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.
Gold Coast Travel Guide
Where to stay in Gold Coast
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024
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Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2024
Popular places to visit
Warner Bros. Movie World
Everyone loves to watch movies, and the Gold Coast’s famous movie-themed park is a great opportunity to get up close to the action as well!
Cavill Avenue
Bustling nightlife, great shopping and a legendary surfing beach make this avenue the exciting centre of Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast.
Dreamworld
From thrill rides to sheep-shearing, fierce tigers to cuddly koalas, this giant amusement park has something for all the family.
Sea World
A stay at this resort combines all the comforts of home with a chance to glimpse the strange and fascinating undersea world of the Pacific Ocean.
Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast
Shoot the rapids, take a daredevil dive or chill out poolside – there are so many different ways to get wet at Wet’n’Wild!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cuddle a koala and handfeed kangaroos at this wildlife sanctuary set in natural rainforest surrounds on Australia’s famous Gold Coast.
Activities
Gold Coast: Natural Bridge Glow Worm Night Tour
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket & Koala Photo
Private Sailing Charter for two adults on Gold Coast Broadwater
Other places like Gold Coast
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- The Star Gold Coast
- Cavill Avenue
- Dreamworld
- Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast
- Robina Town Centre
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Slingshot
- Broadwater Parklands
- SkyPoint Observation Deck
- Chevron Renaissance
- Snapper Rocks
- Royal Pines Resort Golf Course
- Marina Mirage Shopping Centre
- Heritage Bank Stadium
- Infinity Attraction
- Doug Jennings Park
- Gold Coast University Hospital
- Sanctuary Cove Marina
- Cbus Super Stadium
- Dracula's Cabaret
- Home of the Arts
- Australia Fair Shopping Centre