Gold Coast

Gold Coast

“Goldie” is home to the beach-lined tourist hub of Surfers Paradise and popular precincts such as Broadbeach, with its restaurants, shopping and casino, and Main Beach with its resorts. And let’s not forget the surf breaks at Greenmount, Currumbin and Burleigh Heads, to name just a few.

The Gold Coast also ranks as Australia’s family-fun capital, boasting theme parks ranging from Sea World and WhiteWater World to Warner Bros Movie World, Dreamworld and the Australian Outback Spectacular.

Beyond the city limits is a lush hinterland – “the green behind the gold” – known for its national parks, rock formations, waterfalls and inviting nature spots like Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook and Currumbin Valley. A popular holidaymaking region, the Gold Coast lets visitors toggle between fast-paced and laid-back as they bask in the year-round sunshine.

Gold Coast experiences great weather all year round and the four seasons are less apparent. The sub-tropical climate is ideal for outdoor enjoyment – there is an average of 245 days a year of fine and sunny weather. In summer (December-February), daytime temperatures are generally in the mid 20°C range. Enjoy cooler temperatures – about 16°C – in the hinterland, especially in winter.

The highest rainfall occurs between January and March where hot days are often followed by tropical storms. Summer is the best time to enjoy the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches and thrilling rides and entertainment at the theme parks. If whale watching is what you’re after, the best time to go is between June and October when tour boats head out for such excursions.

Gold Coast Airport (formerly known as Coolangatta Airport), (IATA: OOL, ICAO: YBCG) is an Australian domestic and international airport located at the southern end of the Gold Coast, approximately 100 km (62 mi) south of Brisbane and 25 km (16 mi) south of Surfers Paradise.

Things to do in Gold Coast

■ Explore the theme park
■ Whale Watching Gold Coast
■ Natural Bridge Rainforest Circuit
■ Visit the beaches; e.g. Kirra Beach
■ Tamborine Mountain
■ Moonlight Craig Lookout

Stay in Gold Coast

■ Stamford Plaza Gold Coast
■ Adabco Boutique Hotel
■ Glenelg Beach Hostel
■ Mercure Grosvenor Hotel
■ Rendezvous Grand Hotel Gold Coast
■ The Playford