Travel Guide of Gold Coast in Australia by Influencers and Travelers

The Gold Coast is a coastal city in the Australian state of Queensland, approximately 66 kilometres south-southeast of the state capital Brisbane and immediately north of the border with New South Wales. The demonym for the Gold Coast is Gold Coaster.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Gold Coast

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a coastal town and suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Surfers Paradise had a population of 23,689 people.

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2 - Burleigh Head National Park

   10 km away

Burleigh Head is a small national park at Burleigh Heads in the City of Gold Coast in South East Queensland, Australia.

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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Aquaduck Safaris Gold Coast

Explore Tamborine National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Start with a peaceful walk through Coombabah Lake Conservation Park to see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat. At Mount Tamborine, enjoy morning tea with scones at the historic Manor Hotel. Stroll through Gallery Walk to see local crafts in unique boutiques. Admire the scenic views of the Gold Coast skyline from the mountaintop. Knowledgeable guides will show you the region's diverse flora and fauna.

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4 - Q1

Q1 Tower is a 322.5-metre skyscraper in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia. The residential tower on the Gold Coast was the world's tallest residential building from 2005 to 2011.

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5 - SkyPoint Observation Deck

SkyPoint is an observation deck located 230 metres off the ground at the top of the Q1 on the Gold Coast, Australia. The attraction is operated by Ardent Leisure.

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6 - Kayaking | Miami Water Activities

   6 km away

See Miami from a unique perspective. Meet at the Miami River in Downtown Miami. After a brief introduction, receive complimentary drinks. Choose between neon LED-lit kayaks or standard paddle boards. Paddle past bars, restaurants, and lively yacht parties. Navigate through downtown, taking photos with free drinks available. Observe the illuminated high-rise buildings and the way lights reflect on the water.

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7 - Broadbeach

   9 km away

Broadbeach is a coastal suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. At the 2016 Census, Broadbeach had a population of 5,514.

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8 - Paradise Resort Gold Coast

   6 km away

Sea World is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park located on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It includes rides, animal exhibits and other attractions, and it promotes conservation through education and the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

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9 - Stargazing | Gold Coast

An adventure like no other! More than 5 Stars experience unique tour! Discover the Natural Bridge & glow worms by evening and watch the Stars, Moon and Planets through a telescope with BBQ dinner.

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10 - Burleigh Heads

   10 km away

Burleigh Heads is a suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. In the 2016 census, Burleigh Heads had a population of 10,077 people.

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11 - Surfers Paradise Beach

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12 - Parasailing | Gold Coast

Enjoy a 4WD with a guide on the island, slide down sand dunes on a toboggan, paddle a transparent kayak, and snorkel around Tangalooma Shipwrecks.

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13 - Burleigh Beach

   8 km away
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14 - Miami Beach

   6 km away
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15 - Evening | Aquaduck Safaris Gold Coast

As dusk falls on the Gold Coast, a little extra magic is added to the already breathtaking views. With an Aquaduck Gold Coast sunset cruise, you'll have the chance to enjoy the sunset from the water, but not before you've driven around the main sights of the city. Best of all, you don't even have to change vehicle. Before you drive straight into the water to enjoy the sun setting on the city's skyscrapers, you'll see Surfers Paradise and hear almost unbelievable tales that have shaken the city, like Australia's first bikini and a whopping $13 million embezzlement case. Don't worry, there's beer for the ride.

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16 - Elephant Rock

   14 km away

Elephant Rocks is a sheltered beach in Western Australia, a few hundred metres east of Greens Pool. It is located about 15 km west from Denmark, in William Bay National Park.

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17 - Hinze Dam

   14 km away

The Hinze Dam is a rock and earth-fill embankment dam with an un-gated spillway across the Nerang River in the Gold Coast hinterland of South East, Queensland, Australia. The main purpose of the dam is for potable water supply of the Gold Coast region. The impounded reservoir is called Advancetown Lake.

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18 - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

   16 km away

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed zoological garden at 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1947 onwards. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 18 September 2009.

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19 - Springbrook National Park

   18 km away

The Springbrook National Park is a protected national park that is located in the Gold Coast hinterland of Queensland, Australia. The 6,197-hectare park is situated on the McPherson Range, near Springbrook, approximately 100 kilometres south of Brisbane. The park is part of the Shield Volcano Group of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

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20 - Hope Island

   18 km away

Hope Island is a suburb of the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The town of Boykambil is within the suburb. The town of Santa Barbara is within the suburb. At the 2016 Census, Hope Island had a population of 11,186. Hope Island is close to both the Gold Coast beaches and Brisbane city.

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21 - Dreamworld

   19 km away

Dreamworld is a theme park and zoo situated on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It is Australia's biggest theme park with over 40 rides and attractions.

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22 - Kirra Beach

   19 km away
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23 - Snapper Rocks

   20 km away

Snapper Rocks is a small rocky outcrop on the northern side of Point Danger at the southern end of Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is a famous surf break and today the start of the large sand bank known to surfers as the Superbank.

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24 - Coolangatta

   20 km away

Coolangatta is a coastal suburb in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is the Gold Coast's southernmost suburb and it borders New South Wales. In the 2016 census, Coolangatta had a population of 5,948 people.

