Gold Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gold Coast
Coolangatta which includes a high-rise building, a sunset and general coastal views
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Gold Coast

Gold Coast Travel Guide Video

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, including Burleigh 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, to Coolangatta Beach at 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 are Burleigh Beach and Surfers Paradise Beach, an area that’s also popular for shopping and dining. Families looking for a good swimming area will enjoy the calmer waters of Coolangatta Beach.

More family fun awaits at the Gold Coast’s wide range of amusement parks. Interact with marine creatures at Sea World, slide through Wet‘n’Wild Water World, or board the superhero rides at Movie 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 city, a sunset and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Beach 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 which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building 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 high-rise building, 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 a high-rise building, city views and general coastal views

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
Main Beach featuring general coastal views, a skyscraper and a sandy beach

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
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Palm Beach

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

Palm Beach
voco Gold Coast by IHG
voco Gold Coast by IHG
4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is ₹9,365 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹9,365
₹10,301 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Location was great, light rail right outside & easy parking on site"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
Novotel Surfers Paradise
Novotel Surfers Paradise
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is ₹9,517 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,517
₹10,469 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,228 reviews)
"Amazing property"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett Gold Coast
4.5 out of 5
5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD
The price is ₹7,608 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,608
₹8,369 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,483 reviews)
"Great hotel. Would recomend"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Dorsett Gold Coast
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 Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (889 reviews)
"The view from our room is beautiful."

Reviewed on 25 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,264 reviews)
Pleasant Stay
"Lovely ocean view suite on the 27th floor. Very clean and tidy. Excellent staff helped make for a very pleasant stay"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,383 reviews)
"Great stay. Handy location and the rooms are very comfortable. Our dishwasher didn't clean dishes very well but otherwise all good. Would stay again and recommend"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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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