The Beautiful Gold Coast, Queensland
PHOTO BY BVP VISUALS
Consistently named Australia's most popular holiday destination, the fabulous Gold Coast is just one hour south of Queensland's capital, Brisbane.
Boasting almost 60 kilometres of beaches from Coolangatta and Currumbin in the south to Surfers Paradise and Main Beach in the north, the Gold Coast offers a virtually continuous stretch of free, white, sandy and pebble-free swimming and surfing beaches.
What makes it quite rare in the world is that much of the beach is bordered by wonderful walking and cycling tracks; wide sandy beaches; free grassed picnic, barbecue and play areas; delicious cafes, bars, restaurants and coffee shops; and some of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere.
Boasting almost 60 kilometres of beaches from Coolangatta and Currumbin in the south to Surfers Paradise and Main Beach in the north, the Gold Coast offers a virtually continuous stretch of free, white, sandy and pebble-free swimming and surfing beaches.
What makes it quite rare in the world is that much of the beach is bordered by wonderful walking and cycling tracks; wide sandy beaches; free grassed picnic, barbecue and play areas; delicious cafes, bars, restaurants and coffee shops; and some of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere.
Famous beaches such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach attract the majority of the 10.5 million visitors each year because the Gold Coast has the perfect combination of sun, surf, fun and world class attractions, making it suitable for all ages and a number one choice for family holidays, beach holidays or any summer vacation.
The Gold Coast attracts tourists from all over Australia as well as the rest of the world.
Given all this - along with an almost perfect climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of 25.1 degrees Celsius - locals could be forgiven for believing they live in paradise.
The Gold Coast is a modern city that has it all, with the latest infrastructure and amenities to match any city of this size.
Because tourism is one of the major industries on the Gold Coast you will find world-class restaurants, accommodation, tours, theme parks and attractions. You will discover that the Gold Coast, and Australia in general, is a safe destination and the “Aussies” are a very friendly bunch of people who will go out of their way to help you.
If you are visiting Australia, make sure you put the Gold Coast on your list of places to see.
The Gold Coast attracts tourists from all over Australia as well as the rest of the world.
Given all this - along with an almost perfect climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of 25.1 degrees Celsius - locals could be forgiven for believing they live in paradise.
The Gold Coast is a modern city that has it all, with the latest infrastructure and amenities to match any city of this size.
Because tourism is one of the major industries on the Gold Coast you will find world-class restaurants, accommodation, tours, theme parks and attractions. You will discover that the Gold Coast, and Australia in general, is a safe destination and the “Aussies” are a very friendly bunch of people who will go out of their way to help you.
If you are visiting Australia, make sure you put the Gold Coast on your list of places to see.
The BEST things to see and do on the Gold Coast
1. The Beaches
World class wide sandy beaches. Great surf most of the year and attractive beachfront areas. It is said that the Gold Coast is so friendly that even the sand speaks to you! When you walk on Gold Coast sand it squeaks .... try it!
Beaches are patrolled by both professional and volunteer lifeguards and tourists are constantly reminded they MUST swim between the flags.
Surfers Paradise on the northern part of the coastal beach is popular with tourists and can be quite busy and crowded. However if you prefer something a little quieter there are plenty of less busy locations a little further south such as Broadbeach with fabulous restaurants and Burleigh with beautiful parkland on the foreshore.
Quite often there will be events held on the beach such as volleyball competitions or surf carnivals.
Beaches are patrolled by both professional and volunteer lifeguards and tourists are constantly reminded they MUST swim between the flags.
Surfers Paradise on the northern part of the coastal beach is popular with tourists and can be quite busy and crowded. However if you prefer something a little quieter there are plenty of less busy locations a little further south such as Broadbeach with fabulous restaurants and Burleigh with beautiful parkland on the foreshore.
Quite often there will be events held on the beach such as volleyball competitions or surf carnivals.
2. Boating and Waterways
The Gold Coast boasts more than twice the length of waterways as Venice, as well as a great access to a massive and safe oceanfront, so it is no wonder it is one of the most popular recreational waterways in Australia.
With so many kilometres of waterways and the safe haven of the Broadwater stretching from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, boating and fishing are hugely popular activities, whether cruising, staying on houseboats, sailing, fishing or enjoying life on a jet ski.
You will see thousands of boats moored at private jetties throughout the waterways or in the many marinas.
There are a huge variety of boat cruises available - some that will give you a tour of the waterways past mansions, some will cover whale watching in season, while others will take you to one of the many island destinations for lunch or dinner or on your own private crab-catching and cooking adventure.
You can even hire your own BBQ pontoon or overnight houseboat and cruise along the waterways at your own pace with a group of people.
If you are after something a little faster pace you can hire jet skis, go for a paraglide off the back of a boat or hire canoes or surfboards.
Fishing cruises are also available and at certain times of the year the whale watching tour boats head out for some whale spotting.
With so many kilometres of waterways and the safe haven of the Broadwater stretching from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, boating and fishing are hugely popular activities, whether cruising, staying on houseboats, sailing, fishing or enjoying life on a jet ski.
