What’s On Across The Gold Coast This Easter Long Weekend
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List Gold Coast
Growing up, Easter was always one of my favourite times of year. It meant long weekends spent running around with my cousins, competitive backyard egg hunts, and—most importantly—the only time I was ever allowed to eat chocolate before breakfast without question.
There’s something about Easter that just feels joyful. Maybe it’s the sugar highs, the pastel everything or the unmistakable scent of musk sticks and bits floating around, but it also lines up perfectly with that sweet spot of Gold Coast autumn. The crisp mornings, the warm sun-soaked afternoons and those idyllic sunsets that make you want to stay out just a little longer.
And honestly, that’s what makes Easter on the Gold Coast so good—it’s not just about the chocolate, it’s about making the most of those golden, in-between-season days with your favourite people. Read on to plan how you'll spend your Easter long weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country.
Easter Long Weekend On The Gold Coast At A Glance
The Festive Forecast For Easter On The Gold Coast In 2026
Long-range outlooks suggest the Gold Coast is shaping up for a seriously good Easter long weekend in 2026. Expect those classic shoulder-season conditions—warm but not sweltering—with daytime temps hovering around 27 degrees celsius and overnight lows dipping to a comfortable 17 degrees, according to long-range forecasts from BOM.
Sea temperatures are forecast to sit around a balmy 25 degrees according to Weather2travel, meaning the water will feel just as inviting as the sand. Rainfall is still a possibility in April (it’s the Gold Coast, after all), but showers tend to be lighter and less frequent than in the peak summer months—so you’re more likely to score sunshine than storms.
What Past Year's Weather Tells Us
Autumn on the Gold Coast is one of those times locals quietly brag about. The heat of summer has eased, but the ocean is still holding onto its warmth—making April arguably one of the best times of year.
Historically, Easter weekends here tend to mirror what’s predicted for 2026:
- Mid-20s during the day
- Cooler, comfortable mornings and evenings
- Occasional light showers, but plenty of clear skies in between
It’s also when the early mornings really come into their own. Expect crisp, golden sunrises and ideal conditions for a pre-breakfast swim or coastal walk—from the northern stretches around Paradise Point, right down to the southern gems of Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay.
What Does This Mean For Your Easter Plans?
If the forecast holds, you’re looking at a near-perfect Gold Coast Easter. Think long beach days, hinterland hikes, lazy lunches and plenty of ocean swims.
Midday will bring the peak warmth, so that’s your cue to either dunk yourself in a body of water, duck into a long lunch with ocean views or swap the sun for something shaded—like a market stroll or a breezy hinterland drive. From the northern Gold Coast to the southern end, conditions should be consistently ideal for getting outdoors.
Your Gold Coast Easter Cheat Sheet
While the weather is about as good as it gets, a little planning will go a long way over the Easter long weekend:
- Slip, slop, slap (you know the drill). Even with slightly lower UV levels in autumn, the sun is still strong. Check daily UV ratings and protect yourself—especially between 10am and 3pm.
- Head to the beach early. Parking fills up fast across the entire coast—especially in hotspots like Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta. Aim for a 6am–8am arrival if you want a stress-free start.
- Know the spots to hit. Northern GC: Paradise Point and the Broadwater for calm, family-friendly swims. Central: Miami and Nobby Beach for a slightly more local feel. Southern: Palm Beach, Tugun and Rainbow Bay for laid-back vibes and crystal-clear water.
Things To Do Over The Easter Period
Experience An Easter Wonderland At Paradise Centre
Thursday 2 April—Tuesday 7 April
Image Credit: Paradise Centre | Supplied
Get into the Easter spirit at Paradise Centre as Happy Hollow comes to life. This Easter wonderland will have all sorts on offer for the whole family—think bunny craft workshops, colouring stations, meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny and the chance to win some egg-cellent prizes like $50 gift cards for Paradise Centre retailers.
Plus, you can expect to find a sweet surprise or two along the way. There’s something for everyone at Paradise Centre, where Easter is coming to life.
INSIDER INTEL
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There'll be two ‘Kids Eat Free’ deals: On Saturday 2 April at Surfers Paradise Beer Garden and on Sunday 3 April at El Camino Cantina.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Thursday 2 April—Tuesday 7 April
Find out more here.
