10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise is perfectly named—it’s a fantastic destination for surfers and ocean-lovers, with stunning beaches and a lively atmosphere. When night falls over Surfers Paradise, the vibe becomes electric. The lights of the high-rise buildings dance over the sparkling ocean, and the many restaurants, bars, and clubs fill with laughter and excitement. Try a guided pub crawl for a tour of some of the best Surfers Paradise hotspots.

If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, wander through the area’s evening marketplace to pick up a bargain, and enjoy the street entertainment and live music. For a romantic setting, climb to the SkyPoint observation deck of the majestic Q1 building to watch the sun set over the ocean, or relish a drink in one of the area’s elegant rooftop bars.

If you’re looking for a peaceful and memorable night out, Main Beach is the place to go. Just minutes away from the bustle of the clubs and bars at Surfers Paradise, you’ll find a more laid-back vibe at Main Beach.

Drop into a lounge bar or bistro for a relaxed drink in sophisticated surroundings or stop at one of the taverns near the Marina Mirage shopping centre and sip a cocktail in serene tranquillity. Afterwards, go for a wander along the beautiful waterfront. Listen to the crashing of the waves as the moonlight shines on the mighty ocean. Experience the magic of the Gold Coast by night.

The Gold Coast is home to spectacular nature and wildlife, and much of it is nocturnal. Take a guided night-time stroll through the rainforest of the Mt Tamborine National Park, just north of the main Gold Coast region.

Enjoy exploring the biodiverse ecosystem of the caves and mountains. With the use of a torch, you might spot some of the most intriguing creatures in Australia as they wake up in the darkness. When you hear the roar of the waterfall in the distance, watch out for the memorable sight of large numbers of glow-worms in their natural habitat. You might want to bring a jacket on this tour—even after a sunny day, the remote landscape can be a little cooler.

If you enjoy a good game of golf, you’ve probably wished you could keep playing after the sun sets—and on the glorious Gold Coast, you can. Several of the Gold Coast’s many beautiful golf courses stay open until 10pm or later, so you can read the greens by moonlight and swing under the stars. Enjoy the thrill of golf with an after-hours feel at various golf courses, including Topgolf Gold Coast in Oxenford and Emerald Lakes Golf Club in Carrara.

For younger members of the family and golfers-in-training, there’s evening mini-golf available near many of the beaches, too. Creative illuminations bring the themed holes to life in the dark, doubling your golfing fun. Try Holey Moley at Surfers Paradise or Putt Putt at Mermaid Beach.

At Infinity Attraction, you can immerse yourself in a sensory environment that’s uniquely exciting. Imagine mixing the entertaining challenges of an escape room with the bizarre playfulness of a funhouse, then combine it with sensual surroundings, atmospheric sound, intriguing aromas, mind-bending illusions, and a fabulous soundtrack.

Infinity Attraction has a futuristic, maze-like feel that will get your imagination buzzing. Move from room to room taking part in intriguing activities and take time to explore each new setting you encounter. Older children and adults will adore the thrills of this unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to pick up your photo at the end of the adventure.

By day, the Gold Coast is a haven for water sports like kayaking. By night, kayaking takes on a whole different atmosphere. Tranquility descends, and the water shimmers with dots of light from the city skyline and the stars above. Embark on an unforgettable guided kayak trip through the quiet coves and bays of the darkened ocean. Paddle by the light of the moon, enjoying amazing views of the glittering Gold Coast with its night-time illuminations.

Many of the companies that offer night kayaking tours will also include drinks and snacks, or a stop where you can relax in the stillness and privacy of a starlit beach. Try Seaway Kayaking Tours, based at Biggera Waters, or Tangatours, a little farther afield at Moreton Island.

A night market with exciting alternative vibes, Miami Marketta is in a converted mechanics warehouse in Miami’s creative Hillcrest Parade area, about 15 miles from the Gold Coast Airport. The venue offers an alluring blend of art, culture, food, boutique bars, and eclectic live music events.

The street food at Miami Marketta is some of the best in the whole of Australia, with over 70 stalls selling every type of cuisine you can imagine. Even if you visit after dinner, you’ll be tempted to snack your way around the world as you visit the stalls or sample some tasty local beers and wines. As well as fantastic live music and entertainment, at Miami Marketta you’ll find art workshops, cultural events, and a vibrant annual street arts festival.

For an exciting night out with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast city and Pacific Ocean, take to the rooftops. Enjoy aerial views of the bustling streets below as you sample a selection of delicious drinks and after-dinner snacks.

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, try one of the high-end rooftop lounges at Broadbeach. Nineteen at The Star offers signature cocktails and amazing panoramic views over the Gold Coast skyline, and Burleigh Pavilion provides equally impressive vistas. The vibrant rooftops of Surfers Paradise put you right in the centre of the night-time action, and this is the place to find trendy, stylish bars. Consider The Exhibitionist for rooftop cocktails, or The Island Rooftop for a vibrant atmosphere with regular live music and DJs.

The Gold Coast has an exciting live music scene, with year-round visits from fantastic musicians and bands from all over the world, as well as Australia’s own talented acts. There are free live music festivals and events held regularly throughout the year.

On beautiful Broadbeach, watch out for the annual blues celebration, Blues on Broadbeach, or the three-day Groundwater Country Music Festival, one of Australia’s fastest-growing country music events. If you like to mix your music appreciation with a fondness for the fashions and lifestyles of yesteryear, try Coolangatta’s yearly rockabilly get-together, Cooly Rocks On. Surfers Paradise is another beachside area that offers many live music events in its bars and clubs. Rock out on the Gold Coast.

In and around Cavill Avenue, adjacent to Surfers Paradise, you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of the Gold Coast’s pulsing nightlife scene. This is the place to find stylish, energetic clubs to suit every taste and preference.

At 46 Cavill Avenue, you’ll find Melbas On The Park, a popular party hub where you can dance all night to international DJ sets, enjoy a wide choice of cocktails or play in the large gaming lounge. For a loyal following and an inclusive, friendly vibe, try Elsewhere, a family-owned venue that’s tucked away up two flights of stairs at 1/23 Cavill Avenue. Or party at Asylum, one of the Gold Coast’s newest clubs, with its wild, industrial theme.