In recent years the Gold Coast has reinvented itself as a much more sophisticated and diverse travel destination than the rather limited and arguably tacky reputation it used to have.
No longer just a paradise for surfers, theme park thrill-seekers and hot-blooded nightclubbers, the famously gorgeous Queensland region is also now a much more refined holiday haven for all manner of foodies, families and suave travellers.
But don't let the new level of culture and sophistication fool you: it is still the ultimate Australian destination for a boys' trip.
This was really hammered home to me on a recent trip as I raced around on the oceanways of Surfers Paradise... in a sports car. That was on the same day I raced around an actual racetrack in a V8 supercar, before eating and drinking at an amazing brewery and later being totally enthralled at a racy Spiegelclub.
The region is well-known for its golf courses, adventure tourism options, casino, beach bars and nightclubs, but there is a lot more to it than that.
If you're on holiday with another family or two and the dads want a day off together, if you're there for a stag do, or if you're just away for a weekend with the lads, here are some of the top things to do with the boys on the GC.
High-octane thrills
Jetcar Australia is arguably the most GC thing you can do on the GC, and it is an absolute blast. Taking his cue from similar operations in Dubai and Miami, the guy behind it buys shells of high-end sports cars and turns them into crazy jet-ski hybrid vehicles, then hires them out to tourists. It's a uniquely exhilarating experience racing one of these around, but just be prepared to be the centre of attention among snap-happy bystanders. Each vehicle is equipped with a sound system to blast your tunes, and features a steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedal - so it really does feel like driving a car on the ocean. It's mint.
At Norwell Motorplex, you can find a more traditional and quintessentially Australian petrolhead experience. While you can drive a V8 Supercar on the track here, I preferred to take the hot laps option, taking up a more comfortable position in the passenger seat as a seasoned expert sped me around. The vehicle had a roll cage, I had a helmet on and it was safe as can be; but it's still a bit terrifying as you see a corner getting closer and closer as the driver guns for it with wild speed.
There are also jet-ski safaris, jetpack experiences, Harley Davidson tours and transfers, and plenty of other cool activities for speed-demon dudes to enjoy on the GC.
Beer worship at breweries
After the craft beer boom and subsequent bust, only the best breweries have survived, and the Gold Coast has more than its fair share. Their emphasis is definitely not on gross intoxication or 'schoolie' shenanigans, but rather a mature appreciation of great beer.
I checked out a few craft beer breweries and my top picks of the most interesting are these two:
- Balter
This is a highly beloved beer brand in Australia and as soon as I stepped into the Currumbin brewery I got a sense of why. It achieves the chill, nostalgic vibe so many of these places go for but don't quite get, being a comfortable spot for families, hip young couples, or a group of chaps enjoying a few brews. They host very popular quiz nights, put on meat raffles and even do a locals' night with all Aussie music and food - but Kiwis are very much invited to take part in those. The bar closes at 8pm, which gives you an idea of their relaxed approach; but thankfully they also do takeaways, so after a fascinating tour of the brewery with beer in hand, you can take a few brews back to the hotel or Airbnb. - Sobah
A truly unique entity, this is Australia's first Indigenous brewery dedicated to non-alcoholic but delicious craft beer. The drinks are all 0.5 percent or below and infused with native Australian fruits and spices. The onsite food on offer is also Australian native cuisine and there are brewery tours here too, which offer insight into Sobah's origins. It may sound ironic, but drinking non-alcoholic beer really can enhance your appreciation of beer in general - and this is a great place to do that.
Adult entertainment (but classy)
Despite it being 2024 and us being an evolved species, a lot of stag dos end up at a place where people gather to look at other people taking their clothes off. As a wonderful alternative, the Gold Coast features the Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub, which is still raunchy and definitely R18 entertainment, but you and the guys have a better chance of leaving it feeling elated and not as uncomfortable as you might have otherwise. The performers are hugely talented and amazing to watch, the drinks and table service is on offer is fantastic, the host is hilarious and the venue itself evokes old-world glamour with a modern twist. Just be sure to book ahead for the show best suited to your group's taste.
Amazing kai
The Gold Coast has been referred to as Australia's newest foodie destination due to its recent explosion of high-end eateries, with several notable chefs relocating to the city during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When dining with your mates after a big day of fun, try to avoid the cheap greasies and instead splurge a bit to take advantage of the incredible food scene of the contemporary GC. There are many fantastic options, but the number one place I can personally recommend is Rick Shores.
Located right on the sand at Burleigh Heads, this awesome eatery's pan-Asian, seafood-heavy menu is next-level, and is accompanied by a very impressive drink selection. The set menu options are the way to go: every single item I enjoyed on mine was great, but my top favourites were the Moreton Bay bug rolls and crispy pork belly salad.
Final thoughts
If you're planning a boys' trip, the Gold Coast is a great location not too far from home and should be at the top of your list.
While the region has become more sophisticated in recent years, this only means there is more to do and more on offer - and there's still a base level of debauchery for those who want it.
The Gold Coast's blend of sun, surf, adventure and entertainment makes it an ideal destination for a boys' trip. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures, laid-back beach vibes or vibrant nightlife, you'll get that on the GC along with lots of attractions you won't find anywhere else in Australasia.
Newshub Travel experienced the Gold Coast as a guest of Tourism and Events Queensland.
