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
The City of Gold Coast has confirmed its annual Australia Day fireworks at HOTA Outdoor stage.
While you’re busy revelling, the little ones will remain amused all afternoon long with live music and kids’ activities between the Outdoor Stage and Parklands. Food trucks will be available to purchase meals.
The event starts at 4pm and ends at 8pm with the Australia Day fireworks starting at 7:50pm.
Australia Day Gold Coast events for 2023
| Australia Day @ Cove Tavern | Celebrate Australia Day at your local tavern. Includes free Zooper Doopers for kids when adults purchase a meal and live performance from Dave Ritter at 11am and Mono from 3pm. | Cove Tavern, Sanctuary Cove | 11am–4pm | Free | More info |
| Australia Day @ Southport Sharks | Keep those little ones entertained with a free reptile show, kids face painting and kids disco. Big ones will be entertained by live entertainment and BBQ-themed raffles. A buffet of Aussie favourites (think bangas, steak and lamingtons) will be available from 5:30-8:30pm. | Southport Sharks Corner Olsen and Musgrave Avenues, Southport | 4pm–7:30pm | Event is free Buffet costs $35.90 (adults) or from $10.90 (kids) | More info |
| 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 live music from Fat Albert. | The Strand at Coolangatta | 10am–8pm | Free | More info |
| Aussie Pride | Catch performances by local talents as they sing on stage at Twin Towns. | Twin Towns, Wharf St, Tweed Heads | From 5pm | Free | More info |
| 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 8pm, 25 January 2023 | Free | More info |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Encounter local critters
Animal lovers and kids alike will adore the myriad of 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.
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.
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?
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 10am-5pm
- Robina Town Centre: Open 10:30am-4pm
- Paradise Centre: Open 9am-12am
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: Open 10am-5pm
- Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre: Open 6am – 10pm
- Australia Fair Shopping Centre: Open 9am-9pm
- Marina Mirage: Open 10am-6pm
- Westfield Helensvale: Open 9am-9pm (TBC)
- The Strand at Coolangatta: Open 10am-5:30pm
- Southport Park Shopping Centre: Open 9am-9pm (TBC)
- Runaway Bay Centre: Open 9am-9pm (major stores)
- 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 26 January are yet to be confirmed and may be subject to change. Updated as of 11 January 2023.
See the latest Gold Coast activity deals
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Source: findershopping.com.au
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
