Gold Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gold Coast
Coolangatta showing a high-rise building, a city and general coastal views
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
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

Surfers Paradise Beach 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 Gold Coast Aquatic Centre 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 while in the area.

Palm Beach
voco Gold Coast by IHG
voco Gold Coast by IHG
4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$196 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
NZ$196
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice stay again"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is NZ$260 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$260
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is NZ$142 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$142
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,493 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Dorsett Gold Coast
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 helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,276 reviews)
"Staff were amazing"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,383 reviews)
"Great stay. Handy location and the rooms are very comfortable. Our dishwasher didn't clean dishes very well but otherwise all good. Would stay again and recommend"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Q1 Resort & Spa
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
5 out of 5
86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (892 reviews)
"Great location and views. Large studio room."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
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