Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced from midnight Friday, May 1, Queenslanders will be able to boat and fish for leisure, ride a motorbike, jetski and even shop for clothes and shoes.

While most national parks are also are open, Gold Coast City Council have confirmed outdoor gym equipment, outdoor basketball courts, skate parks and camping grounds will remain shut.

Beaches will be open, with Queensland Police confirming you can sunbake.

Travelling over the NSW border is still prohibited unless it is for essential travel.

NSW Police will fine you if you travel over the border for non essential travel.

To help you plan your first official weekend of freedom, we’ve compiled a list of 50 things you can do this weekend, all within 50km of Southport CBD.

Ensure you check the exact distance from your home address before venturing out and remember, you can only go with one other person or with those your live with.

SOUTHERN GOLD COAST

1. Explore Palm Beach Artificial Reef

Travel: 25min / 23km / 270m offshore

Address: Off Nineteen Avenue, Palm Beach

There’s plenty to see and explore at the Gold Coast’s newest artificial reef. The submerged rock structure is 24m in depth and located off Nineteenth Avenue, Palm Beach.

2. Paddle board through Currumbin Creek

Travel: 35min / 35km

Address: 2 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Hire a sup board from Boatshed Bait & Tackle and do your best to stay standing. They’re open from 7am on the weekend and 8.30am weekdays. Last hire is at 3pm.

$20 for 1.5 hours. $25 for 2 hours. Can also hire kayaks and fishing

3. Currumbin Rock Pools

Travel: 46min drive, 34km away

Address: Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley

This secret swimming hole is a hidden gem. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Currumbin Beach and even if it’s too cold for a swim, the scenery alone through Currumbin Valley is worth it.

4. Kayak Tallebudgera Creek

Travel: 34min / 27km

Address: Tallebudgera Creek

You can paddle far and wide through Tallebudgera Creek, which is approximately 27km in length.

5. Walk Burleigh Headland

Travel: 25min / 18km

Address: John Law Park, Burleigh Heads

There’s a reason why Burleigh Headland is a local hotspot. There’s two routes to take – one down and round to Tallebudgera Creek, and the other up hill to stunning panoramic views of the southern Gold Coast.

6. Point Danger Lookout

Travel: 40min / 36km

Address: Boundary Street, Coolangatta

To view one of the city’s best surf spots - pull up a park at D’bah. There’s also plenty of grass for a picnic on the hill. The NSW border is close, so be sure not to cross it.

7. Palm Beach Currumbin Farmers’ Markets

Travel: 28min / 25km

Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Bring a basket and pick up some fresh fruit, veg, flowers and fine foods from local farmers and businesses. The markets trade every Saturday.

8. Elephant Rock, Currumbin

Travel: 31min / 28km

Address: Duringan Street, Currumbin

Perfect for site-seeing and going for a walk, fish, or surf.

9. Grab a takeaway coffee and enjoy the sun at Burleigh Hill

Travel: 25min / 18km

Address: Burleigh Hill, Burleigh Heads

There’s plenty of great coffee shops and restaurants in Burleigh offering takeaways. Just make sure you follow social distancing rules.

10. Take your pooches to the Palm Beach dog beach

Travel: 29min / 25km

Address: 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

11. Grab a treat form the Custard Canteen Drive-through

Travel: 25min / 20km

Address: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

You can drive-in and pick up a delicious pastry, cookie or burger from Custard Canteen. It’s located next to Tallebudgera Creek and is the perfect spot to go for a walk.

12. Take a surfing lesson at Currumbin Alley

Travel: 30min / 26km

Address: Currumbin Alley, Currumbin

If you’re keen to learn a new hobby, Currumbin Alley Surf School are still doing surf lessons. They’re open from 7am to 5pm. Phone to book.

13. Run the Stairs at Currumbin

Travel: 30min / 26km

Address: Scenic Lookout, Currumbin

Get your heart rate pumping but doing a few laps up and down the stairs at Currumbin.

