THERE is so much to see of Australia’s Gold Coast that sometimes you need a little help to guide you to the best spots. Whether it’s a deep sea fishing charter, a whale watching trip, a wine-tasting tour or a learn-to-surf lesson, there are plenty of experienced and enthusiastic locals on hand to assist.

But making your choice of what do and who to book with can be half the battle. So just so you know what’s on offer, here are some tips. Your time on the Gold Coast, whether it’s a few days or a few years, should include:

• at least one theme park visit
  
• the view from the top of Q1
• a day at the races
  
• a journey through the Hinterland to the bushwalks, rainforest and waterfalls of Binna Burra, Mt Tamborine, O’Reilly’s, Lamington National Park or Springbrook
  
• A tasting tour through the local wineries (and bring a case home for good measure)
  
• A fishing charter trip
  
• Learn to surf lessons
  
• A canal or waterways cruise
  
• Go-kart racing or high-performance car driving
  
• A bungy jump or parasail – something adventurous to tell the folks back home
  
• A hefty dose of retail therapy (shopping!)

You will see literally hundreds of brochures and advertisements for tours, so how do you decide? Well, every person’s wants and needs are different so here at goldcoast.com.au we recommend you use The Best of The Gold Coast books (free everywhere) and our friends at Gold Coast Tourism - you might know them as Very GC. They have connections with the best tour operators on the Gold Coast, so click through below and start planning your fun day out.