The Gold Coast is the ultimate holiday playground. From its Golden strips of white sands that line the coastlines, to the tropical rainforests of the tablelands only a short drive inland. From the Theme Parks, to the night clubs of Broadbeach. This is a place that was seemingly created to please everyone, and it is no wonder that holidaymakers from all over Australia flock to South East Queensland every year to experience it! In this Complete Guide to the Gold Coast, I will cover everything you can see and do, where to stay, and how to get around this amazing City.
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Table of Contents
- About the Gold Coast
- Gold Coast Weather
- How to get to the Gold Coast
- What to do on the Gold Coast
- Day Trips from the Gold Coast
- Where to stay on the Gold Coast
- How to get around
- Useful Links
- Summary
About the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is situated in South East Queensland, right at the border with New South Wales. It is only about an hour drive from the Queensland capital of Brisbane, and occupies the entire coastal strip for about 40 kilometers.
The Gold Coast became famous for its beaches, and rightly so. The golden strips of sand are some of the most famous in the world, and certainly rate as some of the very best in Australia. Visitors come from all over the country and around the world just to experience their sun, sand, sub tropical waters and world class surfing conditions. The Gold Coast, however, is not just about the beaches anymore.
The skyrise dominated skyline presides above incredible shopping, nightclubbing, and dining districts. There are world famous theme parks, water parks, and a Heritage listed rainforest Hinterland. Add to this the amazing sub tropical weather, and it is no wonder that the Gold Coast is the holiday destination of choice for people from all over Australia.
Gold Coast Weather
The Gold Coast has a subtropical climate, and boasts 300 days of sunshine every year. No wonder it is the favored location for Australians seeking a sunny and warm holiday!
That being said, you still have to take precautions with the Gold Coast weather. In the summer, during the holidays, when most tourists will descend on the Gold Coast, you will also have to deal with the summer storms. Now, any Australian will be able to tell you about the storms that exist EVERYWHERE in summer. On the Gold Coast though, they can hit pretty hard and fast, with the mountains so close to the West. So, it is best to keep a close eye out for them.
As for the ideal time to visit the Gold Coast, my pick is Spring and Summer. The shoulder seasons are the best though, as during the School Holidays the Gold Coast strip can get really crowded. This also has a lot to do with the famous Gold Coast weather, and the amount of sunshine and warm temperatures expected at this time of the year.
Here is a quick breakdown of the sorts of temperatures you can expect from the Gold Coast weather at different times of the year.
- Summer (December to February) – 21℃ – 35℃+
- Autumn/Fall (March to May) – 18℃ – 28℃
- Winter (June to August) – 12℃ – 22℃
- Spring (September to November) – 17℃ – 28℃
One thing I always liked about the Gold Coast weather, is that even in Winter I never needed to dress in really warm clothes a lot. Sure, there can be a bit of rain around, but I never really felt that cold. Just remember that in Summer it can get really hot at times, and the sun becomes quite damaging. So slap on that sunscreen and take a hat with you on days out!
Rain on the Gold Coast comes in the form of summer storms, and often times a solid week of downpours, especially in winter. Being located where it is, it also will get weather and sea swells from cyclones further north, and even well out to sea. It is always best to check ahead, no matter what time of year you visit, just to try and avoid disappointment. I mean, if you are going to the the Gold Coast for a holiday, you want it to be nice and sunny!
The best place to find all your weather research needs is the Bureau of Meteorology. Check out the links in the next section.
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast tip – avoid late November and early December. The annual “schoolies week” occurs around this time, when school leavers from all over Australia descend on the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Weather Radar
You can find the Gold Coast weather radar on the Bureau of Meteorology website, better known as the BOM. The radar is great for seeing how much rain is around at any given time, and how far away it is. This sort of information is invaluable when planning your day out!
Click HERE for a quick link to the BOM.
Click the link below to see the BOM Weather radar that covers the Gold Coast area.
How to get to the Gold Coast
Getting to the Gold Coast is easy.
Firstly, it is located in a very easily accessible part of the country. South East Queensland is a major hub of the roads and motorways that travel up and down the entire eastern seaboard. Driving to the Gold Coast from any of the major capitals of Australia is easy. Possibly aside from Perth or Darwin, and even then it is only because of distance.
To make up for this, the Gold Coast also has its own International Airport. Flights are coming regularly from all over the country, and Internationally from New Zealand. You can also link to the Gold Coast from other major centers such as Sydney or Melbourne if you are traveling Internationally. Then, Brisbane airport is only a short drive up the motorway as well.
