make New Friends At A Local Run Club
Image Credit: Good Good Running | Instagram
When it comes to fitness, we all run our own race. Perhaps you’re familiar with the elusive runners high, or maybe you only rise to a slow jog when your wheelie bin is nearly too late for the curb. No matter your skill level, experience or interest, the Gold Coast has a supportive run club with your number on it—it's the perfect opportunity to meet new people and set fresh fitness goals.
Fuel Your Green Thumb At Plant Shops
Indoor plants are all the rage right now and I'm first to admit I'm totally obsessed (especially when I can snag a cheapie from a local nursery). Thankfully, the Coast abounds in blossoming garden centres and plant shops which sell every plant you could possibly want, without costing an arm and a leg.
Do as Urban List Contributor Natalie O'Driscoll does and add GreenFolk Botany Shop to your list. "The iconic plant paradise is located in the heart of Burleigh Heads, next door to Tarte Bakery & Cafe; the terrarium-style entrance just invites you to drop in, absorb some extra oxygen and leave laden with cute-as-a-button goodies." Count me in.
Pad The Pavement With Your Doggo and Sip Lattes
There are plenty of dog-friendly cafes on the Gold Coast. So when the sun's shining, the pooch is pointing their nose to the door and you're keen for a cheap outing featuring a treat for you, walkies with warm beverages are a winning choice.
Master a New Skill
Our many libraries are often overlooked when after things to do on the Gold Coast. But their seemingly infinite books, magazines and resources make making a trip to the library well-worth considering, and it won't cost a cent.
Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids
Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
One of my all-time favourite free things to do on the Gold Coast, no matter what your age, is the free lorikeet feeding sessions at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (daily at 8am and 4pm). These colourful critters are seriously wild.
Check Out A Local Farm
Get your hands dirty with you-pick veggies and fresh produce from these fertile farms in the region. It’s one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast and will cost you next to nada. Did someone say sunflower selfies? Now that's perfect Insta-pimpin' content.
Soak Up Rays At The Beach
Image Credit: Southern Gold Coast Beach | Brooke Darling Photography
Go to the beach. Duh. With literally dozens of sandy spots the entire length of the city, what better way to spend a cash-free day than with a good book and a beach towel? The Urban List team have rounded up some of our favourite Gold Coast beaches here.
Smash A Hole In One At Mini Golf
Smash a hole in one at the Gold Coast's best mini golf courses. It's ridiculously cheap; one round at Mermaid Beach Putt Putt will only put you back $20.
Wander Around Broadwater Parklands
Flick off the thongs for a pair of Nikes and pound the pavement between The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre all the way down to the Sundale Bridge at Broadwater Parklands. This expansive space features BBQs, shaded seating, playgrounds, swimming spots, water sports, cafes, sporting fields, a ferry terminal and an ampitheatre that gets a workout with performances on the reg. The best part? Whether it's a market or a music festival, a lot of activities here are actually free. Check out what's on, or simply swing by for stunning views of the marina.
Camp Under The Stars
When you have a backyard as stunning as we do on the Gold Coast, it would be a crime not to take advantage of its wonder and natural beauty. Sleep under the stars at the Gold Coast's best camping spots and depending on the location, you'll barely have to break a $20.
Scoop It Up At A Local Gelato Store
If there’s one thing Gold Coasters are obsessed with, it is euphoric treats of the frozen variety. We’re talking ice cream and gelato—cold, sweet, delicious goodness which takes but a tiny scoop from your wallet. We challenge you to lick your way through each of the best ice cream joints on the Gold Coast.
Or head directly to one of Urban List Contributor Natalie Messenger's faves, Rose Gelateria "You really don’t understand what heaven is until you’ve tried a quality affogato with Rocksalt Caramel gelato. I recommend asking for the stunning gelato rose. You won’t regret it."
Learn About Indigenous History At Jellurgal Centre
Explore the rich Indigenous culture of the Gold Coast at Jellurgal Cultural Centre in Burleigh Heads. At the centre, you can browse the incredible Indigenous artwork, learn about the Yugambeh Speaking People and be inspired by the traditional customs.
Light It Up At The Glow Worm Caves
Nestled away in picturesque Tamborine Mountain, you’ll find the gorgeous Glow Worm Caves, where thousands of the critters light up these magical caves. For $29, embark on a guided tour, where you can get close and personal with these bioluminescent creatures.
Explore The Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll through the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens—it's free, and there's so much to see. Like an entire sensory garden, a feature lake brimming with turtles, an Indigenous food garden and off-leash dog exercise area. You could easily stay here all day and not spend a cent. Or spend a tiny $5 when you book a therapy session with Walk and Talk For Wellness.
