When the sun dips behind the horizon, there’s a whole other side of the Gold Coast to explore — one that’s a dream come true for both kids and parents.
From buzzing night markets and arcades to glow-worm cave tours and quirky dinner shows, there’s so much to do on the Gold Coast after dark! Family-friendly activities abound with heaps of ways to keep the little ones busy until bedtime. Adults can discover diverse date night activities ranging from colourful dinner theatre and scenic cruises to rainforest night walks and a ‘day spa’ that’s open well into the night. Our good friends at Paradise Resort Gold Coast have shared their recommendations for the best things to do after dark, in the resort and out and about on the Gold Coast.
What to do on the Gold Coast at night - with kids
Whether you’re in the mood for a bit of culture, a round of golf, or just want to hang out together under the stars, here’s a rundown of the nighttime fun for kids of all ages.
1. Magical lights at Astra Lumina
Set in lush gardens at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Astra Lumina is a spellbinding after-dark experience that will delight the entire family. This immersive nighttime journey invites you to explore 27 hectares of illuminated trails where colourful light projections and ethereal soundscapes come together to create a truly magical atmosphere.
Hard to describe and impossible to forget, Astra Lumina will enchant all ages with a seamless blend of storytelling, spectacle, and cutting-edge technology.
2. Kid-friendly night markets
Lively Miami Marketta is a family-friendly mecca for all things street food. Open from 5 pm Wednesday to Saturday, the bustling laneway-style eatery is a delight to explore as you discover (and sample) cuisines from all around the world. Each stall is run by an authentic small business, so why not try a little bit of everything? There’s something for everyone (picky eaters included!) with groovy live music on the front stage to keep the energy buzzing.
There’s also Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets on the Esplanade and Dreamworld Night Market (Friday and Saturday nights) where kids can munch and play on Belinda’s Treehouse, ride the Dreamworld Flyer and enjoy live entertainment.
3. Dinner and a show
The Australian Outback Spectacular delivers authentic Aussie culture with entertainment. You’ll get a three-course meal, bush tucker style, served up during the live action in a custom-built arena. Impressive projection effects bring the Outback to life in a flourish of light, colour and sound – not to mention the skilled riders and horses strutting their stuff.
Blending thrilling ice-skating routines, jaw-dropping acrobatics and hilarious clown antics, fan favourite variety show Welcome to Parad-ICE returns to Paradise Resort Gold Coast on select dates in 2025 and 2026 – catch it if you can! Ticket-and-meal packages are easy on the budget, from just $60 for a family of four.
4. Fancy sips for the whole family
For a special night out with the kids, drop by IceBar or MirrorBar in Surfers Paradise. Don grippy socks to enter a dazzling world of mirrors or rug up to see ice sculptures and sip kid-friendly mocktails from an ice glass.
The Gold Coast’s colourful bubble tea stores offer plenty of caffeine-free smoothies and fruity yoghurt drinks that won’t keep the kids up all night. After-dark outlets include SevenTea Two, serving up tea and bubble waffles in Surfers until 10 pm. Bottled drinks at machimachi Southport delight all ages with layers of panna cotta, crème brulee and toasted meringue – not to mention the adorable puppy mascot!
5. Mini golf after dark
Open until 10 pm nightly, Twilight Mini Golf at Putt Putt Mermaid Beach takes your typical 18 holes and dials it up for maximum nighttime fun. From fairy lights and motorised obstacles to glow balls that activate with each putt, you’ll find yourself immersed in a multi-sensory adventure across three colourful themed courses.
Timezone in Surfers Paradise has a neon glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, and Holey Moley at Surfers and Cavill Ave also welcome kids in the evenings – check the cut-off times, as it varies by day and venue (somewhere between 8 pm and 10 pm). $50 per family pass scores you 9 holes full of surprises and pop culture fun.
6. Dining out with kids
Cavill Avenue is packed with dinner options, but the real hidden gem is Penguins Restaurant at Paradise Resort — featuring a toddlers’ play area in the restaurant and a jungle gym right outside. The $12 kids’ menu features the usual suspects — pasta, nuggets, fish and chips — i.e. the stuff kids actually eat! Parents can tuck into Aussie and international dishes, from rib on the bone to miso-glazed salmon. There’s also Jerry’s Burgers, Deb’s Pizza Shack and El Mexicano, along with the poolside café & bar.
If you’re on the go, there’s also Crafty’s Sports Bar at Harbour Town and a smattering of surf clubs along the coast.
7. Fun and games in Surfers Paradise
If your family loves games, Timezone Surfers Paradise is a must-visit! As Australia’s largest indoor entertainment centre, this 5,000-square-metre arcade is packed with more than 300 games, from timeless classics like Pac-Man to the new high-tech Colour Grid, a fast-paced interactive challenge the whole family can play together.
Guests at Paradise Resort can enjoy the fun and games at Astro’s Arcade until 8:30 pm nightly. If the kids have energy to burn, Dusty’s Playground and the Indoor Jungle Gym are both open until 8 pm, and guests of all ages are welcome at The Hangout Multi Sports Court from 7 pm to 9 pm (when the space isn’t booked for organised activities).
