About the Gold Coast

Modern, magical and a major hotspot, the Gold Coast is Australia’s most preferred beach vacation area. At least 10 million travelers get away to the locale during every year, lured in under the promise of laidback, luxurious days and fantastic, fun-filled nights.

Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a lifelong resident, the Gold Coast proffers a variety of places to see, people to meet and things to do. It isn’t simply another destination – it’s a lifestyle.

Why go the Gold Coast?
If all-year-round sun and warm air to breathe along with above 57 wonderful kilometres of coastline aren’t going to get you dusting off your travel packs right now, allow the large spread of food and drink choices, world class resorts and hotels and never-ending list of events to do on the Gold Coast peak even more interest. Are we there yet?

The best restaurants and cafes
With over 500 thriving Gold Coast restaurants, the local dining scene is solid proof that eating positively is one of life’s greater pleasures. Some of the world’s finest chefs call the Gold Coast home and you will take your hat off to alfresco seafood restaurants toting multi-million dollar scenery and modern, cosmopolitan modern rush eateries. Or decide on chilled out, idealic Gold Coast cafes that really prove simple things – great service, delicious food and indescribable atmosphere – really are the best.

Exciting things to do
The expansive, exciting and colourful landscape – a combination of lush green rainforest, hinterland and mountains; long beaches, deep blue ocean waters and the stunning Surfers Paradise skyline – that really is the Gold Coast is a perfect ‘grown-up’s’ playground. Things to do could include surfing, fishing, sailing, water sports, golf, theme parks, film studios, action and adventure – why not view the fabulous scenery by helicopter, seaplane, luxury cruiser or even a hot air balloon? Anything and everything could be here on the Gold Coast.

A wide variety of hotels and accommodation
When it’s time to rest your weary head, you can believe you’re not dreaming – your new home away from home awaits you. The myriad of Gold Coast hotels available for you offer choices to suit all types of travelers, whether you pick five-star waterfront glamour, a unique boutique retreat or a luxurious resort set on the utopian grounds of a golf course.

International shopping scene
Having a reknowned shopping circuit that offers your pick of sizeable shopping centres, remarkable open-air piazzas as well as popular shopping strips by the sand, you’ve got a whole lot of reasons to bring on the plastic and come home all up to the nines with shopping bags! From the top fashion boutiques – with international and Australian flair – to unique homewares shops, whatever it is you need, you’ll find it on the Gold Coast.

World-class day spas and retreats
Going on your vacation on the Gold Coast is coming and splurging in that all-important ‘me-time’ and there just is no other way to totally let it all go than to book yourself in for a luxurious pamper at one of the lovely Gold Coast day spas. Whether it’s a therapeutic massage, a radiance-boosting facial, or an all-day pamper package offering a healthy and restaurant quality dish, the Gold Coast health and wellness arena showcases a package to suit every need.

Large international events and unique local festivals
Part of the never-ending excitement of the Gold Coast exists in the regular draw of massive international events and individual local events that are planned. Pick any given day on the Gold Coast, you should be finding yourself drawn into by open-air concerts, international sporting events and professional surfing tournaments plus music, art, food and film festivals alike. No event is forgotten on the Gold Coast, gracing you ever more reason to come and get away!

Thinking about holidaying on the Gold Coast? If so, visit the Gold Coast Guide for a review of Gold Coast attractions including things to do, things to see and tips on how to find a great restaurant; Gold Coast restaurants offers some of the best food in Australia.