Gold Coast

Travel Guide

Gold Coast
Coolangatta which includes a city, a sunset and general coastal views
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Gold Coast

For a break in the sun, head to this expansive city: the perfect combination of beaches, theme parks, nightlife, rain forests and mountains.

With its casinos, Jet Skis, yachts and luxury hotels, the Gold Coast looks like it’s straight out of a James Bond movie. Australia’s major theme parks are all here, and the quieter hinterland offers rock climbing, scenic flights and skydiving for thrill seekers. It’s easy to see why millions of visitors flock to the Gold Coast every year: There are more than 30 beaches, includingBurleigh Beach, where professional surfers come to compete in February, as well as great shopping and dining.

The Gold Coast encompasses several seaside towns inhabited by over half a million people, making this Australia’s sixth-largest city. The area covers 1,400 square kilometres (541 square miles) from Beenleigh, south of the Queensland capital Brisbane, toCoolangatta Beachat the New South Wales border.

The first Australians, the Aborigines, called this beautiful land of the sun Kurrungul. Europeans settled here, growing and commercialising the area, from the mid-1800s onwards. Tourism boomed in the 1950s, and the golden opportunity to invest in real estate gave the city its name and its skyline.

Some of Australia’s most famous beaches are on the Gold Coast. Two surfing hot spots areBurleigh BeachandSurfers Paradise Beach, an area that’s also popular for shopping and dining. Families looking for a good swimming area will enjoy the calmer waters ofCoolangatta Beach.

More family fun awaits at the Gold Coast’s wide range of amusement parks. Interact with marine creatures atSea World, slide throughWet‘n’Wild Water World, or board the superhero rides atMovie World. You can do all this and more at the biggest Australian theme park,Dreamworld.

The Gold Coast offers year-round entertainment, but you may want to avoid the rowdy “Schoolies” period (when high school graduates celebrate) in November. The weather is hot and humid from December to February (summer), and dry and sunny from June to August (winter). Rain or shine, pack your bathers to enjoy one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations.

Where to stay in Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise showing a beach, a sunset and a city

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach showing a high rise building, a beach and skyline

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Star Gold Coast or The Oasis while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Broadbeach
Coolangatta which includes a city, a sunset and general coastal views

Coolangatta

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Coolangatta. Make a stop by Kirra Beach or Coolangatta Beach while you're exploring the area.

Coolangatta
Burleigh Beach showing general coastal views, a high rise building and cbd

Burleigh Heads

A noteworthy feature of Burleigh Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Head National Park.

Burleigh Heads
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Palm Beach

Palm Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach while in the area.

Palm Beach
Main Beach showing general coastal views, a coastal town and a high rise building

Southport

Beaches, spas and theme parks are some highlights of Southport. Make a stop by Australia Fair Shopping Centre or Gold Coast Aquatic Centre while you're exploring.

Southport
Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is RM495 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
RM495
RM544 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,292 reviews)
"We were a family of 4. Had a great view of Surfers Beach from our room. 2 minute walk to the light rail. Staff were amazing. Room was very spacious. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is RM749 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
RM749
RM824 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"The view is stunning but can be very noisy on the weekend nights"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences

5 out of 5
38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is RM1,012 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
RM1,012
RM1,113 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (615 reviews)
"We stayed here for 3 nights and it went by so fast :(, the pool and bar were amazing! The staff were all so friendly and polite. We also dined at the restaurant for breakfast twice and couldn’t be happier with the service and quality of food"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

5 out of 5
86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (952 reviews)
"Obstructed a small amout but still ok. Didn't use laundry"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast

Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast

5 out of 5
2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,386 reviews)
"Iris welcomed us and was an absolute delight, incredible and professional staff still exist !"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Q1 Resort & Spa

Q1 Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,450 reviews)
"Clean and spacious, with great views, easily accessible to the beach and local cafes and restaurants. A great place to stay in the heart of it Gold Coast"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Q1 Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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