If your Aussie travel fantasies consist of sun-soaked beaches, bronzed surfers, and sunset cocktails, the Gold Coast should top your to-do list. Queensland’s most famous holiday destination is blessed with more than 25 miles (40 kilometers) of pristine sands, year-round sunshine, and world-class surf. Surfers Paradise is a haven for backpackers and renowned for its nonstop nightlife, while the elegant coastal resorts of Broadbeach, Main Beach, and Miami offer fine dining, romantic canal cruises, and the coast’s biggest shopping mall. Those with kids in tow will find theme parks—including Sea World, WhiteWater World, and Movie World—right on their doorstep, while animal lovers can spy koalas at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Of course, the number-one draw to the Gold Coast is its beaches, and there are endless options for water sports, kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving, and whale-watching tours, as well as adrenaline-fueled activities such as skydiving or hot-air ballooning. For a change of scenery, Byron Bay, North Stradbroke Island, and the Sunshine Coast are all close enough for a single-day tour. If the sun and surf get to be too much, Brisbane—just an hour away—has shady parks, edgy art museums, and riverfront restaurants. Alternatively, escape the beach altogether to explore the famous Village Markets in Burleigh Heads; or head into the hinterlands, where Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park, Burleigh Heads National Park, and Tamborine Mountain offer ample opportunities for guided hikes, cycling excursions, rain-forest walks, and glow-worm tours.
The Gold Coast is famous for its long, developed beaches, top surfing spots at Surfers Paradise, shopping centers, nightlife, restaurants, and amusement parks. Popular parks include Dreamworld, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild. Inland from the coast are the Tamborine and Lamington national parks, with popular hiking trails, viewpoints, waterfalls, and wildlife.
...MoreSpend a minimum of three days on the Gold Coast to enjoy the beaches, amusement parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and shopping and dining. With five to seven days, you can get out into the neighboring national parks for hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife spotting.
...MoreWhile the Gold Coast is famous for its amusement parks, there’s more to do. Swim or surf at the beaches, drink and dine at some of Queensland’s finest bars and restaurants, meet wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or get active and hike in the nearby Tamborine or Lamington national parks.
...MoreIt doesn’t cost anything to experience the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches and natural areas. Try swimming and lounging on the beach, checking out the flora at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, soaking in the Currumbin Rock Pools, and hiking in one or more national parks, including Lamington or Springbrook.
...MoreWith just one day to spend on the Gold Coast, head for a beach. Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads are all good options. Surfers will want to check out aptly named Surfers Paradise, while hikers will enjoy the trails at Burleigh Head National Park.
...MoreYes. The Gold Coast is worth visiting whatever your interests and preferences. Family travelers enjoy the amusement parks and wildlife attractions, lovers of the outdoors take advantage of the many surrounding national parks, and other independent travelers revel in the nightlife, shopping, dining, and multitude of beaches.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 22 |
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Number of Tours | 139 |
Number of Reviews | 5,212 |
Currency | AUD |
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