Australia Day on the Gold Coast 2025 | Fireworks and events
Fireworks, sailing trips, pop-up festivals and, of course, the beach. This is how the Gold Coast does Australia Day.
With sun, surf, bronzed bodies and a lively atmosphere, you can't beat the Gold Coast on Australia Day. You can pretty much guarantee that wherever you turn, the flag will be flying, eskies will be strewn about and the nation's pride will swell.
Searching for something to do on Australia Day? We've got some ideas.
Australia Day fireworks on the Gold Coast
The City of Gold Coast has confirmed its annual Australia Day fireworks at HOTA Outdoor stage.
While you're busy revelling, the little ones will remain amused all afternoon long with live music and kids' activities between the Outdoor Stage and Parklands. Food trucks will be available to purchase meals.
The event starts at 4pm and ends at 8pm with the Australia Day fireworks starting at 7:50pm.
Australia Day Gold Coast events for 2025
| Events | Details | Where | When | Cost | More info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Day @ Cove Tavern | Celebrate Australia Day at your local tavern. Includes free Zooper Doopers for kids when adults purchase a meal and live performance from Dave Ritter at 11am and Mono from 3pm. | Cove Tavern, Sanctuary Cove | 11am–4pm | Free | More info |
| Australia Day @ Southport Sharks | Keep those little ones entertained with a free reptile show, kids face painting and kids disco. Big ones will be entertained by live entertainment and BBQ-themed raffles. A buffet of Aussie favourites (think bangas, steak and lamingtons) will be available from 5:30-8:30pm. | Southport Sharks Corner Olsen and Musgrave Avenues, Southport | 4pm–7:30pm | Event is free Buffet costs $35.90 (adults) or from $10.90 (kids) | More info |
| Australia Day @ Coolangatta Hotel | Live music is always on at the Coolangatta – and on Australia Day, it's got to be an Aussie behind the mic. Catch live music from Fat Albert. | The Strand at Coolangatta | 10am–8pm | Free | More info |
| Australia Day Eve Party @ Finn McCool's | Celebrate Australia Day early with an Irish twist and all the Guinness you could want. | 39 Cahill Avenue, Surfers Paradise | From 8pm, 26 January 2025 | Free | More info |
Things to do on Australia Day on the Gold Coast
Sail away on an Australia Day cruise
From gondola and canal to scenic and island cruises, the Gold Coast has all the on-the-water options to make your Australia Day special.
While you're there, why not pop the bubbly in celebration? After all, you're not driving.
If you want, you can up the stakes and charter a private vessel for a romantic day out on the water.
Scenic River and Canal Afternoon Cruise
RedBalloon
Morning Cruise
finder.com.au
Gold Coast Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise
Viator
Visit a Gold Coast theme park
Synonymous with a trip to the Gold Coast is a trip to its large network of theme parks. Whether you're a SeaWorld lover or a Warner Bros. Movie World fan, each theme park transforms itself into an Australian paradise on 26 January.
Full events and activities for the date have yet to be released, but to give you an idea of what you can expect, in the past, SeaWorld has hosted roving entertainment and a barbeque in its plaza, while Dreamworld has hosted a shearing show and sausage sizzle and sold lamingtons and ANZAC biscuits in its cafe.
Escape Pass 5 Days Unlimited Entry
RedBalloon
5-day Pass: Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild
Adrenaline
7-day Pass: Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild
Adrenaline
Cool down on the water
Australia Day on the Gold Coast calls for one thing: a beach, a pool or an ocean adventure. Choose from scuba dives, jet boat rides, jet skiing, kayaking or even splash parks if you have little kids.
2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour
Tripadvisor
Jet Boating Experience
finder.com.au
Snorkel at Wave Break Island
finder.com.au
Head to the rainforest
Not much of a beach bum? Prefer to stay away from the crowds this public holiday? Head west to the Gold Coast Hinterland and you'll discover relaxing walks, adventurous climbs and nature unparalleled.
Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour
Tripadvisor
Full-day Springbrook National Park Tour from the Gold Coast
Viator
Tree Top Adventure Park Experience
finder.com.au
Encounter local critters
Animal lovers and kids alike will adore the myriad of animal encounters to be had on the Gold Coast. To keep with the day's Australiana theme, our pick is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which houses koalas, crocodiles, emus and echidnas.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Entry
Adrenaline
Dolphin Deep Water Adventure at Sea World
Adrenaline
Penguins Antarctic Adventure Sea World
Adrenaline
Fly high in a hot air balloon
Want to start the new year off on the right foot? Tick off this bucket-list activity on Australia Day and marvel at the wonderful land we live in from your view from above.
Gold Coast Hinterland Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast
RedBalloon
Hot Air Balloon Flight with Breakfast and Photos
Adrenaline
Hot Air Ballooning Brisbane
Viator
Top free things to do on Australia Day on the Gold Coast
- Play beach cricket. Up your game on the beach this year and pack the cricket set for a match on the sand.
- Host a barbeque. No room in your backyard? No worries! The Gold Coast is home to over 380 public barbecues in its parks and beaches.
- Get to know your local pub or RSL. If your local pub or RSL isn’t doing something to commemorate the founding of our nation, we’ll eat our hats! Want to keep it local? Wander into your local to say "G'day".