You will see thousands of boats moored at private jetties throughout the waterways or in the many marinas.
There are a huge variety of boat cruises available - some that will give you a tour of the waterways past mansions, some will cover whale watching in season, while others will take you to one of the many island destinations for lunch or dinner or on your own private crab-catching and cooking adventure.
You can even hire your own BBQ pontoon or overnight houseboat and cruise along the waterways at your own pace with a group of people.
If you are after something a little faster pace you can hire jet skis, go for a paraglide off the back of a boat or hire canoes or surfboards.
Fishing cruises are also available and at certain times of the year the whale watching tour boats head out for some whale spotting.
3. Gold Coast Amusement and Theme Parks
Recognised as the Theme Park capital of Australia, there is no shortage of amusement centres, theme parks and adventure playgrounds on the Gold Coast, catrering for young and old alike.
Kids and adults will all be in their element, with the hardest decision being WHICH ones to go to first. Movie World, Dreamworld, Seaworld and Wet’n’Wild are the "four big" but there are dozens more to entertain and amuse.
If you are interested in visiting more than one of these places, consider a multi-visit pass which gives you entry into multiple parks at a great rate. This applies particularly with Seaworld, Movieworld and Wet'n'Wild.
We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance, to avoid standing around waiting in line.
You might also get discounts through RACQ, NRMA if you live in Australia.
See more of the most popular Theme Parks in the Gold Coast region.
Kids and adults will all be in their element, with the hardest decision being WHICH ones to go to first. Movie World, Dreamworld, Seaworld and Wet’n’Wild are the "four big" but there are dozens more to entertain and amuse.
If you are interested in visiting more than one of these places, consider a multi-visit pass which gives you entry into multiple parks at a great rate. This applies particularly with Seaworld, Movieworld and Wet'n'Wild.
We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance, to avoid standing around waiting in line.
You might also get discounts through RACQ, NRMA if you live in Australia.
See more of the most popular Theme Parks in the Gold Coast region.
4. Gold Coast Hinterland
ONE OF MANY ROCK POOLS IN THE HINTERLAND
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THE GOLD COAST AT NIGHT FROM THE HINTERLAND
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Set behind the glitter strip is an amazing mountain range known as the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The views to the coast are spectacular and views to the western side of the mountain range are equally spectacular.
Throughout the Gold Coast Hinterland there are many little towns, waterfalls and walkways that will take you through tropical rainforests. When visiting the Gold Coast I strongly suggest a trip to the Hinterland.
The views to the coast are spectacular and views to the western side of the mountain range are equally spectacular.
Throughout the Gold Coast Hinterland there are many little towns, waterfalls and walkways that will take you through tropical rainforests. When visiting the Gold Coast I strongly suggest a trip to the Hinterland.
5. Tamborine Mountain
CAFES ARE POPULAR
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FOSSICKING FOR THUNDERBIRD EGGS
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THE TREETOP SKYWALK
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Tamborine is a quaint little town on the northern end of the Gold Coast Hinterland and is a popular spot for day trippers or weekend getaways.
The area offers a variety of accommodation with cabins and guesthouses, all taking advantage of the surrounding environment and views.
Walking along the main street of this mountain village you can enjoy sampling local cheeses and fudge or stop at one of the many wineries to sample the local red and white wine.
There is no shortage of little cafés and eateries, or if you prefer the local pub for a meal there are a few options. St. Bernards Hotel on the southern side of Mount Tamborine is a very old authentic pub where you can have lunch or just a drink while enjoying the views to the ocean.
Located in the heart of Mount Tamborine, and just a short walk through the tropical rainforest, is one of the many waterfalls in the area called Curtis Falls. The falls flow all year round and there are viewing platforms at both the bottom and the top.
Thunderbird Park – also in the Gold Coast Hinterland and just a short drive from Tamborine Mountain - is the perfect place to have a BBQ or picnic.
Here you can fossick for Thunderbird eggs with organised tours and instructors to give you advice. The kids will love this experience and if you are not successful in finding your own egg, you can buy a souvenir from the shop before you leave.
The area offers a variety of accommodation with cabins and guesthouses, all taking advantage of the surrounding environment and views.
Walking along the main street of this mountain village you can enjoy sampling local cheeses and fudge or stop at one of the many wineries to sample the local red and white wine.
There is no shortage of little cafés and eateries, or if you prefer the local pub for a meal there are a few options. St. Bernards Hotel on the southern side of Mount Tamborine is a very old authentic pub where you can have lunch or just a drink while enjoying the views to the ocean.
Located in the heart of Mount Tamborine, and just a short walk through the tropical rainforest, is one of the many waterfalls in the area called Curtis Falls. The falls flow all year round and there are viewing platforms at both the bottom and the top.
Thunderbird Park – also in the Gold Coast Hinterland and just a short drive from Tamborine Mountain - is the perfect place to have a BBQ or picnic.
Here you can fossick for Thunderbird eggs with organised tours and instructors to give you advice. The kids will love this experience and if you are not successful in finding your own egg, you can buy a souvenir from the shop before you leave.
