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Thrilling and Relaxing Activities to Do in Gold Coast Now

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Local Attractions

Warm days on the Gold Coast send every holiday plan toward the water. The Broadwater keeps the heat at bay with cool activities for all ages. 

Jet boat rides leave everyone grinning, and the rock pools keep younger kids entertained for hours. Every visitor can find a way to enjoy the season without the sticky wait of crowded spots. 

Among the top activities to do in Gold Coast, this corner of the coast turns sunny days into playful escapes. Holiday photos taken here could pass for a glossy brochure, and the memories stay long after the sunscreen fades.

Activities to Do in Gold Coast

Summer turns the Broadwater into an inviting base for seasonal adventures. Calm water and open parklands make it a favourite spot for family activities, which the Gold Coast is known for. Visitors can enjoy the sunshine without the stress of crowded tourist areas. This is where a simple day outdoors becomes a lasting memory.

When planning your activities to do in Gold Coast, Australia, consider:

  • Family-friendly water play and shaded picnic areas
  • Gentle adventures suited to couples or solo travellers
  • Quick access to unique water sports and seasonal fun

These activities to do in Gold Coast mark the start of a holiday filled with relaxation and playful energy, all leading naturally to the Broadwater’s highlights.

GC Aqua Park

Sunny Broadwater days match perfectly with GC Aqua Park, a lively favourite for family activities that Gold Coast visitors enjoy during summer.

Inflatable Water Fun

This floating obstacle course lets kids and adults climb, bounce, and slide across the water. Each jump brings laughter and keeps the whole group active.

Safety and Local Tips

Timed sessions are ticketed to prevent overcrowding, and every participant wears a life jacket for safety. Arrive early, especially during weekends or school holidays, to secure a session and enjoy the park at its best.

Broadwater Rock Pools

The Broadwater Parklands rockpools are a family favourite and a top choice among things to do in Southport, QLD, with younger children.

Safe Water Play

Shallow pools and gentle sprays keep kids entertained for hours, while parents relax under the coastal breeze.

Family Tips for Comfort

Water shoes protect small feet, shaded areas fill quickly, and the nearby picnic and BBQ spots make it easy to spend a full day outdoors.

Among the best things to do in Southport, the Broadwater Parklands provide a free, simple, and memorable way for families to enjoy warm-weather holidays.

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is a refreshing stop for a summer swim and a favourite for family activities that Gold Coast visitors enjoy.

Swim with a View

This Olympic-standard venue features casual lanes and professional training pools framed by the scenic Broadwater.

Best Times and Tips

Entry is affordable, making it an easy addition to a holiday plan. Early mornings are the calmest, giving swimmers a peaceful start before the day grows busy.

A visit here is a relaxing way to cool off and adds a simple highlight to the list of things to do in Southport.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Calm Broadwater conditions create the perfect playground for light adventure. Guests in Broadwater Gold Coast accommodation can enjoy Australian Kayaking Adventures or try stand-up paddleboarding for a slow-paced, scenic experience.

Gentle Adventures on the Water

Guided kayak tours often bring visitors close to marine life, with occasional dolphin sightings. Paddleboarding is ideal for couples or solo travellers who enjoy quiet moments on the water.

Practical Tips

Sunscreen and hats are essential, and a waterproof phone pouch keeps memories safe.

Kayaking and paddleboarding balance relaxation with soft adventure, creating mornings or afternoons worth remembering.

Jet Ski and Jet Boat Rides

The Broadwater provides the perfect backdrop for high-speed thrills. Few jet ski Gold Coast activities compare to the rush of skimming across open water or the spins of a jet boat.

Thrills for All Groups

Solo jet ski tours offer independence, while guided group sessions are perfect for shared fun. Jet boat ride Gold Coast operators bring high-speed runs and spins that excite teens, couples, and groups of friends.

Timing

Mornings have calmer water for first-timers, while afternoons add lively Broadwater energy.

High-speed rides add an unforgettable burst of excitement to any summer itinerary.

Sea World Encounters

Only minutes from the Broadwater, Sea World remains a timeless choice for family activities on the Gold Coast.

Shows and Experiences

General admission includes the iconic SeaWorld dolphin show, a highlight for kids and adults alike. For closer encounters, swim-with-dolphin and shark experiences are available.

Plan for the Best Day

Check the show schedule before visiting, and book premium encounters early to avoid disappointment.

A day at Sea World combines entertainment and marine life experiences, leaving families with lasting holiday memories.

Summer Memories

Broadwater summers are built on simple joys that linger well after the trip ends. Sunlit water, gentle splashes, and a soft coastal breeze create days that move at an easy pace.

Holiday highlights often include:

  • Kayaking through calm shallows under the warm sun
  • Hearing children laugh and play in the rock pools
  • Feeling the rush of a jet boat ride on the Broadwater

Among the best things to do in Gold Coast, few experiences compare to spending warm days by the Broadwater. Each visit turns ordinary moments into shared stories that families and friends carry home as lasting memories.

Stay by the Broadwater

Make summer smooth and convenient by staying close to the action. Bayview Beach Holiday Apartments provide the ideal Broadwater accommodation on the Gold Coast for a relaxed holiday.

Spacious two-bedroom apartments feature private balconies with water views. On-site amenities include a sparkling pool, spa, BBQ facilities, and secure parking, giving guests a comfortable base after days on the Broadwater.

Located just minutes from seasonal highlights and water activities, Bayview Beach Holiday Apartments are the perfect Broadwater Gold Coast accommodation for couples, families, and small groups. Booking a stay keeps every splash, paddle, and sunny moment within easy reach.

Start your Gold Coast stay the right way at Bayview Beach Holiday Apartments.

Image Credit: GC Aqua Park