15 Things to Do Solo on the Gold Coast
What can you do as a solo traveler on the Gold Coast? What should you not miss on the Gold Coast?
If you are planning a solo holiday on the Gold Coast, there are plenty of fun things that you can do alone. Whether you want to join in and meet others or you just want to be on your own, there are lots of fun options for solo travelers on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast also has plenty of accommodation options for those traveling solo.
Whether you want to meet people or you prefer privacy, there are options in multiple Gold Coast locations. Keep reading after finding the best things to do solo on the Gold Coast to find out the best accommodations to stay at when you are traveling alone on the Gold Coast.

Things to do Solo on the Gold Coast in the Water
Take a Surf Lesson

Learn to surf at Surfers Paradise! You can participate in a group surfing lesson or opt for a private lesson.
There are quite a few options for surf lessons on the Gold Coast, so choose the one that is in the best location for you. Most of the surf lessons on the Gold Coast last about 2 hours, including time in and out of the water.
- Surfers Paradise
- Broadbeach
- Miami
- Coolangatta
- Private surfing lesson with photography package on the Gold Coast
Join in on Water Sports
From jet-skiing to parasailing, there are lots of fun water sports activities you can participate in on the Gold Coast.
The jet-ski tours on the Gold Coast are the same price for solo travelers as they are for 2 people, but sometimes, that is just the way it is. Choose from a 30-minute tour, an hour-long jet-skiing tour, or a 1.5-hour-long tour that takes you to Stradbroke Island.
Parasailing is another water sport that will cost you as much for 1 person as it does for 2. You can opt to find a partner to split the price, or just go alone.
Another interesting water sports option that you can participate in on your own is wing foiling. Kind of like a mix of surfing, kite-surfing, and wind-surfing, wing foiling allows you to fly over the water on a SUP.
Don’t worry if you don’t know how; the wing-foiling experience includes a lesson.
Go Kayaking and Snorkeling
If you prefer to kayak with a group, there are multiple options for kayaking tours that include snorkeling (and sometimes even include breakfast).
- 2-hour kayaking and snorkeling tour
- 2.5-hour kayaking and snorkeling tour
- 3-hour kayaking and snorkeling tour with breakfast
All of these tours are suitable for beginners and include all of the gear you will need.
You may even spot dolphins on these tours!
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Take a 2-hour stand-up paddleboard Tour that takes you through the hidden mangroves and the waterways at Surfers Paradise.
Whether you’ve ridden on a SUP before or not, there is a quick lesson at the start.
You may spot wildlife, including dolphins, turtles, and peacocks. You may even see cuttlefish.
The entire 2 hours are not spent on the SUP as there is a stop on an island for a short walk.
While most tours only run if there are multiple bookings, the SUP tour will run even if it is just you.
Prefer a private lesson? A private advance SUP tour is available and includes photos and videos. This tour includes an hour-long lesson and then a 30-minute rental where you can practice and perfect your new skills.
Learn to Scuba Dive
Take an introductory Scuba lesson and dive undersea off Surfers Paradise.
This experience is just for fun, and you do not need any diving experience. A certified PADI instructor will be with you the whole time.
After your dive, you can try snorkeling or just relax on the boat and enjoy the view.
Want to learn more? Check out this 3-day scuba diving experience. At the end of the 3 days, you will have a PADI Open Water Certificate, which will allow you to dive up to a maximum of 18 meters anywhere in the world.
Things to do Solo on the Gold Coast on Land
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

You do not need a partner to stroll through Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has a variety of wildlife shows and animal experiences throughout the day.
Seasonally, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary holds a night zoo where visitors can go after dark and experience the animals in a way they do not behave during the day.
Find out more about what to expect during a day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Purchase your ticket to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary now!
Cheap Things to Do on the Gold Coast
Tamborine Mountain

