Cheap things to do on the Gold Coast

A guide to some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast for $30 or less.

Holidaying on the Gold Coast is always a great choice for both young adults and families who are looking for a getaway full of sunshine, beaches, theme parks and other forms of vibrant entertainment. However, with the costs of accommodation, air tickets, fuel, car rental and more all combining together, keeping a holiday to a reasonable budget can often be a daunting and challenging feat. The cost of many of the popular Gold Coast attractions and activities are not cheap, and with prices of pretty much everything – not just entertainment – rising every year, budgeting for a holiday that is both satisfying and memorable while watching your wallet is not an easy task.

Thus, we've combed through a list of some of the most popular attractions and things to do that can be experienced for under $30 per person for those looking to have a great Gold Coast holiday while on a budget. Check out our list of cheap activities, attractions and things to do, with their associated prices, and get out and having fun while keeping the purse strings at a reasonable level of tightness! Here's our list of the top cheap things to do on the Gold Coast.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Sanctuary (formerly Bird Sanctuary, now Wildlife Sanctuary) has long been one of the best-value days out on the Gold Coast, and remains so to this day. With the special offer of adults at kid's prices, for $31.00 each member of the family can get access to a great facility that allows an opportunity to get closer to some of Australia's best wildlife, including hundreds of native animals within a natural bushland and rainforest setting.

Situated within 27 hectares worth of lush scenery, you'll be able to encounter crocodiles, cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos and the park's famous Lorrikeets, and much more. While technically not “$30 or under”, that extra dollar help makes up for one of the best cost-to-entertainment full days that the Gold Coast has to offer!
Price (with Adults at Kid's Prices offer):
Adult - $31.00
Child - $31.00

Dracula's Haunted House Gold Coast

This chilling-and-thrilling Haunted House experienced on the Gold Coast provided by Dracula's is an amazing walk through five floors worth of laughs and scares, all set within a purpose-built building. You and your family or friends will be amazed by the combination of mind-bending illusions, horror displays and special effects along with the animated sculptures and variety of haunted passengers that will provide you with one thrill after another.

Expect to encounter lunging corpses, creepy ghosts, giant spiders and much more along the way through the labyrinths-worth of spooky passages. Located in a handsome low-rise building across from the Chevron Renaissance in Surfers Paradise, the Haunted House's interior is populated by constructs made by talented sculptors, scenic artists and animation technicians that have turned the venue into Australia's largest and most unique walk-through attraction. Price:
Adult - $25.00
Child - $19.00

Paradise Country Aussie Farm

This authentic “Aussie-style” farm on the Gold Coast is an extremely cheap way for visitors to get an opportunity to experience traditional Australian bush culture firsthand – with a ton of things to see and do, you'll be hard pressed to find something that's better value that the kids will also enjoy. Feed friendly kangaroos, get your picture taken with a cuddly koala, observe the skills of the master shearers or watch the farm's stockmen and women (as well as their dogs) round up flocks of sheep, throw a boomerang, crack a stockmen's whip and much more.

The “Aussie Farmyard” section of the farm allows you to get up close and personal with baby animals of all shapes and sizes including chickens, lambs, calves and piglets. A wholesome day out awaits at Paradise Country, all at a price that won't bust the budget.
Price:
Adult - $19.99
Child - $9.99

Tamborine Skywalk

Mount Tamborine and the hinterland in general is one of the Gold Coast's truly under-appreciated treasures – situated just a short drive inland away from the glitz and glamour lies a lush green mountain wonderland brimming with amazing, scenic views. The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk allows you to walk through the treetops of some of this ancient rainforest that will give you both great views and great fun.

Departing from the Rainforest Eco Gallery, the adventure begins on a spectacular elevated walkway through the beautiful middle and upper canopies of the rainforest on the stable, high-tech steel walkway that allows people of all ages to explore it in a safe and secure way. Descend gradually into the lower canopy and keep an eye out for points of interest including rockpools, waterfalls, a butterfly lookout, local history enclosure and rest areas along the way. At the end, the walk returns along the rainforest floor to cap off the journey, meaning you get views from both above and below!
Price:
Adult - $18.50
Child - $9.50

Skypoint Observation Deck

One of the new “essentials” of the Gold Coast, especially for first-timers, is the Skypoint Observation Deck. Situated on top of the Q1 – the tallest residential building in the world – Skypoint will give you access to the highest point above the Gold Coast while providing spectacular, uninhibited 360 degree views that stretch from the surf to the hinterland and beyond.

While access to the deck itself may seem pricey for simple access, the views on offer are unparalleled and the price of admission is well worth it. Take some time to explore the custom-designed viewing arena and soak up the panoramic views, grab a few photos, peer at the wonderful beaches, green hinterland and huge system of canals.
Price:
Adult - $21.00
Child - $17.00

Glow Worm Caves at Cedar Creek

This charming vineyard located in the Gold Coast's hinterland region of Mount Tamborine is home to a famous colony of glow worms that make for a spectacular sight. A wonderful getaway from the main attractions of the Gold Coast, the glow worm caves are a popular destination that is unique in the region, and are available for an underground journey through a spectacular network of caves which are interlinked by a series of tunnels.

After being guided through to the main, magical “Glow Worm Cave”, you'll witness thousands of shimmering glow worms that are kept in this very specific environment that has been outfitted with specialised equipment that is designed to maintain these conditions, allowing for visitors to visit the caves all-year-round. Bear in mind you'll need either your own transport or a transfer in order to reach the hinterland.
Price:
Adult - $11.00
Child - $5.50

Ten Pin Bowling

Situated right in the heart of Surfers Paradise is Strike Bowling Bar – a venue that touts itself as “the future of bowling.” Much more than just spares and splits along with the traditional bowling experience are available at Strike; grab some friends or family and either hit the lanes or mix things up with some drinks from the bar, shooting some pool, or a session in one of the facility's private karaoke rooms. A great outing for when the rain is bucketing down or the budget is a little tighter than expected, Strike bowling bar offers plenty of entertainment options on the Gold Coast all under the one roof.
**Price (one game of bowling):**
Adult - $8.00
Child - $8.00

Laser Skirmish

A round of laser skirmish means a day full of tactical fun, and at this Gold Coast venue you'll manoeuvre through an urban city underworld that comes complete with mazes, dark tunnels and ramps as you battle it out with your rival players. An action-packed indoor laser adventure game minus the pain of paintball as you are armed with advanced laser weapons and combat vests. Focus your concentration and pit your wits against those of your opponent as the inherent tension provides an atmosphere of pure, strategic, reflexive aiming fun. Perfect for both adults and children, it's a simple day of fun for all involved!
Price:
Adult - $14.90
Concession - $12.90

In addition, if you're looking for a wider variety of [**things to do on the Gold Coast**](/gold-coast) at all price ranges, be sure to check out our main region page for more information!

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