The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s best-known holiday destinations, famous for its long sandy beaches, surf culture, theme parks, high-rise skyline and subtropical hinterland.
Located in south-east Queensland, the Gold Coast stretches from the beaches around Southport and Surfers Paradise south towards Coolangatta and the New South Wales border. Inland, the landscape changes quickly from city and coastline to rainforest, waterfalls and mountain villages.
Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise, Queensland. Photo: GrieSeb / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.
About the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast combines more than 50 kilometres of beaches with shopping centres, restaurants, nightlife, wildlife attractions and some of Australia’s largest theme parks.
Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast’s best-known tourism district.
The area is centred around a wide sandy beach backed by high-rise apartments, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Visitors can swim, surf, walk along the beachfront, shop around Cavill Avenue or enjoy views across the region from the Q1 building.
Surfers Paradise Beach
Surfers Paradise Beach is one of Australia’s most recognisable city beaches.
The beach stretches for kilometres and is patrolled by surf lifesavers at designated locations.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags and follow surf lifesaving advice because currents and surf conditions can change quickly.
SkyPoint Observation Deck
The SkyPoint Observation Deck is located near the top of the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise.
The observation deck provides panoramic views across the Gold Coast beaches, Broadwater and hinterland.
On clear days, visitors can see far along the coastline and west towards the mountains.
Broadbeach
Broadbeach offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than central Surfers Paradise while still providing easy access to beaches, restaurants, cafés and shopping.
The area is also home to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and The Star Gold Coast.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is popular for surfing, swimming, coastal walks and its relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
The headland is protected within Burleigh Head National Park, where walking tracks provide views across the coastline.
The foreshore parklands are also popular for picnics and sunset walks.
Coolangatta
Coolangatta sits at the southern end of the Gold Coast near the New South Wales border.
The area has a more relaxed beach-town atmosphere and is close to several famous surf breaks, including Kirra and Snapper Rocks.
Coolangatta is also convenient for travellers using Gold Coast Airport.
Kirra Beach
Kirra Beach is known for its broad sandy beach and strong surfing heritage.
It is generally quieter than Surfers Paradise and can be a good choice for visitors wanting a relaxed coastal base close to Coolangatta.
Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is home to several major theme parks and family attractions.
Popular options include:
Warner Bros. Movie World
Sea World
Wet’n’Wild
Dreamworld
WhiteWater World
Visitors interested in several parks may want to allow multiple days rather than trying to combine them into a single visit.
Sea World
Sea World is located at Main Beach and combines rides, attractions and marine animal exhibits.
The park is particularly convenient for visitors staying around Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Southport.
Warner Bros. Movie World
Warner Bros. Movie World is a movie-themed amusement park featuring roller coasters, family rides, entertainment and character experiences.
It is located inland at Oxenford, north-west of Surfers Paradise.
Dreamworld
Dreamworld is another major Gold Coast theme park, with thrill rides, family attractions and wildlife experiences.
WhiteWater World is located alongside Dreamworld.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Gold Coast’s best-known wildlife attractions.
Visitors can see Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and native birds.
The sanctuary also has strong links with wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
Gold Coast Hinterland
The Gold Coast is not just a beach destination. Less than an hour inland, visitors can explore rainforest, waterfalls and mountain scenery.
Popular hinterland destinations include:
Tamborine Mountain
Springbrook National Park
Lamington National Park
Natural Bridge
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park contains rainforest, waterfalls, lookouts and walking tracks within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
Popular places include:
Natural Bridge
Purling Brook Falls
Best of All Lookout
Canyon Lookout
Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is a popular day trip from the coast.
The mountain area contains rainforest walks, waterfalls, cafés, wineries, galleries and small shops.
Gallery Walk is one of the best-known visitor areas.
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park protects extensive subtropical rainforest and forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
The park contains an extensive network of walking tracks, waterfalls and lookouts.
Gold Coast Beaches
The Gold Coast has a long chain of beaches extending from the northern suburbs to the New South Wales border.
Popular beaches include:
Surfers Paradise Beach
Main Beach
Broadbeach
Mermaid Beach
Miami Beach
Burleigh Heads
Palm Beach
Currumbin Beach
Tugun Beach
Kirra Beach
Coolangatta Beach
Surfing
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s major surfing destinations.
Well-known surf areas include:
Snapper Rocks
Kirra
Burleigh Heads
Currumbin Alley
Beginners can also find surf schools operating at several beaches.
Gold Coast Broadwater
The Broadwater is a sheltered waterway extending north from Southport.
It is popular for boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming and waterfront picnics.
