20+ Cheap Things to do on the Gold Coast

Most people head to the Gold Coast to relax on the beach or play at the theme parks, but when they aren’t on the sand or in the theme parks, what else is there to do on the Gold Coast?

Specifically, what budget-friendly, cheap things are there to do on the Gold Coast?

Money is subjective, and now that we are a family of 4, what used to be considered cheap is no longer. For this list, the total cost is no more than $25 per person.

Keep reading to find a list of cheap things to do both indoors and outdoors on the Gold Coast.

Cheap Things to Do Indoors on the Gold Coast

Surf World

Located near Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Surf World is a surf museum with Australia’s largest collection of surfboards, plus photographs and exhibits on surfing in Australia.

Adult entry is $10, child entry is $5, and it costs $20 per family.

Holey Moley

Weekday mornings are the cheapest times to play putt-putt indoors at Holey Moley, while weekend nights cost more.

9 holes of putt-putt at Holey Moley on the Gold Coast starts at $20/adult and $14/child and increases depending on the day of the week and time of day. 18 holes are available to play for those willing to spend more.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tour and Tasting

Head to Queensland’s oldest distillery and take a tour.

This tour includes a welcome drink and 4 tasters. A soft drink option is available for anyone in the group who isn’t drinking.

Kids are allowed on this tour.

Precinct Brewery Tour and Tasting

Precinct Brewery has multiple options for brewery tours and tastings, and the cheapest option is $25 per person for a brewery tour and paddle tasting.

Guests need to be 18+.

Trivia night at Precinct Brewery can be another cheap thing to do on the Gold Coast, depending on your group size and how much you order. Teams of up to 6 players cost $15 for the Tuesday night trivia. Precinct Brewery has a $20 pizza special on trivia nights.

33 Fun Things to do on the Gold Coast when it is Raining

ArtVo

ArtVo is an art gallery of optical illusions where you can get in the picture. The art installations are large, and guests can interact with the art.

While their ticket price has now exceeded our “cheap” budget, they have budget-friendly tickets through Klook.

Infinity

While a family of 4 is less than $25 each on the Infinity website, if you don’t have a family, you can still get in for cheap with Klook.

Infinity is a 30-minute walk-through experience with lights, music, and interactive experiences.

Gold Coast Muscle Car Museum

Visit a large private collection of muscle cars from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s at the Gold Coast Muscle Car Museum.

This museum is kid-friendly and even includes all-you-can-play pinball.

Eat Pancakes

All-you-can-eat pancakes are just $12.99 at Pancake Diner and Pancakes in Paradise 7 days a week.

Bounce

Bounce out your energy at Bounce, a trampoline park on the Gold Coast.

Be sure to get your tickets to Bounce online, as they are cheaper than purchasing them at the location.

Bounce has options for mini-bouncers up to adults, and prices change on weekdays and weekends. Just about every option is under $25 a person if you book your ticket online.

There are no age limits at Bounce, though all bouncers need to be able to walk on their own.

Ice Skate

Located inside Paradise Gold Coast Resort is a small ice skating rink called Planet Chill.

You do not need to stay at the resort to participate in ice skating.

Read more about Planet Chill and other things to do at Paradise Gold Coast Resort.

Skypoint Observation Deck

View the Gold Coast from up high with a ticket to the Skypoint Observation Deck.

Klook offers cheaper options.

Cheap Things to Do with Indoor and Outdoor Options on the Gold Coast

Home of the Arts

While the shows at HOTA aren’t always cheap, the art exhibitions are generally free. This includes an area with hands-on interactive activities geared toward children.

Evandale Lake, at HOTA, is a free place to cool down and swim. There is a playground, BBQ facilities, and plenty of places to picnic.

Movies at HOTA range from $12 to $15.50 and are $9.50 to $11 on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Top Golf

Golf isn’t usually considered a cheap sport, but playing golf at Top Golf can be done on a budget.

The price at Top Golf Gold Coast is per golfing bay, not per person. Groups of up to 6 can play at each bay. Prices depend on the day of the week and time of day, but range from $8.50 to $15 per person for groups of 6 people.

First-time players do need to purchase a $5 membership card.

Putt-Putt Mermaid Beach

Putt-Putt Mermaid Beach has 3 themed putt-putt courses: Water Ways, Fun Run, and Jungle Trail.

The Fun Run course has waterproof sunshades over the entire 18-hole course so players can continue to play mini-golf rain or shine.

One course is $22 for adults.

For children aged 4-15, the cost is $18 for one course and $22 for two putt-putt courses.

Cheap Things to Do Outdoors on the Gold Coast

Barefoot Bowling

Burleigh Heads Bowls Club has cheap barefoot bowling after 5 PM on Tuesdays and Saturdays and in the afternoon on Sundays.

Tuesday-Thursday evenings cost $5/person, and Friday Night-Sunday costs $10/person.

On Sundays, kids 5-12 are $5 each, and kids under 5 are free. However, kids must be 10+ to play barefoot bowling on the green. There is a synthetic field for kids under 10.

Barefoot Bowls is free every Sunday from 3 PM- 6 PM at Tweeds Head Bowls Club.

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

Entry to Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is always free.

There is a playground in the gardens, plus a boardwalk and lots of walking paths.

A cafe with ice cream and coffee is located in the gardens. Picnic platters can be purchased in advance.

Feed the Lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

You do not need to pay for entry into Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to feed the wild lorikeets

At 8 AM and 4 PM each day, wild lorikeets are almost guaranteed to land on those who pay a gold coin donation for a plate of nectar and hold it out for the birds.

Our Visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Boat Shed

Hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or single kayak for $20 per 1.5 hours at Currumbin Boat Shed. Fishing equipment is available for $10, and bait is an additional $10.

SUP in Paradise

Rent a stand-up paddleboard with SUP in Paradise for $20 for the first hour and $10 an hour after that. Lessons are also available starting at $10 for a 15-minute introduction lesson.

Sightseeing Cruise

Check out the Gold Coast from the water on a cheap sightseeing cruise. You can opt for a 2-hour cruise or a 1.5-hour-long morning, midday, or afternoon cruise that includes tea, coffee, and snacks.

Brisbane Heat Cricket Match

Of course, it depends on the seats you choose, but there are cheap tickets to a Brisbane Heat Match at Metricon Stadium. Look out for deals, such as free entry for kids with an adult ticket purchase.

Tickets start at $22/adult, $8/child, and $48/family.

Gold Coast Aqua Park

Gold Coast Aqua Park Southport has large inflatables on the water where anyone 5+ can slip, slide, and climb through for $25 per 50-minute session.

The course isn’t easy, and participants must be able to swim.

Play in an Adventure Room

Head to Hijinx Hotel Surfers Paradise and experience 5 adventure rooms for just $25 per adult and $20 per child.

Not quite sure what to expect at Hijinx Hotel? Read our review.

Save money on food by finding out the best restaurants where kids eat free on the Gold Coast.

Cheap Things to Do on the Gold Coast Wrap Up

As the years go by, and I continue to update this post, fewer activities on the Gold Coast are considered cheap by any standards.

Still, if you are willing to spend no more than $25 per person, you can enjoy a budget-friendly “cheap-ish” activity on the Gold Coast.

Luckily, it is always free (parking aside) to enjoy the beautiful Gold Coast beaches.

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