THE Gold Coast has more to offer than just sun, surf and sand. After 50 years as one of Australia's leading tourist hotspots, it's evolved into much, much more. Where else can you go on wine trails, hike rugged mountains, jet-boat and hug koalas all within 50km of one another? Here's a list of just some of the must-do activities

Visit Q1

The world's tallest residential tower is also the only observation deck in Australia by the beach. Clearly recognisable among the Gold Coast's many high rises, the landmark Q1 is a great starting point for tourists. It's best visited during the day, although bad weather can also be a plus - visitors like to lay out on the floor during thunderstorms to watch lightning strike the Q1's impressive 97.7 metre spire. Otherwise just amaze at the length of the coastline, which stretches out as far as the eye can see in both directions. Book your discounted tickets online or grab them from the frontdesk when you get there.

Fuel your adrenalin

The Gold Coast is well on the way to calling itself Australia's adventure capital with no end of thrill-seeking activities available - think jet-boating, jet-skiing, off-road 4WD adventure drives, zorbing, surfing lessons, bungy jumping, tiger moth joy rides, helicopter tours, go-karting, Harley Davidson jaunts, WRX rally car racing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hot air ballooning, theme parks and Infinity... to name a few.

Cheer on the local team

The Gold Coast's population is increasing at the rate of knots and with it, its sporting power. A day at the footy, or rugby, or basketball, or local ironman contest is a great way to keep the whole family entertained. The Titans, in the NRL, and the Blaze, in the NBL, both turned two in their respective codes this season. An AFL team looks set to join the fun by 2011 officially and Gold Coast United is the A-League's most colourful new addition.

Get a theme park thrill

Even the most conservative visitor should take a moment before snubbing this suggestion. Sure, it's a no brainer for kids, but the diversity on offer among the big five - Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild and WhiteWater World - and the string of smaller parks guarantees a good time can truly be had by all. Stroke a sting ray at Sea World's Ray Reef, experience a virtual V8 Supercar race at Dreamworld, cuddle a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or witness life on a station at the Australian Outback Spectacular. Read more and book your discounted theme park tickets.

Discover the Hinterland

The Hinterland often gets forgotten in the glitz and glam of the Gold Coast. But up in the hills, the Coast can actually be very charming. Along the usual winery trails, there's also homemade cheeses, fudge and local brews and liquors to be sampled. Go during the weekend and snap up some local produce at a Farmers' Market, as well as some arts and craft. For the more adventurous, you can tackle one of the many rainforest walks available on Tamborine Mountain, or head down to NSW and Mt Warning. They don't call it that for nothing - you'll have to pull yourself up via a chain for the last few metres.

Visit a surf club

Whether you get along for a meal or a couple of beers with some mates, surf clubs are a favourite with locals and dish up well-priced meals in comfortable surrounds. The walls of most clubs are lined with photos of lifesavers in budgie smugglers giving a good insight into the history of the club and its members. A family-friendly dinner option and a great place for a session before you hit the clubs in Surfers.

Have a spa treatment

The Gold Coast is home to an ever-growing list of top-class spa treatment centres. There's something luxurious about wandering about in the daylight hours in a plush robe and slippers. You can head back to the Q1 and its award-winning resort and spa or try a myriad of other beauty spots located in the top hotels, such as the Golden Door Spa & Health Club at the Sheraton Mirage, Main Beach and L'Aqua

Enjoy a seafood feast

Fresh seafood is a regular on many a Gold Coast menu so diners are spoilt for choice. Splurge on one of the top end restaurants (see our Gold Coast restaurant reviews for ideas) or pog out in private by buying your own fresh (try Charis Seafood at Labrador, Peter's Fish Market at Main Beach or Ferry Road Market at Southport where you can try before you buy). Of course, there is added satisfaction to be had in catching your own (see resident guru Paul Burt's fishing tips to find out what's biting where) but pride and hungry children may negate this option. Several operators also run chartered fishing expeditions and catch-a-crab cruises.

Walk the Burleigh Hill

Make like the locals and stretch your legs along Burleigh's esplanade before making your way around the hill. The track is bordered by lush rainforest remnant that is Burleigh National Park on one side (watch out for the scrub turkeys, they have a habit of creeping up out of nowhere) and stunning views north to Surfers Paradise and south over Tallebudgera Creek.

Have a picturesque picnic

Outdoors is where the fun is at. This is a perfect chance to grab a basket and head to the Gold Coast's famous beaches. Barbecues and picnic tables are available along most parts of the cityside beaches (including BBQ pontoons on the Broadwater), or you could always try more scenic locals, like the rock pools at Currumbin. Up in the Hinterland is another perfect place for a picnic, or you can take the trouble out of lunch by ordering fish and chips at Charis Seafood, Labrador or Peter's Fish Market at Main Beach, while the fresh crab sandwiches at the kiosk at the end of The Spit are a Gold Coast specialty.

