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Best places to visit in the Gold Coast
What to do in Australia’s entertainment capital, from beach suburbs to national parks.
Gold Coast
Travel Guides
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With its shopping opportunities in Broadbeach, nightlife in Surfers Paradise, wilderness in the Hinterland and marine activities on South Stradbroke Island, the Gold Coast doesn't disappoint.
Discover your perfect place on the Gold Coast with our list of where to go based on your interests.
Where to go on the Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is well known for its epic nightlife, shopping, golden sands and skyscrapers.
It's where travellers and youngsters go out to party and recover from their hangovers. Yet, it's still heavily family-friendly with entertainment ranging from theme parks to marine activities for all ages.
- Best for: Beaches, nightlife, shopping, entertainment.
- How to get there: Surfers Paradise is a 45-minute bus ride from Gold Coast Airport or a 30-minute drive.
- Top things to see and do: Learn to surf, catch the view from the Skypoint Observation deck, go whale watching and thrill-seek at an amusement park.
- How long do I need? One to two days.
- Recommended day tour: Afternoon sightseeing cruise.
Broadbeach
Broadbeach is Surfers Paradise's older neighbouring suburb and feels more grown-up with its luxuries and older crowd.
Fine dining, calm beachfronts, high-end malls, a casino and shows pack the area.
- Best for: Entertainment, food and drinks, shopping.
- How to get there: Broadbeach is a 12-minute drive or 40-minute transit ride from Surfers Paradise.
- Top things to see and do: Be entertained at Dracula's Dinner and Cabaret, try your luck at The Star (you can also stay overnight there), spend an evening fine dining and shop at Pacific Fair where personal shopping experiences are available.
- How long do I need? One day.
- Recommended tour: Build your own itinerary in this relaxed suburb.
Hinterland
The Gold Coast Hinterland lures travellers with its lush tropical greenery and towering mountains.
The region is made up of numerous national parks. Hotspots include the sweet township of Tamborine Mountain, the tropical jungles of Springbrook National Park and the hiking trails in Lamington National Park.
- Best for: Nature, active travellers.
- How to get there: 40–60 minutes by car from Surfers Paradise.
- Top things to see and do: Try the treetop challenge in Mount Tamborine, see the go canyoning and see the glow-worm caves.
- How long do I need? One to two days.
- Recommended tour: Full day Gold Coast Hinterland canyoning tour.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is for visitors who don't want the big city life. The rainforest and beaches are right on your doorstep and the suburb is far enough from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to not be affected by tourist traps.
Its waves invite pro surfers to the area yet it has spots ideal for family-friendly swimming.
- Best for: Surfing, nature, beaches.
- How to get there: Drive 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise.
- Top things to see and do: Go surfing, hike Burleigh Heads National Park and taste the local beers at Burleigh Brewing Company.
- How long do I need? Half a day.
- Recommended tour: Gold Coast City Sights.
South Stradbroke Island
Otherwise known as South Straddie this island destination is an idyllic paradise that has been left mostly untouched. And it's only 200 metres from the Gold Coast at its closest point.
Surfers flock here for the incredible waves, nature lovers cruise to it for its bushwalking and outdoor enthusiasts make it a stop for rock climbing. Wildlife here is plenty and fishing is another popular hobby on the island.
- Best for: Nature, surfing, outdoor activities.
- How to get there: Water taxi, seaplane or ferry from Couran Cove Island Resort. Ferry rides are 45 minutes long.
- Top things to see and do: Take a scenic seaplane flight, jet ski around the island, surf the waves" external="https://www.redballoon.com.au/product/water-sports/surfing-surf-lessons/2-day-2-night-learn-to-surf-camp-on-island-adult"] and see marine life by snorkelling.
- How long do I need? One to two days.
- Recommended tour: Overnight Yacht Stay with Breakfast and Bubbles for 2.
Theme parks
The Gold Coast is famous for its entertainment and theme parks make up a big part of this.
With five amusement parks in the city, namely Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld, Wet'n'Wild and Whitewater World, you're bound to find one that suits your wants.
- Best for: Thrillseekers, families.
- How to get there: Gold Coast theme parks are a short drive from the CBD.
- Top things to see and do: Watch the Australian Outback Spectacular, stay in a farm near the parks and go behind the scenes at Sea World.
- How long do I need? One day for each park.
- Recommended tour: Buy a Three Park Super Three Day Pass for Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild.
Currumbin
This coastal neighbourhood allows surfers the opportunity to find great waves but with fewer crowds compared to Surfers Paradise.
Currumbin Creek and the Alley are protected areas which are perfect for watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. If you're looking for a change of scenery from the beach, Currumbin is a natural gateway to Springbrook National Park as well.
- Best for: Water activities, surfing, nature.
- How to get there: Drive 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise or take an 80-minute bus ride.
- Top things to see and do: Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, cuddle a koala, hit the surf and hike Mount Cougal.
- How long do I need? Half a day.
- Recommended tour: Zipline Adventure and Currumbin Sanctuary Entry.
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