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Travel to the Gold Coast

The 20 mile strip of heavily developed coast just south of Brisbane is dubbed the ‘Gold Coast’ and remains one of Australia’s most popular vacation spots. You’re unlikely to find pristine wilderness here, but the area’s real attraction is the glitz and exciting array of leisure options for the whole family, including amusement parks, plenty of holiday accommodation, fine beaches and vibrant beach towns. While within a few hours drive are some of Queensland’s loveliest coastal areas.

Getting there

Brisbane International Airport is less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and receives flights from around the world. Coachtrans runs a regular service via Brisbane’s main bus terminal at Transit Centre to Surfer’s Paradise and other nearby towns. There is also a domestic airport at Coolangatta which receives almost daily flights from major centres within Australia, and this terminal is far more convenient for arriving at your Gold Coast destination.

McCaffertys, Greyhound and Couchtrans buses leave almost hourly from various points along the Gold Coast, bound for Brisbane in the north and destinations to the south including Byron Bay, Newcastle and Sydney. A rail service also exists; however, the three minor stations are situated inconveniently inland and you will need to take a taxi or bus to reach them.

Key Attractions

Surfer’s Paradise is ‘party central’ on the Gold Coast and its locus sits on a small spit of land sandwiched by the sea and the windy lagoon of the Nerang River. Here you’ll find casinos, entertainment centres, bars, restaurants and some pretty expensive real estate. The strip of development then runs south fronting a super beach as you pass through Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads and finish up at Coolangatta and Point Danger. It’s all one big built up stretch with the main commercial centre situated at Southpoint.

Out and about

The Queensland coast boasts some of the best natural environments in Australia and there are numerous options within a few hours drive. The Burleigh Heads National Park is the nearest designated area and consists of a small but diverse reserve on the north side of the Tallebudgera River where there are walking trails and a good lookout from a rocky headland. Bird lovers should head to Currumbin Sanctuary where you can discover plenty of colourful tropical varieties as well as kangaroos, koalas and emus. There is also the Fleays Wildlife Park and Olson’s Bird Garden nearby.

Leisure options

The Gold Coast’s biggest leisure attraction is its numerous theme parks and they alone account for the popularity of the area as a family vacation destination. Sea World is the original and includes rides as well as aquatic shows. Also popular is Movie World, a recreation of the Warner Brothers film studio in Hollywood and one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions. Nearby is Wet ‘n’ Wild, an enormous water park with some thrilling rides, while Dreamworld is north of Coomera and offers 11 themed areas with roller coasters, fun shows and plenty more.

Safety

Australia is a relatively safe country, though the Gold Coast does attract its fair share of pickpockets who prey on tourists that might have dropped their guard. Queensland is also home to some of the world’s deadliest snakes and spiders as well as sharks and jelly fish. Luckily precaution warnings are clearly issued when necessary and on the whole the Gold Coast is a safe family destination; however, we do recommend travel insurance when travelling in Australia.

Weather

The Gold Coast offers a superb sub tropical climate, offering mild winters and fabulously warm summers. Bask in average temperatures of 30°C on the coasts fantastic beaches.

Gold Coast Partners & Resources

Gold Coast Accommodation Guide
A guide to the best choices available for Gold Coast holiday accommodation in resorts and self contained apartments. The site also incorporates explanations of accommodation inclusions, typical bedding configurations, airport transfers, holiday highlights and local attractions.

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