Top reasons to visit Gold Coast
- Stunning Beaches: The Gold Coast is renowned for its beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
- Thrilling Theme Parks: Enjoy exciting attractions at famous theme parks, ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike.
- Vibrant Live Music Scene: Experience the lively atmosphere with numerous venues featuring local and international artists.
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore the beautiful nature reserves and indulge in various outdoor activities.
- Diverse Accommodation Options: From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly stays, Gold Coast caters to every traveller's needs.
Find great hotels in Gold Coast
Experience the charm of Gold Coast, where a variety of hotels and resorts cater to families and adventure seekers alike. Whether you prefer beachfront accommodations or luxurious retreats, you'll find the perfect setting for your holiday. With an array of holiday rentals and highly-rated hotels, Gold Coast promises a memorable getaway filled with sun-soaked beaches and thrilling activities tailored to every traveller's desires.
- Novotel Surfers Paradise: This 4.5-star hotel offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on beach vacation experiences. Guests appreciate the direct access to the beach, making it an excellent choice for sun-seekers. The property is equipped with amenities tailored for children, including complimentary cribs and safety features like a pool gate. With a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10, Novotel Surfers Paradise provides a comfortable and welcoming environment, ideal for families looking to enjoy the coastal lifestyle of the Gold Coast.
- Voco Gold Coast: Also rated at 4.5 stars, Voco Gold Coast boasts a slightly higher guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. This hotel not only offers direct beach access but also features enhanced amenities for children, such as breakfast options at a fee and an assortment of toys. The property is designed for family vacations, ensuring a delightful stay for guests of all ages. Its modern and vibrant theme adds to the overall beach experience, making it a compelling choice for families seeking both relaxation and fun.
- Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences: This luxurious 5-star resort is perfect for those pursuing adventure and romance. With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, the hotel provides a plethora of activities including surfing, hiking, and parasailing nearby. Guests can indulge in romantic experiences with 24-hour room service and specialised spa amenities. The combination of outdoor pools and wellness treatments creates a serene environment, making it an outstanding option for couples looking to unwind after a day of exploration along the stunning Gold Coast.
Where to stay in Gold Coast
Gold Coast offers a vibrant blend of family-friendly fun and romantic escapes, set against stunning golden beaches. Explore the myriad of beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation, while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the local neighbourhoods. Whether you're seeking luxurious accommodation or budget-friendly options, Gold Coast caters to all tastes, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with sun, surf, and friendly faces. Don't miss out on the captivating experiences that await you along this iconic coastline.
- Surfers Paradise: Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise boasts stunning beaches and a vibrant atmosphere. This suburb is a hotspot for families, business travellers, and city explorers alike. Visitors flock here year-round, with peaks in January, July, and September. The area is renowned for its iconic beachfront, bustling shopping centres, and theme parks, making it a perfect spot for leisure and entertainment. Enjoy a day soaking up the sun on the family-friendly beach or indulge in a shopping spree at the local malls. Surfers Paradise truly offers a diverse blend of experiences for everyone.
- Broadbeach: A lively suburb adjacent to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach is celebrated for its relaxed beach vibe and family-friendly environment. Like its neighbour, it sees an influx of visitors throughout the year, particularly in January, July, and September. Broadbeach is home to a variety of shopping centres, resorts, and dining venues, making it ideal for those seeking a city-themed escape near the beach. The pristine sandy shores and proximity to theme parks ensure that families have endless entertainment options. Whether you fancy a leisurely day at the beach or a night out at a local restaurant, Broadbeach has something for everyone.
- Coolangatta: Located further south along the Gold Coast, Coolangatta offers a more laid-back atmosphere perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This suburb attracts visitors throughout the year, particularly in January, July, and September, with slightly lower numbers in the off-peak months. Coolangatta is known for its scenic beaches and picturesque bays, providing a stunning backdrop for relaxation and recreation. The area features theatres, private clubs, and educational institutions, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Whether you're looking to surf the waves or take a scenic stroll along the coast, Coolangatta is a must-visit destination.
Things to do near Gold Coast
Shopping
The nearest shopping spot is Pacific Fair, featuring a mix of fashion, dining, and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Harbour Town Outlet, known for discounted brands and a variety of stores, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.
Recreation
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat offers holistic wellness programs amid lush landscapes, providing yoga, meditation, and spa treatments designed to rejuvenate your spirit. Experience nourishing cuisine and tranquil surroundings for a refreshing escape from daily life.
Burleigh Heads National Park features stunning coastal views and walking trails through diverse ecosystems. Enjoy a leisurely hike, spot local wildlife, or simply relax on the beach to soak in the natural beauty of the area.
The Sanctuary Cove Spa invites you to unwind with luxurious treatments, including massages and facials, in a peaceful setting. Experience dedicated wellness professionals who focus on personalised care to enhance your relaxation and rejuvenation.
Adventure
Thunderbird Park offers an exhilarating zipline ropes course set in a lush, outdoor environment located 27km from Gold Coast. Experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty, perfect for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike.
Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Surfers Paradise, where you can dance the night away at popular nightclubs like Sin City and The Bedroom Lounge Bar. For a more laid-back evening, enjoy cocktails at The Island Rooftop while soaking in stunning views of the skyline.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gold Coast
The Gold Coast presents numerous ways to save on your visit. Enjoy free attractions like Cavill Avenue, Kirra Beach, and Surfers Paradise Beach. To save on transport, consider using buses and trams. The best months for affordable accommodation are February, June, and August, with Tuesdays being the cheapest nights to stay. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield savings. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further discounts.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Gold Coast are February, June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Gold Coast about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Gold Coast is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Gold Coast is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget and desired location, among other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in the Gold Coast with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is an ideal destination for family, city-themed, and beach holidays, offering a variety of attractions such as stunning beaches, thrilling theme parks, and beautiful nature reserves. Visitors can indulge in outdoor adventures and enjoy the lively beach atmosphere. Notable highlights include the famous Gold Coast Beach, where you can soak up the sun and partake in various activities, making it a perfect spot for a memorable vacation in Australia.
- Warner Bros. Movie World: Experience the magic of cinema at this vibrant theme park, where thrilling rides and entertaining shows bring your favourite films to life. Enjoy family-friendly attractions and immerse yourself in the world of superheroes, cartoon characters, and blockbuster movies.
- Kirra Beach: Renowned for its stunning views and relaxed atmosphere, Kirra Beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the picturesque coastline. The beach vibes are complemented by nearby cafes and surf culture, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
- Cavill Avenue: This bustling street is the heart of Surfers Paradise, offering a lively mix of shops, eateries, and entertainment options. Experience the vibrant city vibes, where you can indulge in retail therapy or savour delicious meals at various restaurants and cafés.
Best time to go to Gold Coast
The best time to visit Gold Coast can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Gold Coast falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Gold Coast falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Gold Coast
Flying into the Gold Coast is convenient with three major airports to choose from. Brisbane Airport (BNE) is situated 76km away, with luxurious hotel options like the Pullman Brisbane Airport, only 322m from the terminal. Gold Coast Airport (OOL-Coolangatta), located 19km away, offers nearby accommodation such as The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast and Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. Lastly, Maroochydore Airport (MCY-Sunshine Coast) is 161km away, with charming options like Bli Bli House Riverside Retreat, 6km from the airport. Each airport provides various transportation services, ensuring easy access to your accommodation.