Queensland’s Gold Coast is a favourite tourist destination in Australia for various reasons. It’s famed for its long sandy beaches, surf spots, and temperate climate. Located in the south-east of the state, it is also home to theme parks such as Dreamwold, Sea World, Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild.
Away from the coastline, the Gold Coast is also renowned for spectacular inland hiking trails, with the moutain ridges of the Lamington National Park. Here you’ll find beautiful rainforests, as well as a number of rare birds and wildlife.
Let’s dig deep into Gold Coast’s immense attractions apart from the stretching sandy beaches.
If you enjoy fishing, diving, kayaking and any other number of water-based activities, the Gold Coast’s long coastline of beaches is ideal. Surfers Paradise is the poster child for the beaches you can experience here, there are several other beaches worthy of mention. To the south is Main Beach, which is regarded as somewhat more mellow than Surfers; then there is Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach and Nobby Beach.
Further north you’ll find yourself enchanted by Burleigh Heads. Burleigh has that bohemian vibe happening, and there is the hip shopping strip, James Street to enjoy when you’ve had too much saltwater.From there you can stop off at Tallegbudgera Creek and take a dip in the calm estuary without fear of being rolled by a big wave — this place is great for families.
Across the Broadwater is South Stradbroke Island with four resorts and a camping site. This place is ideal for visitors who prefer seeing and exploring the virgin open ocean beach front and various natural attractions.
Gold Coast has top surfing locations.If you’re partial to taking a ride on the board check out the Spit, Kirra, Duranbah, Narrowneck and Snapper Rocks. For those wanting to take advantage of their 60-something freedom and learn, there are various schools available.
If fishing is your preferred way of spending some quiet time, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Gold Coast. Options including river fishing, canal fishing, deep water ocean fishing, and beach fishing. The coastline has a range of friendly spots for bank fishing. Small boat hires and charter boats are available to catch some big fish in the deeper water.
A visit inland offers a chance to enjoy magnificent national parks such as Lamington, Springbrook, and Tamborine. These parks have beautiful sub-tropical forests and fitted with spectacular lookouts, nature walks, and picnic areas.
An escape into the hinterland is an opportunity to recharge your body, mind and soul. There’s something to be said for the feeling of a cool mountain breeze on your face while you wander through echanting rainforests in search of a waterfall.
The Gold Coast hinterland is also popular for its wine industry with tours to various wineries and scenic locations. The Gallery Walk at Mount Tamborine is just one way for you to indulge in boutique wines and a spot of shopping.
With seemingly endless perfect weather, the best way to enjoy the Gold Coast’s culinary experience is to dine out. You’ll find a number of fine-dining options as well as casual seafood places, breweries, traditional pubs and funky cafes wherever you go.
For a bit of fun, check out the Markette Street Food at Miami on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. From Italian and Spanish to Thai and Teppanyaki, you’ll find a cuisine to suit all tastes and there is nothing quite like the hum of diners around you, all tucking into something sumptuous.
If you’re having a break with the family and want to cater to everyone’s interests, the Gold Coast is an ideal location. You might have already done the pristine beaches and taken in the sights of the hinterland, so what’s next?! There are four world class theme parks — Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild — providing entertainment and activities for all ages.
Away from the theme parks, there is the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the cultural history of the local Yugambeh people; the interactive exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium; the Wax Museum; Lilliput Mini Golf; and the Carrara Markets, Queensland’s largest permanent marketplace.
It’s true, there really is something for everyone when you visit the Gold Coast.