Gold Coast Beginners Group Surf Lesson
RedBalloon
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Explore everything the Gold Coast has to offer with the activities available to you this coming Boxing Day.
Keep reading to find out where to book, what to do and which venues are open for business.
Top things to do on Boxing day on the Gold Coast
1. Head out onto the water
Escape those hot December temperatures this Boxing Day by taking a lesson on how to surf the waves, get splashed on a high-speed jet boat or meet the creatures of the sea with a snorkelling experience.
High Speed Jet Boat Ride with 360-Degree Spins
RedBalloon
Kayaking with Dolphins and Snorkelling Tour
RedBalloon
2. Go to new heights
See the Gold Coast from a whole new perspective with a plethora of bird's-eye view options. For a gentler experience consider a hot air balloon over the lush hinterlands and for all our adrenaline junkies out there, take flight over the waves with a bit of scenic parasailing.
Scenic Parasail Over the Gold Coast
RedBalloon
Jet Boat Ride and Helicopter Flight Combo
RedBalloon
Tandem Skydiving in Surfers Paradise
Skydive Australia
3. Get the adrenaline pumping
Live a day on the fast side of life with an adrenaline-fuelled experience. From getting behind the wheel of a supercar to strapping in for a jet boating soak, if adventure is your preference for this Boxing Day then look no further.
Paintball Half Day Games
Adrenaline
Drive a Ferrari
Adrenaline
Gold Coast Indoor Skydiving
Experience Oz
5. Enjoy whole family fun
Get the whole family involved with all-day fun. Whether your little ones like a bit of adventure or prefer the classics such as bowling or golf, these are pretty safe bets to ensure smiles all round.
Infinity Attraction Entry
Adrenaline
Carrara Mini Golf
Groupon
Mt Warren Lanes
Groupon
6. Cruise your way through Boxing Day
If you want to head out onto the water without the need for a swimsuit, these cruises are just for you. With your choice of a morning, afternoon or sunset river cruise, sit back and relax with a drink in hand as you watch the skyline pass you by.
Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise
RedBalloon
Scenic River and Canal Morning Cruise
RedBalloon
City Tour and River Cruise in an Amphibious Vehicle
Adrenaline
7. Pamper yourself
After a year of hard work and busy schedules, take the time this Boxing Day to spoil yourself. Take your pick from a body massage or a facial and let someone else pamper you for a change. Go on, you deserve it.
Facial and Massage Package - 2 hours
RedBalloon
Aromatherapy Body Massage and Back Polish
RedBalloon
Grace Beauty And Massage
Groupon
8. Have a picnic in the park
It's simple yet effective. If your idea of a perfect day off is lounging amongst nature with your favourite book in hand, look no further than a picnic this Boxing Day. The best part is, if organising isn't your cup of tea, you can get someone else to do it for you.
If you're going DIY, we suggest checking out the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens as it has plenty of space.
Belgian Chocolates with Delivery
Groupon
Picnic Basket with Blanket, Cutlery and Utensils
Groupon
Foldable Wooden Picnic Table
Groupon
9. Binge your favourite TV shows
If the Christmas lunch was just that good, the food coma may call for a Boxing Day spent at home. Have fun from the comfort of your couch with a plethora of streaming options at the ready for the whole family. All that's left for you to do is stock up on the popcorn.
10. Have a splash at the beach
No list of things to do on the Gold Coast would be complete without a beach trip. You aren't short on choice, so take your pick from Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Palm, Currumbin, Greenmount, Nobby and Main beach (just to name a few).
Chances are the shorelines will be busier than usual so we recommend getting there a little earlier.
11. Check out the Boxing Day sales from home
If you’re ready to snag a bargain, Boxing Day is usually the one day of the year where you don’t want to venture out and deal with the crowds.
Fortunately, many stores now offer their sales online so you can shop from the comfort of your couch. Savvy shoppers know that the deals are just as good, if not better, and you can find everything from holidays and homewares to fashion and furniture.
Get prepared with our complete guide to all of the Boxing Day sales worth staying at home for this year.
Where can I book Boxing Day activities on the Gold Coast?
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What's open on Boxing Day on the Gold Coast?
Get out and about this Boxing Day with the biggest attractions and your favourite restaurants.
