How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
1. Cavell Road Markets
Avoid the overpriced souvenirs at beachfront stalls by visiting this local market offering a variety of fresh produce and unique handmade items.
- Authentic Local Goods: Offers locally made, authentic goods
- Reasonable Prices: Prices are usually lower compared to tourist shops
- Local Experience: Provides a glimpse into local life and culture
2. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Experience Australia's wildlife in its natural habitat without the tourist crowds by visiting this less-known sanctuary.
- Less Crowded: Typically less crowded than popular attractions like Dreamworld
- Natural Habitats: Provides spacious and natural environments for animals
- Interactive Experiences: Offers opportunities to interact with the wildlife
3. Burleigh Head National Park
Enjoy a peaceful and scenic coastal walk away from the tourist hustle by visiting this national park.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking coastal views and diverse wildlife
- Less Crowded Trails: Trails are less crowded compared to popular walking tracks
- Scenic Spots: Provides secluded and picturesque spots for picnics or photography
4. Nighthawk Newstead Brewing Co.
Avoid the touristy pubs by experiencing local craft beer at this hidden gem brewery.
- Craft Beer Experience: Offers a wide range of unique and locally brewed beers
- Local Atmosphere: Provides a relaxed, local atmosphere
- Food Pairings: Serves food that complements the beer perfectly
5. Ferry to South Stradbroke Island
Escape the touristy beaches by taking a ferry to this less crowded island with beautiful, serene beaches.
- Serene Beaches: Features quiet and peaceful beaches
- Natural Wonders: Offers opportunities to see dolphins, turtles, and migratory birds
- Less Touristy: Typically less crowded compared to main Gold Coast beaches
6. Miami Marketta
Avoid overpriced food at touristy restaurants by dining at this vibrant night market offering a variety of affordable international cuisines.
- Affordable Food: Offers reasonably priced dishes from various cuisines
- Live Music: Features live music performances, creating a lively atmosphere
- Community Feel: Promotes a sense of community and connection among visitors
7. The Lab Art Gallery
Avoid touristy art galleries by visiting this contemporary gallery showcasing local talent.
- Local Talent: Showcases works from Gold Coast artists
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly changes exhibitions, keeping content fresh
- Artist Talks: Offers artist talks and workshops for a deeper understanding of the art
8. Palm Beach on Foot
Avoid the crowded Palm Beach by exploring its beauty on foot, discovering hidden gems and less touristy areas.
- Hidden Gems: Allows discovery of secluded beaches and scenic spots
- Local Life: Provides insights into the local lifestyle and culture
- Peaceful Walks: Offers peaceful, quiet walks away from tourist crowds
9. Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Avoid the touristy wineries by visiting this hidden gem distillery offering tastings and tours.
- Unique Drinks: Offers unique liqueurs, schnapps, and spirits
- Tours and Tastings: Provides guided tours and tastings of their products
- Local Produce: Uses locally sourced ingredients for their spirits
10. Currumbin Alpaca Farm
Avoid the crowded petting zoos by visiting this charming alpaca farm offering interactive experiences.
- Interactive Experiences: Offers opportunities to feed and interact with alpacas
- Photography Opportunities: Provides beautiful, Instagrammable scenes for pictures
- Alpaca Products: Sells alpaca-made products like woolen garments and souvenirs
11. The Collective - Surfers Paradise
Avoid the touristy mall food courts by dining at this vibrant eatery offering a variety of affordable street food.
- Affordable Street Food: Offers a wide range of street food dishes at reasonable prices
- Live Music: Features live music performances, creating a lively atmosphere
- Community Feel: Promotes a sense of community and connection among visitors
12. Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre
Avoid touristy art galleries by visiting this stunning gallery showcasing local and international artists.
- International Artists: Showcases works from both local and internationally renowned artists
- Permanent Collection: Has a permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibitions
- Garden Cafe: Serves delicious food and coffee in a beautiful garden setting
13. Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park
Avoid touristy waterfalls by hiking to this less crowded natural wonder.
- Less Crowded: Typically less crowded compared to popular waterfall destinations
- Natural Wonders: Offers opportunities to see glowworms and unique geological formations
- Scenic Walks: Provides scenic, easy-to-moderate walks through lush rainforest
14. Felix Coffee, Broadbeach
Avoid touristy coffee shops by experiencing locally roasted coffee at this hidden gem cafe.
- Locally Roasted Coffee: Uses locally roasted, high-quality coffee beans
- Quiet Atmosphere: Provides a quiet and comfortable atmosphere for relaxing
- Friendly Staff: Known for friendly, knowledgeable baristas
15. Hinterland Great Walk
Avoid touristy walking trails by embarking on this challenging yet rewarding multi-day hike through Gold Coast's beautiful hinterlands.
- Challenging Hike: Offers a physically demanding, yet rewarding hiking experience
- Natural Wonders: Provides opportunities to see diverse wildlife and stunning rainforest scenery
- Less Touristy: Typically less crowded compared to popular walking trails