Gold Coast

With 70 kilometres of sun-drenched beaches, World Heritage Listed rainforests, theme parks, shopping and nightlife, the Gold Coast is one of Australia's leading holiday playgrounds.

Lazy days of sun and surf combined with vibrant nights of excitement and action - this is what makes the Gold Coast one of the most alluring holiday destinations. In fact, the Gold Coast has been Australia's favourite holiday destination for generations - it's where the Aussies play.

Waves from the Pacific Ocean break onto golden beaches under a sub-tropical sun. It's images like these, and of course the bronzed Aussie surf lifesavers that are synonymous with the Gold Coast.

Venture inland from the Gold Coast's beaches and a totally different world unfolds - the green behind the gold. A world of tropical World Heritage listed rainforests, rock pools and waterfalls, mountain villages and other hidden treasures.

Hundreds of restaurants and dining precincts span every kind of dining experience, from elegant silver service to alfresco. Just about every national cuisine is represented, including of course modern and traditional Australian.

Beaches and Surfing
The Gold Coast's 35 golden beaches are patrolled year round by professional lifeguards and during the summer, by dedicated volunteers from the Surf Life Saving Clubs. The surf clubs are spread along the coast and create a way of life for members and visitors which centre around ocean safety and friendly competition.

Visit one of the clubs for a bite to eat or to find out about local competitions and beach patrols. The parklands adjacent to most beaches offer facilities such as barbecues and picnic areas. Scattered at the northern and southern ends of the Gold Coast are popular dive sites. Professional dive operators can offer a guide to some of the region's best kept underwater secrets and provide dive training.

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 160 kilometres 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 7,000 square kilometres 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.

Most of the Gold Coast's national parks are within a 40 minute drive of major coastal centres - breakfast at the beach and lunch on Lamington.

Hinterland Highlights
The Gold Coast's hinterland is an unexpected highlight. This national park and rainforest covered region is alive with places of interest. 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.

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.

Two ferry services operate to South Stradbroke Island from the Runaway Bay Marina, 20 minutes drive north of Surfers Paradise.

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.