A combination of beaches, theme parks and rainforest hinterland, the Gold Coast is a year-round holiday destination. Known as “the Goldie” to locals, it’s a popular coastal holiday hotspot and attracts travellers from around the world seeking a subtropical climate that yields around 300 sunny days each year. The Gold Coast complements this with its 50,000 kilometres of sandy beaches, numerous seafood restaurants, exhilarating water sports and adrenalin-pumping experiences.

Things to do

The Gold Coast is comprised of various beachside suburbs with their own unique personalities. However, Surfers Paradise is easily the Gold Coast’s best-known region, boasting white-sand beaches, a lively party scene and an abundance of restaurants and bars. It’s also the perfect place to learn the classic Aussie pastime of surfing, with many surf schools located along the shoreline.

Looking to entertain the kids? Put smiles on all their faces while riding thrilling roller coasters and waterslides at Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World or Wet’n’Wild. Animal lovers will also enjoy the interactive animal experiences at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Relax with fresh fish and chips on Surfers Paradise Esplanade, recharge with a cappuccino at the boutique coffee roaster Blackboard Coffee or kick off your evening with craft beers at Burleigh Brewing Company in Burleigh Heads.

For a unique beachside dining experience, enjoy a feast for the senses at SkyPoint Observation Deck’s Seventy7 Cafe & Bar, where your breakfast is paired with 360-degree views of the canals, the ocean and bright sand unfurling below.

Natural landscapes abound around the Gold Coast, particularly on South Stradbroke Island, a 40-minute ferry ride from Hope Island, where you can see wild wallabies. If you’re up for a road trip, take a scenic 60-minute drive to walk to the lush, subtropical rainforest in Lamington National Park, home to intimate walking trails past ancient trees and local wildlife.

Getting Around

Flying into the Gold Coast Airport, located in Coolangatta, places you about 25 kilometres from Surfers Paradise. This airport services domestic travellers and visitors from certain destinations in New Zealand and Asia. Other international travellers can catch a train or shuttle bus from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast, which takes between 90 minutes and two hours depending on your final destination. Travelling between the Gold Coast’s suburbs is best done via the local train service or tram line called the G:link.