Easter long weekend on the Gold Coast: What’s open and things to do
You'll get an extra 2 days off over the Easter long weekend. Here are a few ways you can spend them on the Gold Coast.
Top Easter deals
The Easter long weekend is right around the corner. We've done all the hard work, finding fun ways to fill the time so you can get straight to enjoying the break.
Things to do over Easter on the Gold Coast
Easter DIY from Classbento
If you'd rather stay home and craft in your PJs why not sign up for an arts and crafts session online? ClassBento has a bundle of pre-recorded and live streaming options to make Easter-themed items such as candles and craft boxes.
- Location: Your home
- Price: From $80 per person
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary from Adrenaline
Head to this ecotourism-certified sanctuary to catch a glimpse of magnificent wildlife. See kangaroos fed by hand and a free bird show.
- Location: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
- Price: $65 per adult, $50 per child
Glow Worm Evening Eco-Adventure from Viator
Head away from the Gold Coast for a nighttime adventure exploring the rainforest and seeing the glow worms in their natural habitat.
- Location: Pickup offered
- Price: $134 per person
iFly Experience from finder.com.au
When 10,000 ft seems too daunting you can try the indoor version of skydiving.
- Location: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
- Price: $94 per person
Stand Up Paddle Lesson at Budds Beach from RedBalloon
Get out amongst the sunshine with a stand up paddle board lesson in Surfers Paradise. Enjoy a fully instructed class, calm waters and incredible views of that famous Gold Coast city skyline.
- Location: Shop 4/19 River Dr, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4215
- Price: $65 per person
High Ropes and Flying Fox Adventure from RedBalloon
It's an all-day adventure with a 5-course flying fox circuit. Perfect for the whole family, enjoy the fact that there’s no need to queue and challenge yourself on 10 hectares of courses.
- Location: Cedar Creek, Tamborine Mountain, QLD 4207
- Price: $65 per person
Go Karting, Laser Tag and Indoor Climbing Combo from RedBalloon
Have a ton of fun as you drift through the go karting ring, reach new heights on the clip n climb adventure wall and get your heart rate up in an intense game of laser tag. This one has family fun written all over it.
- Location: 88 Siganto Dr, Helensvale, QLD 4212
- Price: $77 per person
Deep Sea Reef and Game Fishing Charter from Adrenaline
Score the catch of the day with a deep sea fishing charter off the Gold Coast. Local hotspots will see you potentially catching mackerel, tuna, marlin, snapper, cobia and more.
- Location: Muriel Henchman Dr, Main Beach, QLD 4217
- Price: $160 per person
Infinity Attraction Entry from Adrenaline
Step into a whole new world with the Gold Coast’s Infinity Attraction. Discover a maze-like dimension that transports all its visitors to a psychedelic funhouse which is sure to wow and amaze.
- Location: G31 Chevron Renaissance Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
- Price: $28.90 per person
Certified Open Water Scuba Diving from Adrenaline
Bask in the thrill of heading up to 18 metres under the deep blue sea. This certified open water scuba diving course is perfect for those who want to get this exhilarating skill mastered over the long weekend.
- Location: 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD 4217
- Price: $445 per person
Shops open over Easter on the Gold Coast 2023
| Shopping centre | Good Friday | Saturday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday |
| Australia Fair Shopping Centre | Closed | 9:00am-5:30pm | 10:30am–4pm | 10:30am-4pm |
| Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre | Coles Closed Centre Trading Hours 8am-9pm | Coles 7am–9pm Centre Trading Hours 8am-9pm | Coles 7am–9pm Centre Trading Hours 8am-9pm | Coles 7am–9pm Centre Trading Hours 8am-9pm |
| Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre | Closed | 9am-5:30pm | 10am-5pm | 10am-5pm |
| Marina Mirage | Closed | 10am-6pm | 10am-6pm | 10am-6pm |
| Pacific Fair Shopping Centre | Closed | 9am–7pm | 9am–6pm | 9am–6pm |
| Paradise Centre | 9am-late (individual store hours may vary) | 9am-late (individual store hours may vary) | 9am-late (individual store hours may vary) | 9am-late (individual store hours may vary) |
| Robina Town Centre | Closed | 9am-5:30pm | 10am-4pm | 10am-4pm |
| Runaway Bay Centre | 9am–5:30pm | 9am–5pm | 10am–4pm | 9am–5:30pm |