There are so many things to do on Tamborine Mountain, and it is the perfect place to go on your own.
Located on the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain has quite a few hiking trails of varying difficulties. If you are looking for a trail that is not secluded, check out the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. It does have a charge to enter, but it could be worth the peace of mind if you are worried about being out in nature on your own.
Gallery Walk is also located on Tamborine Mountain. It is an area filled with shops and restaurants.
Another nice place to go solo on Tamborine Mountain is the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens.
While this list is for kids, it includes quite a few fun things you can do solo on Tamborine Mountain, including markets, shops, and day tours.
If transportation is an issue, there is a hop-on, hop-off bus on Tamborine Mountain with service from the Gold Coast. This is the perfect way to get around solo and do exactly what you want to do.
You can even experience Tamborine Mountain and the Glow Worm Caves at night! If you do not want to go alone, there is a tour that includes a guided hike and dessert, as well as pick-up from the Gold Coast hotels.
Ziplining
Join a group and zip through the trees at Tree Top Challenge at Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
This Tree Top Challenge is the largest high ropes adventure park in Australia and has more than 120 activities, including 10 zip lines. Plus, you get to experience this adventure in a rainforest.
It takes 3-4 hours to complete the course at Tree Top Challenge.
Miami Marketta
An outdoor market open every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, Miami Marketta is a fun place to go on the Gold Coast at night, even if you are solo.
If you are visiting the Gold Coast in the summer, check their schedule as they may be open on Thursdays too.
Miami Marketta has street food, live music, and ticketed events in addition to the markets.
Ticketed events include concerts, drag queen bingo, art workshops, and more.
Things to do on the Gold Coast at Night
The Craft Parlour
Sign up for an art workshop at The Craft Parlour in Miami.
In addition to holiday-themed art projects, there are ceramics, basket weaving, mosaics, and candle-making workshops on the calendar.
Things to do When it is Raining on the Gold Coast
Class Bento
To find a wide variety of art workshops on the Gold Coast, check out Class Bento.
All kinds of interesting art workshops are available through Class Bento, and they even have virtual workshops where they will mail you the supplies, and you can follow along online.
The Bath House
Relax and treat yourself at the Bath House.
Treatments include massages, facials, and acupuncture. Plus, the Bath House has a few different options for different types of experiences that you can enjoy during a bathhouse session. Options include plunge pools, hot tubs, and saunas.
The Bath House also has a Movies that Matter series. Vegan meals can be ordered to enjoy during the movie.
Take a Cooking Class
Don’t want to eat all your meals solo? Join a cooking class and enjoy the meal you made with your classmates.
Here are some of the options on the Gold Coast:
Things to Do at Surfers Paradise at Night
Theme Parks
Who says you need a friend to visit the theme parks? Ride only the rides you want to ride, see only the shows you want to see, and leave when you want when you plan a trip to the Gold Coast theme parks solo.
- Dreamworld
- Movie World
- Sea World
- Wet n Wild
Things to Do Solo on the Gold Coast in the Sky
Go Skydiving
Yes, technically, there is someone strapped to your back, so you aren’t exactly solo, but you can jump out of a plane without bringing a friend on board with you.
The entire experience is 2.5 hours long and includes transportation from Surfers Paradise. After instructions, you will be able to view the Gold Coast from above before your 45-second freefall and 4-5 minute-long float where you will land on the beach.
If you are looking for something exhilarating to do while solo on the Gold Coast, try skydiving!
Where to Stay as a Solo Traveler on the Gold Coast
Budget:
Bunk Surfers Paradise International Backpacker Hostel
β 4.2/5 πΊοΈ Surfers Paradise π Book Now!
Choose from a mixed bed 4, 6, or 8 room, or stay in the 4-bed female room at Bunk Surfers Paradise International Backpacker Hostel, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach at Surfers Paradise.
- 24-hour front desk
- swimming pool
- hot tub
- kitchen
- lounge area
- laundry
- wifi in public areas
- air-conditioning
- lockers
Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers
β 4.5/5 πΊοΈ Surfers Paradise π Book Now!
An adult-only hostel with mixed bedrooms and all-female bedrooms, Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers has everything you need for a relaxing solo holiday on the Gold Coast.
- swimming pool
- air-conditioning
- wifi
- lockers
- common area
- Surf Inn Restaurant
Tequila Sunrise Hostel Surfers Paradise
β 4.8/5 πΊοΈ Surfers Paradise π Book Now!
Stay in a pod in a mixed room at Tequila Sunrise Hostel in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
- air-conditioning
- lounge room
- wifi
- some rooms have terraces
- computers in rooms
- bed linen and towels
- storage
- free breakfast
Midrange:
Outrigger Resort
β 3.9/5 πΊοΈ Miami π Book Now!
Just a quick walk to North Burleigh Beach, Outrigger Burleigh is within walking distance of everything you need on a solo holiday.
- wifi
- free parking
- air-conditioning
- hot tub
- swimming pool
- cafe
Budget-Luxury:
Think of these hotels as luxury on a budget. Yes, you can find fancier luxury hotels on the Gold Coast for more money, but these hotels have unique features, and while they may be a lot if you are backpacking, for those looking for a private space in a nice accommodation on the Gold Coast without breaking the bank, here are some options.
La Costa Motel
β 4.6/5 πΊοΈ Bilinga π Book Now!
If you are looking for privacy and quiet, at a rate that is at the budget end of a luxury stay, check out La Costa Motel.
- free airport shuttle
- air-conditioning
- free bicycle rentals
- beach towels
- free breakfast basket in your room
- 24-hour front desk
- kitchenette
- DVD and game rentals
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
β 4.4/5 πΊοΈ Coolangatta π Book Now!
In less than 5 minutes, you can walk to shops, restaurants, and the beach from The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta.
- air-conditioning
- Instagram worthy
- beachfront
- wifi
- restaurant
Solo on the Gold Coast Wrap-Up
Don’t worry, there are plenty of fun things you can do completely solo on the Gold Coast.
Whether you are on a solo holiday or are just looking for something to do by yourself for a few hours, there are lots of options both on land and in the water on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
You can choose to be surrounded by others or completely alone, with some of the options on the list above.
There are even amazing hostels and hotels on the Gold Coast that are perfect for solo travelers.
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