Surfer's Paradise River Lunch Cruise
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With sun, surf, bronzed bodies and a lively atmosphere, you can't beat the Gold Coast on Australia Day. You can pretty much guarantee that wherever you turn, the flag will be flying, eskies will be strewn about and the nation's pride will swell.
Searching for something to do on Australia Day? We've got some ideas.
Australia Day fireworks on the Gold Coast
Image: City of Gold Coast
The City of Gold Coast has confirmed its annual Australia Day fireworks at Broadwater Parklands.
While you're busy revelling, the little ones will remain amused all afternoon long at the entertainment playground. Pack the picnic rug and tuck into a feast of food trucks and watersport displays while the fireworks crack overhead.
The event starts at 4pm and ends at 8pm with the Australia Day fireworks.
Australia Day Gold Coast events for 2022
| Events | Details | Where | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Day at Broadwater Parklands | The festivities at Broadwater Parklands are the quintessential Australia Day event. Enjoy live local music, food trucks and of course the 8pm fireworks. Take the kids along for fun at the Kid Zones. | Broadwater Parklands | From 4pm, fireworks at 8pm | Free |
| Celebrating Australia Day in Harmony | Starting with a Welcome to Country, this celebration will include up to 65 stalls, up to 185 international performers, arts and crafts, Aboriginal painting exhibitions, multicultural music, dancing, food trucks and kids activities as well as an illuminated globe. | Southport | From 12pm | Free |
| Roots of Rhythm | Celebrate Australia Day with the Southern Beaches community with performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers and dancers from the Afrekete Afro-Cuban community. Lunch is Kup Murri, a traditional Torres Strait Islander style of cooking. There will be a smoking ceremony, mural painting and workshops for kids. | Southern Beaches Community Garden | 11am - 3pm | Tickets from $15 per person |
| Ngali Cultural Celebration | Meaning "we, together" in languages from the Guggu Yimithirr Nation, Ngali celebrates the achievements, culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Expect cultural dances and performances by Indigenous musicians. | Southport | From 12pm | Free |
| Australia Day @ The Club, Sanctuary Cove | Celebrate Australia Day with the annual Australia vs The Rest of the World Challenge. Dress up to represent your team and enjoy a classic sausage sizzle before teeing off for a 2-person Ambrose event and an Australian style roast in Lakeview Bar. | Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, The Parkway, Sanctuary Cove | An early celebration with a 12:30pm shotgun start on 23 January 2022 | Tickets from $55 per person |
| Australia Day @ Southport Sharks | Keep those little ones entertained with a free reptile show and kids disco, and keep the big ones entertained with late-night music by Acoustic Duo and a hearty feed of bangers, steak, roast and pav. | Southport Sharks Corner Olsen and Musgrave Avenues, Southport | 4:30pm - 8:30pm | Tickets are $34.90 per adult and $15.90 per child over 5 |
| Australia Day @ Coolangatta Hotel | Live music is always on at the Coolangatta, and on Australia Day, it's got to be an Aussie behind the mic. Catch a range of tribute bands including Outshined, Paradise City and Rhino. | The Strand at Coolangatta | 2pm - 8pm | Tickets from $50.50 per person |
| Australia Day @ Grand View Hotel | Get into the groove with a performance by Aussie Pride at the Grand View Hotel. | Grand View Hotel 49 North Street Cleveland | 1pm - 5pm | Tickets from $20 per person |
| Australia Day Party presented by Robbie Oz | Celebrate the day in style with a 3-hour boat cruise followed by a sunset beach party and barbeque. | Departs from Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach | 1pm - 8pm | Tickets from $127.69 per person |
| Australia Day @ Dog & Parrot | Head down to Dog & Parrot to enjoy free pool entry and a free barbeque. Fancy a challenge? Compete in the lamington eating contest to win a prize. | Dog & Parrot Tavern, 2 Scottsdale Drive, Robina | From 11am | Free |
