The Gold Coast stretches along 57 kilometres of coastline in south-east Queensland, from South Stradbroke Island in the north to Coolangatta on the New South Wales border. Most people picture the high-rises of Surfers Paradise, but the Gold Coast has so much more: ancient rainforest in the hinterland, world-class surf breaks, outstanding restaurants, and some of Australia's best theme parks. It's a destination that genuinely has something for everyone.
Getting There from Brisbane
The Gold Coast is about 80 kilometres south of Brisbane. Options:
- Drive: About 1 hour via the M1 Pacific Motorway. Very straightforward.
- Train: The Gold Coast line runs from Brisbane to Varsity Lakes station (about 1 hour 20 minutes), with stops at Helensvale, Nerang, Robina, and Varsity Lakes. From Helensvale, the G:link light rail connects to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads. All just 50 cents per trip on tap-and-go. The whole journey from Brisbane Central to Surfers Paradise costs one dollar total (train + tram).
- Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta): Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and New Zealand. It's at the southern end of the Gold Coast, right next to the beach.
Surfers Paradise
Love it or not, Surfers is iconic. The skyline of towers rising behind the golden beach is one of Australia's most recognisable images.
- Surfers Paradise Beach: A long stretch of excellent beach with consistent waves for surfing and bodyboarding. Patrolled by lifeguards. The beach itself is genuinely beautiful. It's the strip behind it that divides opinions.
- Cavill Avenue: The main pedestrian strip running from the highway to the beach. Souvenir shops, restaurants, ice cream parlours, and the Gold Coast's nightlife hub. It's busy and touristy, but it's part of the experience.
- SkyPoint Observation Deck: Level 77 of the Q1 tower, the tallest building in Australia. Panoramic views up and down the coast and into the hinterland. If you're feeling brave, try the SkyPoint Climb on the outside of the building.
- Friday Night Markets: Beachfront markets every Friday evening along the Surfers Paradise foreshore. Street food, handmade jewellery, art, and live entertainment. A great free evening out.
Burleigh Heads: The Local Favourite
If Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast's flashy side, Burleigh Heads is its soul. This is where the locals hang out, and it's become one of Australia's coolest beach suburbs.
- Burleigh Beach: One of the best surf breaks on the Gold Coast. The point break off the headland produces beautiful right-handers that draw surfers from all over. Even if you don't surf, watching from the headland at sunset is unforgettable.
- Burleigh Head National Park: A short but stunning coastal walk through rainforest on the headland with ocean views, wildflowers, and the chance to spot wallabies. The Tumgun Lookout at the end offers views all the way to Surfers Paradise. Allow about 45 minutes for the loop. Free.
- James Street: Burleigh's main strip with independent boutiques, specialty coffee, organic juices, and some of the Gold Coast's best restaurants. It's got a Brooklyn-meets-beach vibe.
- Village Markets: Held at Burleigh Heads State School on the first and third Sunday of each month. Local designers, vintage clothing, food trucks, and a great community atmosphere.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
A National Trust property and one of the Gold Coast's oldest and best attractions. Currumbin is home to koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, and hundreds of native birds. The highlight is the daily wild rainbow lorikeet feeding, where hundreds of wild lorikeets descend at 8am and 4pm to feed from your hand. It's one of the most joyful wildlife experiences in Australia. Adults around $55, and there's a TreeTop Challenge ropes course for an extra fee.
Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is Australia's theme park capital. The main parks are clustered together about 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise.
- Dreamworld: Australia's largest theme park with thrill rides, wildlife encounters, and the DreamWorks Experience zone for younger kids. Their Big 9 Thrill Rides include the Tower of Terror II.
- Warner Bros. Movie World: Hollywood-themed rides and shows. The DC Rivals HyperCoaster is one of the best roller coasters in the southern hemisphere. Great character meet-and-greets for kids.
- Sea World: Marine park with rides, dolphin presentations, penguin encounters, and shark experiences. They also run whale watching tours during migration season (June-November).
- Wet'n'Wild: Water park adjacent to Movie World. Perfect for hot days with a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river.
- WhiteWater World: Dreamworld's adjacent water park. Good slides and a more relaxed atmosphere.
A multi-park pass can save significant money if you're visiting more than one park. Check for deals that combine 3+ parks for a flat rate, usually around $130-150 for unlimited entry over a set period.
Hinterland: Rainforest & Waterfalls
Behind the coastal strip, the Gold Coast hinterland rises into the ancient Gondwana Rainforest, a World Heritage-listed area with some of the oldest subtropical rainforest on Earth.
- Springbrook National Park: About 45 minutes from Surfers Paradise and absolutely worth the drive. The Natural Bridge section features a waterfall that cascades through a cave roof into a glowing grotto. At night, the cave ceiling lights up with bioluminescent glow worms. The Purling Brook Falls are spectacular after rain: a 100-metre waterfall with a walking track behind it. The Best of All Lookout lives up to its name with views across the caldera to Mt Warning.
