Master the maze with Gold Coast’s most thrilling escape rooms
Ever feel like escaping reality for an hour? Somewhere you can crack codes, outsmart traps, and star in your own real-life thriller? That’s the magic of an escape room—and on the Gold Coast, the options are just as bold and unexpected as the city itself.
Gold Coast escape rooms come in all flavors—creepy, clever, chaotic, and just plain fun. You’ll find something for every crew, from thrill seekers and puzzle lovers to families and first-timers.
To make the search easier, we’ve rounded up the top escape rooms grouped by theme, challenge level, and group type. Let’s dive in and find your next adventure.
Family-friendly and lighthearted
Cottage Capers (Lost Locks)
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Website: https://lostlocks.com.au/
Address: Floor 1/38 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5613 3535
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 10AM – 11PM
- Friday to Sunday, 9AM – 12AM
Step into a storybook setting with Cottage Capers, a charming escape room at Lost Locks that feels like stepping into a life-sized gingerbread house.
It’s sweet, colorful, and packed with playful visuals that are perfect for all ages, especially if you’re looking for something light and fun.
The puzzles are on the easier side, designed to keep things moving without too much head-scratching, which makes it ideal for families, beginners, or anyone just in the mood for something whimsical.
You won’t find creepy vibes or overly complex codes here, just a cheerful, fairy-tale atmosphere with hidden surprises tucked into every candy-colored corner. It’s an easy win for groups who want a fun bonding experience without the pressure.
Booking is simple through Lost Locks, and the best part? You can reschedule for free up to 24 hours before your game, which is handy if plans shift at the last minute.
The Forgotten Arcade (Padlock’d)
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Website: https://padlockd.com.au/
Address: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5551 5955
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, 11AM – 10:30PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 10AM – 10:30PM
If you grew up with pixelated games and neon lights, The Forgotten Arcade at Padlock’d will hit you right in the nostalgia. This room throws you into a glitched-out 1980’s arcade, where your mission is to solve puzzles and reboot the broken system before time runs out.
The setting is packed with retro vibes, glowing colors, and quirky details that both kids and adults will get a kick out of. It strikes a nice balance between challenge and fun, making it great for families or mixed-age groups.
You don’t need to be a gamer to enjoy it—just bring your curiosity and some teamwork. Booking is easy through Padlock’d’s website, with locations at Surfers Paradise and Paradise Centre, so you’ve got options depending on where you’re staying.
It’s a great pick if you’re after something playful, interactive, and a little different from the usual mystery or horror escape rooms.
Alice in Puzzleland (Escape Hunt)
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Website: http://escapehunt.com/goldcoast/
Address: 4/83 Scarborough St, Southport
Contact details: +61 7 5532 4180
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 10AM – 10PM
- Sunday, 10AM – 8:30PM
Alice in Puzzleland at Escape Hunt Gold Coast is a fun spin on the classic Wonderland adventure, complete with quirky characters, tricky riddles, and a storyline that keeps you moving from room to room.
You’ll follow clues and solve puzzles to help Alice out of a jam, all while exploring a colorful, imaginative world that’s great for both kids and adults.
It’s rated beginner to intermediate, so you don’t need to be a puzzle pro to enjoy it—just be ready to think creatively and have a laugh along the way.
The 60-minute time limit keeps things exciting without being overwhelming, and the age suggestion (7+) means it’s a solid choice for family groups or first-timers.
Booking is quick and straightforward through the Escape Hunt Gold Coast website, and the central location makes it easy to add to your day if you’re already out exploring Surfers Paradise.
Moderately challenging with puzzles and stories
Prison Break (Fox in a Box)
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Website: https://www.foxinaboxgoldcoast.com/
Address: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5539 8009
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday & Sunday, 10AM – 10PM
- Saturday, 8:30AM – 10PM
Prison Break drops you straight into the middle of a high-stakes escape from a maximum-security cell, and it’s as fun as it sounds. You and your group will work together to crack clues, find hidden tools, and figure out your way to freedom—all while the clock’s ticking.
It’s a great intro to escape rooms, especially if you’re going with family or a mix of experience levels. The puzzles are well-paced, and the game can be adjusted based on your group size (2-6 players), which keeps things engaging without feeling too easy or too hard.
