Top reasons to visit Gold Coast
- Stunning Beaches: The Gold Coast boasts pristine beaches with soft sand and clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
- Thrilling Theme Parks: Experience world-class attractions and rides at renowned theme parks, ideal for families and thrill-seekers.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Enjoy a lively city scene with excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options throughout the area.
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore beautiful reserves and partake in various outdoor activities, catering to all adventure enthusiasts.
- Exceptional Accommodation: Choose from a wide range of hotels and resorts, ensuring a comfortable stay tailored to your holiday needs.
Find great hotels in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers a delightful selection of hotels and resorts, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Whether you prefer a beachfront retreat or a vibrant city escape, you'll discover exceptional accommodation options tailored to enhance your holiday experience. With numerous hotels providing top-notch facilities and reviews to guide your choice, planning your stay in this stunning destination has never been easier.
- Novotel Surfers Paradise: Nestled in the heart of Gold Coast, Novotel Surfers Paradise is a 4.5-star hotel that offers a family-friendly beach vacation experience. With a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10, this property boasts direct access to the beach, making it an ideal spot for sun-seekers. Families will appreciate the dedicated amenities for children, including a PoolGate for safety, a complimentary crib, and a First Aid Kit. The hotel’s welcoming atmosphere is complemented by its spacious accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay for both parents and children alike.
- Voco Gold Coast: A vibrant 4.5-star hotel with a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, Voco Gold Coast is perfect for families seeking adventure by the beach. This property also offers direct beach access and a range of exciting recreational activities nearby, including parasailing, surfing, and kayaking. Its family-centric amenities cater to younger guests, providing toys for children and babies, a complimentary crib, and breakfast options at a fee. The hotel’s lively atmosphere and focus on adventure ensure a memorable stay for families eager to explore the thrills of the Gold Coast.
- Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences: As a luxurious 5-star resort with a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences is an excellent choice for families seeking a sophisticated beach getaway. This property offers direct access to the beach and a variety of amenities tailored for children, including a shared playground, a children’s pool, and breakfast options at a fee. With its elegant accommodations and attentive service, this hotel provides an ideal environment for families to relax and enjoy their time on the Gold Coast.
Where to stay in Gold Coast
Gold Coast, renowned for its golden beaches and vibrant atmosphere, offers an unforgettable vacation experience for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Explore the stunning shoreline with its beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation, or indulge in the lively city scenes filled with friendly locals. Nearby regions provide a tranquil escape, ideal for romantic getaways or budget-friendly adventures, ensuring there's something for everyone in this picturesque coastal paradise.
- Surfers Paradise: Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning beaches. This bustling suburb attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons in January, July, and September. Here, families and business travellers can indulge in a variety of experiences, from shopping in modern centres to enjoying the nearby theme parks. The iconic beachfront promenade invites you to relax and soak up the sun, while the local attractions, including family-friendly beaches, provide endless opportunities for fun and adventure.
- Broadbeach: Located adjacent to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach offers a perfect blend of urban life and coastal charm. This suburb is popular for its lively dining scene and trendy shopping options, making it a favourite among families and beach enthusiasts alike. Like Surfers Paradise, visitor numbers peak during January, July, and September. Visitors can explore the beautiful beach, unwind in luxurious resorts, and partake in various recreational activities. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to theme parks, Broadbeach is an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and excitement.
- Coolangatta: Situated at the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and laid-back vibe. This suburb attracts travellers seeking outdoor experiences and stunning coastal views, with peak visitation in January, July, and September. Here, you can enjoy pristine beaches and scenic bays, making it a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. Coolangatta also features a variety of local theatres and private clubs, providing cultural enrichment amidst its natural beauty. This area is perfect for those wanting a more relaxed beach experience while still being close to the bustling Gold Coast.
Things to do near Gold Coast
Shopping
The Gold Coast offers vibrant shopping experiences, with Pacific Fair Shopping Centre featuring fashion and dining options. If you're up for a drive, Harbour Town Premium Outlets, located further away, boasts discounted designer brands and a lively atmosphere perfect for souvenir hunting.
Recreation
At Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, immerse yourself in holistic wellness with yoga sessions, organic meals, and tranquil spa treatments. Explore nature trails that offer a peaceful environment for reflection and rejuvenation, while enjoying the stunning hinterland views of the Gold Coast.
Experience tranquility at The Retreat, where personalised wellness programs, meditation classes, and spa therapies await. Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, all amidst lush surroundings that foster relaxation and self-discovery.
At the Golden Door Health Retreat, indulge in tailored wellness experiences including fitness classes, nutritious cuisine, and spa treatments. The serene landscape invites leisurely walks, while expert guidance supports your journey towards enhanced well-being.
Adventure
Thunderbird Park offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course experience set in a lush outdoor environment. Located 27.4km from Gold Coast, it immerses visitors in adventure amidst stunning scenery, making it an ideal spot for thrill-seekers looking for excitement in nature.
Nightlife
The Gold Coast nightlife is vibrant and diverse, with venues like the lively Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets offering local crafts and food. For a late-night dance, the trendy Sin City Nightclub will keep you entertained, while the charming Cocktails at The Collective provide a relaxed atmosphere for socialising.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gold Coast
The Gold Coast provides numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travellers. Enjoy free attractions like Surfers Paradise Beach and Kirra Beach, and take advantage of affordable public transport options, including buses and trams. For the best hotel deals, consider visiting in February, June, or August, and aim to book about a month in advance. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Additionally, explore Expedia for last-minute deals and package savings on flights and activities to maximise your holiday budget.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Gold Coast are February, June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Gold Coast about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Gold Coast is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Gold Coast is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your Gold Coast hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is an ideal destination for families and beach enthusiasts, offering a variety of attractions including stunning beaches, thrilling theme parks, and beautiful reserves. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or a relaxing day by the sea, the region caters to all travellers. Don't miss the chance to explore the iconic Gold Coast beach and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Gold Coast, Australia.
- Warner Bros. Movie World: Immerse yourself in the magic of cinema at this vibrant theme park. With thrilling rides, live entertainment, and beloved characters, it offers a delightful family atmosphere, making it a must-visit for film enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
- Kirra Beach: Renowned for its golden sands and excellent surf conditions, Kirra Beach presents a laid-back coastal vibe. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply watching surfers tackle the waves, all while soaking in the stunning ocean views.
- Cavill Avenue: As the heart of Surfers Paradise, Cavill Avenue buzzes with energy. This lively street is lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, perfect for indulging in the local culture and vibrant nightlife.
Best time to go to Gold Coast
The best time to visit Gold Coast can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Gold Coast falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Gold Coast falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Gold Coast
Accessing the Gold Coast is convenient with several major airports. Brisbane Airport (BNE), situated 75.6km away, offers luxurious hotel options like Pullman Brisbane Airport, located 322m from the terminal. Gold Coast Airport (OOL-Coolangatta) is only 19.3km away, with nearby five-star accommodations such as The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast and Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. For those considering Maroochydore Airport (MCY), 160.9km from Gold Coast, notable hotels include Bli Bli House Riverside Retreat, 6.4km away. Each airport provides various transportation services, ensuring easy access to your chosen hotel and the beautiful Gold Coast region.