Things To Do in Gold Coast — August 2026
Gold Coast Marathon headlines Gold Coast this August. We've pulled together 5 things worth your time — dated events, the beaches and walks locals rate, and where to eat. Mild, dry winter days average 21°C — sunny, low humidity, and the best hinterland-walking weather of the year.
Updated 19 Jul 2026
August Events Calendar — What's On & When
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am | 2 Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am | |||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 Miami Marketta Live 7:00pm Live at HOTA Outdoor Stage 7:00pm | 8 ↻ Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am ↻ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am | 9 ↻ Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am ↻ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am |
| 10 Gold Coast Marathon 10:00am | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 ↻ Miami Marketta Live 7:00pm ↻ Live at HOTA Outdoor Stage 7:00pm | 15 ↻ Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am ↻ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am | 16 ↻ Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am ↻ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 ↻ Miami Marketta Live 7:00pm ↻ Live at HOTA Outdoor Stage 7:00pm | 22 ↻ Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am ↻ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am | 23 ↻ Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am ↻ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 ↻ Miami Marketta Live 7:00pm ↻ Live at HOTA Outdoor Stage 7:00pm | 29 ↻ Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am ↻ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am | 30 ↻ Burleigh Farmers Market 8:00am ↻ Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets 8:00am |
| 31 |
Highlights this August
Mon 10 Aug
Gold Coast Marathon
📍 Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Every Friday
Miami Marketta Live
📍 Miami Marketta
Every Saturday
Burleigh Farmers Market
📍 Burleigh Heads State School
Every Friday
Live at HOTA Outdoor Stage
📍 HOTA, Home of the Arts
Every Saturday
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
📍 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
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Beaches
Sand, surf and swim spots — all free.
Broadbeach
Wide sandy beach backed by high-rise, patrolled and manicured, Gold Coast main strip without the Surfers Paradise crush. FreeFamilyBeach break
Northcliffe
Patrolled beach on the Gold Coast hinterland, modest suburban setting with basic facilities. Free
The Spit-Miami
Narrow beach between headlands with boat traffic and strong currents; popular with locals but exposed and dynamic. Free
Surfers Paradise Beach
Wide sandy beach backed by high-rise towers, patrolled and busy year-round, no natural shelter or rock features. FreeFamilyBeach break
Kurrawa
Patrolled beachfront on the Gold Coast strip with developed facilities and steady foot traffic. Free
Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast
Resort beach fronting the Sheraton Mirage, manicured and sheltered by the hotel complex on Main Beach. Free
Walks & Nature
Free hinterland and coastal trails.
Rainforest Circuit
The Rainforest Circuit at Burleigh Head is a bonzer little loop that winds through proper subtropical rainforest. It's… FreeClass 2 — Easy (estimated)0.74 km
MacDonald Rainforest Circuit
This little ripper of a circuit winds through proper subtropical rainforest—the kind where the canopy's so thick you'll… Free0.92 km
Jorama Curtis Falls Track
The Jorama Curtis Falls Track is a short stroll through Tamborine National Park that leads you to a lovely little water… Free0.52 km
Witches Falls
Witches Falls is a beaut of a short walk through Tamborine National Park, taking you down to a lovely waterfall that'll… Free1.47 km
Bellbird Lookout track
Bellbird Lookout is a short dirt wander through the bush to a proper nice vantage point — reckon it's barely over half… FreeClass 2 — Easy (estimated)0.51 km
Lower Ballunjui Falls Track
This little ripper takes you through the rainforest to a lovely waterfall – perfect for a quick splash about without ea… Free0.57 km
Activities & Experiences
Bookable things to do around the region.
Whales In Paradise
by Whales In Paradise · Whale Watching · from $119 Whales In Paradisefrom $119
Whale Watching Cruise
by Kokomo Cruises · Whale Watching · from $88 Kokomo Cruisesfrom $88
Whale Watching
Set sail with Spirit of Gold Coast for an incredible whale watching adventure on the Gold Coast. You'll spot these magnificent oc… Spirit of Gold Coast
Hot Air Balloon Flight
by Go Ballooning Go Ballooning
Surfing Lesson @ Surfers Paradise
Catch some waves with Cheyne Horan Surf School at iconic Surfers Paradise. You'll learn from the pros in one of Australia's most… Cheyne Horan Surf School
Surf Lesson @ Broadbeach
Catch some waves at Broadbeach with Go Ride a Wave, where you'll learn to surf the Gold Coast's best breaks. Whether you're a tot… Go Ride a Wave - Broadbeach
Where To Eat
Local favourites near the action.
Relish Grill & Bar
Head to Relish Grill & Bar in Surfers Paradise for a great meal in the heart of the Gold Coast. You'll find quality food and drin… Surfers Paradise
Horizon Sky Dining
Horizon Sky Dining brings you elevated dining in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Come enjoy a meal with views and flavours that'll… Surfers Paradise
Rudy's Real Food Organic Café
Rudy's Real Food Organic Café brings you genuinely nourishing meals right here in Surfers Paradise. Stop by and fuel up the way n… Surfers Paradise
Akoya
You'll find Akoya right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, ready to welcome you in. Come see what makes this Gold Coast spot worth… Surfers Paradise
Palm Court
Palm Court awaits you in the heart of Surfers Paradise, right where the Gold Coast's energy pulses strongest. Come see what makes… Surfers Paradise
Shiraz - Best Persian Restaurant & Bar
Welcome to Shiraz, where authentic Persian flavours await you in Surfers Paradise. Come enjoy quality cuisine and hospitality at… Surfers Paradise
Good To Know in August 2026
Humpback whale seasonHumpback whales migrate past the Gold Coast from June to early November, with the best sightings September–October. Whale-watching boats run daily from Main Beach.
Average Winter weatherMild, dry winter days average 21°C — sunny, low humidity, and the best hinterland-walking weather of the year.
Gold Coast in August 2026 — FAQ
Is Gold Coast worth visiting in August?
Yes. August is one of the better months for Gold Coast — it's whale season, and there's plenty on including Gold Coast Marathon, Miami Marketta Live, Burleigh Farmers Market.
How many days do you need in Gold Coast?
Two to three days covers the beaches, a hinterland walk and the month's main events. Stretch to four or five with kids or a slower pace — the planner below builds it around your dates.
Is Gold Coast busy in August?
August sits outside the main school-holiday peaks, so it's an easier time to get around and book.
What's on in Gold Coast in August?
Highlights include Gold Coast Marathon, Miami Marketta Live, Burleigh Farmers Market — the dated calendar above has the full list with times.