The room leans more on the adventurous side than the spooky one, so it’s also a good pick for kids or anyone who wants more action than tension. You can easily book a time slot online, and setup is smooth whether it’s your first room or just your first jailbreak.
Heist in the Art Gallery (Escape Hunt)
– Media credit: escapehuntgc
Website: http://escapehunt.com/goldcoast/
Address: 4/83 Scarborough St, Southport
Contact details: +61 7 5532 4180
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 10AM – 10PM
- Sunday, 10AM – 8:30PM
Heist lets you step into the role of a master thief pulling off an ambitious art robbery—and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. Think sleek museum halls, priceless paintings, laser grids, and coded security systems that need cracking.
The setup feels like you’re in a stylish Italian caper movie, complete with a sharp storyline that unfolds as you go. It’s immersive and fast-paced, but not overwhelming, which makes it a solid pick for both first-timers and seasoned escape room fans.
The game adjusts depending on your group’s skill level, so whether you’re new to puzzles or looking for a challenge, it’ll keep everyone on their toes.
Bookings are available online and easy to manage, with difficulty levels ranging from entry-level to advanced. Perfect for groups who want something cinematic, clever, and just a little bit daring.
Thrilling and horror-focused
Twisted Trials (Lost Locks)
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Website: https://lostlocks.com.au/
Address: Floor 1/38 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Contact details: +61 7 5613 3535
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 10AM – 11PM
- Friday to Sunday, 9AM – 12AM
Twisted Trials at Lost Locks is an intense, high-difficulty escape room designed to test both your logic and your nerves.
With flashing lights, trickling water, shifting sounds, and immersive effects, it creates a full sensory experience that pulls you deep into a dark and unpredictable world.
This room leans into psychological tension, so expect your heart rate to spike as you move through the space solving puzzles under pressure. It’s rated very hard and is best suited for experienced players or thrill-seekers who want more than the usual escape room adventure.
It’s also not recommended for younger players or anyone sensitive to light, sound, or other strong sensory elements. If you are up for the challenge, Twisted Trials is unforgettable.
Booking is available through the Lost Locks website, but be sure to check the content and medical warning before locking in your session.
R18 (Lost Locks)
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Website: https://lostlocks.com.au/
Address: Floor 1/38 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5613 3535
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 10AM – 11PM
- Friday to Sunday, 9AM – 12AM
R18 at Lost Locks is a bold, adults-only escape room that leans heavily into immersive, provocative storytelling. Set in the billionaire’s private playroom, this experience combines classic puzzle-solving with grown-up theatrical twist.
It’s designed for mature audiences and explores themes that are edgy, sensual, and a bit dark, making it feel more like a psychological thriller than a traditional escape game.
The room is strictly for players aged 16 and over, with clear content and medical warnings listed before booking.
If you’re looking for something daring, different, and definitely not family-friendly, R18 offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
Bookings are available through the Lost Locks site, but make sure your whole group is ready for the ride.
The Serial Killer (Padlock’d)
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Website: https://padlockd.com.au/
Address: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5551 5955
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, 11AM – 10:30PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 10AM – 10:30PM
The Serial Killer is one of Padlock’d’s most intense and adrenaline-pumping escape rooms, designed to feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life horror film. You’ll start off in a cage, surrounded by creepy clues, with suspense building as the story unfolds.
A live actor adds to the realism, creating unpredictable jump scares and moments of real tension that will keep your group on edge. This experience is all about fear, urgency, and teamwork under pressure, making it a popular pick for thrill-seekers and horror fans.
It is not for the easily spooked, but if you love the rush of survival scenarios, this one delivers.
Book online through Padlock’d’s website, and keep an eye out for local promo codes—many players report finding adrenaline-themed discounts shared by escape room fans around Surfers Paradise.
Zodiac Killer (Fox in a Box)
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Website: https://www.foxinaboxgoldcoast.com/
Address: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5539 8009
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday & Sunday, 10AM – 10PM
- Saturday, 8:30AM – 10PM
Zodiac Killer at Fox in a Box Gold Coast drops you into a gritty cat-and-mouse game with one of history’s most infamous serial killers. The setup is eerie but puzzle-focused, blending creepy atmosphere with clever challenges that will keep your group thinking under pressure.
It’s not overly graphic or extreme, which makes it a great entry point for players who want to try a horror-themed room without jumping straight into the deep end.
