Gold Coast
Sun, wildlife, and local flavors on Australia's glittering coast
Highlights
The Gold Coast's iconic stretch of golden sand perfect for swimming, surfing, and people-watching with unobstructed ocean views.
Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies while discovering native Australian animals in a bird-lover's paradise with four aviaries.
A mesmerizing natural swimming hole showcasing stunning blues and greens where the creek meets the Coral Sea between two national parks.
Compact 67-acre park offering diverse landscapes from rainforest to beaches with Aboriginal cultural insights at Jellurgal Cultural Centre.
Explore pristine marine environments through jet boating, snorkeling, or dolphin spotting in the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Award-winning restaurants and major shopping centers within walking distance of beachfront accommodation.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise
77-story beachfront apartment-style hotel with full kitchens, washing machines, private balconies overlooking Surfers Paradise Beach, and contemporary design
Langham Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise-Broadbeach)
Upscale oceanfront hotel with Pacific or Hinterland views, swim-up pool bar, award-winning restaurants within walking distance, and contemporary styling
Mid-Range Beachfront Apartment/Hotel (Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads)
Self-contained apartments or 3-4 star hotels with kitchenettes, ocean views, and proximity to local restaurants and quieter beach areas
Where to Eat
12 picks
Canvas Coffee House
Local favorite for perfectly prepared specialty coffee and freshly baked pastries; order the seasonal fruit tart and a cortado
Surfers Paradise Beach Beachfront Restaurants
Mid-range beachfront dining with fresh seafood and local specialties; try barramundi or mud crab with ocean views
Surfers Paradise Local Brunch Spot
Casual breakfast and brunch venue with avocado toast, poached eggs, and specialty coffee; arrive early to avoid lines
Broadbeach Cafe Scene
Award-winning cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the beach; explore local menus and ask staff for specials
Tallebudgera Creek Picnic Lunch Spot
Pack local deli items and enjoy on the natural swimming hole with stunning blue-green waters
Burleigh Heads Local Eateries
Casual beachside restaurants serving fresh fish, salads, and Australian cuisine near the national park
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre Cafe
Light refreshments and snacks while learning about indigenous food traditions; try bush tucker-inspired items
Hinterland Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Regional cuisine using local produce from the Scenic Rim area; try regional specialties and Australian wine pairings
Currumbin Beachside Cafes
Casual breakfast and lunch spots near the sanctuary with fresh juices, smoothie bowls, and light meals
Southport Dining Precinct
Diverse mid-range restaurants offering Asian fusion, Italian, and Australian cuisine; explore multiple options before choosing
Broadbeach Markets (if visiting weekend)
Weekend food markets with local vendors offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and international cuisine; budget-friendly sampling
Beachfront Fish & Chips (Local Favorite)
Casual takeaway or dine-in venue serving fresh-caught fish with hand-cut chips; eat on the beach at sunset
What to Do
14 picks
Surfers Paradise Beach
Walk along the iconic golden sand beach, swim in patrolled areas, watch surfers, and enjoy the promenade atmosphere
South Bank Parklands (day trip from Brisbane or Gold Coast)
Riverside gardens, museums, galleries, and cultural venues; excellent for walking, people-watching, and understanding Brisbane culture
SkyPoint Climb (Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise)
Don full body harness and climb the outside of the 77-story building for 360-degree views of the Gold Coast, hinterland, and ocean
Broadbeach Shopping & Dining Precinct
Walk award-winning restaurants, major shopping centers, and beach promenade; browse local boutiques and international retailers
Tallebudgera Creek
Swim in the natural creek pool with mesmerizing blues and greens; picnic on the beach between Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach
Paradise Jet Boating Adventure
55-minute jet boat tour with 360-degree spins, shallow-water cruising, access to Moreton Bay Marine Park, and dolphin spotting opportunities
Burleigh Heads National Park & Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Explore 67-acre park with grassland, mangroves, rainforest, and beach landscapes; visit the cultural center to learn dreamtime stories and indigenous history
Rooftop Bar & Sunset Experience
Visit one of Gold Coast's rooftop bars for sunset views overlooking the ocean and hinterland; enjoy local cocktails with elevated vistas
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Hand-feed red and gray kangaroos and wallabies, watch the lorikeet aviary show, and encounter dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and red pandas
Hinterland Scenic Drive (Montville & Maleny)
Drive through lush hinterland towns with galleries, cafes, craft shops, and mountain viewpoints; explore waterfalls and rainforest scenery
Moreton Island Day Trip (Tangalooma Wrecks & Dolphin Feeding)
Ferry from Brisbane, snorkel at shipwrecks, explore Western Beach and Eastern Surf Beach, feed wild dolphins at sunset
Australia Zoo (day trip)
Visit wildlife sanctuary featuring crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, and exotic animals; interactive demonstrations and encounters
Eumundi Markets (weekend day trip)
Saturday or Wednesday open-air markets featuring local arts, crafts, jewelry, fresh produce, and international food stalls
Beachfront Swimming & Sunbathing
Spend leisurely time on Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, or Burleigh Heads beaches; use patrolled swim areas and enjoy the sand
Good to Know
8 picks
Book Water Activities in Advance
Jet boating, snorkeling tours, and dolphin encounters fill up quickly during peak season; reserve 2-3 days ahead for better pricing and availability
Use Local Cafe Knowledge
Ask staff at your accommodation, guides, and locals for their favorite cafes and restaurants; skip the big name chains and tourist guide recommendations
Rent a Car for Maximum Flexibility
A rental car ($40-60/day) provides access to hinterland towns, Burleigh Heads, and spontaneous discoveries that public transport makes difficult
Visit During Shoulder Seasons
September-November and March-May offer ideal weather, fewer crowds, and better accommodation rates than peak summer (December-February)
Bring and Wear Strong Sun Protection
Australia's UV index is extremely high; use SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapply every 2 hours, wear hats and UV-protective clothing
Pack Swimwear and Beach Shoes
Bring multiple swimsuits, water shoes for rocky areas, and a waterproof bag; the beach is your primary activity base
Skip Tourist Trap Restaurants with Ocean Views
Premium pricing doesn't equal better food at many beachfront chain restaurants; ask locals for hidden gems off the main promenade
Consider a Brisbane Day Trip
Spend a day in Brisbane (1 hour north) visiting South Bank Parklands, Story Bridge, rooftop bars, and the cafe culture for urban balance
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