The article is about a region of Australia. For the African country known as the Gold Coast in colonial times, see Ghana.

''The Gold Coast is large city, and has separate articles for Surfers Paradise and Tweed Heads and Coolangatta containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings for those districts. Consider visiting them all''

The '''Gold Coast''' [http://www.verygc.com/] is a coastal city in the southeast corner of the state of Queensland in Australia, located between the state capital of Brisbane to the north and the New South Wales state border to the south. The Gold Coast has long been a high-profile tourist destination for Australians and overseas travelers alike. It also has a population of half a million residents. The name of the chief constituent city of the region, Surfers Paradise, says it all!

Understand

Geography

''The Gold Coast'' stretch of coastal towns starting well north of Surfers Paradise and streching south to the state border with New South Wales in the south. With a warm climate and miles of beaches, the towns have grown rapidly, with retirees, commuters to Brisbane, and local workers.

The northern end (especially Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach) is more commercialized, with plenty of action for backpackers and "schoolies" (school leavers celebrating the end of exams). The southern end still caters mainly to holidaying families.

Away from the coast, the western side, called the "hinterland", consists of mountain ranges covered with rainforest, much of it part of national parks.

Travelling the city from north to south takes about an hour of driving.

Districts

There are many suburbs that make up Gold Coast, many with their own attractions.

In this article the areas of Surfers Paradise and Tweed Heads and Coolangatta have so much attractions and accommodation that the information is in separate district articles. If travelling to the area, you may wish to read this article as well as the other two.

Get in

By plane

  • The '''Gold Coast Airport''' ({{IATA|OOL}}) [http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/] is located in Coolangatta and is also often referred to as the Coolangatta Airport. It is a fairly small terminal but it handles around 3.5 million passengers per year with frequent connections from major Australian cities and some international flights from New Zealand and Asia. It is around 30 minutes drive to Surfers Paradise. There is a shuttle bus connecting the airport to the main Surfside buses route between Tweed Heads and Surfers Paradise.
  • A viable alternative, especially if hiring a car, is to fly into Brisbane Airport ({{IATA|BNE}}). You can catch a direct train to Robina to connect with the local buses, or it is around 90 minutes drive.
  • By train

    Queensland Rail runs an electric CityTrain service [http://www.citytrain.com.au/] from Brisbane to Nerang and Robina, with connecting buses to Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta, and into northern New South Wales.

    Countrylink [http://www.countrylink.info] run trains from Sydney with bus connections at Casino for services direct to Surfers Paradise or Tweed Heads.

    Get around

    By car

    All attractions around the Gold Coast are accessible by car, and there are large parking lots at the theme parks and other attractions. Parking in Surfers Paradise, and by the beach can be problematic.

    Most reputable car hire companies have offices located at Brisbane and Gold Coast Airport. While most car rental companies hire to people 25 years of age and over, some all-age car rental companies do hire to younger drivers over 18 years of age (although always with increased fees and insurance excesses).

  • '''Airport Rent A Car Gold Coast''', [http://www.airportrentacar.com.au/gold-coast].
  • ''' Alpha Car Hire''', [http://www.alphacarhire.com.au/goldcoast-car-hire.asp].
  • ''' East Coast Car Rentals''', [http://www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au/location/brisbane/car-rental-brisbane-airport.htm]
  • ''' All Age Car Rentals''', [http://www.surfersparadiserentalcars.com]
  • ''' Surfers Paradise Car Hire''', [http://www.surfersparadisecarhire.com]
  • ''' Commodore Car Rentals''', [http://www.goldcoasthirecar.com].
  • '''Gold Coast Car Hire''', [http://www.goldcoastcarhire.com]
  • '''Car hire gold coast''', [http://www.cutpricecarrentals.com]
  • '''Ezy Car Hire''', [http://www.ezycarhire.com.au/]
  • '''Beachside Red Rocket''', [http://www.redrocketrentals.com.au]
  • By bus

    ''' Surfside Buslines''', [http://www.surfside.com.au] provide the main form of public transport around the Gold Coast and stops are located on most main roads. Buses run 24 hours a day, but are more frequent in the daytime. All the main tourist attractions are serviced by bus. The frequency of services up and down the coast along the beach between Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise is very good. For other routes, and theme parks, it is best to check the timetable in advance.

    By taxi

    Expect to wait up to an hour or more for a taxi on busy nights. A taxi fare between the Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise costs around $55 and a sedan limousine is about the same. Stretch limousines are another option for groups of more than four with a cost of around $100-$110. Another way to get from Gold Coast Airport to an accommodation house further up the coast is to book a bus transfer. These usually cost somewhere between $15 and $30 per person. Trains run between Robina, Nerang and Helensvale, but the rail service is more useful for commuting to Brisbane than getting around the Gold Coast.

