Gold Coast / 9 photo spots
9 Instagram spots around Gold Coast
From beach promenades to rainforest lookouts, the Gold Coast has plenty of ways to frame the coast. Springbrook is an inland excursion. Check current park and beach notices before setting out. Commercial photography on council land requires a licence, except wedding photos unless space is reserved. National parks have separate rules.
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Photo spots on the map
1 of 9 photo ideas has sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
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Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
John Laws Park
From the grass at Burleigh Hill, frame the beach curving towards the Surfers Paradise skyline. Keep the water and buildings in separate layers.
Search Google MapsTumgun Lookout
The Rainforest Circuit leads to this ocean lookout in Burleigh Head National Park. Frame the sea between the trees, stay on open marked tracks and visit in daylight. Check alerts because sections can close after bad weather.
Search Google MapsElephant Rock Lookout
Climb the public steps at Currumbin Beach to the Elephant Rock platform. From the platform, use the coastline as a diagonal line across the frame and stay off the rocks.
Search Google MapsPoint Danger
Point Danger overlooks Duranbah Beach at the southern end of the Gold Coast. From the headland lookout, include the beach and horizon in a wide frame, well back from the edge.
Search Google MapsSurfers Paradise Beach
From the foreshore path at Surfers Paradise, photograph the surf and long stretch of sand. Keep clear of fenced dunes and follow any signs for beach works.
Search Google MapsBroadwater Parklands
At Southport, the Broadwater Parklands open onto the water. From the Great Lawn, use the shoreline and trees to give a waterfront scene depth.
Search Google MapsGold Coast Botanic Gardens
Follow the lake boardwalk in the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens at Benowa. Photograph the water with plants along the shore, keeping to the boardwalk.
Search Google MapsHOTA Bridge
The pedestrian and cycle bridge links the HOTA precinct with Chevron Island. Frame the Nerang River and Surfers Paradise skyline from the bridge, leaving room for others to pass.
Search Google MapsPurling Brook West Lookout
On a trip into the Gold Coast hinterland, photograph Purling Brook Falls and its gorge in a vertical frame from the western lookout. On 7 November 2026 the eastern lookout and upper crossing were closed for works. Access the western lookout from Gwongorella and check park alerts before leaving.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Experience Gold Coast, John Laws Park
- City of Gold Coast, film production licence
- Queensland Parks, Burleigh Head walking tracks
- Experience Gold Coast, Burleigh Head National Park
- Queensland Parks, visiting Burleigh Head safely
- Queensland Parks, permits and policies
- Experience Gold Coast, Elephant Rock
- Experience Gold Coast, Point Danger
- Experience Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise Beach
- City of Gold Coast, beach restoration
- City of Gold Coast, Broadwater Parklands
- City of Gold Coast, Broadwater Parklands event site
- Experience Gold Coast, regional botanic gardens
- HOTA, the precinct and bridge
- Queensland Parks, Springbrook walking tracks
- Queensland Parks, Purling Brook upgrade and partial closure