| Soul Boardwalk | 9am–9pm | 9am–9pm | 9am–7pm | 9am–9pm |
| Southport Park Shopping Centre | 9am–5:30pm | 9am–5pm | 10:30am–4pm | 9am–5:30pm |
| Westfield Helensvale | Closed | 9am–5pm | 10am–4pm | 10am–4pm |
Attractions open over Easter on the Gold Coast
| Attraction | Good Friday | Saturday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday | Where to book |
| SkyPoint Observation Deck | 7am-8:30pm | 7am-8:30pm | 7am-8:30pm | 7am-8:30pm | |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | 9am-4pm | 9am-4pm | 9am-4pm | 9am-4pm | RedBalloon |
| Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk | 9:30am-4pm | 9:30am-4pm | 9:30am-4pm | 9:30am-4pm | Experience Oz |
| Dreamworld | 10am-5pm | 10am-5pm | 10am-5pm | 10am-5pm | |
| Treetop Challenge in Tamborine National Park | 8.30am-2pm | 8.30am-2pm | 8.30am-2pm | 8.30am-2pm | RedBalloon |
| Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World & Wet'n'Wild | Gates open at 9.30am | Gates open at 9.30am | Gates open at 9.30am | Gates open at 9.30am | Adrenaline |
| Infinity Attraction | 10am-10pm | 10am-10pm | 10am-10pm | 10am-10pm |
Restaurants, cafes and bars open over Easter on the Gold Coast
| Name | Address | Opening hours | Cuisine | Where to book |
| Galaxy Seafood & Mediterranean Restaurant | Shop 6/50 Marine Parade, Southport | Friday-Monday: 12pm-7pm | Mediterranean | Groupon |
| The Peacock Inn Chinese Restaurant | Shop 1, 2705 Gold Coast Highway,, Broadbeach Gold Coast | Friday-Monday: 5pm-6:30pm | Chinese | Groupon |
| Surfers Pavilion | 30-34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise | Thursday-Sunday: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm | Modern American | Groupon |
| Season Buffet | 80 Scarborough Street, Southport | Friday-Monday: 11am-8pm | Mexican | Groupon |
| Shiraz Persian Restaurant Plus Bar | 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise | Monday-Sunday: 11:30am-10pm | Persian | Groupon |
| A'bistro Kitchen Bar | 82 Scarborough St, Southport | Monday-Tuesday,Thursday-Sunday: 11:30am-11pm | Modern Asian | Groupon |
- Note: The above is accurate as of 19 March 2024. Public holidays may affect normal trading hours. Contact the venue before visiting to confirm their trading hours for 29 March–1 April 2024.
Events happening over Easter on the Gold Coast
- Easter in the Laneway: Cavill Lane will come to life over the Easter long weekend (March 30 - April 1) with daily performances between 12pm and 8pm by local artists. The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance for photo opportunities and festive face painting.
- Broadwater Pavilion Markets Easter Market: Come along to the Easter Market at the Broadwater Pavilion Markets on March 23rd. Play lawn games, meet the Easter Bunny, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Relaxing Cruises: If you're looking for a more relaxing way to spend Easter weekend, there are a number of cruises available on the Gold Coast Broadwater. You can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch or dinner cruise, or take a scenic sunset cruise.
- Byron Bay Bluesfest: While not exactly on the Gold Coast, Byron Bay Bluesfest is a popular Easter weekend destination for many people. This year's festival will feature a lineup of international and Australian acts, including Ocean Alley, Hozier, Kasey Chambers, Ben Harper, and Jack Johnson.
- Other Easter Egg Hunts: There are a number of Easter egg hunts happening all over the Gold Coast throughout Easter weekend. Here are a few options:
- Ashmore Community Easter Egg Hunt (Free Event) at Girral Park on Friday, March 22nd.
- 2024 Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Merrimac State School on Sunday, March 24th.
- FREE Family Fun Day Easter Eggstravaganza at Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Marsden on Saturday, March 23rd.
Free things to do on the Gold Coast over the long weekend
- Visit the beach: Take your pick – Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach. In the Gold Coast you're spoilt for choice.
- See the Natural Bridge rock formation in Springbrook National Park.
- Pop down to the markets.
- Take a dip in the Currumbin Rock Pools.
- Have a picnic at Point Lookout, Burleigh Head National Park or the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens.
- Tour the Gold Coast City Gallery.
- Head for a walk along the Evandale Sculpture Walk.
- Visit the Broadwater Parklands, there's always something on.
Top Gold Coast travel and activity deals
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