With balmy weather all year round, the Gold Coast boasts tons of sunshine and adventure even in the cooler months. The days are clearer, the crowds are smaller, and you can leave the house looking your best and without fear of turning into a sweaty puddle come afternoon. Explore your backyard and get out of the house for a little weekend staycation in paradise! Here are our top 5 things to do on the Gold Coast this winter that’ll most certainly distract you from missing summer. Don’t miss out on #3.

#1: Whale Watching

June marks the beginning of humpback whale watching season on the Gold Coast. For the next 3 months you will be able to spot whales migrating along the Gold Coast coastline. Holiday Holiday guests may even be lucky enough to spot the infamous Migaloo albino whale from their apartment! Why not book a boat tour, you may even see some cheeky dolphins and turtles along the way.

Visit our Holiday Holiday guest lounge to book a whale watching tour. Most definitely one of our favourite top 5 things to do on the Gold Coast this winter.

#2: Beach Picnic

There’s something romantic about winter picnics. Maybe it’s the cold weather that has Gold Coast locals and tourists snuggling along the beautiful Gold Coast beach front. There are many companies on the Gold Coast that will even do the hard work for you, putting together an epic winter feast that’ll warm your heart and soul. So rug up in that big coat and scarf you’ve been wanting to wear all year and enjoy a picturesque picnic while enjoying the breathtaking winter sunsets.

Here are Holiday Holiday’s best 5 top picnic spots on the Gold Coast.

#3: Explore the Hinterland

Hinterland walking tracks around the Springbrook and Mt Tamborine areas are beautiful this time of year. Once your circulation gets going you’ll forget it’s winter altogether.

One of the best ways to explore the Gold Coast rainforests up close is the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. The walk is a 1.5 km platform trail that weaves through the upper canopy of Mt. Tamborine. The walk is family friendly and offers stunning views of Cedar Creek.

How about a quick winery tour to taste the local offerings? Holiday Holiday local staff’s favourite is Natural Bridge natural glow worm cave and waterfall in Springbrook.

The Hinterland is a 45 minute drive from Surfers Paradise, we recommend getting a hire car and making use of Holiday Holiday’s free car parking.

#4: Shopping

Whether winter clothes shopping is a hobby or necessity, it’s always a good idea to shop local and bag a few threads that not every second person is wearing.

For the best and biggest shopping centre on the Gold Coast, you cannot go past Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. It’s a must do when you holiday on the Gold Coast. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is home to over 400 stores, Gold Coast’s largest Myer, two food courts, a fresh food market, and a wide selection of cafés and restaurants. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre has recently completed a $670 million dollar redevelopment and now has everything you could need in a shopping centre. It is hard to beat this as one of the top 5 things to do on the Gold Coast this winter.

If some warehouse bargain shopping is more your cup of tea, then you must not miss Harbour Town Shopping Centre. Harbour Town is home to about 240 of factory outlets. You can find branded ladies fashion, men’s fashion, bags, luggage, accessories, sport wear and equipment, home ware, etc.

#5: Indulge at Endota Spa

Endota Spa promises to help you reconnect with your best self with its coastal inspired surrounds, restful music, and signature spa packages. Known for their organic skin care products, Endota Spa facial menu has something to offer for every skin type, from microdermabrasion to glycolic peels.

Our recommendation for a perfect winter’s day in Surfers Paradise? Book a Body Exfoliation, Relaxation massage & Organic facial for only $135!

Holiday Holiday offers self-contained Gold Coast accommodation in the heart of Surfers Paradise. All apartments have living, dining and kitchen facilities and boast heating – which makes for the perfect cosy escape! With many discounts and special offers on over the winter period, it’s the perfect time to visit Surfers Paradise and choose your favourite Gold Coast holiday rentals.