Gold Coast in winter?! You’ll be surprised to know that it’s one of the best times of the year to visit this exciting city! It’ll be sunny without the humidity, so you can get that sun-kissed feeling without all that sweaty mess. Plus, it's much less crowded out there, which you'll greatly appreciate in today's climate. So if you’re ready to have a wintry vacay, we’re going to share with you what’s been brewing Down Under!
P.S. There are limited-time discounts when you fly with Scoot from Singapore or Malaysia, read on to find out more!
Best Things To Do In Gold Coast This 2022
Surfers Paradise
1. Skydive out of a helicopter
If you love the adrenaline-pumping Paradise Jetboating experience around the coast, you’ll definitely love the new activity offered: skydiving out of a helicopter flying off from SeaWorld Theme Park ? You’ll be FREE FALLING from up to 10,000 feet (about 22 times the height of the Sydney Harbour Bridge) above the beautiful sands of Surfers Paradise! It’s the only tandem helicopter skydive operating regularly in the country, so what better way to get into the adventurous Australian spirit than doing this?!
Don’t worry, you’ll be under the wings of trained and experienced instructors, so just enjoy the ride! Remember to say hi to Australia’s largest lifeguard service on the way down. ? Check out this website to find out more.
2. Marvel at the sight of majestic whales
If you've ever seen an Australian humpback whale nonchalantly leap out of calm waters, you're one of the lucky ones! A seasonal activity that many look forward to, the whales migrate from freezing cold Antarctic waters to warmer waters for breeding and to give birth.
The season runs from late May to early November and depending on the time, you'll get to see other species like Orcas or Killer Whales, as well as adorable little calves, swimming alongside their mothers! Join a whale-watching tour (like Whales in Paradise) for a chance to snap pictures of these gentle creatures bobbing their heads out of the water and waving a friendly fin at you! What’s even cooler is you can hear the whales sing via underwater hydrophones ?
Don't worry about scaring the whales with your cameras, they absolutely love the attention! They'll energetically flap their tails and playfully shoot up huge spouts of mist from their blowholes. Don’t just turn off those cameras once you’ve got your shots of the whales; you might get to spot other amazing marine life such as dolphins, green sea turtles and migratory birds!
The pandemic has taught us that such once-in-a-lifetime experiences should not be missed, so it’s time to book a ticket soon! If you’re wondering which airline to choose, think no more. Scoot can fly you direct to the Gold Coast from Singapore at competitive prices! In fact, they are the ONLY international airline that flies straight to the Gold Coast Airport ? Say goodbye to transfers and stopovers; head straight into the fun!
Scoot's having a special sale just for you if you need more convincing to book your ticket to Gold Coast right now. From 16 May to 31 May 2022, travellers from Malaysia can Scoot to Gold Coast from RM429* and from 18 to 31 May 2022, travellers from Singapore can enjoy special fares to Gold Coast from $179*!
#HHWT Tip: For the most incredible views of whales from above, head on over to Q1 (one of the tallest buildings on the Coast) in Surfer's Paradise! You won't miss a single moment with a view this high up.
Halal food nearby:
After such a wild journey, you’re definitely going to feel hungry, and you’ll be glad that there are so many delicious halal food options on the ground!
a) Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant
Situated in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this mid-sized restaurant serves authentic Iranian cuisine. Named after a small city called Shiraz, you will be spoiled with standout dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of Iran! The menu includes slow-cooked Lamb Shank, Fesenjan (chicken stew with pomegranate paste), and Kebab platters. End your meal with exquisite Persian tea while munching on their sweet baklavas!
Halal status: While it is a halal-certified establishment, do note that alcohol is served on the premises, so we advise that you dine with discretion.
Address: 3106 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Phone Number: +61 7 5679 3941
Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11:30am - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday, 11:30am - 10:00pm.
b) Amin’s Kitchen
Craving for some Indian food? You should check out Amin’s Kitchen! Known for their butter chicken, you can expect their dishes to be made fresh and deliciously flavourful! Pair the chicken with their lamb biryani; you deserve a big treat after your daredevil act.
Halal status: While it is a halal-certified establishment, do note that alcohol is served on the premises, so we advise that you dine with discretion.
Address: 2/34 Trickett Street, Surfers Paradise, 4217
Opening hours: 11.30am-10.30pm daily
c) Bali In Paradise
Here’s one more halal food spot for you to check out! Bali In Paradise serves up delicious Indonesian fare, including favourites such as Nasi Bebek, Chicken Satay and more.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: Shop 8.05/3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Opening hours: 12pm-8pm daily; closed on Thursdays
3. Get up close with kangaroos, koalas and other Australian wildlife
Can you say you’ve been to Australia if you have yet to see a koala or a kangaroo up close? Take a break from the city and head over to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for various Australian animals! A day at the sanctuary will give you and your family a chance to do fun activities like catching the bird show, or the sheep shearing show! Did you know that Queensland is one of two states in Australia that offers a chance to cuddle a koala? A photo with the cuddly koalas would make the perfect souvenir!
The sanctuary is pretty huge, so hop on the train to get from one place to another! It’s pretty convenient, especially if you have your little ones with you. Plus, the driver is fun to talk to as he has stories to share while bringing you around.