Dig IT & Thunderegg Crystal Mine Easter Adventure
Thursday 2 April—Tuesday 7 April
Image Credit: Dig It | Supplied
Do your Easter plans need a little more action (and a lot less sitting around)? Well, I have the perfect solution. Up on Tamborine Mountain, Dig IT and the Thunderegg Crystal Mine are flipping the script—think excavators instead of Easter baskets, and 200-million-year-old thundereggs instead of chocolate.
Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) can dig, drive and demolish their way through a hands-on adventure, with hidden surprises scattered across the site. There’s also a word treasure hunt in the mix, adding an extra layer of fun with prizes up for grabs if you crack the clues.
INSIDER INTEL
- Sessions are capped and tend to book out over long weekends, so lock this one in early—and maybe don’t wear your best whites, things are about to get dusty.
Where: Thunderbird Park, Corner Tamborine Mountain Rd &, Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
When: Thursday 2 April—Tuesday 7 April (2-hour sessions)
Cost: From $60
Find out more and book here.
Palm Court Easter Afternoon Tea
Friday 3 April—Monday 20 April
Image Credit: The Langham, Gold Coast | Supplied
For a refined take on Easter indulgence, Palm Court at The Langham is serving up an elegant afternoon tea designed for slow, celebratory moments. Expect a beautifully curated spread of sweet and savoury creations, from smoked Tasmanian crepes and confit wild meat terrine to delicate vanilla hazelnut entremets and opera-style chocolate coffee slices.
Freshly baked scones arrive with velvety whipped cream, lemon curd and raspberry preserves, best enjoyed alongside premium teas or coffee—or elevated with a glass of sparkling, champagne or a cocktail for a little extra occasion energy.
insider intel
- This one’s made for long, leisurely catch-ups—book ahead to secure a spot across the Easter rush.
Where: Palm Court, The Langham, Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Friday 3 April-Monday 20 April, from 11:30am-4:30pm daily
Cost: $95 per person (upgrade options available)
Find out more and book here.
Lobster Friday At Haven Pool Club
Friday 3 April
Image Credit: Mondrian Gold Coast | Supplied
Are you craving Easter plans that lean a little more luxe? Mondrian Gold Coast is serving up a seriously indulgent Good Friday at Haven Pool Club. Their Lobster Fridays special is all about fresh, cracked lobster—served ready to dive into—paired with a poolside vista and something bubbly in hand.
You can keep it simple with half or whole lobster, or go all in with add-ons like a chilled seafood tower, caviar or a side of frites and salad. Throw in a margarita (or two) and you’ve got yourself a long lunch that feels very on-brand for a Gold Coast public holiday.
INSIDER INTEL
- Be sure to book in advance if you’re chasing a prime poolside seat.
Where: Haven Pool Club, Level 3/3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Friday 3 April
Cost: From $35
Find out more and book here.
Good Friday At Norté
Friday 3 April
One of the Gold Coast's best restaurants is putting on a one-day-only special this Good Friday, so you'd best clear your schedule and get to booking. Available on a pre-order only basis, Norté will be serving an exquisite whole baked snapper al pastor with coal-roasted salsa, herb salad and crushed potatoes.
This dish is designed for sharing so gather your people and get ready to feast in true Norté style.
Insider intel
- Orders close Wednesday 1 April—don't sleep on this one.
Where: Norté, 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
When: Friday 3 April
Find out more and contact Norté here.
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Friday 3 April & Saturday 4 April
Image Credit: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market | Supplied
If your ideal Easter long weekend involves ocean breezes, street food in hand and a little retail therapy under the stars, this one’s calling your name. The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are dialling things up for Easter with a two-night seaside celebration along the iconic Esplanade.
Expect a buzzing lineup of artisan stalls, live tunes drifting through the salty air and plenty of family-friendly fun woven throughout. And yes, the Easter Bunny is making an appearance on both evenings. So whether you’ve got little ones in tow or you’re just here for the energy (and maybe a photo op), there’s plenty of festive cheer to go around.
INSIDER INTEL
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The sweet spot is just before sunset—arrive early, wander the stalls while it’s still light, then stick around as the sky turns and the markets really come alive.
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If you’re chasing a pic with the Easter Bunny, aim for earlier in the 5pm–8pm window to beat the queues.
Where: The Foreshore, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Friday 3 April & Saturday 4 April, 4pm—9pm
Cost: Free entry
For more info, click here.
