Gold Coast Area Guide
The Gold Coast is the gateway to Queensland’s pristine beaches, surfing culture and fun and friendly atmosphere. From the Palazzo Versace to theme parks, the Gold Coast has something for everyone, from the height of luxury to a family day out.
The central part of Gold Coast life is the beach. With pristine sand and perfect surfing waves, it truly is a 'Surfers Paradise’ here. There are beaches that are almost tailor-made for what you desire, from learning to surf, calm swimming, to proper professional surfing beaches. The beach is the heart and soul of the Gold Coast, but there is only so much sun, sand and sea one can stand. For those that want to escape the beach and see a different side to the Gold Coast, head inland to the Gold Coast Hinterland. Home to beautiful rainforests, national parks, bush-walks and relaxing retreats, the Gold Coast Hinterland is almost the opposite of the surf-loving culture by the beach. It is still part of the Gold Coast experience, just a little different. Head ninety minutes inland to the Lamington National Park and the O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa. Relax in the tree tops, surrounding by the sights, sounds and smells of nature as you relax and rejuvenate with all natural products. The Lost World Spa is a world class retreat, committed to environmentally friendly and all natural products and treatments. A little closer to the Coast is Mt Tamborine, only half and hour from the beach, is this glorious pocket of paradise, nestled in the rainforest there are bush walks that encourage you to explore and shops that charm you into staying just a little longer.
When you’re ready to face the beach side again, head up the Q1 tower. The tallest residential tower in the world, the QDeck sits on level 77 over two hundred and thirty five meters high you can see as far as Brisbane and Byron Bay on a clear day. Taking advantage of the 360degree uninterrupted view is the QBar, serving cocktails and fine food, this is a unique night-time destination on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is full of nightclubs, fine restaurants and bars, and should you require something extra special for your night out, there are plenty of great shopping experiences to be had along the Gold Coast. Combine your after-dark escapades with your shopping trip and head to the Surfers Paradise Evening Markets. Open every Wednesday and Friday on The Esplanade are over a hundred stalls selling unique fashion designs, jewelry, gifts, and even the odd street food vendor or tropical fruit stall.
Theme Parks make up a key part of Tourism on the Gold Coast, but don’t let the prospect of crowds put you off. Movie World, SeaWorld and DreamWorld are all implementing new technologies that remove the inconvenience of queuing in person. Using electronic and wireless technology you can now Ôqueue’ for a ride while at a cafe, gelato bar or even while on another ride. Theme Parks are a great way to blow off some steam and have some great fun, for both children and adults alike. For those that love swimming, but have had enough of sand, there are now two water parks to choose from. Wet n’ Wild and White WaterWorld, home to some world firsts in water slides and rides.
There is something for everyone on the Gold Coast, the focus is on enjoying yourself in a relaxed and fun-loving atmosphere. Weather relaxing in a hinterland spa or riding the fastest and scariest theme park rides, you can fulfill your desires here on the Gold Coast.