Gold Coast Guide

Why Visit the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is Australia's theme park and beach capital — 57km of surf beaches backed by a skyline of high-rises, with Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World all within a short drive of each other.

Top Things to Do

Surfers Paradise is the buzzing centre for beach, dining and nightlife, while Burleigh Heads offers a quieter, more local surf-town vibe with a great headland walk. Theme park hopping is easily the main draw for families.

Inland, the Gold Coast Hinterland (Lamington and Springbrook National Parks) offers rainforest walks, waterfalls and cooler air — a nice contrast to the coastal strip.

Where to Stay

Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach suit travellers who want beach access and nightlife close by. Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta are better for a laid-back, surf-town feel.

Best Time to Go

September to November and April to May bring warm days without summer's humidity. Theme parks are busiest during Australian school holidays.