The best things to do near RACV Resorts in Queensland

Best attractions on the Gold Coast

Centrally located, RACV Royal Pines Resort is only a 10-minute drive from Surfers Paradise’s famous white-sand beach, vibrant attractions, shops, and restaurants. If that's not enough, Surfers Paradise is also home to SkyPoint Climb at Q1, Australia’s tallest building. You can see the city from the observation deck or, for the intrepid, join a guided outdoor climb to the building's summit.

Looking for thrills? The Gold Coast is home to some of Australia’s best theme parks and wildlife parks. Warner Bros. Movie World is ideal for its characters and entertainment while Dreamworld has adrenaline-pumping, gravity-defying rides.

For waterparks you can't go past Wet‘n’Wild or WhiteWater World, both of which offer rides spanning giant water slides through to lazy rivers. Plus, all Gold Coast theme parks are within a 20-minute drive of RACV Royal Pines Resort.

You can also get back to nature at Currumbin Wildlife Park where you have the chance to cuddle a Koala, pat a kangaroo, feed a crocodile and much more. You'll find the wildlife park roughly 25 minutes drive south of the Gold Coast.

Best free things to do on the Gold Coast

Travelling on a budget? There’s an array of free things to do on the Gold Coast. 

Enjoy a low-cost day at one of the Gold Coast’s amazing beaches, with Burleigh Heads and Currumbin as top picks. For a refreshing swim, visit the Currumbin Rock Pools or Tallebudgera Creek.

Best shopping on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast feels less like one city and more like a string of distinct neighbourhoods. Each of these neighbourhoods has shops, malls, and markets to peruse. Burleigh Heads' stylish boutiques on James Street are one of the drawcards, along with Australia’s prettiest mall, Pacific Fair, which is only a 15-minute drive from RACV Royal Pines Resort.

For bargain lovers, the Harbour Town Premium Outlets offers amazing finds. So does the Sunday Arts and Crafts Markets, which rotate between three Gold Coast neighbourhoods. (Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach).

Best Gold Coast arts destinations

For the Gold Coast’s premier art destination, head to the Home of the Arts (HOTA). The building itself is a work of art, complementing the national and international exhibits within.

For contemporary art lovers, stop by 19 Karen in Mermaid Beach to discover what’s new and who’s hot on the pop, surrealism, and Avant Garde art scene. Both are great on the rare Gold Coast rainy day.

Best walks on the Gold Coast

With so many brilliant coastal walks, hinterland trails, and paths through the canal waterways, you’re spoilt for choice. The 45-minute Burleigh Heads National Park trail and walk along the Spit are popular Gold Coast walks.

For invigorating bush walks under the ancient rainforest canopy, consider the 3km Witches Fall trail at Tamborine Mountain, as well as the two-hour hike Twin Falls loop at Springbrook National Park and the well-marked trails at Lamington National Park.

Best Gold Coast day trips

The Gold Coast’s central location is ideal for day trips from RACV Royal Pines Resort to nearby hotspots, like Byron Bay an hour south with its laidback vibes, diverse dining and pampering spa centres. 

Alternatively, drive an hour north to reach the Queensland capital, Brisbane. Walk the Brisbane River, explore the city’s cultural gems, or take a ferry to peaceful Stradbroke Island. If you have kids, they will be ecstatic to visit Bluey's World Brisbane or even just to visit Streets Beach in South Bank.

Best attractions on the Sunshine Coast

To experience Noosa’s best scenery, take a hike along the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk, passing secluded beaches, native flora, and possibly a shy koala or two. Offshore, watch for dolphins and migrating whales. There’s a free shuttle from RACV Noosa Resort to near the start of the trail.

Other Noosa top attractions include the broad golden sands of Noosa Main Beach, learning to surf on Noosa Beach, or canoeing the Noosa Everglades. One of only two Everglades in the world, this is an eco-adventure worthy of your time.

Best free things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Free entry to the Noosa Botanic Gardens allows you to walk the garden paths and discover native and exotic plants (and the 90+ birds they attract) at your leisure. 

Further afield, plan a day trip to one of the best beaches in the South Pacific, Mooloolaba Beach. Pack a picnic, beach games, and a snorkel for a fun-filled free day out.

Best shopping on the Sunshine Coast

Hastings Street is Noosa’s most renowned shopping destination. Browse the high-quality items along this upscale row of boutique fashion, homeware stores, and art galleries. Take breaks in the trendy Hastings Street cafés and restaurants. 

For charming craftware and community vibes, take a trip to Eumundi Markets on a Wednesday or Saturday (a 25-minute drive). Go early in the day to enjoy the widest range of products before vendors sell out.

Best Sunshine Coast arts destinations

The Noosa Regional Gallery is perfect for art lovers. Free to enter, there’s a range of traditional and contemporary paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations to enjoy. 

An hour south, find two artsy offerings: the Caloundra Regional Gallery and the Caloundra Art Trail, a 1.8km route with 15 individual artworks to discover.

Best walks on the Sunshine Coast

For the best views on the Sunshine Coast, hike the (steep) Mount Coolum Summit Track. Panoramic coastal and hinterland views are your rewards. On a clear day, you can even see the imposing Glass House Mountains.

Hell’s Gate Walk is a rewarding coastal hike with breathtaking ocean views with dolphin and whale sightings common. In the hinterland, connect with nature on the 1.7km Mary Cairncross Rainforest Walk or enjoy the 54,000 planted trees on the longer Maleny Trail.

Best Sunshine Coast day trips

The Glass House Mountains are a must-do Sunshine Coast excursion. The iconic volcanic peaks, impressive lookouts, well-marked hiking trails and other adventure activities wow visitors. Visit charming Montville and Maleny, too, for the perfect hinterland day out. 

Enjoy island life an hour from Noosa on Bribie Island. With stunning beaches, bush tracks, and the Bribie Island Seaside Museum, a Bribie Island day trip offers a fun contrast to Noosa.

For families, Australia Zoo’s wildlife conservation facilities and native and international wildlife delight.