Activities & Itineraries

When the summer heat becomes a bit too much or the rain decides to make a surprise appearance, navigating the world of indoor play becomes essential for keeping the kids entertained

From epic eateries slinging farm-to-fork produce, to nature-filled adventures and glittering beaches, here’s where you need to visit around the Moreton Bay region this weekend. 

Between some seriously breathtaking natural gems, uber-exciting eats, and a range of stays to satisfy all kinds, Townsville has quickly become one of the country's best places to explore this year. 

If there was ever a time to shop local on the Gold Coast, it's now.

With this year marking the event’s 20th anniversary and its biggest program to date, Sydney Comedy Festival is set to roll into town for a month of cracking jokes. 

World Science Festival Brisbane is back again with an insane lineup of events, workshops, and activations. 

It's the perfect excuse to jump in the car, directly support the primary producers that feed us, and take in some fresh countryside air.

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

Whether you’re a full-blown bibliophile or someone who simply enjoys a good page-turner, chances are you’ve come across The Dictionary of Lost Words.

FISHER's Out 2 Lunch Festival with Vodafone is back, and we have the insider scoop on how to grab up presale tickets. 

Summer might be coming to a close, but there’s no need to go thirsty.

Here's our favourite unique date ideas on the Gold Coast that will make your date think you're oh-so creative and clever.

In a first for the Southern Hemisphere, a world-class celestial light installation is launching at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in March 2025.

Love languages were conceived over 30 years ago to help couples better show up for each other, but the internet’s fascination with relationship optimisation has thrust these five acts back into the cultural zeitgeist.

Whether you're a total newbie looking to dip a toe in, or have already well and truly caught the pickleball fever, here is Urban List’s ultimate guide to getting your pickleball game on.

Mullumbimby is big on charm, slow living and character in equal measure. Here's your 2025 Mullum guide.

Make tracks to Victoria Park to try their brand newly refreshed Toptracer Driving Range, where you can swing a golf club and then sip a cocktail or three. 

Live your best life poolside this summer. 

Expect a true feast for the senses.

When it comes to ringing in 2025, you don’t want to be stuck just anywhere.

Bust out the Mariah and pause your cheesy Christmas movie binge-fest courtesy of Netflix, because it's time to head out for some Christmas lights.

Many sips and nibbles later, we’ve identified the top ten wineries on the Gold Coast and surrounds.

Get your gifts, eat a mince pie and listen to some carols at these Gold Coast Christmas markets. 

With so many days of sunshine and just a tiny window of winter, the Gold Coast is an outdoor sanctuary. 

 And the best Gold Coast waterfalls you can swim under are only a car ride singalong away.

Want to see the likes of Billie Eilish performing in our backyard?

Bridgerton fans, you're going to want to hear about this. 

Bookworms, these are the top eight bookstores on the Gold Coast in 2024.

This month, more than 250 works from the visionary Czech artist will take over the Art Gallery of New South Wales for Alphonse Mucha: Spirit Of Nouveau, the biggest solo exhibition of the legendary artist's work in the Southern Hemisphere.

Thought 2024 couldn’t get any more culture-infused? This month, Logan Art Gallery and Art Gallery of New South Wales have come together to fill our schedules with a Queensland-exclusive exhibition of Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio—and entry is totally free. 

Say goodbye to cries of “I’m booored” with our list of best Gold Coast activities for kids, from freebies to those special days out.

We’ve broken down the best bush walks on the Gold Coast, from a quick stroll to a full day in the wilderness, that’ll even make Tarzan jealous. 

While we could probably list 100 worthy spots, we’ve honed this down to six of the very best picnic spots on the Gold Coast to get you dining outdoors.

Experience Brisbane’s ultimate bottomless feasts this winter with stunning alfresco dining options. 

The beloved Crafted Beer Festival is returning to the Gold Coast on Saturday 14 September and we can't wait.

The Gold Coast is packed with awesome indoor activities that sparkle just as brightly as the coastline itself.

Get ready for a stacked night of good tunes, drinks and terrible sweaters.

