🏖️ Gold Coast

Beaches, theme parks and a green hinterland — an hour south.

Overview

The Gold Coast, about an hour south of Brisbane, is Australia’s best-known beach holiday city — famous for its long surf beaches, the high-rise skyline at Surfers Paradise, theme parks and a lush hinterland of rainforest and waterfalls.

Don’t miss

The beaches at Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and the more laid-back Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta; the major theme parks (Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild); Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary; and the hinterland national parks of Lamington and Springbrook.

Free things to do

The beaches themselves are free, along with the Burleigh Heads headland walk, the Gold Coast Oceanway coastal path, and the walking trails and waterfalls at Springbrook and Lamington National Parks.

Getting around

The G:link light rail runs along the coastal strip, connecting Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Southport, and links to the TransLink train line back to Brisbane. Trains and buses connect the coast to the city and airport.

Eat & drink

Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads are known for their dining scenes, from beachfront cafes to acclaimed restaurants, plus a growing craft-beer and bar culture.

Where to stay

From high-rise apartments in Surfers Paradise to boutique stays in Burleigh, the Gold Coast has one of Australia’s largest ranges of holiday accommodation.

Browse stays and experiences on AusTrip.