- Lamington National Park: Further into the mountains, Lamington offers extensive walking trails through Antarctic beech forests and subtropical rainforest. The O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk is a series of suspension bridges through the canopy 15 metres above the forest floor. The birdlife is incredible, and crimson rosellas and king parrots will eat from your hand at O'Reilly's. Allow a full day.
- Tamborine Mountain: Closer to the coast (about 30 minutes), with Gallery Walk, a main street of art galleries, cheese shops, fudge makers, wineries, and cellar doors. Curtis Falls is a pretty waterfall walk (about 45 minutes return) through the rainforest.
Where to Eat: Budget-Friendly
- Burleigh Social: (Burleigh Heads): Great brunch and lunch with share plates. Dishes $14-22.
- Aloha Bar & Dining: (Broadbeach): Relaxed Hawaiian-inspired spot with poke bowls, tacos, and cocktails. Most dishes under $20.
- Bread'n'Butter: (Surfers Paradise): Excellent brunch spot with generous portions. Dishes $15-22.
- NightQuarter: (Helensvale): Friday and Saturday night market with street food, live music, and entertainment. Most food stalls $10-18. Great night out.
- Coolangatta Surf Club: Right on the beach with solid pub meals and cold beer. Mains $18-25. The views alone are worth it.
Where to Eat: Mid-Range
- Rick Shores: (Burleigh Heads): Modern Asian beachfront dining. Their bug roll is legendary. Mains $32-48, but the location right on the beach with waves crashing below makes it an experience.
- Labart: (Nobby Beach): Wine bar and restaurant with excellent share plates and a killer wine list. Perfect for a date night. Expect $60-80 per person.
- Social Eating House: (Gold Coast Highway): Modern Australian with creative cocktails and a lively vibe. Mains $30-42.
- Gemelli Italian: (Broadbeach): Bustling Italian that's been a Gold Coast institution for years. Pasta and mains $25-38.
- Cardamom Pod: (Mudgeeraba): Vegetarian and vegan hinterland restaurant with Asian-inspired dishes. Creative, delicious, and affordable. Mains $22-32.
Where to Eat: Fine Dining
- Kiyomi: (The Star, Broadbeach): Japanese fine dining inside The Star casino complex. Chef Chase Kojima's sushi, sashimi, and wagyu are outstanding. Expect $100-150 per person.
- Social by Heinz Beck: (The Star): Mediterranean fine dining from the Michelin-starred Roman chef. Tasting menus from $160.
- The Fish House: (Burleigh Heads): Upscale seafood right on the beach. Beautiful space, excellent wine list. Mains $42-58.
Best Coffee
- Paddock Bakery: (Miami): Famous for their pastries and excellent coffee. There's usually a queue, but it's worth the wait.
- Bam Bam Bakehouse: (Mermaid Beach): Artisan bakery with specialty coffee. Their croissants are some of the best on the coast.
- Commune: (Burleigh Heads): Specialty roaster with a community-focused space. Great filter and espresso.
- No Name Lane: (Surfers Paradise): Hidden laneway cafe with excellent coffee and all-day breakfast.
- D.O.C. Espresso: (Broadbeach): Italian-style coffee bar with a serious approach to espresso.
The Star Gold Coast
The Star casino and entertainment complex in Broadbeach is the Gold Coast's premier entertainment hub. Even if you're not a gambler, The Star has world-class restaurants (Kiyomi, Social by Heinz Beck), bars, a theatre with regular shows, and a rooftop pool. The precinct connects to the Pacific Fair shopping centre, one of the largest in Australia.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: The Gold Coast is beautiful year-round. Winter (June-August) has perfect sunny weather, 20-22°C. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, but the water is warm and the surf is good. Schoolies (late November) brings large crowds of school leavers to Surfers Paradise, so you may want to avoid that week. - Getting around: The G:link light rail runs from Helensvale to Broadbeach South with stops at Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and many suburbs. Buses connect most areas. All 50 cents per trip. A car is useful for the hinterland and theme parks, but the coast is well-served by public transport. - Surf safety: The Gold Coast has powerful beach breaks. Always swim between the red and yellow flags. If you're not an experienced swimmer, stick to the calmer northern end of beaches or the sheltered Tallebudgera Creek. - Theme park tips: Go on weekdays to avoid queues. Buy multi-park passes online in advance for the best deals. Most parks open at 9:30am, so arrive at opening to knock out the big rides before crowds build. - Border tip: Coolangatta straddles the Queensland/New South Wales border. Watch the timezone if you cross into NSW as they're on daylight saving during summer and QLD is not.
Recommended Tours
We're adding curated Gold Coast tours from verified local operators. In the meantime, ask Dingo to search for Gold Coast tours, or check the Discover page.
AUBIS Tip
: The Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Sunshine Coast are all within 1-2 hours of each other, and the 50c public transport covers all three regions. Plan a South East Queensland circuit: a few days in Brisbane, head south to the Gold Coast, then north to the Sunshine Coast. Use AUBIS to map the whole route, add tours at each stop, and keep your budget on track.