Gold Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Gold Coast

Gold Coast Travel Guide Video

Party the Australian way, visit the holiday hotspots, or enjoy the natural beauty of this glorious stretch of Pacific coastline.

The Gold Coast offers an intriguing mix of man-made and natural attractions, making it one of Australia’s most versatile holiday destinations. If you crave the luxury of casinos and private yachts, tick! If you seek the boho beach life surrounded by bronzed surfers, tick! If you enjoy splashing the cash in shops and markets, tick! If you’re looking for family-friendly theme parks, tick! If you’re a nature-lover with a thirst for adventure, tick! The list goes on.The Gold Coast covers an area of 1,400 square kilometres stretching from Beenleigh, south of the Queensland capital Brisbane, to the New South Wales border at Coolangatta Beach. Several seaside towns comprise the city of Gold Coast, making it Australia’s sixth-largest and home to more than half a million inhabitants. It started life as the Aboriginal settlement of Kurrungul, or “land of the sun”, before the Europeans arrived in the mid-19th century and began to develop its commercial potential.The tourist boom began to take off in earnest a century later, thanks to some of the best surfing beaches in Australia, notably Burleigh Beach and the appropriately named Surfers Paradise Beach. The latter, in particular, is also known for its excellent shopping and dining and vibrant nightlife, while nearby Coolangatta Beach is popular with families and swimmers because its sheltered position protects it from the bigger Pacific rollers.There’s no shortage of entertainment choices along the Gold Coast, which is the location of most of the country’s major theme parks. The marine-inspired Sea World offers a chance to learn more about sea creatures, while Movie World provides a glimpse of the hard work behind the glamour of the movie industry. Activity parks such as Wet’n’Wild Water World and Dreamworld offer state-of-the-art rides and a chance for thrill-seekers to let their hair down.Watersport fans have over 30 beaches to choose from along the coast, while walkers and rock climbers can head inland for challenging and picturesque routes that offer some of the best views in the area. Or take a scenic flight for an unrivalled bird’s-eye panorama of one of Australia’s jewels.The Gold Coast is a year-round destination, but it can be very busy in peak periods, especially during “Schoolies” (high school graduate celebrations) in November, when the fun can get a bit rowdy. The summer months of December to February are hot and humid, while June to August is dry and sunny, making it perfect for a temperate winter break.

Where to stay in Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise showing a city, a sunset and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building and skyline

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Star Gold Coast or The Oasis while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Broadbeach
Coolangatta which includes a high-rise building, a sunset and general coastal views

Coolangatta

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Coolangatta. Make a stop by Kirra Beach or Coolangatta Beach while you're exploring the area.

Coolangatta
Burleigh Beach showing a high-rise building, city views and general coastal views

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.

Burleigh Heads
Main Beach featuring general coastal views, a skyscraper and a sandy beach

Southport

Beaches, spas and theme parks are some highlights of Southport. Make a stop by Australia Fair Shopping Centre or Broadwater Parklands while you're exploring.

Southport
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Palm Beach

Palm Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Mallawa Drive Sports Complex and Tallebudgera Creek Conservation Park while in the area.

Palm Beach
voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$172 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$172
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"We got the the view of the river and city, it was a really nice view. The room was very clean, the sheets on the bed were clean sheets. Overall, the room/hotel was very nice. We paid an extra $55 for the buffet breakfast and parking. The only thing is that we didn’t think that the seafood buffet ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

voco Gold Coast, an IHG Hotel
Novotel Surfers Paradise
Novotel Surfers Paradise
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$205 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$205
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Very helpful and pleasant staff ."

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Novotel Surfers Paradise
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
5 out of 5
38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$395 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$395
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (347 reviews)
"The most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed! Fantastic location and facility"

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
5 out of 5
2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,784 reviews)
"An excellent hotel with helpful staff and all the creature comforts. Property is in a perfect location close to shopping, restaurants and local events all within blocks of the hotel. Just left the car in the parking garage. Many rooms have beautiful ocean views. Highly recommend this property."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Q1 Resort & Spa
Q1 Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,010 reviews)
"Well, I liked the stay but I was a little disappointed that on the last day of our stay we didn't get any room service such as per the usual. The bed was not done, the bathrooms was not done nor anything else and we had to use the same old hand and floor towels we used the day before. The airconditionig ..."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Q1 Resort & Spa
Rhapsody Resort
Rhapsody Resort
4 out of 5
3440 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,963 reviews)
"Stayed in lovely 2 bedroom (2 double beds) Perfect location, tram just across the road. Apartment was lovely and super clean, with everything we needed. Beautiful breakfast ground floor at restaurant. Short walk to beach, pool and spa on site. However there is new construction happening across the ..."

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Rhapsody Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Gold Coast