The 2026 Gold Coast 500 brings three days of Supercars racing to the streets of Surfers Paradise from Friday, October 23, to Sunday, October 25.

Friday’s practice sessions begin at 11:45 am and 1:50 pm, before qualifying at 4:05 pm helps set the grid for Saturday’s race.

Saturday features a Top Ten Shootout at 12:35 pm, followed by the first 85-lap race at 3:15 pm.

Sunday has its own qualifying sessions at 11:20 am and 11:40 am, a shootout at 12:05 pm and a second 85-lap race at 2:45 pm.

Support racing and the Sound Track entertainment precinct add to the beachside weekend, with Bag Raiders and Sneaky Sound System among the announced acts.

With crowds and road closures expected around Surfers Paradise and Main Beach, allow extra time to arrive, consider the G:link light rail and check the latest schedule before heading out.

Moving to the Gold Coast brings beach days, but also the everyday work of finding your way around and feeling at home.

Start close to home: walk your neighbourhood, find the shops and services you’ll use, and notice how the area feels at different times.

Keep a simple list of essentials, from bin collection and building contacts to your nearest pharmacy, and test your commute before you need to make it.

Gold Coast Libraries, council activities and local groups can help you discover facilities, try something new and meet people at your own pace.

Find an outdoor spot you’ll return to, whether that’s Broadwater Parklands, Burleigh Heads or a small park near home.

Explore other neighbourhoods when you’re ready, check current details before making plans and remember that a good day out needn’t be expensive.

Feeling settled takes time, but familiar routes, regular activities and small conversations can gradually make the Coast feel like yours.

Enjoy the Gold Coast for free with ten easy outings, from coastal walks to art and family activities.

Explore the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens in Benowa, walk Burleigh Head National Park, or picnic and play at Southport’s Broadwater Parklands.

Choose a stretch of the Gold Coast Oceanway, climb to the lookout at Currumbin’s Elephant Rock, or browse a free exhibition at HOTA.

Join a local parkrun, find a free Gold Coast Libraries activity, pack lunch for Hinze Dam’s Picnic Parkland, or watch the morning light at your nearest beach.

Free access doesn’t always mean a cost-free day: transport, parking, food and optional extras can add up.

Before heading out, check access updates and booking requirements, and choose walks and facilities that suit your group.

On the Gold Coast, a memorable date can be as simple as sharing a sunset picnic on Burleigh Hill.

Bring something easy to eat, arrive before dusk and take your rubbish with you.

Prefer to keep moving?

Walk Burleigh Headland before stopping for coffee, or swim at Tallebudgera Creek when conditions are safe.

Check water conditions first, and swim between the flags at patrolled surf beaches.

For an early start, watch the sunrise from the sand, then warm up over breakfast.

Weekend markets offer time to browse together, while HOTA makes room for art, performances and conversation.

For dinner with a buzz, try Miami Marketta; for a longer escape, head to Tamborine Mountain.

Or see the coast in a new light from SkyPoint or on a twilight cruise.

Check schedules before you go, then leave room to enjoy each other’s company.

The Gold Coast’s quieter corners offer a different kind of escape, often found by visiting familiar places at the right time.

An early walk along Tugun beach can feel far removed from the crowds at Surfers Paradise, while The Spit offers long stretches of open sand.

Near Snapper Rocks, little Froggy’s Beach feels tucked away, though visitors should keep an eye on changing tides and surf.

Seclusion on a popular coastline may mean a quiet morning rather than an undiscovered beach.

Inland, Cougal Cascades in Currumbin Valley offers forest shade and tumbling water.

Springbrook National Park’s Twin Falls is another rewarding outing, even if its beauty is no secret.

Check track conditions after rain, stay clear of slippery edges and fast-moving water, and use established beach access points to protect the dunes.

Bring water, respect wildlife and take rubbish home so these Gold Coast escapes remain welcoming for everyone.