    By bike

    Gold Coast Oceanway [http://www.goldcoastcity.com.au/Oceanway]is a 36km pathway for pedestrians and cyclists linking Point Danger to the Gold Coast Seaway, within is most of the coastal length of the city. It can get a little crowded with pedestrians in parts.

    See

    Beaches

    There are 40km and well over 30 beaches to see and swim in. Almost all are patrolled by volunteer and professional lifesavers. The patrolled areas being enclosed by red and yellow flags. See the signs on any beach will show you the closest patrolled beaches at any particular time of year.

    The only time it is advised to venture outside of these flags is when surfing, otherwise '''always swim between the flags'''. If you do get into trouble or feel yourself being pulled out of your depth don't try to swim against the water, you can attract the attention of a lifesaver's help by putting a hand up.

    105.7 Radio Metro [http://www.radiometro.com.au] has detailed surf reports at 7am, midday and 3pm each day.

  • Surfers Paradise has a long stretch of beach, with flags and patrols ever few hundred metres along the beach. Sure to find a place for a swim, but the beach right outside of Cavill Ave is generally very busy and packed with tourists, just walk north or south along the beach to find a (slightly) less crowded alternative.
  • Broadbeach is about 3km south (40 minutes walk, 5 minute drive) of Surfers Paradise and will generally have the same surf conditions as Surfers Paradise. The upside, however, is that it's not that far away and nowhere near as busy as Surfers. Just in from the beach is Kurrawa Park, a shopping centre full of cafes, restaurants and Jupiters Casino.
  • North Burleigh is a further 4km down from Broadbeach (and over a small hill). It's generally less popular than its bigger brother, Burleigh Heads, but a good place to go if there are winds blowing from the north as the hill provides a bit of protection. Although if there are northerly winds, swimming in the afternoon isn't such a good idea as they'll bring in the stingers.
  • Burleigh Heads is only 2km south of North Burleigh and a nice beach with a large park and a hill that is good for picnics. There are cafes surrounding the beach and the hill cover means that this beach is usually pretty nice when there are winds coming from the south (whereas others like Surfers will be blown out and horrible).
  • That's pretty much as far down as you can walk from Surfers, any further and it's wise to catch a bus or take a drive.

  • Tallebudgeera Creek is a popular swimming lagoon with families, fantastic for people who don't feel comfortable in the surf but still want to take a dip.
  • Currumbin is a fantastic lagoon-cross-beach, if you can get there it's well worth a trip. Mostly inhabited by locals learning to surf, easiest waves on the coast.
  • Kirra is another famous surfing spot.
  • Greenmount beach in Coolangatta offers the most spectacular scenery and views up the coast, also a fantastic place for a picnic.
  • Rainbow Bay is just on the other side of Greenmount
  • The world renown Snapper Rocks is right next to Rainbow Bay and is home of the Quiksilver Pro [http://www.aspworldtour.com/res05/kirra05/qgc_home.asp].
  • Hinterland

    Referred to as "the green behind the gold" (a reference to Australia's national colours - green and gold), the Gold Coast Hinterland is home to three national parks, numerous mountains, creeks, waterfalls valleys, and natural rock formations. The area is mostly covered in sub-tropical rainforest, but sections have been cleared for dairy farm land and wineries. The Hinterland is best seen by car or on a bus tour.
  • Mt Tamborine
  • Springbrook
  • Numinbah Valley (including Natural Bridge/Arch)
  • Currumbin Valley
  • Do

    The Gold Coast region is big on theme parks. Investigate ticket discounts before you go, as multi-park passes, combined travel and entry, and multi-day passes can usually be obtained at a discount. If you are a member of an Australian motoring association, you can purchase tickets from them ''before you travel'' at a discount. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild are all owned by the same parent company, so if you're planning on hitting two or more of them it will probably be cheaper to check out one of their combo tickets [http://shop.myfun.com.au/attraction-highlight.asp?VenueID=6].