Free And Cheap Things To Do At Night
Sip Your Way Through A Brewery Crawl
If you love beer, you don’t need a fat wallet to explore Gold Coast’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Soak up the brewhouse atmosphere and order a tipple from each brewery—starting with Balter, before moving north to Burleigh Brewing, Black Hops and Miami's Precinct Brewing, Hard FIZZ HQ and Lost Palms. Fridays through Sundays are your best bet if you want to hit them all.
Chow Down On Cheap Eats
Bank account looking dismal until payday? Eat your way through this long list of best cheap eats on the Gold Coast. From Italian to Japanese to just your classic Aussie burger, we're certainly spoiled for choice.
Listen To Live Music At Miami Marketta
Binge on your favourite street food at Miami Marketta, which pulls together some of the best worldly food stalls from across the Coast every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Expect an electric vibe, revolving roster of toe-tapping bands and DJs, multiple cocktail bars, a dessert hall, fashion stalls and a buzzing family-friendly crowd.
Urban List Contributor Danielle Read reckons "If heading to Miami Marketta for good tunes, eats and sips under one roof is wrong, I don't want to be right. The vego buns from Ka Bao are crispy yet pillowey, dripping in sauce in all the right ways. Perfectly paired with a frosty Young Henry's Ginger Beer."
Watch A Flick At Yatala Drive In Theatre
Scoop up your date or family and head to Yatala Drive-In. Here, a car full of people (max six guests) will set you back just $40, leaving plenty of coin for choc-top ice cream cones.
Indulge Your Inner Picasso At Art Galleries
Go appreciate the wealth of artists that call the Gold Coast home at any of these fabulous local galleries. While you're at it, check out all these epic paint and sip workshops where you can let your creative juices flow.
Find The Gold Coast's Best Pizza
The Gold Coast is home to a bunch of killer pizza options—enough to sample a different one every day of the week, if you’ve got the dosh. From authentic Italian wood-fired delights to quirky toppings, there’s a slice to suit every taste bud that won’t set you back too much coin.
I personally love Lenny's, which Urban List Contributor Harmony Lee warns "With options like pear & gorgonzola, pork & fennel sausage, prawn & calamari pizzas, and their weekly specials, you may be ordering a second marg before you settle on a choice of pizza."
Test Your Knowledge At A Trivia Night
Knowledge is power, so show your date or mate what you’ve got by hitting up one of the many trivia nights around the Coast. Tuesday trivia night goes off at Precinct Brewing, at just $15 entry per team and $20 pizzas all night long.
Chow Down On Loaded Burgers
Load up on the Gold Coast’s most epic burgers. They're big, juicy, genuinely filling and an absolute steal.
Free And Cheap Things For Groups To Do
Lace Up For A Bush Walk
Image Credit: O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat | TEQ
Lace up your sneakers and explore any of these incredible national parks in our immediate backyard. While you’re at it, these stellar local bush walks will get you amongst nature—‘cause the best things in life are free.
Throw Back Brews At A Surf Club
One of my all-time fave things to do on the Gold Coast when I'm on a budget? Snag one of the best seats in the house for drinks and a cheap pub meal at the characterful old Rainbow Bay Surf Club. Knock back the cheapest pot of Balter in town, with views over the same surf break where the legendary shark-punching world champ Mick Fanning got his water wings.
Or take it from Urban List Contributor Duncan Croker who recommends Coolangatta Surf Club for cheap eats and epic views. He says "You can step straight off the sand into the club and there really isn't a bad time to visit here but I recommend in the late afternoon to soak up the golden hour views." Think: million dollar views on a parmy and a pot budget. I love it.
Devour Cheap Tacos On Taco Tuesday
Image Credit: Goodness Gracias | Instagram
Chow down at one of the best cheap Taco Tuesday nights on the Gold Coast and you’ll easily come out on top. Urban List Editor Isabel Croker recommends Costa Taco in Palm Beach. "The beef birrira with a deliciously rich beef consomme for dipping is a must-try."
Strike It Lucky At Bowling
While we're on the topic of sighting stars, strike it lucky at the Gold Coast's best bowling joints and hear the crowds roar. We're spoiled with plenty of spots from Coomera all the way to Tweed.
Gather The Squad For Barefoot Bowls
Book into Burleigh Heads Barefoot Bowls Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm for one of the cheapest things to do on the Gold Coast. For just $5 per person, you'll battle it out on the green with all equipment provided. Friday to Sunday is still a tiny $10 per person with a gloriously sun-drenched 12pm start on Sundays. So it's high time you lounge with the locals and lap up the savings you’ve made. Bookings essential.
Dive Into Snorkelling
Get your flippers and snorkelling gear ready to go and explore our stunning home from beneath the surface. Get face deep (for free) and snorkel your way around the Gold Coast’s beautiful blue waters.
Looking for more things to do? Check out:
Main image credit: Tallebudgera Creek | Brooke Darling Photography
Contributors: Brooke Darling, Danielle Read
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.