The Gold Coast, where the high-rises are built around superb surf beaches like Surfers Paradise. Dive into lively nightlife, international theme parks and designer boutiques; see the coast from a Spitfire plane; cheer on competitors in the Coollangatta Ocean Swim. Experience the opulent Palazzo Versace or head to the hinterland for rainforest walks and spa retreats. Australia’s Gold Coast is just waiting to be explored.

 

Watch as the sun rises above sandy beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. But will beach will you choose to watch it from? With the 57 kilometres of coastline this city boasts, you’re never short for choice. Feel the soft sand between your toes as you stroll along the beach with the locals, or head to Surfers Paradise for superb seaside fun and, even better, drinks and ice cream. Whether you’re a surfer or you just like to watch, you’ll find amazing waves at The Spit or Mermaid Beach. And if you’ve always wanted to learn, now’s your chance as lessons are available!

The Gold Coast offers an abundance of theme parks; find water parks, extreme rollercoasters and your favourite movie characters. Experience the Justice League 3D ride and meet cartoon characters on Main Street at Warner Bros. Movie World. Splash down at Wet’n’Wild or head to Dreamworld and experience its Big Eight thrill rides.

The Gold Coast may be known for its stunning beaches, but they aren’t the only thing that make up the area. Head away from the beach and into the forest to explore the magic of the Great Hinterland Walk. Pass through World Heritage-listed rainforests, Lamington and Springbrook, where you can see an ancient volcano and spectacular waterfall amidst incredible beauty and native wildlife. If it’s wildlife you’re looking for, you can get up close with a crocodile or cuddle koalas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

There’s no better way to indulge yourself than splashing out on a luxurious hotel, and in the Gold Coast, you’re spoiled for choice. Five-star hotels like the Palazzo Versace, the high-rise Hilton in the heart of the action, the Sofitel at Broadbeach, and funky QT at Surfers Paradise are all fabulous hotels to sit back, relax and enjoy the Gold Coast sunshine from. For luxe resort stays by the best pools, try the Sheraton Mirage or Marriott Resort and Spa.

Gold Coast is home to distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own vibe. They’re all explorable by bike, so why not hire a bike and ride Old Burleigh Road, from buzzy Surfers Paradise to chic Broadbeach with its array of cafés? Stay in upmarket Southport or Main Beach, while Nobby Beach and Burleigh Heads are hip and chilled-out surfie neighbourhoods.

See nature from a new perspective as you stroll through the rainforest...15 metres above the ground! O'Reilly's Tree Top Walkway spans nine suspension bridges and puts you right in the midst of the Lamington National park canopy, where you’ll be surrounded by birds, flowers and – once you reach the 30m-high Observation Deck – the sky. O'Reilly's also offer a range of tours through Lamington National Park.

Beautiful, challenging golf courses await you on the Gold Coast. Choose a resort course like Palmer Gold Coast, carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands, the RACV Royal Pines Resort which holds the Australian PGA Championships or the Intercontinental which give you access to Sanctuary Cove’s The Palms and The Pines courses. Alternatively try the public courses Parkwood International, an 18 hole course set in contoured bushland, or Links which is located on Hope Island just a 20 minute drive from the Gold Coast.

Satisfy your need for speed as you ride jet skis on an exhilarating coastal tour. Feel a rush of adrenalin as you take to the seas on a jet boat. Learn to paddleboard, or catch some waves as you learn to surf at one of the many great schools along the coast. Discover the underwater world of turtles, stingrays and seahorses as you dive, or for beginners, learn via the Discover Scuba Diving experience. What will you choose to do?

Uncover your inner boho as you hunt for vintage threads at the Village Markets on Sundays at Burleigh Heads; there’s an undeniable eclectic vibe here and it’s fun to be around. Or head to Carrara Markets, where 500 stalls and lots of free entertainment will keep you entertained all weekend. Hit up Harbour Town outlet mall for some serious bargains and get a fashion fix at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

Discover the Gold Coast’s latest cafés. Restaurants, bars and food trucks; from decadent doughnut hotspots to fine dining treasures, there’s something for everyone. The area offers a vast and diverse range of food, so you’re sure to find something to tickle your tastebuds.