Gold Coast Festival of Lights is a celebration of Chinese culture. Whether you travel alone, with friends, or with family, joining the festival will provide fun, relaxation, and entertainment. It’s an excellent way to release stress and take a break from your stressful world.
Gold Coast Festival of Lights Dates (2022-2023)
The most-awaited Gold Coast Festival of Lights was celebrated every August 26 to October 3 of the year. The festival was held for the initially way back in 2016, wherein it illuminated the Gold Coast Broadwater Parklands with more than 20,000 lights. It was part of the impressive Chinese silk lantern light display.
There is no announcement yet about the celebration of the Gold Coast lights festival this 2022. Make sure to stay updated about the festival of lights dates. With that, you can visit the place and witness cultural goodness.
Where It’s Located and How To Get There
The Gold Coast Festival of Lights highlights the beauty of Southport Broadwater Parklands, across from Ada Bell Way & Gold Coast Hwy Southport, QLD 4215 in Australia. You can come and enjoy Chinese culture at the lights festival.
You can enjoy the display of hundreds of unique and stunning large-scale light installations, traditional handcrafts, live cultural performances, and Chinese cuisine. By visiting the festival, you can have a memorable cultural experience.
The Broadwater Parklands is a world-class community that Gold Coast residents and tourists adored. You can get there through light rail or bus. The Southport station is the nearest to Broadwater Parklands in Southport. The nearest bus stop is a minute’s walk away from Broadwater Parklands.
The locals are friendly, so you can ask them for guidance to get there and enjoy the beautiful lights display.

gold coast light festival Hours
You can enjoy the light show at the Gold Coast Festival of Lights every night from 6 pm. Have a colorful and fun evening as you walk at the Gold Coast Broadwater Parklands. You can be impressed by more than 20,000 lights. These lights are part of the beautiful Chinese silk lantern light exhibition.
Visiting the Gold Coast lights festival allows you to explore the culture of the Chinese people. You can relax and spend quality time with yourself or your loved ones as you view the light installations. There are also nightly live cultural performances, food stalls, Chinese handicrafts, and activities for children.
If you want to experience a lively and colorful night, the Gold Coast Festival of Lights can be the best event. There is also ambient music for a real sensory experience. The festival can make your vacation more satisfying and entertaining.
How Much It Cost To Visit Gold Coast Festival of Lights
Gold Coast Festival of Lights will provide you with a great experience visiting Southport Broadwater Parklands. You can witness the festival of lights at an affordable cost. The ticket starts at $14. There are also available bookings online or at the gate.
The festival celebrates the Chinese culture, so visiting the festival is the best solution if you want to have a cultural experience as you travel. There are affordable accommodations and foods you can avail of during your stay for the festival.
Weather and What to Wear
The average temperature in Southport Broadwater Parklands for August ranges from high 60 ° F (20 °C) and low 56 °F (14 °C). August is a winter month, so evenings are pleasant and cold. You can wear layer clothes to comfort yourself as you explore the place of the Gold Coast Festival of Lights. Make sure to wear your jacket and gloves for the cold weather.
hotels nearby the gold coast light festival
As you visit the Gold Coast Festival of Lights, finding a place to sleep comfortably is essential. Luckily, there are nearby hotels where you can sleep after exploring the event. These include:
Brighton Shores
The hotel is located in the vibrant Southport district of Gold Coast. It features picturesque panoramic views of the Broadwater ocean, marina, and hinterland. The hotel can provide you with 1 to 3 bedrooms apartments for long-term or short-term stays.
Brighten Shores can offer you a comfortable stay. They have ducted air conditioning with spacious living rooms, a big kitchen, satellite TV, a private balcony, and laundry facilities. You can access unlimited WiFi with secure on-site parking. The hotel has excellent resort-style facilities, including a BBQ area, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, billiard room, sauna, and indoor heated lap pool.
Palazzo Versace
If you wish to have a luxurious stay during the lights festival, you can opt for Palazzo Versace. This hotel can provide you with the best accommodation. It has an exclusive waterfront setting, a design distinguished by Versace furnishings, spectacular architecture, and Italian craftsmanship.
The suites and rooms are decorated with luxurious fabrics, Versace furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Palazzo Versace comes with cable TV, private balconies, bathrooms with spa baths, and a DVD player. The hotel comes with private valet parking. You can even request an airport transfer shuttle. It is less than 10 minutes from the Marina Mirage and Sea World. You can sleep and stay comfortably in the hotel with its excellent facilities.
Palmerston Tower
The Palmerston Tower is another excellent hotel where you can sleep after the festive event. It features garden and ocean views, a tennis court, and an outdoor swimming pool. It is only a 15-minute drive from Warner Bro’s Movie World and Sea World.
Every apartment in Palmerston Tower provides a fully equipped kitchen and balcony. You can also enjoy free secure parking and free WiFi. The lounge area includes cable TV, laundry facilities, and a dining setting.
Where to Eat
Your travel will be more satisfying as you treat yourself to delicious foods. Is it your first time witnessing the Gold Coast Festival of Lights? Don’t worry because the following are some recommendations of the nearby restaurants where you can eat during the lights festival.
Seven Brothers Steakhouse
The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere so that you can have a comfortable and luxurious dining experience. They serve delicious Australian, healthy, steakhouse, and seafood cuisines. They serve drinks, lunch, and dinner. The Seven Brothers Steakhouse has a friendly staff that will accommodate your needs.
Vinnie’s Pizza Pasta & Ribs
Vinnie’s Pizza Pasta & Ribs restaurant is the best option if you love pizza and Italian foods. They also offer special diets like gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options. They also have an accommodating and polite staff who will serve delicious food for you.
Main Wave Restaurant
The Main Wave Restaurant is a perfect choice to enjoy modern Australian cuisines. The restaurant has a relaxing ambiance and a friendly team that will serve you. You can have fine dining at the restaurant with your family or friends.
More Things to Do in The Area
Aside from witnessing the Gold Coast Festival of Lights, there are more things to do in Southport Broadwater Parklands. With lots of activities, you can have a memorable travel adventure in the place.
Anzac Park
Anzac Park is a good place if you want to relax during your visit to Southport Broadwater Parklands. It comes with a play area for the children, a boardwalk, cycling, etc. Walking at Anzac Park is a good idea if you want to spend time alone.
Boomerang Art- Aboriginal Fine Art Gallery
You can visit the Boomerang Art – Aboriginal Fine Art Gallery if you love arts. It features original arts from the Utopia artists or Aboriginal-owned Art Centers in remote areas of Australia.
Jet Ski Safaris
Jet Ski Safari can offer you a thrilling experience. It allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Gold Coast. You can have fun through the winding, watery, and high tide passages. It is the best destination if you want an exciting water adventure.
Spirit of Gold Coast Whale Watching
If you wish to have a valuable wildlife experience, you can enjoy watching whales. It is a perfect activity if you’re with your kids.
The Escape Hunt Experience
Another enjoyable activity you should try is The Escape Hunt Experience. It is a challenging and exciting active mystery event wherein your group can attempt to escape the room in time.
Gold Coast Aquatic Center
The Gold Coast Aquatic Center has six different swimming pools, a fully equipped gym, dive training facilities, and a fitness center. You can visit on a multi-visit pass, casual entry basis, and membership options. It is the best place if you’re into fitness goals while traveling.
Gold Coast Jet Boat & Parasailing
This thrilling activity is perfect if you want to soar high and see an aerial view of the coastline. It is available for tandem or solo travelers.