Welcome to the
Gold Coast

Discover the charisma of the coast

Embrace the unrivalled energy of the Gold Coast and its attractions, a paradise where beautiful sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, thrilling theme parks and a vibrant dining and cultural scene come to life to create an entertainment playground with something for all holidaymakers – whether you’re craving a beach holiday or something a little different.  

From watching the sunrise at Burleigh, fishing at Main Beach, taking in the golden sand at Surfers Paradise, or surfing with the pros at Coolangatta, there’s a spot reserved for you on the spectacular coastline that draws visitors locally and from all over the world. 

On now

Beach Season

December - February

Average temperatures

December - February

Min

19

°

Max

29

°

Gold Coast sights & attractions

To chat face-to-face to a local about all the best things to see and do on the Gold Coast, step into a Visitor Information Centre

Famous for its surf breaks, stunning beaches, theme parks, shopping, vibrant nightlife and lush hinterland, the Gold Coast and its sights and attractions have been drawing holidaymakers to its sunny shores for decades. Blessed with 300+ days of sunshine annually, spending time under its blue skies and taking in the sights is a Gold Coast attraction in itself, with many holidaying here engaging in active pursuits outdoors. 

Savour the sun on your skin and salt in your hair while kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing or jetpack riding, or learn to surf in this slice of paradise – perfectly encapsulated in the name of its most famous suburb – where surfboards and boardshorts are acceptable main accessories.

For a more peaceful escapade, enjoy a relaxed beachside picnic, waterfront shopping, local markets, or unforgettable encounter with wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Need a breather from the city? Explore the serene Gold Coast Hinterland for its national parks, local wildlife and natural wonders. Home to charming wineries and lovely mountain villages, take time to experience true tranquillity and admire the impressive array of lush rainforests, bushwalks, waterfalls and spectacular scenic lookouts at Springbrook, Lamington and Main Range among other top spots on the Gold Coast national park circuit. And don’t overlook this stunning stretch of coastline as a top destination for a winter break with its whale-watching tours when migrating humpbacks pass by on their way to the warmer waters of the north.

Immerse yourself in Gold Coast culture and cuisine

Be welcomed into a community with a passion for preserving and sharing this beautiful place, and embark on a journey of discovery through Jellurgal’s cultural experience at Burleigh Heads. Engage in a guided tour, admire traditional artwork and Aboriginal artefacts, and experience a mesmerising performance or Dreamtime story about Burleigh Headland (the 'Dreaming Mountain', Jellurgal) at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and explore the Indigenous history and culture of the Gold Coast.

Get a taste of the region through the Gold Coast’s thriving culinary scene. The Gold Coast has become a food lover’s mecca over the years, with everything you could possibly hope to sample on the menu, from high-class Japanese to Bavarian and Middle Eastern fare and, of course, an amazing selection of seafood establishments. This is a place where specialty coffee roasters, boutique breweries, vegan eateries, clean-eating restaurants, sophisticated dining and local cafés flourish among popular rooftop bars and iconic surf clubs, each adding their own flavour to the vibrant scene. No matter where you’re staying on the Gold Coast, from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, Southport to Surfers Paradise and Main Beach to Mermaid, great eats are only ever just moments away. 

Heart pumping Gold Coast theme parks and events

If your dream holiday involves getting your heart racing, there’s no better place to be than having fun at the Gold Coast’s world-class theme parks which stretch from Coomera down to Main Beach. From grand shows, exhilarating roller coasters, thrill rides and slides to making furry friends and learning about wildlife conservation, there’s something for everyone and you don’t have to have a love of thrills to immerse your senses and let your imagination run wild. 

Gold Coast events draw fans from all four corners of the country and the globe to its sunny shores and with a vibrant calendar of events which ranges from entertainment to spectator sports, music gigs and endurance events, it truly is a playground for all. Gold Coast beaches are often the centrepiece of events, like Swell, where attendees swap sandcastles for sculptures and the slew of surfing events at famous breaks like Snapper Rocks and Coolangatta. But not all events revolve around the Gold Coast’s stunning coastline – the Supercars Gold Coast 500 brings more than a little rev to the streets while one of the country’s richest and most renowned race days, the Gold Coast Magic Millions, sees horse racing celebrities and punters dressed to the nines in the stands at Surfers Paradise

As one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia, getting to and from the Gold Coast from within Queensland, interstate or even overseas is super easy! The heart of the Gold Coast is just an hour’s drive south of Brisbane City along the M1 and there are frequent trains to Varsity Lakes Station with its local bus connections to beaches and more if you’re catching public transport. Greyhound Australia traverses the most popular routes across Queensland and makes regular stops in the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise, Southport and Bilinga (opposite Gold Coast Airport) from destinations across Queensland (often stopping at Brisbane) and interstate, including Sydney and Melbourne. 

Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta Airport) is located in the suburb of Bilinga and is serviced by most major airlines and low-cost carriers, including Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Bonza, Air Asia, Air New Zealand, Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines, with international and domestic arrivals and departures located in the same terminal building. There are a number of transport options available to and from the airport, including public buses which provide connections to tram and train networks, along with airport transfers, taxis and ridesharing options. The airport is located about 35 km from Southport, 25 km from Surfers Paradise and 17 km from Burleigh Heads. 

Stay in touch with the Gold Coast

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