8. Evening fun in the water
During summer, Wet’n’Wild hosts Dive’n’Movies in the Giant Wave Pool. Hire a tube or relax in a private cabana to catch the nightly blockbuster from 5:30 pm (along with selected slides and attractions open until 7:30 pm). The experience is included in your Wet’n’Wild admission ticket on applicable dates.
For a low-key way to relax and unwind, families staying at Paradise Resort have access to the Lagoon Pool and Spa until 9 pm nightly. Both water parks are typically open until 5 pm, but keep an eye out for extended hours during the summer months.
9. Nighttime views
Broadwater Parklands is one of the more chilled-out spots for families in the evening. It’s a three-kilometre stretch right along the water at Southport with some pretty epic sunset views over the skyline. There’s loads of space for little ones to burn off energy before heading home. Playgrounds stay open during twilight so that you can squeeze in a bit more playtime.
Dine with a 360-degree view of the glittering Gold Coast lights at SkyPoint Bistro+Bar, which offers a $15 kids menu. The venue welcomes children before 8 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
What to do on the Gold Coast at night - without kids
The Gold Coast really comes alive after dark, turning into a surprisingly sophisticated playground for grown-ups. Book an evening Kids Zone session to head out for some adult time. * Only available for guests at Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
1. Glow worm tour in the Gold Coast Hinterland
Enjoy an out-of-this-world date night with a guided night walk through the Gondwana Rainforest – especially because this after-dark stroll leads you to the Natural Bridge, where you can spot thousands of sparkling glowworms.
Eco-certified operators like Southern Cross Tours run these tours, combining a guided walk through the National Park, torchlight cave walks, stargazing and stops at waterfalls like Curtis Falls. While children are permitted on the tour, the combination of a Grade 3 walking trail and late hour (running from 6:15 to around 10 pm) means this is best enjoyed by grown-ups.
2. Night markets for the grown-ups
Put a grown-up spin on the evening with the chance to sample local beer, wine and spirits in a relaxed environment. Enjoy a Friday night tipple from Sirromet Wines or a brewski from Burleigh Brewing at Sanctuary Markets in Currumbin, open 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm.
Duck into Miami Marketta’s best-kept secret: Mona Lisa’s Lair, an intimate 18+ French restaurant and champagne bar. Parents can also discover The Art of Gin in an adults-only workshop or check out one of the ticketed 18+ events, from drag queen bingo to headline Aussie acts like Thirsty Merc, Pacific Avenue and The Darkness.
3. Spicy cabaret at Dracula's and the Pink Flamingo
Dracula’s Cabaret at Broadbeach is a wild ride—think burlesque, aerial acrobatics and a bit of audience mischief (along with a scrumptious three-course dinner). Or take your pick from Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub’s cabaret menu: will it be signature show DISCO! DISCO!, a colourful celebration of the 70s (glitter and groovy tunes obligatory), or Moulin-Rouge inspired La Teaze?
4. Sample the local wine, beer and spirits
Sip on local gin, vodka, whiskey and liqueurs at Granddad Jack’s, the Gold Coast’s own award-winning small-batch distillery. BYO food to go with your tasting board or order from Burleigh’s finest on Uber Eats – we rate The Little Plate or Street Fryer.
No time to visit the Hinterland wineries? Speed-run the experience with a date night at Paloma Wine Bar, open Wednesday to Sunday from 4 pm. Wines from Witches Falls are also available at the Lost Palms Brewing Co taproom in Miami, along with beer, spirits and Heaps Normal non-alcoholic options.
5. Practice your swing at Topgolf
The best thing about Topgolf? It’s a slam-dunk night out for anyone and everyone. If you’ve got keen golfers in the family, then you won’t want to miss a visit to this golfing playground – but Topgolf is ideal for novices and naysayers too.
From your private bay, the idea is to hit micro-chipped golf balls into giant outfield targets, with greater accuracy and distance earning you more points. When it’s not your turn, you can feast on American-inspired dishes, such as buffalo wings and burgers.
6. Date night dinners on the Gold Coast
For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are plenty of award-winning restaurants scattered throughout the Gold Coast, from fine dining establishments like pan-Asian restaurant Rick Shores to casual bistros like Etsu Izakaya.
With the relaxed vibe and farm-fresh philosophy of a European bistro, Restaurant Labart in Mermaid Beach was named Gourmet Traveller’s Best Restaurant in Qld for 2024. Both the wine list and seafood offerings are a slam-dunk.
Frazzled parents will be happy to hear that Mediterranean-inspired Maman (pronounced “ma-mo”) offers a set menu (along with a la carte options, wine and cocktails). The $65pp “Let Mum feed you” menu gives you a touch of nurturing with a feast of simple, authentic flavours.
