Top 5 things to do in Gold Coast

Gold Coast is arguably the most laid-back spot in Australia. Surfer's Paradise is a must-go for those in quest of the perfect wave length, and with a raft of coves, the drive along the oceanline offers something for all tastes. Also the inland bottles up stunning nature pools where one could easily get absorbed in floating and gloating for hours. Let your hair down and soak up the sun rays.

#1 From Burleigh Heads to Captain Cook Memorial

On this 13km drive you can take a dip at a variety of beaches: Burleigh Heads, Greenmount or Rainbow Bay. Along your way from Surfer's Paradise to Captain Cook Memorial, also known as Point Danger, you can spot whales and sea eagles, eat a delicious seafood dish and hire a kayak whilst making your way to the ultimate destination near the NSW border.

DON'T MISS! Take a peak at Snapper Rocks - or Superbank, as the locals often call it - at the end of your excursion in Coolangatta. The surf break is home for world-famous surfers like Mick Fanning, and you can spot the most skilled wavecatchers at any given day.

#2 SkyPoint Observation Deck

The SkyPoint is one of the world's tallest residential buildings. Its observation deck located on the 77th level offers impressive 360° views to all over the coast. You can enjoy a varied breakfast, grab a bite or order a cocktail and watch the sun set in a unique ambience. On weekends the deck turns into a classy nightclub venue. Remember to wear your smashual outfit!

DON'T MISS! The 90-minute SkyPoint Climb is an adventure during which you can climb on top of the building at any time of the day. Whether it's for a dawn exercise or an effective midday effort under the blazing Queensland sun, a good adrenaline boost is always included in the package. Just don't forget the sunscreen.

#3 Gold Coast Themeparks

Don’t miss a moment of fun when you’re visiting Gold Coast. Make sure to book a pass to enjoy three of Australia’s most popular theme parks: Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World. You will immerse to another world and get a quick escape from the heat to the coolness of cinema theaters and water slides.

Choose the 3-day pass giving you one-day entry to all three theme parks. You can alternatively upgrade to a seven day or 21-day pass to receive unlimited entry to all three parks. Do you want to meet Shrek and ride the rapids at Dreamworld? Make sure to add an extra day to your trip to make time for another awesome park.

Book theme park passes from $90

#4 Lamington National Park

The widest sub-tropical forest of Australia consists of Green Mountains and Binna Burra. The area offers a range of walking tracks, and hiking is definitely the one and only way to get access to unique sights of the rainforest. You can start your adventure at the idyllic town of Canungra and continue driving along the farm-like road, passing cows and pademelons. At your destination you might get lucky enough to feed king parrots and other exotic birds.

DON'T MISS! Spectacular, panoramic views from Kamarun Lookout will offer you hilly, green landscapes, in front of which it's a bliss to enjoy some of the serenity and peace. This is the complete opposite of the bustle and parties of central Gold Coast.

#5 Springbrook National Park

Dreamy-looking waterfalls and nature pools toned with all shades of turquoise are waiting for you in the hinterland of Gold Coast. If you feel like taking a few days off to calm down in the most tranquil environment, Springbrook is a good alternative for Lamington. Check out the Twin Falls Circuit, along which you will get a good overview of the best waterfalls of the park. This 7km track is strenuous but definitely pays off with some great #instamaterial.

DON'T MISS! Don't leave the park until you've tumbled across a land mullet. The 40 cm lizard looks like a shiny, obese crocodile - in other words, quite hilarious. (But don't get scared, it won't eat you.) Another majestic animal of the park is a bower bird, feathered solemnly, as if it's dressed in blue velvet.