What’s open on the Gold Coast right now?

Find the bars, restaurants, theme parks and attractions open on the Gold Coast during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stephanie Yip's headshot
Dylan Crismale's headshot

By

Stephanie Yip

&

Dylan Crismale

Updated

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Restrictions in the Gold Coast have eased from 8 October 2021.

People on the Gold Coast can dine in at restaurants or cafes, have visitors over, gather outdoors and attend public venues.

If you're curious where you can and can't go, here's what's open and what's still closed in your city. Plus, see our top recommendations for things to do on the Gold Coast.

What can I now do on the Gold Coast?

  • You must wear a mask at all times when on public transport, in a rideshare or at a stadium. Masks should be worn outdoors where social distancing isn't possible. You must wear a mask indoors but can remove it to eat and drink.
  • Have up to a maximum of 100 people in your home. There is no limit on gatherings in public.
  • Visit a restaurant, cafe, bar or nightclub (dancing is allowed). Food and drink can only be consumed while you're seated. The 1 person per 2 square metres density limit applies.
  • Visit hairdressers and gyms subject to a 1 person per 2 square metre rule.
  • Visit libraries, historical sites, galleries and museums following the 1 person per 2 square metres limit.
  • Visit hiking trails, camping grounds, parks, playgrounds and skate parks.
  • Attend a wedding (dancing is allowed) or funeral with 200 people limited by the 1 person per 2 square metres rule.
  • Visit aged care, disability facilities and hospitals so long as you haven't been in a declared hotspot or a close contact of a COVID-19 case.
  • Attend an indoor event or outdoor event with allocated seating at 100% capacity.
  • Attend stadium events at 100% capacity for stadiums with over 20,000 people.
  • Travel and book overnight accommodation. However, travel to regional Queensland is not recommended.
  • Community sport is allowed.
  • Attend an auction or open home.

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What's open on the Gold Coast

Gold Coast theme parks and attractions

Theme parks and attractions are re-opening.

AttractionOpening hours
Topgolf Gold CoastOpen 11:30am - late Monday to Friday, 10am - late Saturday to Sunday
Sea WorldOpen 9:30am - 3:30pm Monday to Sunday
Currumbin Wildlife SanctuaryOpen 9am - 4pm Monday to Sunday
Outback SpectacularOpen (Times depend on the show)
Wet'n'WildOpen 10am - 3:30pm Friday to Sunday
Paradise CountryOpen 10am - 3pm Monday to Sunday
Movie WorldOpen 9.30am - 3:30pm Monday to Sunday
High Ropes and Flying Fox Adventure in Tamborine National ParkOpen 10am - 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday to Sunday
Hot Air Balloon ride over Gold CoastOpen (Times depend on the booked tour)

Check out our deals and promo codes for Gold Coast attractions

Experience Oz
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$10 off 5 Day Theme Park Pass: Movie World, Sea World & Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast

Verified Yesterday Expires 1 Feb 2025
It includes any five-day entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet'n'Wild over 5 consecutive days from the first visit. Your 5 consecutive days start from the first visit and entry is valid for any 5 days in total during this period. T&Cs apply.
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RedBalloon
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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.
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KKday
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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.
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RedBalloon
Code

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.
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Walking trails, beaches and parks

With so many stunning beachside walks and city parks, you'll never fall short of open space on the Gold Coast. Just remember, you must continue to keep a 1.5-metre distance from other people when you're out and about.

Here are popular parks and gardens that are still open:

  • Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
  • Broadwater Parklands
  • Cascade Gardens
  • Currumbin Rock Pools
  • Harley Park
  • John Laws Park
  • Home of the Arts Parklands
  • Kurrawa
  • Macintosh Island
  • Mick Schamburg Park
  • Palm Beach Parklands
  • Paradise Point Parklands

Shopping centres, supermarkets and grocery stores

Things to keep in mind when you go shopping are the need to maintain good hygiene by washing your hands or sanitising regularly, maintaining social distance between other shoppers (1.5 metres or more) and opting for contactless payments.

Here are some of the larger stores and shopping centres open for you on the Gold Coast:

Are hotels open on the Gold Coast?

Gold Coast hotels are taking bookings for visits. This includes Australia's only theme park resort, Sea World Resort. Additional hygiene measures have been put in place and some amenities may be unavailable in response to COVID-19 restrictions. The 1 person per 2 square metre rule applies when you are in public spaces.

Looking to stay in the Sunshine State? Book Gold Coast accommodation now.

  • Q1 Resort and Spa
  • Avani Broadbeach Residences
  • Meriton Suites Broadbeach
  • Mantra on View Hotel
  • Vibe Hotel Gold Coast
  • Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
  • Sea World Resort & Water Park
  • Mantra Circle on Cavill
  • Turtle Beach Resort
  • Oaks Gold Coast Hotel
  • Rhapsody Resort
  • The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
  • Mantra Towers of Chevron
  • Sky Broadwater Apartments
  • Artique Resort Surfers Paradise Gold Coast
  • Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise
  • Mantra Legends Hotel Gold Coast
  • Broadbeach Holiday Apartments
  • Bel Air on Broadbeach
  • Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise
  • QT Gold Coast
  • Qube Broadbeach

Can I travel from the Gold Coast to other areas in Queensland?

Yes. However, the need for travel outside of any affected Local Government Area should be strongly reconsidered.

Do I need to pre-book to visit dining venues and attractions?

It's best to make a reservation in advance for busy dining spots. Some eateries are requesting diners make a reservation online by providing their contact details in case they need to get in touch with you.

It's best to check directly with an attraction as to whether you need to book in advance. This ensures you secure your booking and don't get turned away if the venue has exceeded capacity.

What restaurants and cafes are open on the Gold Coast?

See which of your favourite local restaurants and cafes are open for dining, delivery and takeaway on the Gold Coast. Customers are being asked not to bring keep cups for takeaway orders as a hygiene and safety precaution.

Here are some of our top picks for dining in Gold Coast:

Local Produce Lunch with Sightseeing Cruise
Local Produce Lunch with Sightseeing Cruise

RedBalloon

View details

Available deals and coupon codes

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Stephanie Yip's headshot
Written by

Publisher

Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday. See full bio

Dylan Crismale's headshot
Co-written by

Writer

Dylan Crismale is a graduate travel writer at Finder. He graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with his major in Italy. Dylan levelled-up his travel know-how on his year abroad and knows all about finding the right deal to get the most for your money. See full bio

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