Things to Do on the Gold Coast at Night with Friends
From the buzzing nightlife of bustling Broadbeach to the stunning seascape of Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast is an amazing destination to explore with friends - especially once the sun’s gone down. Whether you’re looking to indulge your cultured side with sophisticated sips and theatre trips, or spend the night sampling cocktails, local bites and exploring the markets, you’re literally spoiled for choice on the glittering Gold Coast.
Looking for a little bit of inspo for things to do at night in Queensland's golden region? Here are some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast at night with your friends.
Social House
Let’s kickstart this list with something close to home - our very own Social House at voco® Gold Coast. More than just a name, social is in everything we do. From the food and drinks to the seating and décor, kick back and relax with the tastiest menu on the Gold Coast. The perfect place to begin your evening before heading out into Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads, connect and celebrate with signature cocktails, mouthwatering bites and entertainment on tap. Not only do you get to enjoy the best food, drink and music in town - you won’t have to set foot outside or worry about arranging a taxi or a designated driver. Open from 10:00 am til late 7 days a week, live your best social life in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Home of the Arts (HOTA)
Whether you’re interested in checking out the latest thought provoking exhibit or want to catch an artsy movie, Home Of The Arts (HOTA) delivers on all fronts. From theatre and ballet to dance and exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year at this Gold Coast icon. Discover how food, drink and art come together as the sun sets over the ocean with edible art at Palette Restaurant. If drinks are more your thing, take to the Exhibitionist Bar, HOTAs rooftop bar, and sip on carefully crafted cocktails as you soak up sweeping views. This is a must if you’re looking for unique things to do on the Gold Coast.
Dracula’s Cabaret
Enter a world of burlesque, comedy, aerial performances, magic and dance at the one and only Dracula's Cabaret - bringing dark glamour and sophistication to the Gold Coast nightlife scene. Opening way back in 1985, its 37 years of non-stop entertainment is testament to its popularity. Something to be aware of is the minimum age requirement of 15 years old, mainly due to the fruitful language and the fact it’s a licensed premises. One of the best ways to take in the show with friends is with one of the VIP packages, which serves up a banquet buffet with the entertainment. Eat, drink and laugh until your stomach hurts. The Sanctuary takes your experience to the next level, with its special set of psychopaths leading the show. If you’re searching for something fun to do at night on the Gold Coast with friends, this is the place for you.
The Theatre at The Star Gold Coast
As the Gold Coast’s premier entertainment and leisure complex, The Star Gold Coast is home to upscale dining, refined sky-high bars and a casino. One of the main drawcards is the Theatre at The Star Gold Coast, which can accommodate up to 2,150 guests and welcomes international musicians, comedians and actors to the stage. It’s the ultimate night time attraction to visit with friends on the Gold Coast. Catch a show or take in a musical before exploring Japanese, Italian and French cuisine. This year, Made in Australia is stealing the limelight, bringing 80s nostalgia to the masses. Put on your finest neon clothing, backcomb your hair and get ready to dance the night away to the tunes of yesteryear.
Timezone Surfers Paradise
Sometimes, the best nights out are those that release your inner child - which is exactly what Timezone Surfers Paradise does. From retro arcade games to modern day smash hits, 12 lanes of neon-infused bowling, bumper cars, laser tag and mini golf, there’s a whole night of entertainment waiting to be enjoyed. In our opinion, this is among the most fun things to do on the Gold Coast - night or day. Spend the day soaking up the sun on Surfers Paradise Beach before heading back to your room to enjoy a freshen up, then get ready to party like it’s 1989. The perfect place for friends to relive their teenage years, eat, drink and play the night away as you go from game to game. Then make your way out into vibrant Cavill Avenue to finish your evening with dinner and drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants.
Paradise Centre
Offering casual dining and entertainment spread out over two floors overlooking the beautiful Surfers Paradise Beach, a visit to Paradise Centre is a must if you’re after things to do on the Gold Coast. The new development brings eight quality restaurants, landscaped grounds and direct connection to the beach. Surfers Paradise's Eastern Precinct is also home to more than 120 shops and is the largest shopping centre in Surfers Paradise. A great place to enjoy a sit down dinner and drinks on the oceanfront with friends, indulge in a spot of shopping or partake in some evening activities, this new centre boosts nighttime fun in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Cruise the Gold Coast Waterways
Take in the best that the Gold Coast has to offer from a whole new perspective with the Hopo ferry. A unique activity to add to your itinerary, the ferry is a great way to see the magnificent Gold Coast from the water, and plan other things to do on the Gold Coast with a host of attractions along its route. Make your way around Surfers Paradise, Broadwater Parklands, Marina Mirage, Seaworld and HOTA, with boats departing every 60 minutes from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Starting at Surfers Paradise and running Northbound to Seaworld, tickets come with a host of benefits ranging from discounts on food and drinks to special prices for entry into a variety of attractions. Spend the day navigating the waterways before making your way back for an evening of fun on the town.
