Welcome to Australia's premier holiday destination.
The Gold Coast is located in Queensland on the New South Wales border. It has world famous beaches, nightlife, shopping theme parks and a tropical hinterland to explore.

Population: Over 600,000 people
(sixth largest city in Australia)

Climate: Subtropical with 287 days of sunshine annually.

Temperatures:
Summer- 19 to 29 degrees Celsius (66 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit).
Winter- 9 to 21 degrees Celsius (48 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit).

Australia's Gold Coast is famous for its stunning beaches and subtropical rainforests. With 70 kilometres of uninterrupted coastline, the Gold Coast beaches have something for everyone. This vibrant region stretches from Cabarita Beach in New South Wales north to Beenleigh and beautiful South Stradbroke Island.
Follow the roads inland from the sand and surf and a magical world unfolds. A world of lush rainforests, national parks, quaint villages, craft shops and spectacular views. Wander through the Gold Coast hinterland for the day of stay awhile in a cosy mountain retreat. A modern transport network links the hinterland and coastal areas with fantastic shopping centres, exciting entertainment parks, accommodation, dining and nightlife. And a new rail service and motorway connect the Gold Coast with Queensland's capital, Brisbane.

Beaches

Along the busiest stretch of the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise beach - a great spot for families with its perfect swimming beach and range of other activities. Free beach volleyball offers fun for all ages, while the nearby cafes and shopping areas make it easy to take a break with an ice-cream or a cool drink. The huge Paradise Centre on the main shopping street, Cavill Avenue, has enough games and rides to keep everyone entertained. Every Friday night craft markets are set up along the front esplanade of the beach. A good place to find quality local handicrafts and gifts.

South of Surfers Paradise is Broadbeach, offering a wide pedestrian shopping area just off the beach with children’s play equipment and fairground rides that run all year. With the beach as your backdrop, shopping can become a totally relaxing experience. Broadbeach is home to Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club, host of the annual Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles. The area also features an exciting cafe precinct with pavement cafes and restaurants offering something to suit every taste. The gourmet pizzas are a healthy favourite. Broadbeach also offers craft markets on the first and third Sunday of every month on the strand.

Further south is Burleigh Heads featuring a headland cliff popular with both visitors and locals. The headland incorporates hectares of National Park which visitors are free to explore. Just south of the headland is Echo Beach, a great place for a picnic, otherwise head north to the sheltered beach and barbecue area, where you can have lunch under the Norfolk pines. Walking paths guide you around to the headland and most are easy to manage with small children. Parents should obtain a track guide from the Burleigh Head National Park, which is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm phone (07) 5535 3032. Burleigh Heads has its own arts and crafts markets on the last Sunday of every month.

A venue for the Billabong Pro surfing competition, Kirra Point is the Gold Coast’s most famous surfing beach. Kirra produces challenging waves for the experienced surfer, as well as smaller waves closer to shore for beginners. It is a great place to watch the experts at work and get some pointers if you are learning to surf. Try hiring a longboard for the day - guaranteed fun for the kids and a great de-stress for mum and dad.

At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta has some of the Coast’s prettiest beaches. Coolangatta has its own sheltered beach and nearby picnic area and further south, Greenmount beach has gentle surf where small children can play safely. Coolangatta’s bistros and cafes are close by for lunch or a snack. On the second Sunday of the month market stalls are set up along the beachfront where you can browse through a selection of local handicrafts.

Surf Safety
Flags - Always swim between the red & yellow flags on patrolled beaches.

Beach Safety Rules
DO NOT
Swim alone or surf at beaches not patrolled by Lifeguards or Lifesavers.
Bathe outside the red and yellow flags that mark safe swimming areas.
Bathe directly after a meal or under the influence of alcohol
Bathe when the beach is closed. (Observe the visual signal "Danger- Reserve closed to bathing" and the red flag.)
Bathe when there are no safety flags in position.
Panic if caught in a current or undertow - raise one arm straight up and float until help arrives.
Struggle if seized with a cramp. Raise one arm for help, float and keep the affected part of the body perfectly still.
Go out far when a yellow flag is flying- it means the surf is dangerous.
Bathe if unsure of safe conditions. Seek the advice of the nearest Lifeguard.
Struggle against a rip or current - swim diagonally across it.

Experience the Hinterland!

Follow the roads inland from the Gold Coast's beaches and a magical world unfolds. A world of tropical rainforests, mountain villages, and other hidden treasures that are all part of the Gold Coast Hinterland - the green behind the gold.

Much of the hinterland area is National Park, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area first hand on one of the park’s many walking tracks. The tracks vary in difficulty and length - some tracks are only one kilometre, perfect for families with younger children experiencing the wonder of the rainforest for the first time.

Steeped in history, the area is also home to various museums and art galleries, as well as fabulous restaurants, cosy tea houses and craft shops for your enjoyment. Wander through the Gold Coast Hinterland for the day or stay a while in one of the area’s many bed and breakfasts.

Shopping

Resort shopping villages, variety-packed centres, designer boutiques, elegant arcades plus art and craft markets can all be found on the Gold Coast. The choice is endless, with 10 major Shopping Centres on the Coast, most of which have late night shopping and are open 7 days. Each Shopping Centre boasts a distinctive style of its own and in many cases are considered tourist attractions in themselves.