    Dreamworld and WhiteWater World offer the same kind of deal [http://www.dreamworld.com.au/content/drw_2008_standard.asp?name=WorldPass].During peak season expect them to be quite busy:

  • '''Sea World''' [http://www.seaworld.com.au/] ? First opened in 1958 before moving to its present site in 1971, Sea World is the oldest and also one of the most established theme parks in Australia. It's the closest to heart of the Gold Coast and will be interesting for those who have a liking for marine animals. Lots of shows and live acts, and you could easily spend a day here without going on any rides. It still does have a some thrill rides, with the corkscrew roller coaster, and speed water slides.
  • '''Dreamworld''' [http://www.dreamworld.com.au] ? Traditional theme park with a popular tiger zoo and the home of the Australian Big Brother House. Bountiful in rides, thrilling and otherwise. Great 'little kids' area with Wiggleworld. If you are in it for the rides, and not the theme, then this is the place to be.
  • '''Warner Bros. Movie World''' [http://www.movieworld.com.au] ? Movie themed park with Warner Bros. themed rides and Loony Toons walking around all over the place. It is the most themed of the Gold Coast parks. Pretty crazy rides but not as extreme as some at Dreamworld. Depending on your blood pressure this may be a good thing.
  • Wet'n'Wild. 61 7 5573 2255. ttp://www.wetnwild.com.au/. 0am - 5pm (9pm during Jan) except Dec 25 and April 25 (1.30pm - 5pm). dults $49/Children (4-13yrs) & Pensioners $32. Water theme park with a wide range of slides, a wave pool, 'dive-in movies' at night in the wave pool (if you wish) and even a river where you can just lay in a tube and float around and around! A definite must during the summer, though best left to a day that isn't stupidly hot or the queues are just ridiculous. If you go in winter, the water is heated.

  • Australian Outback Spectacular. 33 386. ttp://outbackspectacular.myfun.com.au/. ightly Tues-Sun (except Dec 25 ), ~7pm. dults $99/Pensioners $89/Children (4-13yrs) $65. New Epic Outback Show, complete with stampeding cattle, wild horses and an Australian Dinner. Free stockman's hat!

  • WhiteWater World. 61 7 5588 1111. ttp://www.whitewaterworld.com.au. 0am - 5pm except Dec 25 and April 25 (1.30pm - 5pm). dults $45/Children (4-13yrs) & Pensioners $30. A newer water park next to Dreamworld, said to be just as good as Wet'n'Wild, if not better. Combined tickets available.

  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. ttp://www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au/. Originally famous for its birdfeeding of rainbow lorikeets, this park has expanded to have a number of animal exhibits. Although the lorikeet feeding still takes place just inside the entrace, there are hundreds of native Australian animals on display in natural bushland and rainforest settings around the park. There are open enclosures where you can get close to the usual assortment of kangaroos, emus, wallabies, etc.

  • Easy hike up Burleigh Mountain. alf an hour busride south of Surfers Paradise. ake route 700 (Tweed Heads) bus from Cavill Avenue, get off at the Gold Coast Highway/Ikkina Road stop.. REE. This small mountain is situated at the mouth of Tallebudgera Creek as it joins the ocean and is flanked by swimming spots in the river and the beach. The mountain is just beside the main road, and it is an easy walk to the top, where you can visit the information centre, see the remains of Aboriginal middens, see rock formations left behind by ancient eruptions of Mount Warning, and try spotting whales and sea eagles from the lookouts over the southern coastline.

    Be wary

    Be wary of street vendors promising free tickets to theme parks. You generally see these people on Cavill Mall in Surfers Paradise. They promise free theme park tickets in return for 3-4 hours of your time watching a timeshare presentation. Many legitimate vendors sell discounted theme park tickets. Check out the tourist information booths run by Gold Coast Tourism Corporation [http://www.verygc.com].

    Buy

    Cavill mall and surrounds have some cheap '''souvenir and t-shirt shops'''. There are dozens of stores around Surfers Paradise catering exclusively for the tourist market and Australian opals, sheepskins, wool products, and aboriginal "artefacts". Watch out for overpriced goods. Local newspapers regularly run stories about "discount warehouses" being taken to court for selling souvenirs at exorbitant prices to Asian tourists on organized tours.

    Pacific Fair in Broadbeach contains a large number of chain and independent stores selling pretty much every consumer item you can think of, although its labyrinthine layout can be very confusing for the first-time visitor.

    Harbourtown in Biggera Waters is full of retail outlets, but is a bit out of the way to get to.

    The Gold Coast also caters to the budget shopper as there are numerous designer boutiques around the city.

  • Carrara Markets. orner of Gooding Drive and Manchester Road, Carrara. ttp://www.carraramarkets.com.au. at and Sun 7am-4pm. ree. Massive outdoor market of over 500 stalls, selling everything from food to clothing to plants, and a lot more. Cheap shuttle bus service from Surfer's Paradise, a good FREE day out, something for the whole family.