Rated medium in difficulty, it strikes a good balance between suspense and solvability, so you can stay immersed in the mystery without getting stuck. This one is all about decoding the clues before the killer strikes again. If you’re up for a little fear with your fun, it’s a solid choice.
Bookings are available online through Fox in a Box Gold Coast’s website.
Adventure and story-heavy
A Timely Escape (Escape Hunt)
– Media credit: escapehuntgc
Website: http://escapehunt.com/goldcoast/
Address: 4/83 Scarborough St, Southport
Contact details: +61 7 5532 4180
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 10AM – 10PM
- Sunday, 10AM – 8:30PM
A Timely Escape throws you into the role of someone wrongly accused, locked up, and racing against the clock to prove your innocence.
The setup plays like a classic thriller, with a storyline that unfolds as you move through each puzzle and clue.
It’s got a nice cinematic flow—nothing too scary, just enough tension to keep everyone engaged. The difficulty is balanced, making it a solid choice for most groups whether you’re new to escape rooms or already hooked.
The puzzles are satisfying without being overwhelming, and teamwork really comes into play as the pressure builds.
It’s designed for 2 to 5 players, which makes it ideal for couples, friends, or a small crew looking for something immersive and story-driven. Book your session online through World of Escapes or Escape Hunt Gold Coast, depending on what location works best for you.
Zombie Lab (Fox in a Box)
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Website: https://www.foxinaboxgoldcoast.com/
Address: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5539 8009
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday & Sunday, 10AM – 10PM
- Saturday, 8:30AM – 10PM
Zombie Lab at Fox in a Box throws you into the middle of a viral outbreak in a top-secret laboratory, and the clock is ticking.
Your team’s mission is to find the cure and stop the spread before it’s too late—all while the threat of zombies creeps closer. The room is fast-paced and filled with high-energy puzzles, flashing lights, and suspenseful moments that make you feel like you’re part of a real-life thriller.
It’s designed to keep your heart racing and your brain working, making it perfect for adrenaline-seekers or groups who love a sense of urgency.
The scares are balanced with engaging challenges, so you’re never just reacting—you’re always thinking, moving, and problem-solving.
If you’re into the undead or just after a gripping escape, Zombie Lab has got you covered. It’s a full-on adrenaline rush from start to finish. Reserve your session on the Fox in a Box website.
The Dollhouse (Padlock’d)
– Media credit: padlockdescaperooms
Website: https://padlockd.com.au/
Address: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Contact details: +61 7 5551 5955
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, 11AM – 10:30PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 10AM – 10:30PM
The Dollhouse at Padlock’d is a quirky but unsettling escape room set in a toy-filled mansion where not everything is as innocent as it seems.
Creepy dolls line the shelves, music boxes hum in the background, and the puzzles blend childlike charm with just enough eerie energy to keep you on edge.
It’s the kind of room that’s fun and spooky without going full horror, making it a great middle ground for families, first-time players, or anyone who likes their thrills with a touch of whimsy.
The atmosphere leans more mysterious than terrifying, but the details are immersive and strange in all the right ways. This room is often recommended by locals as a fun twist on the typical haunted-theme.
You can book your session easily through Padlock’d’s website, and it’s a popular pick for those looking for something different but still family-friendly.
Booking tips and summary
Difficulty scale
Rooms rated 1–3 are beginner-friendly—great for families or casual fun. 4–6 offers more layered puzzles and stronger storytelling, ideal for curious minds. If you’re up for a challenge or enjoy horror, 7–10 brings complex puzzles, time pressure, and creepy thrills.
Group size
Most rooms cater to 2-8 players, making them perfect for date nights or small friend groups. For larger events, venues like Padlock’d can accommodate corporate bookings of 12 to 65 people. Always check player limits per room before booking.
Booking
Head to each venue’s official site for live availability, pricing, and special packages. Some offer group discounts and perks for birthdays or team-building. Booking in advance is recommended—especially on weekends or public holidays.
First-time advice
New to escape rooms? Start with intermediate or easy options like Prison Break, The Forgotten Arcade, or Heist in the Art Gallery—engaging but not overwhelming. Once you’re confident, level up to story-rich thrillers or eerie, logic-heavy rooms.
Bonus
Many venues offer fun add-ons like themed costumes, party rooms, and drink packages. Great for birthdays, team events, or a night out with flair. Ask about available extras during booking to upgrade your experience.