The Gold Coast's signature arts and culture festival, BLEACH* Festival is back for 2024, boasting the largest program in BLEACH* history to celebrate its massive 13th anniversary. 

With one of the biggest days on Sydney’s event calendar just around the corner, join Urban List's City2Surf Run Club as we train to look and feel our best—from the start line all the way through to the inevitable kick ons.

Nuzzled amongst the sunniest Australian coast, just over an hour's roady from Brisbane, it is not hard to see why Maroochydore is Queensland’s current lifestyle hotspot.

From culinary adventures to incredible live music gigs under the stars, these are the best Sunshine Coast events and festivals to check out. 

A quick trip to Redland’s Coast is never a bad idea.

There's no better way to spend a sun-soaked arvo in Brissy than with your favorite drop and a smorgasbord of treats—so don’t sleep on this year’s return of Providore Park to Roma Street Parkland.

Hiking, wine-tasting, and panoramic views await you just a few hours in any direction from our city.

From walks and hikes to tasty eats and the Sunshine Coast’s most scenic mountain view, here are all the best things to do in Maleny and Montville. 

IMAGINATOR is a multi-sensory installation that combines light, sound, sculpture and gaming to feed your imagination and make you question your reality. 

Check out these five scenic drives within an hour of Brisbane that will fulfill those desires for a road trip, without having to pack a bag.

From lush rainforest landscapes to windswept coastlines, hinterlands and beyond, there’s no doubt that a road trip is one of the greatest ways to explore the Sunshine Coast.

With some of Brisbane City's best restaurants, bars, and eateries joining forces for the entire month of June, we’ve rounded up the events that are topping our 2024 Dine BNE City hit list.

A melting pot of cultures, epic entertainment, endless adventures, and breathtaking nature, there’s so much to discover in Logan.

The temp might be dropping but your social calendar needn’t take a hit, with HOTA serving up some truly epic events well worth braving the cold for. 

From melt-in-your-mouth pastries to international eats that will take your tastebuds around the world, here’s our non-negotiable hit list next time you plan a day trip to Logan. 

Get ready to earn fave child status with these 30 awesome things to do on the Gold Coast this Mother’s Day.

This year, Dine BNE City is kicking off their month-long food festival with Fireside, a culinary exploration under the stars at St Stephen’s Cathedral. 

Our perennially green city and lush native rainforests don’t see a whole lot of change come the cooler months, but for Gold Coasters wishing to stroll amongst the autumn leaves, there are a bunch of destinations just a short road trip away. 

Whether you’re looking for an eventful vacation or a leisurely cruise along the shore, there’s a road trip across this spectacular country to suit your style.

Indoor rock climbing is exploding in popularity on the Gold Coast and honestly, we think the hype is justified. 

Summer may have come to an end but there’s still plenty of fun, thrills and adventures to be had here in Australia’s unofficial theme park capital. 

Ah Caloundra, you beautiful southern end of the Sunshine Coast, you.

Whether you’re the kind of couple to enjoy the finer things in life or looking to make it a double date, we’ve curated a few date ideas guaranteed to impress—with some help from The Star.

Driving with the petrol light blinking in your face could be last year’s problem.

 Here’s four fun things that’ll convince you to Come Alay Around at Topgolf this Easter. 

From raging rooftops to craft beer bars and intimate tequila joints, here's our ultimate round up to the very best bars on the Gold Coast. 

We asked our crew to share their top sun safe things to do this summer, from outdoor films to art galleries.

Nestled along the stunning Kirra Beachfront, Native State is the Gold Coast’s premier bathhouse destination offering steam and soak experiences that are guaranteed to have you feeling in a state of zen. 

If there's one thing Gold Coast has no shortage of, it's endless stretches of white sandy shores. Let us guide you to the best beaches on the Gold Coast.

If you’re craving la dolce vita but couldn’t afford Euro summer this year, we’re bringing the sunshine your way instead. We’ve teamed up with Peroni to bring you a slice of the good life from the best Amalfi-inspired spots all over Sunshine Coast.