7. Choose your VR or escape room adventure
Transform your typical date night into something extraordinary. Step into the world’s most advanced virtual reality at Sandbox VR Gold Coast. Using full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics, groups of up to six can compete in the adrenaline-filled Squid Games (thanks to an official licensed partnership with Netflix), battle zombies and dragons or hunt for lost treasure.
For screen-free entertainment, Fox in a Box provides challenging escape room experiences, while Padlockd Escape Rooms offers themed experiences at varying difficulty levels.
8. Soak and relax at an after-dark bathhouse
Soak Bathhouse is more than a ‘day spa’ – this Mermaid Beach oasis is also an after-dark wellness hub, open until 10 pm nightly. Feel rejuvenated with your special someone as you soak in magnesium-rich mineral pools, unwind in a toasty spa, and detox in a steam room or dry cedarwood sauna.
As a bonus, couples can add a massage, infrared sauna or LED express facial to their 90-minute Soak Session for the ultimate holiday refresher. Book a ‘Soak & Sip’ package to get two complimentary drinks or enjoy live acoustic tunes during ‘Soak & Sound’ sessions on Wednesday nights.
9. Enjoy city views on a buffet dinner cruise
Share special moments with your co-parent on a buffet dinner cruise with SeaWorld Cruises. Enjoy a seasonal dinner aboard the ‘Spirit of Elston’ as you cruise the Gold Coast’s waterways, washed down with local wine, beer or a signature cocktail.
Searching for something a little more thrilling? Challenge your fears with a night climb of SkyPoint Tower to see the city lights from 270 metres above sea level. Now that’s a date night you’ll never forget!
Discover the kids’ club at Paradise Resort Gold Coast
Paradise Resort’s iconic Kids Zone is a place for youngsters to make new friends and create memories with fun, age-appropriate activities – from pyjama parties to disco nights, arts and crafts to carnival activities and loads more.
All the fun happens in the resort’s own ‘mini fun park’ featuring nine themed play spaces, including a subterranean play centre and maze, pedal cars, and a movie room. Whether your kids are exploring the stars in Astro’s Space Station or searching for buried treasure in Under Water World, it’s a blast from start to finish!
Paradise Resort Kids Club is for resort guests only, so book your stay cay in Paradise to make the most of your Gold Coast family holiday.
All of Paradise Resort’s ‘Holiday Heroes’ hold a Blue Card, First Aid and CPR certificates. Kids Zone – Junior cares for little ones from 6 weeks to 2 years of age. Plus, it’s the only kids’ club in Australia catering to little ones from six weeks of age. Kids Zone is for kids 3 to 12 years.
Kids Zone opens on Friday and Saturday nights from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm (selected mid-week night sessions run during school holidays). The perfect way for a much-needed date night or a peaceful, kid-free dinner, in or out of the resort!
Night-time fun at Paradise Resort
Set on a two-hectare site close to Surfers Paradise beaches, award-winning Paradise Resort is loved for its multi-million dollar recreation facilities – and the fun doesn’t stop after dark!
After dinner at Penguins restaurant (5 pm – 8 pm), families can enjoy the resort’s fantastic entertainment program – varying from season to season, it includes magic shows, silent discos, Just Dance competitions, games and outdoor movies screened by the pool. Check the entertainment guide to see what’s on!
Kids and grown-ups will have a blast at Paradise Resort with the large lagoon-style pool, two water parks, ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and laser tag. The Hangout Multi-Purpose Sports Court and Astro’s Arcade are a smash hit with tweens and teens too.
Stay 2 Nights at Paradise Resort & SAVE! Up to 10% on selected dates when you book the Savvy Saver Rate.
Booking direct online gives you one complimentary Kids Club session per child. Exclusions Apply.
The Gold Coast at night: FAQs
Is the Gold Coast safe for families after dark?
The Gold Coast maintains a strong safety record in tourist areas, with dedicated police patrols and security personnel present at major attractions. Popular tourist zones like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Main Beach benefit from high visibility, good lighting, and regular security presence.
How to get around the Gold Coast at night?
The Gold Coast’s G:link light rail system connects Surfers Paradise with Broadbeach, Main Beach, Broadwater Parklands, Southport and Helensvale. It runs 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights, and until around midnight on weeknights. Children under five travel free.
Paradise Resort is only 300 metres from Surfers Paradise North tram station. The attractions of Surfers Paradise are within walking distance of Paradise Resort, with the main beach under five minutes on foot and Cavill Avenue about a ten-minute stroll away.
More family fun on the Gold Coast
Get the most out of your next Gold Coast getaway with these handy guides:
⛸️ THE GOLDIE ON ICE: Beat the heat at one of the Gold Coast’s fab ice skating rinks – skate hire included!
🎢 COASTER THRILLS: Our Gold Coast theme park guide has everything you need to plan your big day out
🪣 BUCKET LIST: The fun never stops in QLD with over 70 things to do on the Gold Coast with kids – how many have you tried?
Opening image: Family explores the Celestial Trail at Astra Lumina Gold Coast © Astra Lumina
Produced in partnership with Paradise Resort Gold Coast