    Eat

    The back arcades of Surfers Paradise have dozens of cheap Japanese and Korean "lunchbox" style restaurants and the quality is usually excellent, not to mention the price (less than $15 for a large main meal).

    There is a very well priced sushi train one street north of Cavill Ave called Sushi in Paradise (2 Elkhorn Ave).

    Tedder Avenue in Main Beach and the Broadbeach area have the largest concentration of restaurants and cafes with food ranging from gourmet seafood to pub fare. Expect to pay $20?$50 for a main meal. Don't forget that most of the restaurants are BYO.

    There is an all you can eat Buffet in Conrad Jupiters Casino that offers lunch for $22.50, dinner for $40 (seafood on fri/sat for $50). The food there is delicious and there are plenty of entree's, mains, roasts and desserts. The only thing not included are desserts.

    Heading north to the Marina's around the Broadwater will put you right amongst the Gold Coast's freshest fish markets. Peter's Fish Market is just north of Marina Mirage and will happily cook fish and chips if you have nowhere to do it yourself.

    Drink

    Try a local surf club for a cheap beer with a great view, you'll find one or two in every beachside suburb of the Gold Coast. They're generally located right in front of the beach their members patrol and serve deliciously affordable food and drinks. The fish doesn't actually get much fresher. Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise offer the biggest choice of bars, clubs, and cafes, and you can order almost anything you can dream up.

    Further south, Coolangatta Surf Lifesaving Club, Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Surf Lifesaving Club and Rainbow Bay Surf Lifesaving Club have spectacular decks, good food and entertainment and friendly welcomes. Just sign in as a guest.

    Twin Towns RSL is the largest RSL in NSW. On the border of Queensland and NSW it offers a variety of dining options, frequent entertainment acts, and a friendly environment all at club prices. It has the sterile renovated feel of many of the newer clubs, but it is possible to get a seat with nice view.

    Sleep

  • '''Backpacker hostels''' are mostly located in Surfers Paradise, Southport, Main Beach and Coolangatta with dorm beds starting at around $20 a night.
  • '''Motels''' are located all along the Gold Coast Hwy. Most can be found in Labrador, Mermaid Beach, Miami, Palm Beach and Tweed Heads. Single rooms are $60 to $80, while doubles rooms are $70 to $90 but prices increase during peak summer. Prices are lower and availability is better, the further they are away from Surfers Paradise.
  • '''Camping and Caravan''' grounds are dotted about the Gold Coast, although many have closed to make way for other development. The largest operater is Gold Coast Tourist Parks [http://www.gctp.com.au/] a business arm of the Gold Coast City Council. It has 7 parks: Main Beach, Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads, Kirra Beach, Broadwater, Jacobs Well, Ocean Beach (Miami). Other caravan parks can be found in Miami, Carrara, Labrador, Nerang and Mudgeeraba. Accommodation options include caravan and camping sites, luxury cabins and group lodgings. Facilities may include swimming pools, play equipment and barbecue areas.
  • '''Apartment''' accommodation in high- and low-rise buildings. A two-bedroom apartment in Surfers Paradise will cost around $150 per night in the off-season, and upwards of $300 a night in peak summer. Many have a minimum stay of 3 or 5 nights and may allow only one Saturday night per seven days. Reception hours are limited and a bond may be required in some cases. Inside amenities typically include kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate bedrooms. Outside amenities may include swimming pool, gym and other resort facilities.
  • '''Hotels''', include chains such as the Mariott, Crowne Plaza. Hotels are concentrated in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
  • '''Luxury resorts'''
  • * '''Palazzo Versace Hotel''', Main Beach [http://www.palazzoversace.com]
  • * '''Sanctuary Cove Resort''', Sanctuary Cove[http://sanctuarycove.regency.hyatt.com]
  • * '''Conrad Jupiters''', Broadbeach [http://www.jupiterscasino.com.au]
  • * '''Sea World Resort''', Main Beach [http://seaworldresort.myfun.com.au/]
  • Contact

    Payphones are common.

    Wireless Internet

    Many accommodation operators offer free WiFi access to their guests. Other Wifi hotspots include McDonalds restaurants and coffee shops such as Starbucks and Gloria Jeans.

    Get out

  • Byron Bay is only an hour's drive south
  • Lamington National Park [http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=97] is half an hour's drive west
  • The Tweed [http://www.tweedtourism.com.au] is just south of the Gold Coast
  • The Sunshine Coast lies north of Brisbane.
  • Spend the day or longer in the hinterland - visit Springbrook Falls, Mt Tamborine, Natural Arch (see glow worms at night).