Surfers Paradise
Ride the world-class waves of Broadbeach, Kirra and Main Beach. Or lie on the golden sand of Surfers Paradise, where afterwards you can trawl the shops, cafes and restaurants of lively Cavill Avenue. Underwater the view is just as good. Snorkel or dive the wreck of the Scottish Prince, a haven for all types of marine life, off Main Beach. Get up close to morays and wobbegong shark from Kirra Beach and guitarfish, trevally and turtles of the Gold Coast seaway. Or explore the artificial reef just off Narrow Neck. When you’ve finished in the water, dine out in Broadbeach and bike ride and picnic on family-friendly Mermaid Beach. You can shop in high-end boutiques, explore the historic bathing pavilion or mingle with incognito celebrities at Main Beach, the Gold Coast’s place to be seen.
Lamington National Park
Swim in crystal clear rock pools, picnic on a scenic peak and hand feed tropical birds in the lush sub-tropical rainforests of the McPherson Range. Visit Cameron Falls, Cedar Creek Falls and the Witches Falls in Tamborine Mountain National Park,. Discover the spectacular Natural Arch – a waterfall cascading through the roof of a cave that also holds Australia's largest glow worm colony - in Springbok National Park. Or picnic alongside ancient trees and native animals and birds in the ecological haven of Lamington National Park. Stop at boutique wineries on the Gold Coast Hinterland Wine Trail, visit quaint mountain villages such as Mount Tamborine and relax in award-winning rainforest retreats.
Dreamworld
Feed seals and meet polar bears at Sea World, where you can also brave rides like the mysterious Bermuda Triangle or the thrilling Corkscrew rollercoaster. At Dreamworld, you can see movies being made, take a scenic helicopter flight or survive the mother of all tidal waves on the Wipeout. Ride through the rapids on a hollowed log or try the first Australian motorbike rollercoaster. At Warner Bros Movie World you can see movies being made, get your thrills on the stomach-dropping Lethal Weapon rollercoaster or end with a splash on the Wild West Falls Adventure Ride. Hit the giant wave pool in Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park and explore a frozen forest in Frozen World. Meet hundreds of multicoloured mountain parrots in Currumbin Sanctuary and kangaroos and emus in Fleays Wildlife Park.
Gold Coast
Wander the evening arts and crafts markets in Cavill Avenue or check out the designer stores along Orchid and Elkhorn Avenues. Do a one-stop-shop in one of the airy mega malls lining the Gold Coast, including Pacific Fair, Harbour Town, Paradise Centre and Marina Mirage. Or jump on a bus from Surfers to the huge weekend Carrara Markets, where everything from fresh fruit to leather belts are for sale. See the work of local artists and stock up on delicious local cheeses at the Tamborine Mountain Art and Craft Market. Or pick up an original hand-made gift at Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets. With a huge variety of shops buzzing seven days a week, the Gold Coast is serious retail heaven.
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