Wildlife-watching, natural wonders, and water sports lie at the southern tip of the Gold Coast.
With its mix of oceanside and riverside beaches, Currumbin provides plenty of ways to get on the water. Head down to the seafront to swim, surf, or fish along Currumbin Beach, or take to the sheltered waters of Currumbin Creek and the Alley to kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Ocean views await explorers at Elephant Rock, after which you can take a bushwalk in the Tarrabora Reserve, and dip in the Currumbin Rock Pools. Don’t miss a visit to the star attraction—Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Campers have options along the beachfront in neighboring Burleigh Heads and Tweed Heads.
Gold Coast
North of Currumbin, the Gold Coast is Queensland’s flagship beach destination. Stop by Burleigh Heads to browse the famous Village Markets, hit the surf at Miami Beach or Broadbeach, or get your adrenaline pumping at one of the five theme parks. Further north, the skyscraper-lined beaches of Surfer’s Paradise are world-famous, and the city’s nightlife is equally renowned.
Gold Coast Hinterlands
Away from the theme parks and beach resorts of the coast, the Gold Coast hinterlands are a natural playground of mountains, rainforest, and vineyards. Take in the views from Tamborine Mountain, explore glowworm caves in the Springbrook National Park, or hike part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. To escape the crowds, pitch your tent at backcountry campsites in the Lamington National Park.
NSW North Coast
South of Currumbin, Tweed Heads is the cultural hub of the Tweed region, where you can enjoy rainforest walks, surf beaches, and riverside camping. Continue south along the Legendary Pacific Coast Route to the surf mecca of Byron Bay, or head inland to hike and camp in the Nightcap National Park.
Currumbin is a year-round destination, and the sun is always shining along the Gold Coast. Surfing and water sports are possible right through winter, but peak season is summer (December through January), when attractions such as the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary can get crowded. Spring brings a number of festivals and events to the beachside, while June through October whale-watching season along the coast.