Attention all summer beach lovers, The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series returns for a massive 11th season in 2024 ready to delight and inspire with stunning agility, skill and team spirit.

Happitat is a new via ferrata and zipline adventure experience being created at Binna Burra in Lamington National Park—and it's set to open this year.

Burleigh has it all, really. A thriving dining scene, pumping nightlife, boutique shopping, a huge expanse of glorious beach and some of the best surfing waves on the Gold Coast. 

Your ultimate guide to the best events happening this summer at The Star.

Adelaide is a bustling melting pot of eclectic wine bars, Nonna-approved pasta joints, vibrant markets and an inspiring arts scene that has so much for visitors to uncover.

The Star Gold Coast have a smorgasbord of exclusive events and dinners to book for even your pickiest mates.

Swap the stress of the kitchen this year—we've all seen that episode of The Bear—and leave the cooking and entertaining to the experts. 

Get your flippers and togs ready, that suns beaming even brighter on the Coast and we've got all the best spots for you to dip your snorkels in our beautiful beaches and hidden getaways.

It's perplexing to consider the whopping 530 million containers that end up in landfill in our sunny state alone each year—fortunately the superheroes at Containers for Change are bravely fighting the fill, encouraging small local businesses to get creative and actively protect our precious planet. 

GoBoat Gold Coast is inviting you to be your own captain when you hire one of their awesome new picnic boats. 

Trend-conscious shoppers, take note. Global footwear legend FitFlop is making its debut down under with two bangin’ brand new openings around the Gold Coast this month serving up textured sneakers, sleek sandals and bold colour hits to level up your summer wardrobe.

Round up the crew, book in that annual leave and make tracks to the Sunshine Coast’s most unique accommodation—The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. 

Longing for an unforgettable, sun-drenched Italian getaway but cost of living stopping you from living your best Euro life? Thanks to Peroni Nastro Azzurro, we're giving you and four of your besties the chance to win an unforgettable Italian-inspired escape worth $10,000 to help you live la dolce vita.

There’s no better time to lace up the joggers, gather your mates and explore the best Gold Coast coastal walks right here on home turf. 

Explore the iconic footwear that has influenced fashion, design and culture with Sneakers Unboxed. 

They are easily forgotten about by the locals, but the plethora of theme parks we have here make it the biggest collection of thrill rides and slides in the Southern Hemisphere and a huge attraction for tourists visiting the Gold Coast. 

Ring in the new year with a delicious lineup of events on offer at Hyatt Regency. 

Not only does QLD have an abundance of stunning beaches, we’re also home to red-sand country, national parks and ancient rainforest. 

Spring has officially sprung on the Gold Coast and with the shift in warmer weather, it’s time to start planning your ultimate spring agenda

Besties, booze and brilliant art—paint and sip nights bring together all of our favourite things.

Seeing a family of whales frolic and splash in the ocean is an indescribable experience, so it's high time you make your way to one of these gorgeous whale-watching spots or hit up one of the many whale watching cruises that traverse the Humpback Highway.

From long bubbly lunches and live entertainment to vibing snow parties and comedy club nights, August at The Star Gold Coast is packed with opportunities to feast, sip and play. So without further ado, here are five unmissable events to explore this August.

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

From convertibles and family wagons to vans and little zip-arounds, we’ve rounded up the best car hire Gold Coast has buffed and polished for you to scoot around in. 

Oh, to be a mud manipulator and eat from plates that you created with your bare hands. 

In honour of Australia’s beloved Archibald Prize crossing the century mark, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is digging up 100 years’ worth of award-winning portraits to take you on a dazzling trip down memory lane.

To help you start mapping out your next New South Wales adventure, we’ve rounded up a bunch of the most exciting events to mark in your diaries.

Boasting some of the best beaches and waves in the world, it’s no wonder that surfing is heavily ingrained into Australian culture. So whether you’re an experienced surfer, you’re just starting out or you’re simply after some picturesque locations to work on your base tan, here are Australia’s best surf beaches.

In a region where the sunscreen industry is eternally booming, why not shake things up with a day on the ice?