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25 - Rainbow Bay

   22 km away

Rainbow Bay is a bay, beach and locality at the southern end of Coolangatta within the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

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Pictures and Stories of Gold Coast from Influencers

20 pictures of Gold Coast from Jordan, Matt Barrett, Leio McLaren (@leiomclaren) and other travelers

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Why should you visit Gold Coast ?

Travel to Gold Coast if you like:

  🌆 Skyline     🗼 Landmark     🏖️ Beach     🏖️ Ocean     🏖️ Coast     🏞️ Watercourse  

How to visit Gold Coast ?

Why travel to the Gold Coast, Australia?

The Gold Coast is a vibrant coastal city in Queensland, Australia, known for its beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife, and fantastic outdoor activities. It is an ideal destination for sun-seekers, surfers, nature lovers, and families looking for a fun-filled vacation.

How to get there?

The Gold Coast is accessible by air, train, and road. The Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is well-connected with major Australian cities and some international destinations. Trains run regularly from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours. If you prefer to drive, the Gold Coast is about an hour's drive south of Brisbane.

What to book in advance?

It is recommended to book accommodation and any popular attractions or tours in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons. Some popular attractions that may require advance booking include theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Dreamworld, as well as wildlife sanctuaries like Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

What are the costs?

The Gold Coast offers a range of budget and luxury options for travelers. Accommodation can range from budget hostels for $20-$40 AUD per night to luxury hotels and resorts for $200+ AUD per night. Dining options are also varied, with meals costing anywhere from $10-$50 AUD per person. Entrance fees for major attractions range from $40-$100 AUD.

What are the best things to do?

1. Visit the famous Surfers Paradise Beach for sunbathing or surfing.
2. Explore the stunning hinterland area, including Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park.
3. Enjoy a thrilling day at one of the many theme parks in the area.
4. Take a scenic hot air balloon ride over the Gold Coast.
5. Shop at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre or Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre.

Where to eat?

1. The Fish House: Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
2. Rick Shores: Indulge in Asian-fusion cuisine set on the beachfront.
3. Gemelli Italian: Savor authentic Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Where to stay?

1. QT Gold Coast: This trendy hotel offers stylish rooms, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
2. Greenmount Beach House: Located close to the beach, this budget-friendly option provides comfortable accommodations.
3. The Star Gold Coast: This luxury resort offers a casino, multiple dining options, and a host of entertainment options.

Off the beaten path:

For a unique travel experience, venture to the Gold Coast Hinterland and explore the region's beautiful rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Take a guided tour through the ancient rainforests in Tamborine National Park, visit the Natural Bridge rock formation, or enjoy a scenic walk through the canopy at O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk. This serene and picturesque area offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling coastal city, providing travelers with a truly immersive nature experience.

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If you enjoy beaches, this place is for you

Gold Coast is an Australian city along the Pacific Ocean. It is located 75 km southeast of the capital of Queensland, Brisbane. The city is known and prized for its beaches. Surfers Paradise Beach, one of the Gold Coast's most famous beaches, offers two kilometers of golden sand and great surf. There are also a number of oceanfront apartment buildings available. 

A modern city with something for everyone

The Q1 tower (Queensland Number One) is a 323-meter high city skyscraper. When it opened in 2005, it was the tallest tower in Australia. Don't hesitate to book an ascension on top of a skyscraper to have a breathtaking view of the city. 
But beyond the beaches and buildings, discover laid-back neighborhoods, a thriving culinary scene with outdoor restaurants, and famous theme parks. Notably, Sea World, where you can watch marine animals, especially dolphins, or ride a roller coaster. If you are more interested in movies, there is also Movie World, a Warner Bros theme park. Or allow plenty of time to wander the subtropical hinterland and take walks through the tropical forest and waterfalls, or learn about the country's aboriginal culture. And, for beer fans, there's nothing better than visiting a local brewery or distillery. Discover the Gold Coast's many seaside breweries, award-winning beers, and original spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Gold Coast

How to get to the Gold Coast ?

There are direct international flights to Brisbane airport. From there it's an hour's drive to the Gold Coast. And if you're traveling to the Gold Coast from Australia, direct flights arrive at Gold Coast Airport in Coolangatta.

What is the best time of year to go to the Gold Coast ?

With around 300 days of sunshine a year, you will find it difficult to visit the Gold Coast under gloomy skies. Summer is certainly the busiest time of the year, but with over 57 kilometers of coastline, you'll easily find a place to lay your towel. 

   Where to Stay in Gold Coast

   More Travel spots to explore around Gold Coast

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Gold Coast

  🏖️ Beach spots     🌆 Skyline spots     🏄‍ Surfing spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🗼 Landmark spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🌴 Jungle spots     🚢 Lighthouse spots     🌉 Bridge spots     🏖️ Coast spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     Adventure spots     Freeride spots     🌲 Forest spots     Paragliding spots     🚢 Pier spots     Flipping spots     Skimboarding spots     🌲 Ecoregion spots     Stretching spots     Driving spots     Swimming spots     🏞️ Watercourse spots     🏞️ Waterway spots     ️🏜️ Desert spots  

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