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.

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.

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.

Mount Tamborine has its own award winning winery and features Gallery Walk, an art and craft precinct brimming with Australian crafts, antique shops and eating spots. Mount Tamborine is also an ideal location for spectacular views back towards the Pacific Ocean.

Dominating the skyline west of the coast is Springbrook, a wonderful retreat with its cool air, plentiful waterfalls, bush walks and range of interesting flora and fauna. Tamborine and Springbrook are renowned for their quaint teahouses and wide choice of self-contained cottages and welcoming bed & breakfast lodges.

Lamington National Park

The Gold Coast's hinterland includes World Heritage listed national parks and reserves where visitors can enjoy bush walking (hiking), a swim in natural rock pools, bird watching, 4WD day tours and scenic picnic spots. Lamington National Park, Australia's largest preserved stand of sub-tropical rainforest, offers more than 100 miles of graded walking tracks.

An ancient volcano active more than 23 million years ago, formed Lamington, Springbrook, Border Ranges, Nightcap and Mount Warning National Parks which are spread across an area of some 4,300 square miles throughout the hinterland.

Natural Arch is a highlight of the hinterland, a spectacular waterfall which cascades through the roof of a cave into an icy pool. The cave is home to Australia's largest glow worm colony which is best viewed at night.

Shopping and Markets

Visit the Gold Coast and you’ll be seduced 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.

Other quality shopping experiences can be had at Surfers Paradise, 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.

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.

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.

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.

South Stradbroke Island

A 20 minute ferry trip will take you to some of the most beautiful and quite beaches on the Gold Coast. South Stradbroke Island features rainforest areas, native wildlife and vast stretches of surfing beach.