12 Things to Do Around the Gold Coast in Winter

The Gold Coast is a great place for both visitors and locals during the winter months. The Strand Coolangatta explains why here.

With its temperate climate all year round, the Gold Coast is a wonderful place to spend the cooler months of the year. So what can you do in and around the Gold Coast during winter? Whether you're living on the Gold Coast or heading there to escape the cold-weather blues, this list of favourite wintertime activities will have something to appeal to everyone.

Winter temperatures on the Gold Coast

Queensland is known for its fantastic sub-tropical climate and sunny days for around 300 days a year. So what do Gold Coast winters look like?
 
Winter on the Gold Coast is usually mild, warm, and drier than the rest of the year. During the winter months (spanning June to August), the Gold Coast tends to stay sunny even as it gets cooler. Average temperatures during winter range from 12.5 to 21.5 degrees Celsius, with the Hinterland's temperatures dipping lower at an average of 16 degree Celsius. Winters feature clear skies with dry air and cool nights, and humidity drops to around 65% in contrast to 75% in summer.
 
The drop in sea temperatures is also moderate, with winter sea temperatures ranging from 21.5 to 22.6 degree Celsius, compared to 25.4 to 27.1 degrees Celsius.

What to do in winter on the Gold Coast
 
A Gold Coast winter is mild enough for water activities – as long as you go during the day. You'll have plenty of land activities to choose from in addition to water activities and going to the beach. Check out this list for some ideas and inspiration.
 
1. Whale watching
 
Don't miss the opportunity to check out the magnificent humpback whales as they make their annual migration towards warmer waters. Some of the best whale-watching vantage points on the Gold Coast include Point Danger, D’bar Hill, Burleigh hill, and Miami hill. Alternatively, you can join a boat tour to get closer to the whale pods.
 
2. Surfing
 
The Gold Coast has some of the best and most consistent waves in Australia. The waters are warm enough during the day to do some surfing, so why not sign up for a lesson if you're just starting out? Some of the best spots for surfing include Snapper Rockers, Currumbin, Rainbow Bay, Duranbah Beach, and Burleigh Heads.
 
3. Explore the arts
 
Explore the local art galleries, museums, and the Gold Coast arts centre, Home of the Arts (HOTA). HOTA screens films and features exhibitions in its gallery. In addition, it has dance, music, comedy, and workshop programs.
 
4. Do a rainforest trek
 
Head out into the Gold Coast Hinterlands and visit Mount Tamborine, where you can take a trek through the rainforests from up high on the Skywalk platform trail. Alternatively, check out Springbrook National Park for a hike and some dazzling scenic views.
 
5. Try rock climbing
 
Stay active during the colder days with an indoor rock-climbing session. Paramount Adventures in West Burleigh, for example, has extensive indoor as well as outdoor climbing facilities ready for your next rock-climbing adventure.
 
6. Warm up in a bath house
 
Pamper yourself and warm up in a bath house such as the Greenhouse Bath House, where you can clear your mind and rejuvenate your body. Facilities include hydrotherapy spas, a wet steam room, a red cedar sauna room, a magnesium plunge pool, and a sun deck.
 
7. Explore the farmers markets
 
The Gold Coast is home to a wide range of farmers markets. Check out the Gold Coast Organic Farmers Market near Grande Florida Resort, Palm Beach Currumbin markets, or Burleigh Heads Farmers Markets, and stock up on some delicious, fresh produce. For other types of markets where you can find arts and crafts, check out Helensvale’s NightQuarter, Miami Marketta, and the Social Markets at Mermaid.
 
8. Visit a winery
 
The Gold Coast has some delightful wineries within short driving distance, so make an afternoon of exploring these. If you're more of a beer person, you might want to visit some of the fantastic local breweries – including Burleigh Brewing, Currumbin’s Balter, and Black Hops Brewery – to quench your thirst.
 
9. Attend a concert
 
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to live music and open-air concerts in and around the Gold Coast. Try locations like Currumbin Pub and Miami Shark Bar, as well as bigger venues like The Star and Twin Towns, for performances by local and international artists.
 
10. Go ice skating
 
For a traditional winter activity and an excuse to rug up, visit Gold Coast Iceland in Bundall and enjoy a morning or an afternoon of ice skating. If you're a beginner, Iceland offers lessons for kids or adults.
 
11. Go cafe hopping
 
Warm up with coffee and tasty baked goods at the Gold Coast's numerous cafes. Check out new places like Milkman’s Daughter, Daymaker Espresso and GGs Eatery, as well as old favourites like Lakeview Espresso, Le Vintage, and Stairwell Coffee.
 
12. Take a cooking class
 
If the idea of making your own gourmet creations inspires you, why not take a cooking class? Schools like Tenteram Fine Foods, Double Zero, and OzHarvest offer different types of cooking classes, so look for one that appeals to you. If coffee is more your thing, sign up for a class at the Blackboard Barista Academy in Burleigh.
 
Plenty to choose from
 
Gold Coast winters are mild which means locals and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor and indoor activities during the day without the dreaded chills. Whether you're rock climbing, trekking in the rainforest, warming up at a bathhouse, or exploring the farmers markets, options for things to do abound during the cooler months.
 
There’s plenty of indoor activities to do on the Gold Coast when it’s winter time, like shopping and going to the movies. You can do all that and more at The Strand Coolangatta. Check out our shopping and entertainment options now.