Searching for a unique and sophisticated space for your next birthday or work event can be tricky business. Fortunately for us, there’s a recently refurbished five-star hotel joining the ultimate party mix: Hyatt Regency Brisbane. 

Prepare to sip your way through a DIY wine tour at our top Mount Tamborine winery  picks. 

The flight across the ditch takes just over three hours, making Auckland an ideal destination for your next long weekend away. You can understand the street signs, and banter with locals, all while trying local cuisine and breathing new, fresh air.

Trying to find a family activity that will keep everyone entertained can sometimes feel more complicated than organising a mission to a deserted island. 

Providore Park is set to take over Roma Street Parklands from 8–9 July. Here, you’ll be able to experience culinary delights of all kinds, all while basking in that gorgeous winter sun. So brush off your favourite shopping basket and gather your best mates, this one's going to be one of the tastiest times of the year. The best bit? Entry is free. 

Set yourself a pledge to give back. Volunteering your time and effort is a rewarding, warm-fuzzy experience. The positives are endless: you’ll experience a sense of purpose, learn new skills, and connect with cool new peeps.

Auckland never ceases to amaze. Vibrant eateries, exciting experiences and luxury stays are all just a beat away in the heart of Auckland. Look no further, at just over a 3-hour flight, it's perfect for a weekend escape. 

If you’ve ever wanted to put your relationships to the test, a date at Funlab’s latest arcade will give you the perfect opportunity to stir the pot and earn some bragging rights.

In order to get you finding clues, deciphering puzzles, decrypting codes and solving mysteries, we’ve investigated some of the best escape rooms on the Gold Coast for you to track down and enjoy.

If you’re after the best go karting the Gold Coast has to offer, we’ve got you covered. Grab the fam and get your zoom on at these wholesome go karting Gold Coast venues.

To help you get out and about on the water, we’ve compiled 11 places to kayak on and around the Gold Coast. Whether you live northern, central or southern Gold Coast, there’s a spot not too far from you.

Two things that often go hand in hand are live music and alcohol. From festival benders to a quiet beer at catching your new favourite band, seeing live shows can feel synonymous with having a drink—but it doesn't have to be that way.

Flexing your creative muscles is a surefire way to get out of your comfort zone—and have fun while doing it. Creativity looks different for everyone and the key is to find what makes your heart sing. 

We’ve wrapped up a stack of free events taking over The Star Gold Coast this February so you can eat, sip, laugh and dance your way through stunning summer evenings. 

All too often we think the perfect date - either with your mates or a potential lover - should include booze. Be it the need for some liquid courage or just because you simply can’t think of anything better than hitting up a wine bar, there’s actually a slew of great date ideas that won’t include a drop of alcohol. 

See Whats On In Your State This Summer

When you have a backyard as stunning as we do, it would be a crime not to take advantage of its wonder and natural beauty by sleeping out under the stars.

Experience HOTA's world-exclusive exhibition, Pop Masters: Art from Mugrabi Collection, New York in a whole new light on two unmissable evenings, Up Late: New York Nights.  

To help you on your way to becoming the new Barty or Federer, we’ve put together some easy ways to rally your crew into a hit of tennis so that everyone can enjoy.

Dig out your fave linen ensemble and gather your crew because we’ve found the perfect place to have a sip sesh in the sunshine and catch the action at the Australian Open—and it’s all thanks to the legends at Canadian Club. Running from 16–29 January 2023, the Canadian Club Racquet Club is where you’ll want to soak up the Aus Open action this summer.

Contemporary cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts, will soon present a world premiere exhibition, Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York, which will showcase more than 50 never-before-seen artworks by legendary Pop Art artists throughout the ages. 

Found: A cringe-free, wholesome and fun Valentine’s Day date idea they'll actually love. 

With the region booming, there are loads of killer hospo jobs on offer in this beautiful part of the world, too. Still not convinced? Read on to find out why we reckon you should consider a seachange to Perth to score a great job and lifestyle at once.

Itching for a digital disconnect? Throw everything you own in the boot and hit the road—we’ve done the hard yards for you and tracked down all the free camping spots in Queensland.