If you love the outdoors, the Gold Coast is one of the best places to be. With lots of sunny days, barely a winter to speak of and countless natural attractions surrounding the South-East Queensland coastline.
Getting outside for physical activities and taking in some of that natural Vitamin D helps relieve stress, improve mood, and of course improves your health and well being.
Here is a list of outdoor activities to inspire you and get you outdoors in this beautiful part of the Australia.
Surfing
Ok, so if you aren’t already a surfer this isn’t an activity you can exactly just pick right away. But, if you are keen on having a go be prepared for a seriously intense workout.
If you have never surfed, don’t get too cocky and run straight out there. For your own safety, I would start off with a lesson and go from there.
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding
This can be a fun activity for the whole family. I get a real kick out of paddling my kids from one side of Tallebudgera Creek to the other to “look for treasure”, and then getting to paddle back victorious with shells and sticks as spoil to show off to mum.
There are countless rivers and canals that are suitable for stand up paddleboards. Obviously, you can go to any of the beaches as well but taking a paddleboard into the surf is very challenging, not for beginners.
Click here to see my list of favourite spots to go stand up paddle boarding.
Outdoor Exercise (Callisthenics) Parks
These outdoor exercise parks are popping up everywhere on the Gold Coast, which is great as you can give yourself a really good workout without having to go to the gym.
They have been growing in popularity due to the callisthenics movement that is quite popular now.
Here is a list of the best outdoor exercise parks on the Gold Coast.
Kite Surfing
Personally, this is my favourite thing to do at the beach. I have been a kitesurfer for over 10 years now and love it. It’s also my favourite way to keep active.
There are heaps of spots you can launch your kite at depending on what your style is. Check out these beaches to launch your kites at.
Beach Walks
There isn’t a stretch of sand you along the Gold Coasts’ coastline that you can’t walk on. Stretch the legs and go out for a walk, maybe even take some games for the kids.
Outdoor Hikes
The Gold Coast is surrounded by some beautiful national parks.
Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park and just a few of the surrounding natural attractions that are within an hours drive from the Gold Coast.
Checkout our list of must do walking and hiking tracks here.
Swimming
Whether you are wanting to swim laps, stay warm in an indoor swimming pool, swim in a saltwater pool or at the bottom of a waterfall, there will be something for you at the Gold Coast.
Check out our post on the best local swimming pools for families.
Bike Riding
There are plenty of long riding paths that would be suitable for a leisurely ride for you and your family. We have found some great one, check them out here.
BMX Tracks
If you or your little ones have the need for speed on two wheels, check out these Gold Coast BMX tracks.
There are a variety of difficulty to suit people of all riding levels.
Running Tracks
Ditch the treadmill and strap on your running shoes. Head to one of these urban or mountain running tracks to get some fresh air.