| Australia Day @ Varsity Lakes Tavern | Varsity Lakes Tavern is the place to eat and drink on Australia Day with a selection of classic Aussie pub favourites on the menu. | 2 Santa Maria Ct, Burleigh Waters | From 11:30 | No cover charge |
| Australia Day @ Twin Towns | Twin Towns is hosting a free barbeque and performances by local talents Enso and Rabbit. | Twin Towns, Wharf St, Tweed Heads | 4pm - 7pm | Free |
| Annual Australia Day Beach Run | Meet at the southern side of the Kurrawa Surf Club for an early start to Australia Day. | Kurrawa Surf Club, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach | 6:45am meet, 7am start | Free |
| Burleigh Swim Run | Challenge yourself this Australia Day in the 12th annual swim run at Burleigh Heads. There are events to suit all levels and you can even join a team with friends or family. | Justins Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads | 6am-10am | Tickets from $30 |
| Australia Day Eve Party @ Finn McCool's | Celebrate Australia Day early with an Irish twist and all the Guinness you could want. | 39 Cahill Avenue, Surfers Paradise | From 6pm, 25 January 2022 | Free |
| Made in Australia Show | The Absolutely 80s "Made in Australia" tour makes its way to the The Star this Australia Day eve featuring music from a range of Australian artists. | The Star Gold Coast | 8pm-10pm, 25 January | $59.90 |
| Australia Day @Miami | Join the celebrations at the Miami where you can grab $1 oysters and join in the games like pie-eating and thong throwing. | The Miami, 2043-2047 Gold Coast Highway, Gold Coast | 6am - 10:30am | No cover charge |
| Living in the 70s Tweed Cruise | All aboard and off to the 70s with this Tweed River Australia Day cruise. The 3.5-hour cruise will feature live music and hits from the 70s. Food included. | Tweed Eco Cruises, 2 River Terrace, Tweed Heads | 3pm-6:30pm | Tickets from $70 |
| Australia Day Eve Bondi Rescue Party | Head down to Retro's to boogie and celebrate Australia's beach culture. | Retro's, 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise | From 9pm - late, 25 January 2022 | Free entry |
Things to do on Australia Day on the Gold Coast
Sail away on an Australia Day cruise
From gondola and canal to scenic and island cruises, the Gold Coast has all the on-the-water options to make your Australia Day special.
While you're there, why not pop the bubbly in celebration? After all, you're not driving.
If you want, you can up the stakes and charter a private vessel for a romantic day out on the water.
Morning Cruise
finder.com.au
Gold Coast Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise
Viator
Visit a Gold Coast theme park
Synonymous with a trip to the Gold Coast is a trip to its large network of theme parks. Whether you're a SeaWorld lover or a Warner Bros. Movie World fan, each theme park transforms itself into an Australian paradise on 26 January.
Full events and activities for the date have yet to be released, but to give you an idea of what you can expect, in the past, SeaWorld has hosted roving entertainment and a barbeque in its plaza, while Dreamworld has hosted a shearing show and sausage sizzle, and sold lamingtons and ANZAC biscuits in its cafe.
3-day Pass: Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild
Adrenaline
7-day Pass: Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild
Adrenaline
Dreamworld 1-Day Ticket
Experience Oz
Cool down on the water
Australia Day on the Gold Coast calls for one thing: a beach, a pool or an ocean adventure. Choose from scuba dives, jet boat rides, jet skiing, kayaking or even splash parks if you have little kids.
Gold Coast Fliteboard Guided Tour or Lesson
RedBalloon
Jet Boating Experience
finder.com.au
Snorkel at Wave Break Island
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Head to the rainforest
Not much of a beach bum? Prefer to stay away from the crowds this public holiday? Head west to the Gold Coast Hinterland and you'll discover relaxing walks, adventurous climbs and nature unparalleled.
