Open today: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
For a break in the sun, head to this expansive city: the perfect combination of beaches, theme parks, nightlife, rain forests and mountains.
Breathtaking, relaxing,
stunning – just a few words that can be used to describe Australia's Gold Coast.
Stretching south from Queensland's capital, Brisbane,
along 45 miles (70km) of coastline into northern New South Wales, it is an area
of breathtaking beauty.
The Gold Coast enjoys 300
days of sunshine a year and its beach resorts offer golden sands, blue seas and
the opportunity to develop a gorgeous (but safe) tan.
There are various resorts
along the coast stretching from Surfers Paradise in the north, through
Broadbeach and ending at Coolangatta in the south.
There
is a wealth of activities along this stunning stretch of Australian coast. From
surfing off Broadbeach to snorkelling through a shipwreck off Main Beach or
walking along the golden sand fringed by crashing waves in Surfers Paradise. If
you like your thrills on dry land you can try out the virtual reality rides at Dreamworld, see
dolphins at Sea World and watch movies being made at Warner Bros Movie
World.
If you venture away from
the coast you won’t be disappointed in what you’ll find. You will be able to
explore waterfalls, rainforest, lookouts and scenic bushwalks of the Gold Coast
hinterland. Visit wineries and breweries and shop to your heart’s content in
the many art and craft markets, huge airy malls and high-end boutiques.
The Gold Coast really comes alive after
dark. The bars and clubs in every resort are packed with party goers. Surfer’s
Paradise is a maze of clubs but if you want something less frenetic you can
always opt for an al fresco restaurant or bar with the sound of the Pacific
lapping the shore.
With approximately 300 days of sunshine
every year, the Gold Coast’s sub tropical climate makes it an ideal holiday
destination.
The average monthly temperatures are:
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Day |
29 |
28 |
28 |
26 |
24 |
21 |
21 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
27 |
28 |
Night |
22 |
22 |
21 |
20 |
17 |
14 |
13 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
21 |
There are a lot of shopping
opportunities along the Gold Coast. The Surfers Paradise area is the main
tourist orientated shopping district. It is a great area for surf gear, trendy
boutiques, souvenirs and duty free shopping.
The Tedder Avenue area of Main Beach is
great for chic boutiques such as Armano, Blue Heaven and Etré. There are also
numerous shopping centres such as Pacific Fair (which includes a multi screen
cinema and restaurants), Oasis Shopping Centre, Australia Fair and Marina
Mirage. If you are after a bargain why not try out the Harbour Town Outlet
Shopping Centre.
The area is also awash with markets
such as those on the beachfront at Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads
where you can pick up all manner of authentic Australian arts, crafts and
souvenirs.
If you venture away from the coast to
the Hinterland you will still have plenty of opportunity to spend your money.
Here in areas such as The Gallery Walk, Long Road and Eagle Heights you can
find arts, crafts and antiques.
Eliza's Restaurant
Grumpy’s Wharf Restaurant
Champagne Brasserie Restaurant
Lygon Street Cafe
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
Benihana Japanese Restaurant
Carmony’s Grill
Aussie China Kitchen Restaurant
George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant
The Gold Coast is a great place for
after dark entertainments. There are numerous bars and clubs to choose from as
well as music, theatre and sporting facilities.
The Gold Coast’s main arts centre is in Bundall. The Gold Coast Arts
Centre is the central location for a range of musical and theatrical
productions and is Australia’s largest regional cultural centre.
If you enjoy a bit of a flutter the
only place to go is Conrad Jupiter’s Casino in Broadbeach Island. It is open 24
hours a day 7 days a week.
Australia is a keen sporting nation and
therefore there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favourite
sporting activity. You can hone your surfing skills at the Gold Coast Surf
School, Jet Ski, canoe, kayak, parasail, fish and dive. If you prefer to stay dry
there are plenty of golfing opportunities. You can also just spectate if you
prefer at horse racing events or at the Honda Indy 300 car racing.
As for nightlife, there are clubs
galore so you’ll easily find somewhere to dance the night away. Below is just a
small selection of some of the best current clubs.
·
Melbas, Surfers Paradise
·
Bedroom Lounge Bar, Surfers Paradise
·
The Meeting Place, Surfers Paradise
·
Shooters Saloon Bar, Surfers Paradise
·
The Drink, Surfers Paradise
·
Cocktails & Dreams, Surfers
Paradise
·
Platinum Nightclub, Broadbeach
· East, Broadbeach
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
We have already seen that there is a
vast amount to see and do along the Gold Coast. Details of
specific tours and excursions can be obtained from your hotel but below are a
few suggestions to get you started.
·
Fraser Island (the world’s biggest sand
island)
·
Brisbane
·
The Hinterland
·
Mount Tamborine
The Gold Coast is a relatively safe
area but you are advised to take the usual precautions with your valuables
especially when in crowded areas. Also ensure you never leave your belongings
unattended on the beach.
You are strongly advised to take out
travel insurance prior to your visit. Healthcare is very good but doctors and
hospitals may require immediate payment for treatment.
Watch out for Queensland nasties. You
are advised to learn to identify the redback and funnelweb spiders and box
jelly fish. Should you be unlucky enough to come across one of these and be bitten/stung
you should seek medical assistance immediately.
The sun can also be a danger therefore
you should always ensure you use a high factor sun cream to prevent sun burn.