You can also catch bus or train to the Gold Coast. Like anywhere else in Australia, buses run frequently, and can be a cheap and easy option to get where you want to go. The trains are simple and easy from Brisbane, using the Translink system. There is even a light rail to connect you to Surfer’s Paradise and Broadbeach.
To catch the bus or train from Sydney to the Gold Coast, have a look at my favorite site, Bookaway. On there you can find and book travel easily and painlessly! You will also find the best prices as well. If they exist, Bookaway will have them. That’s the reason that I always use them, not just in Australia, but overseas as well. Simply click THIS LINK to check them out.
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast tip – Drive! No matter where I lived in Australia, I always opted to drive to the Gold Coast. Nothing beats the freedom of having your own car with you, and the motorways make the drive to Queensland simple!
What to do on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has SO MUCH to do. Mostly, activities will revolve around the beaches, or at least the beach strip. This is no wonder, as it is what originally made the Gold Coast famous, after all. Plus, they are some of the best beaches in Australia, especially when you factor in that they are all so close together. There can’t be a better strip of continuous beaches anywhere in the country, and possibly the world.
Beyond the beaches though, there is plenty to do. Get away from the coastline and explore the rainforests. Visit the Theme Parks. The choices are pretty much endless.
Let’s take a look.
Get your thrills at the Theme Parks
The Gold Coast Theme Parks are famous for good reason. They are incredible! The original park of Dreamworld had some bad press a few years back, but has certainly bounced back strongly. It now has its own waterpark attached to add to the “big” rides that it has always boasted.
Movie World is another favorite for the big rides. What is great about it though, is that they have the costumed characters walking around, and themed “shows”. No matter how many times you see them, they are always fun.
Sea World is located out on the Spit near Surfer’s Paradise, and is a sentimental favorite. They have rides as well, but at Sea World it is really all about the animals and the incredible shows they put on.
Traditionally, that covers the big Theme Parks. These days though, it doesn’t stop there, with Top Golf offering something different and a really fun day out. Wet N Wild is also situated right next to Movie World for an amazing waterpark experience, especially during the summer!
Check out a great option to get a 3 day pass to the top Theme Parks HERE.
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast tip – Don’t forget to check out Top Golf. It looks like just a fun Gold Driving Range to the untrained eye. This place is so enjoyable though, and makes hitting a golf ball so much more than just the chance at a hole in one! There is incredible food, a bar, function rooms, and on some nights even disco lights.
Enjoy the Famous Beaches
The Gold Coast Beaches are world famous, and with good reason. All the way from the Spit, just north of Surfer’s Paradise, down to the incredible Greenmount and Rainbow Beaches at the NSW border, you will not have to look far to find something to fit your needs.
The most famous strips of sand are Main Beach, Burleigh, Greenmount and Rainbow. Yet all the beaches that can be found in between are just as good, in my option!
So what is there to do on the Gold Coast Beaches? Surf, swim, or just lay on the beach and enjoy the sun. Walk, Jog, or just take a stroll along the incredible sands and enjoy the incredible weather. Some of the beaches are so long, such as Main Beach, that you can walk or jog as far as you want without having to even turn around. Unless you are an Olympic level athlete of course!
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast Tip: Don’t stop at just the beach itself. Check out the incredible cycleways and walkways along the beachside parks. There are swings, workout centers, and surf clubs that offer amazing lunches and dinners!
Explore Currumbin Creek
Currumbin Creek is billed as the ideal place for families and kids, but really, is great for any age! Currumbin itself has always been well known for it’s wonderful surf break, “Currumbin Alley”. Right nearby though, is a really great swimming and recreational area that locals on the Gold Coast love!
As the creek meets the ocean, it opens up into a beautiful lake area, almost completely protected from the ocean itself. It is the ideal sheltered and calm swimming spot, with a really nice white sand beach. People can be seen everywhere paddling canoes and kayaks, or trying out their Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP). Parking can become scarce, especially at the weekends, so get there early, or head up creek a bit to search for more.
The great thing about Currumbin Creek is that the fun isn’t just limited to one spot. You can find places to stop and swim along the shores for quite some distance. It also isn’t limited to just a few activities. I have known many families that will surf, swim, fish, and kayak. There aren’t too many places that have the “one size fits all” that Currumbin Creek boasts!