The Broadwater Parklands at Southport provide playgrounds, walking paths and open grassy areas close to the water.
Shopping
The Gold Coast has several major shopping areas.
Popular options include:
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Robina Town Centre
Australia Fair
Cavill Avenue
Things to Do on the Gold Coast
Swim at Surfers Paradise Beach
Walk along the beachfront
Visit SkyPoint Observation Deck
Spend a day at a theme park
Explore Burleigh Head National Park
Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Surf at one of the famous beaches
Visit Tamborine Mountain
Walk through Springbrook National Park
Shop at Pacific Fair
Explore the Broadwater
Take a whale-watching cruise in season
Whale Watching
Humpback whales migrate past the Gold Coast each year during their journey along Australia’s east coast.
Whale-watching cruises generally operate during the migration season from approximately June to November.
Best Time to Visit the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast can be visited throughout the year.
Spring and autumn usually provide warm temperatures with lower humidity than summer.
Summer is popular for beach holidays but can be hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms.
Winter days are generally mild and are excellent for walking, sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Getting to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is located in south-east Queensland, immediately north of the New South Wales border.
Gold Coast Airport is located near Coolangatta and provides domestic and international flights.
The Gold Coast is also approximately one hour south of Brisbane by road, although travel times vary with traffic.
Getting Around
The Gold Coast has buses, trains and the G:link light rail.
The light rail connects several major areas including:
Broadbeach
Surfers Paradise
Southport
Griffith University
A car is particularly useful if you want to explore the hinterland, national parks and areas away from the main coastal strip.
How Long Should You Spend on the Gold Coast?
A stay of 4 to 7 days provides enough time to combine beaches, theme parks, wildlife attractions and at least one hinterland day trip.
Visitors interested primarily in relaxing on the beach may prefer to stay longer.
Suggested 5-Day Gold Coast Itinerary
Day 1: Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint and the beachfront
Day 2: Burleigh Heads, Currumbin and Coolangatta
Day 3: Visit one of the major theme parks
Day 4: Explore Springbrook National Park or Tamborine Mountain
Day 5: Broadbeach, shopping and the Broadwater
Travel Tip
Do not spend your entire visit around Surfers Paradise. Some of the Gold Coast’s most attractive areas are farther south around Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, Kirra and Coolangatta, while the hinterland provides a completely different rainforest and mountain experience.
If you are swimming at Gold Coast beaches, always use patrolled areas and stay between the red and yellow flags.
Image credit: GrieSeb, via Wikimedia Commons. Released into the public domain.
Sponsored Popular Items
Quick take: Musement.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions
Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa Hop-On Hop-Off Pass Australia Hop-on hop-off along Australia’s East Coast! Travel Byron Bay, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa & Rainbow Beach at your pace, with local tips, must-see spots & exclusive discounts.
'Farm to Bottle' Rum Tour & Tastings: The Tweed/Gold Coast Australia Join us at Husk Farm Distillery for an immersive farm-to-glass experience. With a cocktail in one hand and a cane knife in the other, delve into the sustainable farming processes behind Husk Rum.
Gold Coast: HOHO + Glow Worms & Skywalk Rainforest Walk Australia Explore Tamborine Mountain with return Gold Coast transfers, unlimited Hop On Hop Off access, a guided Glow Worm Cave tour and Rainforest Skywalk entry included. Check current availability, inclusions and booking conditions.
Sea World Gold Coast Australia Book your Sea World Gold Coast tickets online. Save time and money with our best price guarantee. Make the most of your visit to Gold Coast. Check current availability, inclusions and booking conditions.
Gold Coast: Surf Experience in Coolangatta Australia Learn to surf so you can enjoy the beautiful waters of Coolangatta. Experienced instructors will introduce you to surfing and in no time you will be surfing the gentle waves fit for… Check current availability, inclusions and booking conditions.
The BEST Things to Do in Gold Coast - Top Activities in 2026 | GetYourGuide Australia Find the best-reviewed things to do in Gold Coast for 2026. From prices and availability to skip-the-line options, get all the information you need to make the most of your trip. Check current availability, inclusions and booking conditions.
Gold Coast: Tandem Skydiving Experience Australia Embark on the adventure of a lifetime as you experience the thrills of skydiving with the guidance of professionals. Admire stunning views of the Gold Coast and hinterland from 12,000… Check current availability, inclusions and booking conditions.
Surfers Paradise: Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise Australia Embark on an afternoon cruise along the waterways of Surfers Paradise. Relax on the sundeck with a drink from the fully licensed bar and enjoy complimentary cheese and crackers. Check current availability, inclusions and booking conditions.