7. Infinity
The Gold Coast's 21st Century attraction like no other!
A multi-million dollar ‘funhouse of the future’, INFINITY heralds a new era in truly unique, interactive experiences and since its opening in 2000 hundreds of thousands of people of all ages have taken the unforgettable journey. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and nestled within popular shopping and dining precinct Chevron Renaissance,
INFINITY is a strong draw card for tourists and locals alike due to the amalgamation of special effects technology, science and immersive art. “When patrons are asked to describe INFINITY, numerous people say that it defies explanation – you just have to experience it.”
The attraction’s multi-sensual labyrinth occupies an entire wing of Chevron Renaissance – about 800 square metres and integrates a ‘magic mix’ of fibre optics, special translucent finishes, total internal reflection, infrared and ultraviolet lighting, tactile elements, lasers and projection effects, the latest LED technology, video projection systems and mood-inducing sound technology.
On the cutting edge of technological advances, INFINITY utilises specially developed software running a bank of computers that control the effects in each environment.
Visitors travel by foot at their own pace through 20 different ‘worlds’ or environments specifically designed to challenge the senses and evoke a spectrum of emotional responses, encountering an exciting diversity of innovative optical and tactile illusions as well as suggestive aromatics. DEFINITELY somthing that should not be missed.
A multi-million dollar ‘funhouse of the future’, INFINITY heralds a new era in truly unique, interactive experiences and since its opening in 2000 hundreds of thousands of people of all ages have taken the unforgettable journey. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise and nestled within popular shopping and dining precinct Chevron Renaissance,
INFINITY is a strong draw card for tourists and locals alike due to the amalgamation of special effects technology, science and immersive art. “When patrons are asked to describe INFINITY, numerous people say that it defies explanation – you just have to experience it.”
The attraction’s multi-sensual labyrinth occupies an entire wing of Chevron Renaissance – about 800 square metres and integrates a ‘magic mix’ of fibre optics, special translucent finishes, total internal reflection, infrared and ultraviolet lighting, tactile elements, lasers and projection effects, the latest LED technology, video projection systems and mood-inducing sound technology.
On the cutting edge of technological advances, INFINITY utilises specially developed software running a bank of computers that control the effects in each environment.
Visitors travel by foot at their own pace through 20 different ‘worlds’ or environments specifically designed to challenge the senses and evoke a spectrum of emotional responses, encountering an exciting diversity of innovative optical and tactile illusions as well as suggestive aromatics. DEFINITELY somthing that should not be missed.
8. Dracula's Theatre Restaurant
Located in Broadbeach and central to the Gold Coast Dracula’s is one of the most popular theatre restaurants on the Coast. Entering the restaurant itself is an experience that will have you jumping out of your seat and once inside the fun continues all night. The whole experience is interactive with waiters and waitresses in scary costumes and the whole restaurant fitted out like a scene from the Rocky Horror Show. Draculas is lots of fun for groups, celebrations, work functions or even just a couple out for a great night out. I wouldn’t suggest it would be the right place for a romantic dinner though.
9. Brisbane
If you are staying on the Gold Coast and have time, it is definitely worth fitting in a trip to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. Only one hour’s drive north (in normal traffic) Brisbane city is known as the city of bridges. The city is built along the Brisbane River where there is much activity with ferries and tour boats. I would suggest you hop on board a “city cat” which is the fast blue ferries, and view this beautiful city from the water. A stop at Southbank is a must.
10. Northern New South Wales Coastline
Heading South from the Gold Coast is another stretch of coastline that should not be missed. The Gold Coast stretches to the border of New South Wales, the most southern point of the Queensland coast is Coolangatta however Tweed Heads is a continuation of Coolangatta on the NSW side of the border. This is the start of the Northern New South Wales coastline and it is absolutely beautiful. The Queensland coastline is very straight with only a few little bay areas however once over the border there are lots of tiny little beaches hidden away behind rocky hills. If you have the time to venture along this part of the coast you will be very glad you did. Standing high behind Tweed Heads is Mount Warning. The mountain has major significance to the aboriginal people with lots of history and stories handed down for generations. The Mount Warning national park have some spectacular walking tracks that can take you to the peak of the mountain. Many have climbed the mountain to watch the sunrise, or sunset which is said to be spectacular.
The Gold Coast is the perfect destination if you are looking for the excitement of an adventure holiday. Anything you want to do you can do on the Gold Coast so Just Do It
The Gold Coast is just one tiny speck in a country so diverse as Australia. If you are planning to visit this vast country the best advise I can give you is to allow as much time as possible because you will leave wanting more.
Depending on where you are coming from you will either fly into Gold Coast or Brisbane airport.
The Gold Coast is the perfect destination if you are looking for the excitement of an adventure holiday. Anything you want to do you can do on the Gold Coast so Just Do It
The Gold Coast is just one tiny speck in a country so diverse as Australia. If you are planning to visit this vast country the best advise I can give you is to allow as much time as possible because you will leave wanting more.
Depending on where you are coming from you will either fly into Gold Coast or Brisbane airport.