14. Visit Coolangatta

Travel: 36min / 32km

Address: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Some stores inside the Strand shopping centre will be open this weekend with social distancing restrictions. Treat yourself to an ice cream from Gelato Messina and go for a walk along the beach. Just be careful not to cross over to NSW borders.

15. Explore Tugun

Travel: 31min / 27km

Address: Pacific Parade, Tugun

Grab yourself a takeaway coffee or meal from the venues still trading in the area. There’s a lengthy track to walk or ride your bike along to Coolangatta. Kirra is a great location for a swim.

CENTRAL GOLD COAST

16. Surf the Coast

There’s an endless range of hot spots on the Gold Coast. Try D’Bah, Burleigh Point or Currumbin Alley. Hopefully every man and his board isn’t at the one place this weekend!

17. Whale watching from the Seaway

Travel: 4mins / 2.5km

Address: SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach

With the Gold Coast expected to drop down to single digit temperatures this weekend, whale watching season will be soon approaching. Between May and July, whales typically make their way north to breed.

18. Visit the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

Travel: 13min / 7km

Address: 232 Ashmore Road, Benowa

Stop and smell the roses at the botanic gardens in Benowa.

19. Ride the G-Link

Address: Gold Coast Highway

Explore the central parts of the city by catching the tram to and from Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

20. Dog Beach at The Spit

Travel: 14min / 7km

Address: SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach

The Spit is perfect for: a day at the beach, a trip to the dog beach with your pup and if you don’t own a dog it’s the best place for dog-spotting cute canines. Plus, films like Pirates of the Caribbean have been filmed at this iconic Gold Coast location.

21. Visit Broadwater Parklands

Travel: 5min / 2km

Address: Marine Parade, Southport

Get the family together and head to Broadwater Parklands for a picnic or for a walk along the water.

22. Ride a bike around Emerald Lakes

Travel: 12min / 8km

If you’re looking for a place to ride your bike which isn’t the beach, Emerald Lakes is the place to go. The track is roughly 8km.

23. Jetski through the Broadwater

Travel: 2min / 1km

Address: Southport

As of this weekend, you can now take your boat or jetski out. The Broadwater is the perfect spot.

24. Fish and Chips at Charis Seafoods

Travel: 8min / 4km

Address: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador

Pick up some take away fish and chips and enjoy the sun on the water.

25. Exercise

Outdoor gym equipment remains closed but there’s still plenty of opportunity to get your heart rate pumping. Head out for a walk or run along Broadbeach.

26. Hit the shops

Travel: 13min / 10km to Pacific Fair - 20min / 14km to Robina Town Centre

Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre will be open this weekend, with some non-essential stores opening up their doors to trade. Be sure to bring your hand sanitiser and social distance.

27. Ride a bike from Broadbeach to Nobbys Beach

Travel: 10min / 3km

Take the scenic route and ride your bike along the beach footpath. If you’re not keen to pedal, walking is always an option.

28. Marina Mirage Farmers Markets

Travel: 5min / 3km

Address: 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Pick up some fresh veg and support local farmers. The markets are held every Saturday from 7am to 12pm.

29. Miami Rainbow Stairs

Travel: 20min / 15km

Address: Gold Coast Oceanway, Miami

These colourful stairs are perfect for exercising or taking the perfect photo for Instagram.

30. North Burleigh Lookout

Travel: 21min / 15km

Address: Mick Schamburg Park, Miami

The North Burleigh Lookout is a great place to view the city. While you’re up there, having a picnic in the sun. Or if you’re into fitness, it’s the perfect spot for hill sprints.

31. Hit the beach

The water might be a bit cold but but you can now leisurely sunbake! Just be sure you’re social distancing with one other person or with your household group.

32. Mountain bike ride the Nerang National Park and Nerang State Forest

Travel: 17min / 10km

Address: Nerang

As of this weekend you can now mountain bike ride and ride a motorbike. There’s plenty of great tracks on the Gold Coast now open.

33. Play a round of golf

Most Gold Coast golf courses are open but have strict social distancing measures in place. You can play a round with one other person, but call up your favourite location first.