Boxing Day trading hours for attractions on the Gold Coast
| Attraction | Boxing Day trading hours | Where to get tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Warner Bros. Movie World | 9:30 to 5pm | RedBalloon |
| Sea World | 9:30 to 5pm | RedBalloon |
| SkyPoint Observation Deck | 7:30am to 7pm | Experience Oz |
| Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast | 10am to 5pm | RedBalloon |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | 9am to 4pm | RedBalloon |
| Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk | 9:30am to 5pm | Experience Oz |
| Gold Coast Wax Museum | 11am to 3pm | Experience Oz |
| Dreamworld | 9:30am to 5pm | Experience Oz |
| WhiteWater World | 10am to 5pm | Experience Oz |
| Infinity | 10am to 5pm | Adrenaline |
| iFLY Gold Coast | 9am to 6:30pm | Experience Oz |
Boxing Day trading hours for restaurants, bars and cafes on the Gold Coast
| Venue | Boxing Day trading hours |
|---|---|
| Papercup Coffee (both locations) | 6am to 2pm |
| QT Gold Coast | Bazaar | 6:30am to 10:30am and 5:30 to 9pm |
| QT Gold Coast | Stingray Lounge | 4pm until late |
| Bam Bam Bakehouse | 6:30am to 3pm |
| Elk Espresso | 6am to 4pm |
| Finn Poke | 11am to 8pm |
| Rosella's | 12pm until late |
| Miss Moneypenny's | 11:30am until late |
| Buoy Oh Buoy | 7am to 11am |
| Chanoyu Japanese Cafe | 7am to 2:30pm |
| Crafty's | 11am until late |
| Hot Shott | 5:30am to 4pm |
| Muso Ramen | 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 8:30pm |
| Quay Street Cafe | 7am to 2pm |
| Zi Espresso | 7am to 11am |
| Alfred's Diner | 6:30am to 12pm |
| Arakawa Japanese | 5pm until late |
| Beachside Pavilion | 6am until late |
| Bine Beer Bar | 4pm until late |
| Clifford's Grill and Lounge | 6pm until late |
| Crazy Cat Cafe | 9:30am to 5:30pm |
| Cucino Vivo | 5:30pm to late |
| Don't Gnocc It | 11am to late |
| Door50 | 6am until late |
| Easy Street Diner | 5pm until late |
| Fat Freddy's Beach Bar and Diner | 11:30am until late |
| Finn McCool's | 10am until late |
| Garden Kitchen and Bar | 12pm to 10pm |
| Gemelli | 5pm until late |
| Harajuku Gyoza | 11:30am to 9pm |
| I like ramen | 11:30am until late |
| Kiyomi | 5:30pm until late |
| Koi | 8am until late |
| La Diosa Mexicana | 11am to 10pm |
| Little Mermaid | 6:30am to 3pm |
| Vapiano | 11am to 12am |
| The Henchman | 8am until late |
| The Cambus Wallace | 5pm until late |
| Trattoria Amici | 5pm until late |
| The Loose Moose | 8am until late |
| Mamasan Kitchen and Bar | 5:30pm until late |
| Mario's Italian | 12pm until late |
| Meat and Co | 12pm until late |
| Montezuma's | 5:30pm until late |
| Mei Wei Dumplings | 12pm to 9pm |
| My Gelato | 10am to 11pm |
| Muso Ramen | 5:30pm until late |
| Nineteen at The Star | 4pm until late |
| No Name Lane | 6am to 1pm |
| Nobby's Rock | 5pm until late |
| Pancakes in Paradise | 8am to 8:30pm |
| Paradox Coffee Roasters | 8am to 1pm |
| Salt Meats Cheese | 5pm to 10pm |
| Sandbar | 6am until late |
| Social House | 7am until late |
| The Aztec | 5pm until late |
| The Bavarian | 5pm until late |
See the latest Boxing Day activities deals for the Gold Coast
Deal
Up to 55% off Australia getaways
Available on stays until August 2022. Destinations include Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide, Townsville, Tasmania, Sydney, Broome and more.
Code
Up to 25% off Australia experiences + an extra 10% off with code
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours, getaways and more. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 34% off + an extra $50 off stays with code
Available from 24 June 2022 – 30 March 2023 on prepaid bookings. Destinations include Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland and more. Minimum spend of $99 required. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Domestic flights from $69 each way
Available for travel from July 2022 – May 2023 to Gold Coast, Adelaide, Coffs Harbour, Alice Springs, Townsville and more. Sample fare is Ballina-Sydney. T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
Get up to $20 in ride vouchers
Get $5 off 4 rides in 7 days across Australia, including Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne and more when you use the code. Valid for new users only. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 25% off Australia holiday packages
Available on select dates until December 2022 when you book your hotel and flights together. Destinations include Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and more.
Deal
Up to 26% off Gold Coast hotels
Available on stays until December 2022. Destinations include Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 34% off things to do in Australia
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights, jet boat rides and more.
