Gold Coast

Travel Guide
Gold Coast
For a break in the sun, head to this expansive city: the perfect combination of beaches, theme parks, nightlife, rain forests and mountains.

With its casinos, Jet Skis, yachts and luxury hotels, the Gold Coast looks like it’s straight out of a James Bond movie. Australia’s major theme parks are all here, and the quieter hinterland offers rock climbing, scenic flights and skydiving for thrill seekers. It’s easy to see why millions of visitors flock to the Gold Coast every year: There are more than 30 beaches, includingBurleigh Beach, where professional surfers come to compete in February, as well as great shopping and dining.

The Gold Coast encompasses several seaside towns inhabited by over half a million people, making this Australia’s sixth-largest city. The area covers 1,400 square kilometers (541 square miles) from Beenleigh, south of the Queensland capital Brisbane, toCoolangatta Beachat the New South Wales border.

The first Australians, the Aborigines, called this beautiful land of the sun Kurrungul. Europeans settled here, growing and commercialising the area, from the mid-1800s onwards. Tourism boomed in the 1950s, and the golden opportunity to invest in real estate gave the city its name and its skyline.

Some of Australia’s most famous beaches are on the Gold Coast. Two surfing hot spots areBurleigh BeachandSurfers Paradise Beach, an area that’s also popular for shopping and dining. Families looking for a good swimming area will enjoy the calmer waters ofCoolangatta Beach.

More family fun awaits at the Gold Coast’s wide range of amusement parks. Interact with marine creatures atSea World, slide throughWet‘n’Wild Water World, or board the superhero rides atMovie World. You can do all this and more at the biggest Australian theme park,Dreamworld.

The Gold Coast offers year-round entertainment, but you may want to avoid the rowdy “Schoolies” period (when high school graduates celebrate) in November. The weather is hot and humid from December to February (summer), and dry and sunny from June to August (winter). Rain or shine, pack your bathers to enjoy one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations.

Gold Coast Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Gold Coast

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is S$174 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
S$174
per night
11 Jun - 12 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Happy in Paradice
"Room was clean modern with a nice view of the ocean"

Reviewed on 1 Jun,2023

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Q1 Resort & Spa
Q1 Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is S$226 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
S$226
per night
12 Jun - 13 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,665 reviews)
"Well appointed rooms."

Reviewed on 26 May,2023

Q1 Resort & Spa
Rhapsody Resort
Rhapsody Resort
4 out of 5
3440 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is S$575 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
S$575
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,570 reviews)
"Great location and very friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 29 May,2023

Rhapsody Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Q1 Resort & Spa
Q1 Resort & Spa
4.5 out of 5
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,665 reviews)
"Well appointed rooms."

Reviewed on 26 May,2023

Q1 Resort & Spa
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
5 out of 5
2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,371 reviews)
Great location & views
"Fantastic location, great views. We were two couples visiting for a wedding in the Gold Coast. The size of the room was more than adequate and very comfortable."

Reviewed on 31 May,2023

Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Rhapsody Resort
Rhapsody Resort
4 out of 5
3440 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,570 reviews)
"Great location and very friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 29 May,2023

Rhapsody Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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