From gorgeous beaches to stunning nature, the Gold Coast has it all.
Welcome to the Gold Coast. An iconic holiday destination for Australian and international travellers. The Gold Coast warmly welcomes millions of people to its sunny paradise every year. Hubs of vibrant nightlife, expansive stretches of beaches and impressive hinterlands continue to draw people in every day.
There is plenty that the Gold Coast is known for, so let’s get into it!
The Beaches And Surfing
Located on the east coast of Australia in the south of Queensland, the Gold Coast boasts sensational weather year-round. That means that there are plenty of activities to enjoy outdoors. If there is one thing Queensland is loved for – it’s the golden beaches.
The Gold Coast beaches are beautiful and vast. There are heaps of beaches, though regularly patrolled beaches are the safest option for swimming. Surfers won’t be left disappointed either with spectacular surf beaches scattered along the coast. To put things into perspective, the Gold Coast boasts over 70 kilometres of beaches!
Surfers Paradise, Burleigh, Coolangatta, Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach top our list of swim and surf spots.
The Scenery & Nature
Moving away from the coast and into the subtropical hinterlands, you will be greeted by lush greenery of the forests.
Springbrook National Park is home to walking trails and magnificent waterfalls. Springbrook is also where you will find one of Australia’s most underrated animals including the elusive glow worms. In the evenings, you can enter caves and see the worms light up the room. It’s as if you’ve just turned on an entire box of fairy lights!
Gondwana Rainforest boasts the impressive rock formation called the Natural Bridge. It formed as a result of a volcanic eruption some 23 million years ago. Located inside a basalt cave complete with a stunning freshwater swimming spot to cool off. This is an incredible part of nature to see for yourself.
Family Fun & Theme Parks
– Sea World
A park focused on marine life conservation and home to an amazing dolphin display – Sea World is full to the brim with animals, shows and fun rides. You can see sharks, seals and penguins in the enclosures. Ride rollercoasters and watch aqua stunt shows. There is so much to do here – you may need to come back the next day.
– Movie World
Welcome to the famed ‘Hollywood on the Gold Coast!’ Australia’s display of Warner Brothers themed parades, rides and shows. Batman, Spider-Man, the Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo can all be spotted in some way here. Serious thrill-seekers will love the massive rollercoasters and the Hollywood Stunt Show.
– Wet n Wild
Your best option for a rainy day – since you’ll be getting wet anyway. Wet ‘N’ Wild is home to mammoth waterslides, a wave pool and a water playground for the little kids too. You can float along the current of Calypso Beach or race your friends on the time trial waterslides.
– Dreamworld & WhiteWater World
One of the parks is full of adrenaline pumping thrill rides like the Giant Drop and The Claw. The other is a giant water park with state-of-the-art waterslides. You can visit both parks in one day, or spread the fun out over 2!
Combined value park passes are available for Movie World, Wet ‘N’ Wild and Sea World, while Dreamworld is a separate entity.
The Nature
Moving away from the coast and into the subtropical hinterlands, you will be greeted by lush greenery of the forests. Springbrook National Park is home to walking trails and magnificent waterfalls. Springbrook is also where you will find one of Australia’s most underrated animals – the elusive glow worms. You can enter caves and see the worms light up the room. It’s as if you’ve just turned on an entire box of fairy lights.
Gondwana Rainforest boasts the impressive rock formation called the Natural Bridge – a result of a volcanic eruption some 23 million years ago. Located inside a basalt cave complete with a stunning freshwater swimming spot to cool off – this is an incredible part of nature to see for yourself.
The City
A seemingly never-ending assortment of bars, cafes and restaurants are on standby for travellers after a big day out. From Palm Beach and Burleigh through to Broadbeach and the eccentric Surfer’s Paradise – there is always a spot to wine and dine while you look out to the crystal-clear ocean. Once you’re done with dinner, laidback bars with friendly locals and excellent drinks can extend your night even further.
The Gold Coast is a fantastic area to visit. You may have a day, or you may have a week, but either way you will make some very fun memories to take home!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.