Full-day Springbrook National Park Tour from the Gold Coast
Viator
Tree Top Adventure Park Experience
finder.com.au
Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Glow Worm Tour
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Encounter local critters
Animal lovers and kids alike will adore the myriad animal encounters to be had on the Gold Coast. To keep with the day's Australiana theme, our pick is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which houses koalas, crocodiles, emus and echidnas.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Entry
Adrenaline
Dolphin Deep Water Adventure at Sea World
Adrenaline
Penguins Antarctic Adventure Sea World
Adrenaline
Go fishing
Forget throwing another "shrimp" (prawn) on the barbie and throw a mammoth catch of the day on it instead. Need some direction? Book a spot on a dedicated fishing charter where you'll be led by an expert to all the best spots – and get some tips while you're there.
Deep Sea Reef and Game Fishing Charter
RedBalloon
Half Day in Afternoon Fishing in Gold Coast
Adrenaline
Fishing in the Marina Mirage
Viator
Fly high in a hot air balloon
Want to start the new year off on the right foot? Tick off this bucket-list activity on Australia Day and marvel at the wonderful land we live in from your view from above.
Gold Coast Hinterland Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast
RedBalloon
Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast and Photos
Adrenaline
Hot Air Ballooning Brisbane
Viator
Top free things to do on Australia Day on the Gold Coast
- Play beach cricket. Up your game on the beach this year and pack the cricket set for a match on the sand.
- Host a barbeque. No room in your backyard? No worries! The Gold Coast is home to over 380 public barbecues in its parks and beaches.
- Get to know your local pub or RSL. If your local pub or RSL isn’t doing something to commemorate the founding of our nation, we’ll eat our hats! Want to keep it local? Wander into your local to say "G'day".
- Play barefoot bowls. Have a few laughs with mates new and old with a barefoot bowls session. Some Gold Coast faves include Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, Broadbeach Bowls Club, Southport Bowls Club and Tugun Bowls Club.
What's open on Australia Day on the Gold Coast?
| Attraction | Australia Day trading hours | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| Movie World | 9:30am-5pm | RedBalloon |
| Sea World | 9:30am-5pm | RedBalloon |
| Wet 'n' Wild | 10am-8pm | RedBalloon |
| Dreamworld | 10am-5pm | Experience Oz |
| TreeTop Challenge Mount Tamborine | 10am-5pm | Finder |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | 9am-4pm | Adrenaline |
| Tropical Fruit World | 9:30am-1pm | Viator |
| Infinity Attraction Gold Coast | 10am-10pm | Adrenaline |
| Skypoint Observation Deck | Closed for Australia Day | Experience Oz |
| WhiteWater World | Closed for Australia Day | Experience Oz |
| Outback Spectacular | Closed for Australia Day | RedBalloon |
Are shops open on Australia Day?
These are the major shopping centres that typically open for the Australia Day public holiday (26 January) and their public holiday trading hours.
- Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre: Open 9am-5:30pm
- Robina Town Centre: Open 9am-5:30pm
- Paradise Centre: Open 9am-12am
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: Open 9am-6pm
- Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre: Open 6am - 10pm
- Australia Fair Shopping Centre: Open 9am-5:30pm
- Marina Mirage: Open 10am-6pm
- Westfield Helensvale: Open 9am-5:30pm (TBC)
- The Strand at Coolangatta: Open 10am-5:30pm (TBC)
- Southport Park Shopping Centre: Open 9am-5:30pm (major retailers) and 10:30am-4pm (specialty stores) (TBC)
- Runaway Bay Centre: Open 9am-5:30pm (major stores) (TBC)
- Soul Boardwalk: Times vary depending on the store (TBC)
Some opening hours of attractions and shops above are based on regular opening hours. Opening hours for Australia Day on the 26th are yet to be confirmed and may be subject to change. Updated as of 13 January 2022.
See the latest Gold Coast activity deals
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SkyPoint Observation Deck tickets in Gold Coast from $29
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