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast Tip: Try heading about 20 minutes drive inland along the creek. Here you will find the beautiful and cool Currumbin Rock Pools. They are safe for kids and swimming, and perfect for a weekend out.
Learn to Surf
What better place than to learn to surf than a place called Surfer’s Paradise?
For that matter, anywhere along the Gold Coast Beaches is almost perfect as well. There is a reason that there are SO many surf schools and instructors to be found.
The Gold Coast literally has some of the best surf in the world. People come from all over the Globe to visit, and to experience the incredibly consistent and world class waves that are on offer. Rainbow Bay is even a regular annual stop on the WSL Tour. If even the best love it, then why not you as well?
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast Tip: There are surf Schools from The Spit, all the way to Duranbah. But why not check out Currumbin Alley Surf School? It is one of the best, with great results, learning on one of the best waves along the Coast.
Discover the Hinterland
The Gold Coast Hinterland is one of my favorite parts of the Gold Coast. In fact, when I lived on the Gold Coast a few years ago, I can honestly say that I actually visited the Hinterland more than I visited the beaches.
Why? Because it is a nature lover’s dream! And if you love hiking, you simply will not find better!
The “heart” of the Hinterland is Mount Tamborine. Here, you can find hikes to wonderful waterfalls, views for days, wineries, and even some quaint Devonshire Tea Cafes. Everyone loves visiting Mount Tamborine, and this is evident on nearly every weekend of the year. Locals and tourists descend on the little mountain top town from all over South East Queensland.
But Tamborine isn’t the only place to visit. Try taking a drive up through beautiful Beechmont, to places such as Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s Resort. The hiking and waterfalls are spectacular! There is Natural Bridge, where the river actually dives through a hole in the rock, disappearing into a cavern far below. Places such as these are everywhere in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Check out a great tour you can even do to see the best of the Hinterland at THIS link.
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast tip: Take a drive around the Scenic Rim from Nerang up to Beechmont, and then around to Canungra, and finish at Mount Tamborine. The views are simply amazing!
Enjoy some watersports
A place such as the Gold Coast would not be the same without Water Sports. And they have it all!
You can enjoy almost anything that you can imagine on the Gold Coast. From Parasailing to Scuba Diving, Jet Boating to Jet Ski Tours. You won’t have to go far to find a place to accommodate you.
The best places to do and try water sports will depend upon what you want to actually do. The Broadwater around The Spit or Southport are popular spots for nearly everything. The Broadwater itself is the ideal playground when it comes to any “flat water” sports. For sports such as Surfing, one of the best Surf Schools on the Gold Coast is also at The Spit.
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast tip: Check out Gold Coast Watersports. They are centrally located in Surfer’s Paradise, and offer great deals on everything you could possibly be looking for!
Shop till you drop
If there is one thing that the Gold Coast has to offer, it is a multitude of amazing places to shop. From shopping centers, to small boutique shopping, there is something to please everyone on the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast Shopping Centers are huge, and have all the shops that you would be expecting to see in an Australian shopping center, plus many, many more. In Broadbeach, there is Pacific Fair, an icon that I remember shopping at when I was a kid growing up along the Gold Coast strip. It has seen dozens of renovations since then, and is still one of the best centers on the Coast.
In Southport, Australia Fair still holds it own, and is the place to visit if you are staying on the Northern part of the Coast. Harbour Town is not far away in Biggera Waters, and is the best discount and Outlet shopping center I have ever been to! The other great shopping center that has to be mentioned is Robina. It is located right next to the Gold Coast Motorway, making it really easy to access from anywhere on the Coast!
For Boutique Shopping, try the famous James Street, Burleigh Heads, or Brickworks, Southport.
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast Tip: If you are there on the weekend, check out the Carrara Markets. They are an institution on the Gold Coast, and the place the locals head to every Saturday and Sunday!
Visit the locals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is as old as the Gold Coast itself. Well, it certainly FEELS that way, even if it isn’t! I lived on the Gold Coast for a good majority of my life, and it has always been there. It just keeps getting better!
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is probably best known for the place to cuddle Koalas, or to see Kangaroos. But there is SO MUCH more to it than that.
Basically, you can see any of the native animals of Australia at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. There are many that you can also get up close and personal with. The most famous is the Koala cuddles and photos, but you can also meet many other species of animal, just so long as you are willing to pay! On top of the entry fees to the park, if you have the cash, you can really reward yourself at Currumbin, and make your experience even MORE memorable.
Complete Guide to the Gold Coast tip: Get there early, and get a map, as well as a schedule of shows. If you plan your day, you can see and experience a LOT more.