Pacific Fair - has the only Myer department store, plus major stores including K-Mart, Coles, Target, and Best & Less. Over 200 specialty shops, multi screen cinemas, cafes, foodcourts and restaurants.
Robina Town Centre - is home to the Only David Jones store. Major stores also include K-Mart, Rebel Sports, Coles and Woolworths. Over 200 specialty shops, multi screen cinemas, cafes, foodcourts and restaurants.
Australia Fair - in Southport has over 200 specialty stores, a cinema complex, 3 supermarkets, 2 food courts and a range of shops for the whole family.
Niecon Plaza and Oasis - Both centres are in Broadbeach and include foodcourts and over 150 specialty shops. The mall itself is a hub for al fresco dining with cosmopolitan cafes and ethnic restaurants. One of the many unique features of Broadbeach is the Monorail which shuttles passengers back and forth from Jupiters Casino.
Southport Park - The largest Target store on the Gold Coast, a Woolworths supermarket and 39 specialty stores. Convenient shopping at its best.
The Marine Village Sanctuary Cove - A haven for shopping, dining, arts and crafts. 80 specialty stores, local & international cuisine.
Marina Mirage - on the Broadwater is glamorous shopping at its best. Designer fashions include Versace, Covers and Liz Davenport. A great variety of waterfront dining.
Harbour Town - Outlet Shopping where quality brands sell for up to 60% less, including Esprit, Nike, Converse. Home to Reading Cinemas, the largest theatres on the Gold Coast.
Galleria Plaza - A diverse range of high quality merchandise & services. From fashion and souvenirs to opals and art. Duty Free Shopping.
Centro Surfers Paradise - Over 130 specialty stores, foodcourt, restaurants, Ten Pin Bowling and Funtasia Leisure Centre. Great family entertainment.

Dining

The Gold Coast is home to a dazzling array of places to eat. From relaxed beach cafes to elegant restaurants, there's a feast for every family.

Tempt your tastebuds with this guide of the best eating areas on the Gold Coast, offering a variety of styles at a range of prices:

A few blocks behind Main Beach, Tedder Avenue is a vibrant dining area with a cosmopolitan feel. Informal by day, the area comes alive at night with chic outdoor dining. This is a great spot to enjoy a romantic dinner while the kids are being looked after by one of the area's qualified babysitters (for recommendations, just ask your hotel). There are also a handful of wine bars where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink. You'll find Thai, Japanese and Italian restaurants to tempt you for dinner, as well as plenty of cafes serving coffee and delicious desserts until late. Of course, there are also some great spots to take the kids for a casual family meal.

Surfers Paradise has long been a popular spot for families with many cafes and eateries offering well priced family meals. Around Cavill Avenue and the surrounding streets you'll find a range of indoor and outdoor eats, from delightful Mexican and Italian restaurants, to informal family eateries. Treat the kids at one of the beachfront ice-cream parlours followed by a walk along the beach. Surfers Paradise also has several traditional Japanese restaurants popular with Mums and Dads looking for a unique dining experience.

South of Surfers Paradise Broadbeach is a family favourite, famous for its pavement cafes and friendly service. Casual dining in the Broadbeach Mall reflects the area's relaxed atmosphere where parents can enjoy a meal while the kids enjoy themselves on nearby playground equipment. Gourmet pizzas are a healthy favourite with the kids, or why not try one of the many great restaurants situated along the Gold Coast Highway at Broadbeach.

Continue south along the coast to Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta where you will find delightful restaurants and cafes, open all day for a relaxed beachside breakfast, lunch or dinner. For a unique dining experience, enjoy a meal at one of the beachfront restaurants at either Burleigh Heads or Coolangatta where you can walk straight off the beach to your table to enjoy some of the best restaurant views on the Coast.

Overlooking the Broadwater at Southport, Marina Mirage has a mixture of restaurants offering everything from elegant dining to affordable family meals, all with stunning views of the marina. There's delicious seafood, Mediterranean and Asian-style restaurants to choose from, as well as places to enjoy an after dinner treat. Marina Mirage also caters for families in its large dining area, with plenty of fresh dishes to choose from and great views of the Broadwater.

Sanctuary Cove is a waterfront marine village 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise at Hope Island. With over 80 specialty stores, restaurants, cafes and even its own brewery, Sanctuary Cove caters for all tastes. You'll find seafood, Thai and Mediterranean restaurants, as well as relaxed outdoor cafes. Linger over a meal and take in the fantastic views of the marina.

Surf Club dining - many of the Surf Life Saving Clubs dotted along the Gold Coast beaches serve affordable meals in their clubhouses. Join the locals for a casual bistro-style meal on the veranda. You're guaranteed some of the best views on the Coast. The clubs are a great place to watch surfers riding the waves or to relax as the sun goes down.

Within a 30-minute drive inland from the Coast, Tamborine Mountain and Springbrook in the Gold Coast Hinterland have many fabulous restaurants and cosy tea-houses for families to enjoy, all in a natural rainforest setting. Choose between breathtaking views of the Great Dividing Range or the surrounds of the rainforest as you dine in a relaxed country setting. Many cafes invite children to feed local birds and wildlife, while others feature entertaining bush craft displays.