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The Gold Coast, Australia’s premier holiday destination is right on Brisbane’s doorstep.
Brash, bright and energetic, the Gold Coast is best known for its miles of surf beaches, theme parks, nightlife and shopping options. Its sunny climate invites open-air activities year-round, including alfresco dining, golf (there are more than 40 resort, public and private courses), sports and an event calendar chock-a-block with culture, sport, racing, music and fine food. It's an easy day trip from Brisbane and a destination that offers something for everyone.
The heart of the Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise - is only an hour's drive south of Brisbane along the eight-lane Pacific Motorway. You can immerse yourself in the beachside city's vibrant street and beach scene or continue a little further south along the motorway to reach quieter, less built-up beaches like Burleigh, Tallebudgera and Currumbin. Wherever you go on the Gold Coast, one thing's guaranteed - surf, golden sand and a generous supply of ocean-side parks and recreation facilities.
Getting to the Gold Coast is easy. If driving, simply take the Pacific Motorway south. Exits to the many towns and beaches lining the 70-kilometre stretch of coastline are clearly signed and numbered. There are also regular train services to the Gold Coast with bus connections from Helensvale and Robina stations. Private and public bus companies operate services to the Gold Coast.
For those without a car, getting around is relatively easy, with plenty of public transport options. The main bus line - Surfside, is complemented by the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle, which offers a range of services including transfers to the major theme parks and tourist attractions.
There are plenty of amazing things to see and do around the Gold Coast.
Here's our pick of the highlights:
Before the Gold Coast reached superstar status as a mecca for sun-loving holidaymakers, it was an uncluttered stretch of surf-beach perfection. Development and high rises notwithstanding, just stepping onto any Gold Coast beach is still an invigorating pleasure. Whether you want to swim, build a sand castle, go fishing, surf, parasail, kayak, jet-ski or sail, there are any number of aquatic activities on offer. If you've always longed to ride the waves but lack the necessary skills, attend a surf clinic and learn the basics of form and technique.
Tip: Gold Coast beaches are abundant and beautiful, but always check that conditions are safe before entering the water. And don't forget the sunscreen!
If you're visiting between June and November, you can experience the thrill of seeing majestic humpback whales on their annual migration. Several whale watching cruises depart from Main Beach.
Visitors of all ages and inclinations love them, and the Gold Coast is Australia's theme park capital. If you're looking for the fastest, the longest, the highest and the most exciting thrill rides in the country - along with unique wildlife experiences and top notch entertainment - you'll find satisfaction here. Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Brothers Movie World, WhiteWater World and Wet'n'Wild Water World - the list goes on.
Tip: If you're planning to spend more than a day on the Gold Coast, and want to visit several theme parks, check out the range of great-value passes available.
One of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia, Surfers Paradise mixes city sophistication with beach relaxation. You can explore winding streets lined with alfresco cafés and restaurants, check out the works of local and indigenous artists at the many art galleries or indulge in retail therapy at top-end designer shops, bargain outlets and beachfront markets. Or just grab your towel and hit the beach. If you're around in March, you'll be able to witness incredibly fit athletes competing in the Quicksilver Pro-Surfing Competition and the Surf Life Saving Championships. Come nightfall, bars and nightclubs start pumping with live music and dance beats.
The simple pleasures of coastal life also abound - whether it's playing cricket in the park with family and friends, firing up the barbie for a picnic lunch of letting the kids loose in one of the many beachside playgrounds.
While you're in Surfers Paradise, travel to the top of the world's tallest residential tower, Q1. Rising 230m into the sky, QDeck, located on levels 77 and 78 of Q1, takes you to the highest point above the Gold Coast and offers spectacular 360 degree views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond.
Just south of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach is somewhat quieter than its exuberant neighbour, with more of a village atmosphere. Broadbeach Mall and Surf Parade are lined with trendy outdoor cafés and restaurants, and beachfront craft markets are held the first and third Sunday of every month. But probably the best known attraction at Broadbeach is Conrad Jupiters Casino, which offers wall-to-wall table games and gaming machines 24 hours a day.
Home of one of Australia's best surf beaches and a national park offering superb views of the surrounding coastline. Burleigh is a great destination for families. The beaches are lined with beautiful parkland, with plenty of picnic and BBQ areas, and the nearby David Fleay Wildlife Park features a great range of native animals and birds. Sample the local cuisine in one of the beachfront cafés or restaurants then wander around the art and craft markets (held on the last Sunday of each month). If you're too in love with the area to leave, Burleigh Heads offers a range of accommodation, including hotels and apartments.
You could spend an hour or a whole day here. With more than 1400 native Australian animals on display in natural bushland and rainforest settings, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary provides a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with native wildlife. The offerings include wildlife shows and displays, nightly Wildlife Adventure tours and Wild Island - an outdoor adventure playground and interactive science activity zone for young visitors. Don't miss the daily feeding of the colourful lorikeets - a hallmark attraction.
Located at the southern end of the Gold Coast on the border between Queensland and New South Wales, Coolangatta boasts some of the region's most beautiful beaches and best surfing. Experienced surfers will relish the challenges offered at Point Danger and Kirra Point while Rainbow Bay and Greenmount Beach offer gentler breaks better for beginners. Families with young children will find a safe haven in Rainbow Bay, which also has a playground and picnic facilities. There are several alfresco bistros and cafés close to the beach and on the second Sunday of the month, market stalls are set up along the beachfront where you can browse through local handicrafts.
Be active and healthy for a day while taking in glorious sea views. The Oceanway is a 36km network of pathways along beaches from the Gold Coast Seaway (The Spit) to the Point Danger Lighthouse (Coolangatta). You can cycle or walk the full length or just take in a segment. Some of the best vantage points along the way include Point Danger, Greenmount, Kirra Point, Elephant Rock, Currumbin Ridge, and Burleigh Heads. The path passes through a number of leafy beachside reserves, which provide showering facilities, barbecues, shade sails, playgrounds and exercise equipment.
Find out more by visiting the following websites:
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