Code
Get 15% off Queensland experiences
Available on tours and attractions including Movie World, Sea World, Wet n' Wild, Dreamworld Gold Coast, Kuranda Koala Gardens and more. Maximum discount of $50. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Australia-wide flights from $69 return
Available on flights until September 2022 to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Hobart, Adelaide, Launceston, Alice Springs, Ballina and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Melbourne with Jetstar.
Deal
East coast flights from $129 each way with Qantas
Available on flights from 1 May – 30 June 2022 to Adelaide, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Canberra and more. Sample fare is Sydney–Brisbane.
Code
Up to 10% off long-term car hires
Available until 31 May 2023 when you book a minimum of 21 days' rental. Destinations include Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Up to 15% off Australia campervan hires
Available on rentals from 16 May – 30 November 2022 when you book a minimum of 10 days. Destinations include Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Get $10 off Gold Coast theme park passes
Get 6 months unlimited entries to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint Observation Deck for the price of 3-day passes.
Deal
Rex Airlines flights from $79 each way
Available on midweek flights until 30 June 2022 to Gold Coast, Brisbane, Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Melbourne.
Deal
Up to 15% off local activities
Available on select dates on activities including day tours, skydiving, hot air ballooning, attraction passes and cruises. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Brisbane, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 20% off Australia and New Zealand car hire
Available until 30 September 2022 on 2+ days rentals when you book 21 days in advance. Destinations include Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Australia beach holidays from $76 per night
Available on select stay dates in Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. Sample stay is for a studio apartment in Mornington Peninsula. T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
Get $5 off activities with code
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 65% off holiday packages
Available on select dates until December 2022. Destinations include Adelaide, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Hunter Valley and more.
Deal
Up to 35% off domestic stays + free cancellations
Available until May 2022, including Easter. Destinations include Broome, Mackay, Launceston, Darwin, Perth, Cairns, Sydney, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 35% off last-minute domestic escapes
Available on stays within the next 14 days. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Up to 48% off things to do on the Gold Coast + an extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include indoor skydiving, sightseeing cruises, hot air ballooning, getaways, jet boat rides, spa treatments and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 40% off things to do in Australia
Available on select dates and activities including hot air ballooning, skydiving, sightseeing cruises, whale watching cruises and dining. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Perth, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane and more.
Deal
Up to 42% off activities for kids
Available on select dates for activities like whale watching, go karting, sightseeing tours, attraction passes and more. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra and more.
Code
Up to 23% off flying experiences plus an extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include hot air ballooning, skydiving, helicopter scenic flights. Destinations include Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hunter Valley, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Activities for kids from $17 + an extra $5 off with code
Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include day tour cruises, hop-on hop-off bus tours, attraction passes and more. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Adelaide and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
exclusive
Get $20 off classes with code
Available until 18 October 2022 on classes including cooking, painting, candle making, pottery and more. Minimum spend of $250 required. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
Up to 10% off Dreamworld tickets in Gold Coast
Available for new Klook users. Vouchers valid up to 12 months from date of purchase. T&Cs apply.
Code
Up to 10% off Dreamworld tickets in Gold Coast
Available for new Klook users. Vouchers valid up to 12 months from date of purchase. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off Australia getaways
Available on stays until March 2023 on destinations including Gold Coast, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. T&CS apply.
Deal
Free bottle of wine on Gold Coast stays
Available until 31 December 2022 and includes breakfast for 2, 2 cocktails in Driftwood Social and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Free breakfast for 2 + $100 dining credit on stays
Available until 15 December 2022 when you book a minimum of 3 nights. Destinations include Cairns, Gold Coast, Sydney, Fiji, Bora Bora and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
3-night stay in Gold Coast RACV Resort from $549
Available for travel until 28 February 2023. Stay in a Superior King Room good for two guests for 3 nights. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 20% off 5-night Gold Coast getaways
Available on stays for up to 13 months from booking date. Plus members get an extra 10% off. Membership is free. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 15% off 3-night Gold Coast stays
Available on stays for up to 13 months from booking date. Plus members get an extra 10% off. Membership is free. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 30% off Sea World Resort stays with park entry
Available on select stay dates in 2022 in Gold Coast.
Deal
Up to 10% off Vibe Hotel Gold Coast stays
Plus get free cancellation on select stay dates in 2022.
Deal
Up to 20% off Q1 Resort & Spa Gold Coast stays
Available on select stay dates in 2022.
Deal
Up to 39% off Gold Coast tropical getaways
Available on stays until 31 December 2022.
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