Easter Saturday High Tea
Saturday 4 April
Image Credit: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Supplied
If your ideal Easter involves less chaos and more champagne, this elevated Easter high tea has your name all over it. Settle in for an afternoon of handcrafted pâtisserie, hot canapés and signature sweet treats, plus a dedicated chocolate dessert station (yes, it’s as good as it sounds).
Add in two hours of free-flowing sparkling and mimosas, paired with curated teas and live entertainment, and you’ve got yourself a seriously indulgent way to celebrate the long weekend.
insider intel
- Come hungry—between the savoury bites and the chocolate-loaded dessert station, you’ll want to pace yourself.
Where: Citrique, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Saturday 4 April, 12pm—2:30pm
Cost: $99 per guest (includes two hours of sparkling wine and mimosas)
Find out more and book here.
Flamenco Sol At Sueno
Sunday 5 April
Image Credit: Sueno | Mathilde Bouby
As if the delicious Latin-American inspired food, refreshing cocktails and rooftop vibes weren't enough of an appeal, there will be live Flamenco music at Suẽno this Easter Sunday. Musician Camarón De La Vega will fill the terrace with warm Latin-American energy and sounds as the sun makes its way towards the horizon.
Whether you're heading there for a long lunch or an afternoon beverage, I can't think of many better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.
insider intel
- You don't have to book, but Suẽno is one of the Gold Coast's most popular venues so I highly recommend that you do,
Where: Suẽno, 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
When: Sunday 5 April
Find out more and reserve here.
Easter Sunday Seafood & Grill Lunch Buffet
Sunday 5 April
Image Credit: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Supplied
If Easter Sunday calls for going all out, Citrique’s iconic seafood and grill buffet is the move. Think premium local seafood, market-fresh meats and a spread of international favourites—all dialled up for the occasion.
There’s also a lobster to share (because why not), alongside a lineup of seasonal Easter dishes crafted by the culinary team. And for those bringing little ones along, the annual Easter egg hunt is back—arguably the highlight of the day.
insider intel
- Book early—this one’s a long weekend favourite and tends to fill fast (especially with the egg hunt in the mix).
Where: Citrique, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Sunday 5 April, 12pm—2:30pm
Cost: $135 per adult | $70 per child (5–12 years) | Children 4 and under dine free
Find out more and book here.
Sanctuary Cove's Easter Eggstravaganza
Sunday 5 April
Image Credit: Sanctuary Cove | Supplied
For a wholesome, family-friendly Easter moment up on the northern Gold Coast, Sanctuary Cove’s Easter Egg-stravaganza is hard to beat. For one day only, The Marine Village is transforming into a waterfront playground with pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting and plenty of Easter-themed fun for all ages.
There’s also a scavenger hunt weaving through the village—complete it and the kids will score an Easter egg (plus go in the running for prizes). Factor in a visit from the Easter Bunny and you’ve got yourself a pretty magic Sunday by the marina.
INSIDER INTEL
- Keep an eye out for scavenger hunt registrations opening soon—this one’s always popular and well worth locking in early if you’ve got little ones keen to get involved.
Where: The Marine Village, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island QLD 4212
When: Sunday 5 April, 10am–2pm
Cost: Free
Click here for more info.
The Ultimate Power-Up QTea High Tea
Saturday 28 March—Friday 8 May
Image Credit: QT Gold Coast | Supplied
If your Easter plans could use a little extra fun, this playful high tea needs to be on your hit list. Step into a pixelated, Mario-inspired wonderland where spun-sugar clouds float overhead and question-mark cubes hide edible surprises.
From star-studded sweets to whimsical toadstools, each tier is a nostalgic nod to your favourite childhood game—crafted with just enough creativity (and sugar) to feel like a full-blown power-up.
insider intel
- This one’s perfect for kids and big kids alike—book a daytime slot to soak up the sunlit lobby vibes in full.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Daily from 28 March-8 May, 11am-2pm
Cost: $74 per adult | $44 per child (5–12 years), includes tea or coffee plus a signature iced drink
Find out more and book here.
Looking for more? Check out:
- Hit up some of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants.
- Book the ultimate staycay at the Gold Coast’s best accommodation.
- Catch up on the Gold Coast food news you missed.
Image Credit: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market | Supplied