Gold Coast, Australia: travel guide
Long surf beaches, theme parks and a rainforest hinterland
Australia's Holiday Mecca — famous for endless beaches, theme parks, nightlife, and hinterland rainforest attractions.
About Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a long strip of Queensland coastline given over to beaches, with high-rise Surfers Paradise at its centre and a continuous run of surf breaks and patrolled sand stretching either side. It is a holiday coast rather than a traditional city, and it is built around sun and water.
Things to do on the Gold Coast include surfing lessons, theme parks, a walk along the beachfront and an evening at the restaurants and bars of Surfers Paradise. Inland, the Gold Coast hinterland offers rainforest walks, waterfalls and mountain villages such as those around Springbrook and Tamborine Mountain.
It suits families and beach holidays especially well. The best time to visit the Gold Coast is the milder, drier months outside the humid summer.
- Country
- Australia
- Currency
- AUD
- Time zone
- Australia/Brisbane
- Nearest airport
- OOL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise Beach
beach · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Gold Coast's signature high-rise beach — a long stretch of patrolled golden sand backed by shops and nightlife.
SkyPoint Observation Deck
observation-deck · about 1.3 h · entry $31 (≈ ₹2,060)
A level-77 observation deck atop the Q1 tower with 360-degree coast-to-hinterland views and an external climb.
Burleigh Heads National Park
national-park · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A rainforest headland with an easy oceanfront walking track, koalas, whale-watching and one of the coast's best point breaks.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
wildlife-sanctuary · about 3.5 h · entry $60 (≈ ₹3,990)
A National-Trust wildlife sanctuary famed for its free-flying lorikeet feeding, koalas, crocodiles and wildlife hospital.
Warner Bros. Movie World
theme-park · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
A Hollywood-themed park with roller coasters, DC superhero rides and daily character parades — a Gold Coast icon.
Sea World
marine-park · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
A marine theme park with dolphin and shark presentations, rides and animal-rescue experiences on the Broadwater.
Dreamworld
theme-park · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
Australia's biggest theme park — thrill rides, the Tiger Island big cats and a native wildlife experience at Coomera.
Broadbeach
beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A relaxed, dining-led beach suburb beside Pacific Fair and The Star casino, with a patrolled family beach.
Coolangatta & Snapper Rocks
beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A laid-back southern beach town, home to the world-class Superbank surf break at Snapper Rocks and calm swimming bays.
Springbrook National Park
national-park · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A World Heritage Gondwana rainforest of waterfalls, the Natural Bridge cave and the Best of All Lookout in the hinterland.
Tamborine Mountain
hinterland · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A hinterland plateau of rainforest walks, waterfalls, the Skywalk, wineries and the Gallery Walk arts village.
HOTA (Home of the Arts)
arts-precinct · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Gold Coast's cultural precinct on the Nerang River — a striking green gallery, outdoor stage and rooftop bar.
Things to do
- Surfers Paradise Surf Lesson Adventure · 2 h · from AUD 65 per person
- Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise Cruise · 2.5 h · from AUD 89 per person
- Tamborine Mountain Rainforest & Wineries Tour Tour · 8 h · from AUD 129 per person
- Gold Coast Jet Boat Thrill Ride Adventure · 0.9 h · from AUD 75 per person
- Springbrook Glow Worm & Natural Bridge Tour Tour · 5 h · from AUD 99 per person
- SkyPoint Climb Adventure · 1.5 h · from AUD 99 per person
Day trips and tours
- Gold Coast Hinterland & Wildlife 8 h · from AUD 129
Where to stay in Gold Coast
- Surfers Paradise about AUD 3,500 per night
Beach resort with water sports
- Broadbeach about AUD 250 per night
Relaxed, dining-focused beach suburb next to Pacific Fair and The Star casino.
- Burleigh Heads about AUD 240 per night
Laid-back surf town with a national-park headland walk and a strong cafe scene.
Hotels
- QT Gold Coast 4-star · AUD 220 to AUD 450 per night
- The Star Gold Coast 5-star · AUD 280 to AUD 700 per night
- Peppers Broadbeach 4-star · AUD 230 to AUD 480 per night
- Vibe Hotel Gold Coast 4-star · AUD 170 to AUD 340 per night
- Mantra on View Hotel 4-star · AUD 150 to AUD 300 per night
Where to eat
- Rick Shores Asian, Seafood · about AUD 120 per person
- The Fish House Seafood · about AUD 130 per person
- Social Eating House + Bar Modern Australian · about AUD 75 per person
- Koi Dining & Bar Japanese, Modern Australian · about AUD 80 per person
- Burleigh Pavilion Pub, Australian · about AUD 55 per person
- BSKT Cafe Cafe, Healthy · about AUD 30 per person
Getting to Gold Coast
Airport: Gold Coast (OOL)
Getting around
- Bus
- Ride Hail
- Tram
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Backpacker job-deposit
Major tourist zones
Online "casual work" offer demands $50–200 deposit for "uniform/training"; job doesn't exist.
How to avoid it: Never pay deposit for a job before starting. Use official jobactive portal.
More in Australia
Frequently asked questions about Gold Coast
- What are the main places to visit in Gold Coast?
- Places covered in our Gold Coast guide include Surfers Paradise Beach, SkyPoint Observation Deck, Burleigh Heads National Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Warner Bros. Movie World.
- Where should I stay in Gold Coast?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Gold Coast: Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads.
- How do I get around Gold Coast?
- Ways to get around Gold Coast covered in our guide: City bus, Ride-hailing app, Tram, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Gold Coast?
- Scams reported to us for Gold Coast include Backpacker job-deposit. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Gold Coast?
- The nearest airport to Gold Coast has the code OOL.