Day Trips from the Gold Coast
The location of the Gold Coast makes it perfect for Day Trips. You can only spend so much time on the beach, and a trip somewhere different can really be the icing on the cake for your holiday. Plus, why not see everything that the region has to offer?
Trips from the Gold Coast can range from simply heading up into the nearby Hinterland, taking a boat out to the islands, or traveling up to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. There are so many choices!
Here are the Complete Guide to the Gold Coast choices of the best day trips from the Gold Coast.
- The Gold Coast Full Day Winery Tour – Be picked up from your hotel, and taken up to beautiful Mount Tamborine to savor the flavors of the best wineries on the Gold Coast. Click HERE to check it out.
- Gold Coast 2 hour Surfers Paradise Cruise with Buffet Lunch – What better way to see the Gold Coast sights than from the deck of your cruise boat. Sail around the canal systems of the Gold Coast, and into the Broadwater past all the Iconic sights of the Gold Coast. Enjoy a buffet lunch and prawns along the way! Click HERE for more details.
- Gold Coast Evening Rainforest and Glow Worm Experience – Want to see the incredible rainforests in a totally different way? Then check them out at night time with a guided tour, that will also take you to see the famous Glow Worms. Click HERE for more details.
- Gold Coast Natural Bridge and Springbrook Waterfalls – Do you love natural attractions? Then put your walking shoes on and hit the trails of beautiful Springbrook, and check out one of my favorite places on the Gold Coast. Natural Bridge! Click HERE to find out more.
- Gold Coast Jet Boat and Scenic Helicopter – Enjoy twice the fun and combine an amazing Jet Boat experience with the best views of the Gold Coast. From the air! Your helicopter will take you high above everything along the Coast, and then show you South Stradbroke Island. Click HERE for more details.
These are some of the highly rated tours you can do from the Gold Coast. I would also recommend making your own day trips. Simply grab a Translink Go Card and take the train to Brisbane for a day out. You can find out what to do in Brisbane in my Complete Guide to Brisbane HERE. I would recommend checking out South Bank if you are there for a day.
Also, why not head to Brisbane and do a day trip from THERE. In the guide, you can find out some of the wonderful options available to you. My pick – Tangalooma! It is amazing!
Where to stay on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast covers a large area that is mostly coastal. Almost exclusively, the accommodation is found along the beach front strips. Which makes sense, really, when it is the main reason that you come to the Gold Coast in the first place.
That being said, there are different areas along the Beaches that offer different things. Vibes, facilities, and the beaches themselves differ in such a way, that a place that is perfect for one person, may not be for the next. Personally, though, I believe that where ever you stay on the Gold Coast is almost a sure fire winner.
Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK.
Here is my Complete Guide to the Gold Coast summary of what I believe are the best areas for someone to stay when they visit the Gold Coast.
Surfer’s Paradise
Surfer’s Paradise is the traditional “capital” of the Gold Coast. Back in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, Surfer’s was the place to be. It was where all the cool people hung out, and was close to being the most famous beach in Australia. Now, it has gone through a bit of a metamorphosis. The beach is the same, and the famous Gold Coast Meter Maids still walk the streets. The popular nightclubs and bars however, have moved down the road to Broadbeach. That doesn’t make Surfer’s Paradise any less attractive though, and quite to the contrary, probably attracts even more these days!
Here are the Complete Guide to the Gold Coast choice of places to stay in Surfers Paradise.
FOR LUXURY – JW Marriott Resort and Spa
The JW Marriott Resort and Spa is everything you would expect from this chain, and comes with a similar price tag. Despite that, the reviews are amazing, with the incredible hospitality key. Located at the north end of Surfers Paradise, it is ideally situated to get you anywhere that you need to go.
MID RANGE – Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
The Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise come very highly rated. Located right on the beach, with a pool that literally looks directly across the sand, you can’t go wrong for all those great Gold Coast vibes.
Broadbeach
Broadbeach is the center of the modern day Gold Coast. Here, you will find the popular bars and nightclubs. There are an insane amount of places to eat and drink, and shopping that will suit anyone’s tastes. With popular surf clubs with cheap meals along the beach, and the casino across the road, Broadbeach is the place to book for anyone visiting the Gold Coast for a good time.
Here are the Complete Guide to the Gold Coast choice of places to stay in Broadbeach.