Go hot-air ballooning

Ballooning may not come cheap (prices start from $175 per person), but it pays off. Floating soundlessly in the sky is one of those rare experiences that everyone should try at least once. And on the Gold Coast, the views are spectacular, with Brisbane, the brilliant sight of the Coast's endless high rises and the peaks of Tamborine Mountain and Mt Warning all visible on clear days. Thirty minutes feels like only a moment up there and you'll be wishing for more. Browse Gold Coast hot air balloon deals.

SPLASHTASTIC

For the children who want to get their feet wet Splashtastic Fun in the Park is the ideal holiday activity. A council organised activity, the day is made up of water based and water interactive games in the park. Children should be warned take a change of clothes. Splashtastic Fun in the Park is on Monday at Justins Park on The Esplanade from 9am. Call Fit Kids on 0434 107 599 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0434 107 599 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0434 107 599 end_of_the_skype_highlighting for more details.

CAROLS

Get into the Christmas spirit with the kids by taking them to a good old-fashioned carols by candlelight. Not only will they get to belt out all their favourite holiday tunes, you also wont have to worry about keeping them quiet. There will be carol evenings right across the Gold Coast from Coolangatta, Palm Beach and Carrara to Broadbeach, Main Beach and Southport. For dates, times and locations visit the Gold Coast City Council website at http://www.goldcoastcity.com.au/

BEACH

The old stand-by, packing up the towels and sunscreen and heading to one of the Gold Coasts world-famous beaches. With the price of petrol at the moment parents can take their pick anywhere on the Gold Coast from Kirra to Surfers Paradise. Most Gold Coast beaches are patrolled full-time thanks to lifesavers and lifeguards. If youre not too keen on the waves the family can always head down to the Currumbin rock pools.

PICNIC UP THE MOUNTAIN

Take your children on a mountain adventure to discover the other side of the Gold Coast in the Hinterland. After packing the picnic basket all you will need is a map to all the beautiful lookouts the mountain has to offer. Take a stroll through Tamborine Village, afterwards you can even pop into one of the wineries for a bit of a treat for mum and dad.

MOVIES

Stockland is getting into the spirit of Christmas, hosting free movie nights across the Coast. There are childrens favourites, this months is Santa Clause 3 starring Tim Allen. The movies start at the bedtime friendly hour of 7.30pm and there is even a sausage sizzle beforehand from 6.30pm. There will also be special guest appearance by Santa himself. The movie will also screen on December 15 at Highland Reserve Parkland, Rose Valley Drive, Upper Coomera, on December 16 at The Observatory Park on Southern Skies Avenue, Reedy Creek and on December 17 at Central Park, Hotham Drive, Pacific Pines and December 18 at Jacobs Ridge Parklands, Ormeau.

RHYTHM AND GROOVE

Get your kids into the groove with some of the free council activities that involves learning to play an instrument, sing and dance. Children can bring their own instrument or learn how to play a completely new one. Its on today from 3pm to 4.30pm in Reserve Park on the corner of Coomera Spring Boulevard and Rosemallow Drive in Upper Coomera. You dont have to book in but for more information call The Twine on 0409 064 490.

PAINTING

Get your kids inspired with the Surfers Paradise 75th anniversary art show. The show has artwork charting the rise of Surfers from the sleepy town it was to the buzzing entertainment central it is today. Its open every weekday until New Years Eve at the Watermark Hotel and Spa, 3032 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise. Afterwards you can get creative with your kids and do some painting of your own outdoors in Surfers Paradise. Water colours are cheap as chips and its a great opportunity to soak up the vibe in Surfers.

LIBRARY

While the library does have a certain stigma about it, and is probably the last place kids think they want to go in their holidays, they will be pleasantly surprised. Most of the Gold Coast libraries feature fun and interactive games on computers and kids can hardly be bored discovering such greats as Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. A bonus is the ever-expanding DVD collection the libraries now have with many TV series and movies available to rent for free. They also host a lot of daytime activities through the holidays. For your nearest library visit the Gold Coast City Council website.

STREET ENTERTAINMENT

Its the time of the year when Surfers is pulsing with all types of street entertainment which is free, so take the children along to enjoy it. Chevron Renaissance hosts live music weekly with a band on Saturdays from 5.30pm at the Fountain Piazza. Meanwhile latin dancers twirl and dip for onlookers at Circle on Cavill from 7.30 on Friday nights.

WILDLIFE SPOT LIGHTING

Discover the great outdoors at night with guided spot light tours of Coombabah. Kids can discover exactly what kangaroos and other native wild life get up to at night. Rangers takes groups on tours of Coombabah Lakes Conservation Area in Rain Tree Glen. Tours must be booked, so get in quickly by calling 5581 1521.

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