34. Pick up a picnic box or hamper from Miami Marketta

Travel: 18min / 14km

Address: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

You can order online a ‘booze box’, cheese and win box or a Mother’s Day hamper and drive into the venue to pick it up.

35. Take a walk around Oasis Shopping Centre

Travel: 14min / 8km

Address: Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Some stores will be trading in the Broadbeach based mall. Grab a coffee and takeaway lunch while you’re there.

36. Snorkel the Gold Coast Seaway

Travel: 14min / 7km

Address: Sea World Drive, Main Beach

There’s plenty of great spots to snorkel in the Seaway. The Wreck of the Scottish Prince, which sunk in 1887, is located 800m from the beach near the Spit. Otherwise stick in close to the rock walls or try Wavebreak Island.

37. Ride a jet ski through the Broadwater

Travel: 9min / 3km

Address: Southport

Take a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Broadwater with Surfers Paradise Parasail Jet Ski Hire, at Marina Mirage, which is open for business.

NORTHERN GOLD COAST

38. Watch a film at the Yatala Drive-In

Travel: 29min / 38km

Address: 100 Stapylton Jacobs Well Road, Stapylton

The iconic Yatala Drive-In cinemas, which opened in 1974, will be playing films again this weekend. Gates open from 5.3pm for a 6.30pm start on Saturday. Tickets must be purchased online first.

39. Go shopping at one of the many shopping centres

Travel: Roughly 21min / 22km

There’s plenty of northern Gold Coast shopping centres to pick up some goods this weekend. And don’t forget - Mother’s Day is approaching if you need to find a gift.

40. Ikea

Travel: 38min / 50km

Address: 3539 - 3565 Pacific Hwy, Slacks Creek

If you’re redecorating your home, you can now travel to Ikea! There’s nothing better to keep you busy like building a flatpack.

HINTERLAND

41. Mountview Alpaca Farm, Canungra

Travel: 42min / 39km

Address: 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra

The Mountview Alpaca Farm is one of the few places on the Gold Coast you can pet, feed and take a big, friendly alpaca for a walk. The farm will be trading seven days a week from Saturday. While you’re there, sit back and enjoy a picnic by the steam.

42. Austinville Rock Pools

Travel: 36min drive / 32km

Address: Austinville

If you’re itching for serenity, the Austinville Rock Pools is the place to get back in touch with nature and get off your phone. The National Park is so secluded, there’s minimal reception. Keep your eyes peeled for the turtles too.

43. Natural Bridge, Springbrook

Travel: 44mins / 45km

Address: Follow Pine Creek Road to the end and then turn left onto Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd

The park’s Natural Bridge section features a picturesque rock formation, formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. Head out at night to see the glow-worms.

44. Fish in the Hinze Dam

Travel: 23min / 20km

Address: Advancetown

You can now non-essential fish this weekend. The Hinze Dam is a great Hinterland location.

45. Tamborine Lookout

Travel: 35min / 32km

Address: Lookout Parade, Tamborine Mountain

See the city’s skyline from the Hinterland at this stunning spot. Also worth taking a drive around the scenic area.

46. Scenic drive through Beechmont

Travel: 42min / 35min

Address: Beechmont Rd, Beechmont

There is so much to see on this route into the Hinterland. Some cafes are still open if you’d like to grab takeaway and find a spot to eat. Spot and visit the dairy cows at the family-owned Providence Farm and pick up some fresh milk while you’re there.

47. Hike through the Hinterland Regional Park

Travel: 23min / 17km

Address: 30-46 Hardys Rd, Mudgeeraba

Grab a mate and explore the Mudgeeraba-based track.

48. Cycle through the Hinterland

Travel: 39min / 32km

Address: Springbrook

Little Nerang Dam to Springbrook is great track for cyclists.

49. Bike through Advance Town

Travel: 22min / 18km

Address: Advancetown

A good sport for riding is on the Peter Hallinan Mountain Bike track.

50. Stay at home

If you’re feeling unwell or locations are too crowded - the best thing to do is to stay at home. Have a backyard picnic, watch a film or do some baking. Stay safe!