- Play barefoot bowls. Have a few laughs with mates new and old with a barefoot bowls session. Some Gold Coast faves include Burleigh Heads Bowls Club, Broadbeach Bowls Club, Southport Bowls Club and Tugun Bowls Club.
What's open on Australia Day on the Gold Coast?
| Attraction | Australia Day trading hours | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour | 7:30am–1:30pm | Tripadvisor |
| Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour | 8:45am–5:45pm | Tripadvisor |
| Movie World | 9:30am–5pm | RedBalloon |
| Sea World | 9:30am–5pm | RedBalloon |
| Wet 'n' Wild | 10am–8pm | RedBalloon |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | 9am–4pm | Adrenaline |
| Infinity Attraction Gold Coast | 10am–10pm | Adrenaline |
| Skypoint Observation Deck | 7:30am–8:30pm | Experience Oz |
| WhiteWater World | Closed for Australia Day | Experience Oz |
Are shops open on Australia Day?
These are the major shopping centres that typically open for the Australia Day public holiday (26 January) and their public holiday trading hours.
- Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre: Open 10am-5pm
- Robina Town Centre: Open 10:30am-4pm
- Paradise Centre: Open 9am-12am
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: Open 10am-5pm
- Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre: Open 6am - 10pm
- Australia Fair Shopping Centre: Open 9am-9pm
- Marina Mirage: Open 10am-6pm
- Westfield Helensvale: Open 9am-9pm (TBC)
- The Strand at Coolangatta: Open 10am-5:30pm
- Southport Park Shopping Centre: Open 9am-9pm (TBC)
- Runaway Bay Centre: Open 9am-9pm (major stores)
- Soul Boardwalk: Times vary depending on the store (TBC)
Some opening hours of attractions and shops above are based on regular opening hours. Opening hours for Australia Day on 26 January are yet to be confirmed and may be subject to change. Updated as of 11 January 2023.
See the latest Gold Coast activity deals
RedBalloon
Exclusive
Get 5% off activities with code
Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart. T&Cs apply.
Exclusive
KKday
Up to 34% off things to do in Australia
Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
RedBalloon
Buy 2 or more and get 10% off with code
Available on activities including skydives, whale watching cruises, day tours and getaways. Must purchase 2 or more vouchers. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Flight Centre
Holidays under $2,000 + up to $1,059 bonus value
Save on your next holiday and get up to $1,059 bonus value when you book your next trip on Flight Centre. Destinations include Gold Coast, Cook Islands, Bali, Fitzroy Island and more. Limited availability and for select dates only. T&Cs apply.
Adrenaline
Australia sightseeing cruises from $38
Available on select travel dates until 2025, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
Seaworld sightseeing dinner cruise at $129/person
Book a sightseeing dinner cruise in Gold Coast through the Sea World Cruises for $129 per person at Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Backpacker Deals
Up to 30% off top-selling tours and activities
Book the best tours and activities and get huge discounts that will end soon. Travel destinations include Port Douglas, Cairns, Perth, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Expedia.com.au
Member Price: 10% off or more on over 100,000 hotels
Available for travel on select dates across Australia at Expedia. Destinations include Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and more. T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
Sea World Gold Coast Helicopter Scenic Flights: $89
Soar over Sea World, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and more when you book a 5, 10, 15 or 20 minute helicopter flight from Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Adrenaline
Infinity Attraction Entry from $28.90
Experience infinity attractions, escape rooms, boat rides, and more on the Gold Coast at Adrenaline. T&Cs apply.
RedBalloon
Things to do on the Gold Coast from $10
Explore famous beaches, theme parks, attractions, and more on the Gold Coast at RedBalloon. T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
Up to $59 off Gold Coast theme park passes
Available for travel on select dates. Other attractions include Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild. T&Cs apply.
Tripadvisor
Things to do in Gold Coast from $29
Available for travel on select dates and locations at TripAdvisor. Experience activities like land adventures, wine tours, water sports, and more T&Cs apply.
Experience Oz
$10 off 14-day Village Roadshow Mega Pass: $219
Save $10 when you grab the 14-day Village Roadshow Mega Pass at Experience Oz. Enjoy 14 days unlimited entry to Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Paradise Country, and Wet'nWild at Gold Coast. T&Cs apply. Limited time offer.
Experience Oz
Sea World buffet lunch cruise at $89/person
Book a sightseeing buffet lunch cruise in Gold Coast through the Sea World Cruises for $89 per person at Experience Oz. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 15% off Australia activities
Sign up with your email address and unlock Sneaky Saver deals. Activities include day tours, attraction passes and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
finder.com.au
Gold Coast jet boat ride from $75
Available on select dates until 2023 for a 55-minute experience.
RedBalloon
Up to 10% off Gold Coast helicopter flight experiences
Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $300. T&Cs apply.
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder Shopping
-
Things to do on Boxing Day in Melbourne 2025
Go out for brunch, hit the beach, cruise the waterways and more. Here's what to get up to on Boxing Day in Melbourne.
-
Hands-on Ultimate Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb: What to expect
Set your sights on the new Ultimate Climb experience from BridgeClimb Sydney, letting you climb the entire length of the bridge for the first time.
-
Quad biking in Brisbane: A guide to the top experiences, locations and deals
Get quad biking around Brisbane for an epic outdoor adventure for the whole family.
-
15 epic things to do on Boxing Day in Sydney
Find 15 ideas for cool and exciting things to do in Sydney this Boxing Day.