6 Gold Coast Attractions You Can’t Afford to Miss

Heading to the Gold Coast? Wondering about which places to visit there? We have compiled the top Gold Coast attractions and which of these places will suit you best.

Interesting Facts About the Gold Coast

1. A Gold Coast holiday is synonymous with the quintessential Aussie lifestyle of sun, surf and fun

2. About four million visitors flock to the Gold Coast each year

3. Gold Coast has 35 beaches stretching over a distance of 42 km (25 miles)

4. With 300 sunny days a year Gold Coast has some of the best weather in Australia

5. Gold Coast is home to children’s theme parks, a casino, world-famous marinas, high-rise apartments, snaking waterways, a glitzy nightlife, and lush subtropical rainforests

6. The undisputed capital of the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise

7. Gold Coast has one of Australia’s largest migration of retirees, dreamers and sun-lovers

6 Gold Coat Attractions You Can’t Afford to Miss

Wondering what things to do on the Gold Coast? Look no further. Below are the top six Gold Coast attractions you cannot afford to miss.

1. Surfers Paradise Gold Coast

Great for: Nightlife, shopping, beach lovers

Avoid if: You want a quiet, relaxing holiday

Activities: Clubbing, shopping, beach sports

Best time to visit: Spring

The undisputed fun and party capital of the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise which, depending on your viewpoint, is either the heart of the action or the place you’ll most want to avoid. “Surfers” to the locals, this part of the Gold Coast is a high-rise forest of apartment towers, shops, cheap eateries, taverns, nightclubs, and amusement parlours. If you want relentless entertainment and holiday at a giddy and frenetic pace, Surfers Paradise is for you.

2. Gold Coast Theme Parks

Great for: Kids, people who like themed rides

Avoid if: You don’t enjoy theme parks

Activities: Theme parks

Best time to visit: Spring

The Gold Coast’s theme parks are not as large or as sophisticated as Disney World in the USA, but they’re exciting. Test your lung capacity (or better yet, the kids’) on the thrilling rides and swirling action at the five American-style theme parks just north of Surfers Paradise. There are three theme parks – Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld, and two water parks – Wet’n’Wild and WhiteWater World.

3. Broadbeach Gold Coast

Great for: Shopaholics, gamblers, people who want a quiet, relaxed holiday

Avoid if: You want a party atmosphere or lots of activities

Activities: Gambling at the casino, shopping, dining

Best time to visit: Spring

Only a few kilometres south of Surfers Paradise is the chic beach town of Broadbeach. Here bling gives way to upmarket glam. Retail complexes, boutique shops and fashionable restaurants and cafes line the streets while open stretches of green parkland separate the fine sandy beach from the esplanade. This is where Gold Coast locals wine and dine, so head here if you want a taste of the stylish beach-and-sun lifestyle. Broadbeach also has the best shopping and casino in the Gold Coast. It’s also a good alternative to Surfers if you want a peaceful night’s sleep.

4. Coolangatta Gold Coast

Great for: Surfers, people who want a quiet, relaxing holiday, backpackers

Avoid if: You want a party atmosphere or lots of activities

Activities: Surfing, beach sports

Best time to visit: Spring

Coolangatta is a laid-back seaside town which offers visitors the quietest and cheapest holiday option in the Gold Coast. Home to some of the best surf beaches along the coast, it’s also a great place for surfers to test their surfing skills. One of its greatest charms, though, is its 1980s summer-holiday feel. If you want to bypass the glam and party scene, catch a few waves and kick back on the beach, Coolangatta is your destination in the Gold Coast.

5. Burleigh Heads Gold Coast

Great for: Kids, surfers, wildlife lovers, people who want a quiet, relaxing holiday

Avoid if: You want a party atmosphere or lots of activities

Activities: Surfing, hiking, wildlife

Best time to visit: Spring

Burleigh Heads is predominantly a chilled-out surfie town due to its great right-hand point breaks. It’s also a fantastic place to take the kids who will love the wildlife parks nearby in Currumbin. Burleigh Heads also has a small national park so people who love the outdoors can stretch their legs on some of the walking tracks which have lovely views of the coast. With its cheery cafes and beachfront restaurants overlooking a gorgeous stretch of white sand, Burleigh Heads charms everyone.

6. Gold Coast Hinterland

Great for: Serious hikers, bird watchers and nature lovers

Avoid if: You want a party atmosphere or lots of activities

Activities: Hiking, wildlife

Best time to visit: Spring

Often overlooked as a great destination is the lush, subtropical rainforested Gold Coast hinterland situated less than 30km away from the beach. The cool mountain landscape is a subtropical paradise of rainforest walks, waterfalls, panoramic lookouts, amazing wildlife and cosy retreats in Lamington and Springbrook National Parks and the quaint hill-top village of Tamborine Mountain. While the hinterland is popular with hikers in spring and summer, its cosy cabins and fireplaces make it a perfect holiday destination for romantic weekenders in winter.

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