Stop at the Kangaroo Sanctuary to get close to the roos. You can also feed them with the kibbles around the park and they’re free! With such a vast space, you are assured of seeing many of them hopping around. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a baby kangaroo. Feeling hungry? You can request halal options at the Sanctuary Cafe and a prayer room near the “Koala Experience” area!
Halal food nearby:
a) Rumi Persian Restaurant
If you have found an affinity for Iranian food, here’s one more place to suit your cravings! Located 20 mins by car, treat your tastebuds to an endless tantalising array of dishes from kubideh, fragrant saffron rice, a range of dips for your pita bread and more!
Halal status: While it is a halal-certified establishment, do note that alcohol is served on the premises, so we advise that you dine with discretion.
Address:8/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Opening hours: 12pm-9pm daily
b) Rocket Grill House
Sometimes, a delicious, warm kebab in your hand is simply comforting enough, and you can have it right here at Rocket Grill House! Take a 17-min drive down to the restaurant and it’s affordable Turkish fare at its best! All your favourites such as baklavas, Turkish tea, Lahmacun, are all here in one place!
Halal status: While it is a halal-certified establishment, do note that alcohol is served on the premises, so we advise that you dine with discretion.
Address: 203 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Australia
Opening hours: 10am-8pm daily (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
4. Try out new rides at Australia’s largest theme park
No visit to the Gold Coast is complete without a visit to Dreamworld, Australia's biggest theme park. With more than 40 rides, 5 roller coasters and 9 themed areas, get ready for plenty of fun! Plus, they’ve added new attractions that will geek out adrenaline seekers.
The Steel Taipan Rollercoaster is not for the faint-hearted. It’s Australia’s only triple launch coaster, where you’ll snake around 1.2km of twists, turns and three gut-lurching launches! With 4 inversions and the world's first "Tailwhip" - a spinning seat at the rear of the train, this experience will leave you reeling for more. And that’s not all, there are 6 more equally-intense rides that you have to check out! You can click here for the full listing!
Halal food nearby:
a) Pop’s Pizza & Kebabs
Dig into a freshly-made pizza perfect for you and the family at Pop’s Pizza & Kebabs. From your favourite classics such as pepperoni, to even having three different types of toppings in just one pizza, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address:31 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera Gold Coast, QLD, Australia 4209
Opening hours: 11am-2pm, 4.30pm-9pm (daily)
b) Nando's Coomera BP
You’ll be surprised to know that in Nando’s, all of their chickens are from halal-certified suppliers and their bastings are also Halal. There’s one nearby at Upper Coomera, only 20 mins away by car from Dreamworld. You already know what you’re going to have, so enjoy your meal!
Halal status: Nando’s isn’t halal, however all of their chickens and bastings are from halal-certified suppliers. They do not come into contact with non-halal products on the grill. However, do note that some of the outlets serve pork and we recommend that you dine at your discretion.
Address: BP Travel Centre, Abraham Rd, Upper Coomera QLD 4209, Australia
Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily
5. Be one with nature with this unique glamping experience
Lamington National Park is the place to be for lush rainforests and endless mountain views. This UNESCO World Heritage listed area is densely forested with trees that date back over 2000 years ago, breathtaking vistas and stunning waterfalls.
There are a few walking trails here and taking the Border Track will give you one of the best views of the mountains surrounding Lamington National Park. Here’s a new activity for those who love to be in one with nature: glamping in the woods! In a large and relatively untouched pocket of forest at Lamington National Park on the Gold Coast, Nightfall Camp’s luxury tents sit delicately beside the crystal-clear tumbling headwaters of Christmas Creek and Queensland’s ancient rainforests.
While many countries, including Australia, may have done away with the need for showing proof of Covid-19, the pandemic still looms above us and we still should take precautions. One way to do so would be to minimise contact in crowded areas such as airports, or reduce the need for transfers or stopovers. With Scoot’s direct flights from Singapore to Gold Coast Airport and 5-star safety standards*, you can be sure that your safety is well taken care of. Scoot is our favourite low-cost airline for a reason. From 18 to 31 May 2022, enjoy special fares from $179*. Wait no longer and click here to book a vacay of your dreams!
6. Experience the great outdoors at this nature retreat
This quaint cabin amongst the lush forest is only 2 minutes away from the Lamington National Park, and is the perfect nature getaway. Choose from villas or rooms that have breathtaking views of mountains and beyond!
There are plenty of activities and experiences you absolutely have to check out such as flying fox through the forest, taking a Segway on a safari, strolling with alpacas and more! They even provide a full camp experience with firepits and camper vans for you to stay overnight ?
Halal food available: While they do not offer halal food at The Dining Room, they offer vegetarian and vegan options. Do dine with discretion.
There's more to Gold Coast than just long stretches of pristine beaches and calm, turquoise waters! With exhilarating theme parks, immersive nature experiences and family-friendly attractions, there’s something for every traveller. With tickets going at special fares from RM429* for Malaysia and $179* for Singapore, you won’t want to miss this! Hurry, book your tickets before the sale ends on 31 May 2022, 2359h. Let Scoot take you to the Land Down Under, where it awaits you!
*Prices are one-way, taxes included
**Skytrax Covid-19 Airline Safety Audit
This article is brought to you by Scoot and Destination Gold Coast.