FOR LUXURY – Meriton Suites Broadbeach
Once again the Meriton Suites are at the top of the list for a really luxurious stay. Apartment style accommodation comes with amazing service, and incredible ocean views from this ideally located Broadbeach high-rise.
MID RANGE – Avani Broadbeach Residences
Avani Broadbeach Residences gets the vote for amazing location, close to absolutely everything that Broadbeach has to offer. Only a short walk from the beach, you will have a swift and professional experience from check in to check out.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads was always a place that was popular with surfers, or families that wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of Surfer’s Paradise and Broadbeach. There were a couple of caravan parks and roadside motels, but not much more. These days though, how things have changed! Burleigh Heads is one of the places to be seen. Boutique shopping, chic cafes, and burger joints that make your mouth water just driving past! Add to this the fact that it is on one of the Gold Coast’s best beaches, and you just can’t go wrong.
Here are the Complete Guide to the Gold Coast choice of places to stay in Burleigh Heads.
FOR LUXURY – Burleigh Esplanade Beachfront Apartments
The Burleigh Esplanade Beachfront Apartments offer the best of both worlds. They are close to everything you want to see and do in Burleigh, while also being not right in the middle of it all. Close to the beach, and great for families, you will be on a real winner here.
MID RANGE – Aussie Resort
Can you get any more Aussie than a pool shaped like Australia? This resort is laid back and casual, with really helpful staff. It is family run, and has a few permanent residents, which adds to the “local” ambience.
Coolangatta
Coolangatta is located right at the Queensland and New South Wales Border. It (sort of) encompasses the areas around the beaches at Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Duranbah. Basically, it is the very southern end of the Gold Coast. For me, though, it is one of my favorite areas. The Beaches are beautiful, with golden sands, really nice surf, and swimming spots that will suit everyone. The beachwalk winds over the woodsy headlands, and you get really nice views from up at Point Danger and around Greenmount. The places to stay are in nice high rises that features great restaurants downstairs, with outlooks over the most ascetically beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast!
Here is the Complete Guide to the Gold Coast choice of places to stay in Coolangatta.
FOR LUXURY – Nirvana by the Sea Apartments
Nirvana by the Sea Apartments are one of the most highly rated places to stay on the Southern Gold Coast. I mean, the name says it all, doesn’t it? With amazing views and facilities, a stay here will give you the holiday that you deserve!
MID RANGE – Tessa’s on the Beach Boutique Hotel
Tessa’s on the Beach is a Boutique Hotel with a difference. It was once an old 1960’s hotel, that has now seen a total refurbishment. Now, it is a nostalgic retro hotel with a very unique vibe. Everyone that stays there absolutely loves it!
BUDGET – Coolangatta Sands Hotel
It’s hard to get much really budget accommodation on the Gold Coast, but as far as budget goes, you would be very happy with the Coolangatta Sands Hotel. Located centrally on the main street, it is a typical Aussie Pub, with everything to love about such places such as pub meals, schooners and pool tables!
How to get around
Getting around on the Gold Coast is relatively easy. Firstly, the majority of the city is located along the coastal strip. So if you are there on a holiday, you generally hardly even need to look at a map. Just follow the road in the right direction and you will find what you are looking for! This only works if you are sticking to the coastline though.
As I covered earlier in this article, there are many ways to get to the Gold Coast. These forms of transport, other than flying, will generally serve you well getting around as well. The railway line can get you to Brisbane in one direction, and Robina in the other. Then, from Helensvale Station, you can link up with the Light Rail, that will be a major help in getting around on the Gold Coast. It runs all the way to Broadbeach, and will eventually continue right through to Coolangatta airport. This means that you will technically be able to travel the entire length of the Gold Coast on it!
The good old fashioned bus is the other way to get around on the Gold Coast. Buses run absolutely everywhere, and it is never that hard to find one. Check out the link I have provided below to find out all about the Translink Go Card, which will allow you to tap on and tap off as you go. Also, you will find maps of all the bus routes around the Gold Coast.
Useful Links
Here are some useful links that will help you on your visit to the Gold Coast.
Complete Guide to South East Queensland
Accommodation on the Gold Coast
Summary
Head to the Gold Coast for your next summer getaway. It truly is Australia’s playground, and very rarely let’s you down! There is just so much to see and do, and makes certain that no visitor, no matter how fussy, will NOT get bored. Everyone falls in love with the Gold Coast, so make certain that you don’t miss out on experiencing it for yourself.
Did you find this Complete Guide to the Gold Coast helpful? Then let me know in the comments below.
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