Glasgow has just staged a great Commonwealth Games. While this year's Games had all been kilts and bagpipes, the next Games will be all sun and surf as the Gold Coast hosts the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Gold Coast is a fitting choice since it is fast becoming the "regional sporting and events capital of Australia."

Gold Coast is not only famous for its beaches and wildlife adventures, but also for its offering of recreational activities that appeals to all ages. Let's explore the top five must do recreational attractions in Gold Coast.

1. Gold Coast Skydive

    This is an ideal adrenaline, heart pumping adventure for beginners. Gold Coast Skydive is a tandem skydive establishment that boasts of an excellent safety record, state-of-the-art equipment and experienced certified jump masters. The jump master will train you on your jump, fit your harness and do the jump with you. You'll even have your jump documented from two angles and from the point of view of an outside cameraman. The aircraft will take off from Gold Coast Airport and drop you on the warm sands of Kirra beach, about 500 metres away from their office

    2. Dive Sites

      Gold Coast boasts of dive sites that divers of all skill level will enjoy. Novice divers can try the Kirra Reef at the southern end of the Gold Coast. It's made up of a spread of rocky outcrops covered with kelp fronds and a diving depth of 5 to 8 metres. Wobbegongs, porcupine fish and macro life are its usual inhabitants.

      The Scottish Prince Dive Site near the Southport Spit provides an interesting dive spot for intermediate divers. The Scottish Prince sank in 1887 as she sailed from Glasgow in Scotland to Brisbane. She was carrying with her cargos of mouse traps, whiskey, linen and a range of other cargos. Now only the haul remains covered with sponges and soft corals in 10 metres of water. This has become a haven for leopard and wobbegong sharks, rays, crayfish, shovelnose and other tropical fish.

      For advanced divers, the Nine Mile Reef off Tweed Heads is just the spot for you. Locals call this a "sharky spot" because of its resident sharks. Bronze sharks, wobbegongs, leopard sharks and bronze whalers come visit during summer; grey nurse sharks come in winter; while hammerheads and whale sharks come visit occasionally. Ever present is reef fish with pelagic fish occasionally circling in large numbers. Turtles, eagle-rays, sting rays and manta rays can also be spotted occasionally. The rock reef has a depth of 10 to 30 metres with a visibility of up to 30 metres.

      3. Go Kart Gold Coast

        Racing enthusiasts shouldn't pass up the chance to race one of Go Kart's Sodi GT4 European racing karts. Powered by a 4 stroke Honda motor that pumps 10HP and a real racing chassis, you'll definitely have an adrenaline pumping racing experience.

        Go Kart uses a European style indoor go carting track that could accommodate 16 carts all at the same time. It features a 50-metre crossover bridge, tunnels and sweepers.

        4. Balloon Aloft

          Balloon Aloft takes you on a hot air balloon ride to see the scenic views in Gold Coast and the hinterland. Or float peacefully among the clouds as you watch the sun shimmering off Gold Coast's iconic beaches, canals and waterways.

          The hot air journey lasts approximately an hour, which will be captured by an onboard camera.

          5. Aquaduck Safari

            This one-hour tour of Golden Coast waterways and famous landmarks will take you ducking along the beachfront Esplanade, viewing Palazzo Versace and Sea World before heading into Broadwater to explore Marina Mirage, Mariners Cove, Australia Fair and the Yacht Club before heading under the bridge to see the canals, millionaire homes and many more. The tour takes place on the world's first ever amphibious aquaduck which kids are allowed to drive.