About the Gold Coast

Sophisticated, sassy and up to the minute, the Gold Coast is Australia’s best beach getaway destination. More than 10 million holidaymakers travel to the area each year, pulled in by the utopia of perfect, pampered days and fantastic, fun-filled nights.

Whether you’re a first-time holidaymaker or a lifelong resident, the Gold Coast offers a plenty of attractions to find, people to meet and things to do. It isn’t simply another destination – it’s a lifestyle.

Why go to the Gold Coast?
If all-year-round sunshine and warm climate with at least 57 awesome kilometres of coastline aren’t what will to get you packing your bags right now, let the large share of food and drink choices, world class accommodation and ever-growing list of fun things to do on the Gold Coast provide even more interest. Are we there yet?

The best restaurants and cafes
With more than 500 thriving Gold Coast restaurants, the local dining scene is proof that eating positively is one of life’s number one pleasures. Some of the world’s greatest chefs call the Gold Coast home and you could take your fancy of alfresco seafood restaurants toting multi-million dollar outlooks and chic, sophisticated modern bustling eateries. Or choose chilled out, classic Gold Coast cafes that give the simple things – exceptional service, quality food and glorious atmosphere – often are the best.

Exciting things to do
The deep, driven and bright landscape – think lush green rainforest, hinterland and mountains; stretching beaches, great blue ocean waters and the stunning Surfers Paradise skyline - that is the Gold Coast is a veritable ‘grown-up’s’ playground. Things to do could be surfing, fishing, sailing, water sports, golf, theme parks, film studios, action and adventure – why not look at the spectacular area by helicopter, seaplane, luxury cruiser or even a hot air balloon? Anything and everything is possible on the Gold Coast.

A wide variety of hotels and accommodation
When it’s time to lay down your weary head, you can realize you’re not dreaming - your new home away from home awaits you. The variety of Gold Coast hotels available have choices to suit every type of travelers, whether you are looking for five-star waterfront glamour, a unique boutique retreat or a luxurious resort set on the perfect grounds of a golf course.

International shopping scene
Boasting a famous shopping circuit that includes your preference of big shopping centres, great open-air piazzas plus popular shopping strips by the beach, we have tonnes of reasons to flex the plastic and come out laden with shopping bags! From the iconic fashion boutiques – with international and Australian flair – to individual homewares departments, whatever it is you are looking for, you’ll find it on the Gold Coast.

World-class day spas and retreats
Going on a holiday on the Gold Coast is finally indulging in the most important ‘me-time’ and there simply can be no simpler way to really let go than getting yourself in for a luxurious treatment at one of the unsurpassed Gold Coast day spas. Whether it’s a tension-relaxing massage, a radiance-boosting facial, or an all-day pamper package with a nutritious and restaurant style dish, the Gold Coast personal health scene allows an experience to suit every need.

Large international events and unique local festivals
Part of the continuing appeal of the Gold Coast lies in the regular lineup of huge international events and many local events that occur. Pick any given day on the Gold Coast, you might be finding yourself by open-air concerts, international sporting events and professional surfing tournaments plus music, art, food and film festivals alike. No arena is forgotten on the Gold Coast, granting you all the more reason to get packing!

Thinking about holidaying on the Gold Coast? If so, visit the Gold Coast Guide for a review of Gold Coast attractions including things to do, things to see and tips on how to find a great restaurant; Gold Coast restaurants offers some of the best food in Australia.