Gold Coast: Top 10 things to see and do

1. Tamborine Rainforest skywalk
This 1.5km rainforest walking experience includes a bridge, 40m cantilever and Cedar Creek viewing platform, showcasing the forest in a safe and exciting way. The 45-minute experience begins and ends at the main centre, which includes the eco centre, bus parking, gift shop, cafe and toilets. The Skywalk is 45 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 60 minutes from Brisbane Airport. See: Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

2. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night, treasure hunters, bargain spotters and after-dinner strollers make their way along the coastal stretch of more than 100 market stalls. Live entertainers and stalls of fashion, jewellery, accessories, art, photographs, beauty products and homewares are located along the Surfers Paradise foreshore, north and south of Cavill Mall. See: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo, watch wild lorikeet feeding, the freeflight bird show and sheep-shearing. Aboriginal presenters perform didgeridoo and dancers shows, visitors can test their ability on an exhilarating treetop ropes course. Let the kids loose on the outdoor adventure playground of Wild Island and see vets in the Wildlife Hospital. See: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets
A great family day out on the first and third Sunday of every month. Stroll around Kurrawa Park on the beachfront, where more than 150 stalls offer locally made produce, preserves, cookies and cakes; aside from food, you'll find handmade fashion, jewellery, homewares, skincare and toys - those unique things you won't find in the shops. See: Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets

5. Hinze Dam
The massive Hinze Dam, built in 1976 and raised in 1989 and 2011, is much more than a water catchment and flood protection. It's a waterworld of lakeside parks, walking, bike and horse trails, boat ramps and barbecue areas. See: Hinze Dam

6. Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
At Cedar Creek Estate, visitors can take an underground journey through spectacular man-made caves. In the "presentation cave", there's an audiovisual display on glow-worms and the construction of the caves, with stalagmites and stalactites, water features and flow stone. The second chamber is filled with thousands of glow-worms. See: Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves

7. Play a Round of Golf at the Gold Coast's Top Courses
Beautiful, challenging golf courses await on the Gold Coast - like Palmer Gold Coast, carved out of 65ha of native woodlands; the RACV Royal Pines Resort, home of the Australian PGA Championships; or Sanctuary Cove's The Palms and The Pines courses. Public courses include Parkwood International, set in contoured bush, or Links on Hope Island, a 20-minute drive from the coast.

8. Infinity Attraction
Laugh and scream in around 20 multi-sensual environments filled with special effects, atmospheric sound fields, ultra-groovy music and spectacular illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity. In the centre of Surfers Paradise, it's fun for all ages over 8, good family entertainment and a great group or team-building activity. See: Infinity Attraction

9. O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk
Walk through a canopy of flowering and fruiting trees covered by vines, explore orchids and ferns surrounded by treetop-dwelling birds and animals. First of its kind in Australia, the 180m rainforest canopy walk is made up of nine suspension bridges, most 15m above the ground, though one observation deck is 30m up. See: Tree Top Walkway

10. Harbour Town Outlet Shopping
Australia's largest outlet shopping centre with over 220 stores a minimum of 30 per cent off the original retail price. International labels include Coach, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Nike; Australian favourites such as Oroton, R.M. Williams and Ugg. Just 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise, the open-air design allows visitors to enjoy the Gold Coast sunshine. See: Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre