The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s biggest tourist destinations, and the largest non-capital city, currently the sixth-largest city and second largest in Queensland. Widely known for the contrasting imagery of its high-rise skyline situated right next to incredible beaches, the Gold Coast is also renowned for themes parks, its subtropical climate and nightlife, and the surf lifesavers that patrol its many beaches.
Established in the 1920’s as the iconic Surfers Paradise beach gained popularity, the Gold Coast has since grown to span 70 kilometres of coastline including suburbs and top surfing breaks that are famous the world over: Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Coomera, Currumbin, Main Beach, Mermaid Beach, Southport and The Spit to name a few.
The Gold Coast has long been a popular holiday spot for families with theme parks and attractions such as Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Warner Bros. Movie World and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on offer.
It’s not just sun, sand, surf and theme parks though – the Gold Coast is home to over 40 golf courses, major events such as the Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars, the Magic Millions horseracing and the Gold Coast Marathon as well as a burgeoning film industry and music festival scene.
Easily accessible via its own international airport (formerly known as Coolangatta Airport), the Gold Coast is also an easy drive north to Brisbane, or south, over the NSW border to other coastal hotspots like Byron Bay. Make sure to take your ‘togs’ but leave the tiara at home if you don’t want to get confused for the Gold Coast ‘Meter Maids’ you might spot strolling the streets and topping up parking meters. Need somewhere to stay? Choose from Choice Hotels Gold Coast collection.
