Destinations

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast experience is fun, excitement and diversity with 70 kilometres of the world’s best beaches, 100,000 hectares of world heritage listed rainforest, and more things to see and do than any other destination in the Southern Hemisphere. Golf courses, award-winning restaurants, night clubs, theme parks, cascading waterfalls, boutique wineries – all of this and more in Australia’s famous for fun capital:

Beaches, Surfing and Water Activities

Being blessed with so much coastline means there is plenty of on-water action. Visit the famous Surfers Paradise beach and try your hand at surfing with learn-to surf classes run by former world champions. Kayak through the calm waters accompanied by dolphins and turtles. Jet Ski safaris and Jet Boat rides race around the islands of the Gold Coast Broadwater. Sail, swim, kiteboard, paraglide, fish, ski, snorkel, scuba dive – it’s all here.

Hinterland Discoveries

Journey through a patchwork of rural plantations, vineyards, farmland and livestock estates on the way to more than 100,000 hectares of National Parks and reserves, with miles of enchanting bushwalking trails. The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area includes expansive rainforest reserves including Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park.

The Gold Coast's Hinterland is just half an hour from the world famous Gold Coast beaches, it is speckled with wineries, local food producers and health retreats that offer the perfect environment to while away an afternoon, evening or weekend.

Theme Parks

Travellers of all ages and inclinations will encounter an array of exhilarating worlds brought together in Australia’s theme park capital. Home to more attractions than any other destination in the Southern Hemisphere, the Gold Coast has the fastest, the longest, the highest and the most exciting thrill rides in the country. Unique animal experiences are another feature of the theme parks, including kangaroo feeding and koala cuddles.

Shopping

Visit the Gold Coast and you’ll be amazed by the huge range of shopping choices, styles and experiences.

Spend a day at Marina Mirage - the Coast’s premier shopping and dining resort offering over 70 designer boutiques and International label stores such as Versace, Louis Vuitton, Nautica and La Perla, and renowned Australian designer labels like Lisa Ho, Carla Zampatti, and Charlie Brown.

On Stylish Elkhorn Avenue in Surfers Paradise you’ll find upscale label stores Prada, Gucci, Bally, Hermes, Salvatore Ferragamo and the Cartier Boutique Other quality shopping experiences can be had at Sanctuary Cove, Pacific Fair and along Tedder Avenue, Main Beach. Discovering Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast is an all day event at one of the biggest shopping centres in Australia

More than 20 markets including Surfers Paradise’s night markets Fridays, Broadbeach’s lantern lit markets September to May, and more than 500 stalls at Carrara Markets weekends. There’s also the Parklands Produce and Craft Markets and a range of markets with fresh fruit, vegetables and preserves in delightful towns and villages.

Dining & Gold Coast Nightlife

The sun doesn’t set on Australia’s Gold Coast. The end of the day just means the start of a new program of entertainment.

Central precincts such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Coolangatta-Tweed offer bars, nightclubs, dining and performances. There’s always a party feel to Surfers Paradise - particularly during major events like New Year's.

You’ll find a vast array of contemporary multicultural cuisine on the Gold Coast. Specialties include just-caught soft-shell crabs, locally bred Wagyu beef and award-winning boutique wines made in the hinterland.

Places to Visit

Surfers Paradise
Along the busiest stretch of the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise beach - this perfect swimming beach is also a hive of activity with sun-worshipping fun including free beach volleyball.

Nearby cafes and shopping areas make it easy to take a break with a cool drink or tropical flavoured ice-cream. Visit the evening arts & crafts markets which are set up along the Esplanade every Friday night.

Broadbeach
South of Surfers Paradise is Broadbeach. This area is popular with locals and has boomed as a dining and cafe precinct. Broadbeach is home to the Kurrawa Surf Life Saving club, host of the annual Australian Surf Life Saving titles.

Coolangatta
At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta has some of the region's prettiest beaches. Coolangatta has its own sheltered beach and nearby picnic area, and further south, Greenmount Beach and Rainbow Bay beaches are protected coves with gentle surf.
Nearby Point Danger is an ideal location to watch the humpback whales as they migrate along the coast during the cooler months.

More information about the Gold Coast.

Download Gold Coast Coastline Map
Download Gold Coast Regional Map