The Gold Coast features 40km of immaculate sandy beaches and is located 70km south of Queensland 's capital city, Brisbane , and 947km north of the capital of New South Wales , Sydney . It has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia 's sixth largest city.
It is also Australia 's favourite tourist destination with a comfortable climate, diversity of attractions, sophisticated nightlife and dining. The environment is generally safe and there are numerous world class resorts to choose from. Inland from the Gold Coast are three magnificent National Parks - Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine which feature beautiful rainforests, picnic areas, nature walks and spectacular lookouts.
Climate
The Gold Coast has a comfortable sub-tropical climate averaging in
the 20's and is enjoyable all year round.
Summer - December to February - 20-28 degrees C.
Autumn - March - May - 15-25 degrees C.
Winter - June - August - 11-21 degrees C.
Spring - September to November - 15-25 degrees C.
Attractions
Four theme parks provide hours and hours if not days of entertainment value with something for everyone. The four theme parks are Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild, Sea World and Dreamworld located between Southport and Coomera.
Dreamworld is also the home of Big Brother in Australia . New theme parks are also underway.
Adventure attractions are endless and include motor bike tours, parasailing, sky diving, hot air ballooning, jet skiing, power boating, helicopter tours, go-karting and motor racing.
Deep-sea fishing charters are popular as well as whale and dolphin watching tours. Other marine activities include diving and snorkelling.
When you get tired of lazy days on the beach, a short drive takes you to the Hinterland region where you can roam through World Heritage listed subtropical rainforests with spectacular views, ancient Antarctic beech forests, thundering waterfalls and amazing geological formations to name a few of the highlights.
The Hinterland is also popular for its growing wine and vineyard industry.
The Gold Coast is also home to over 20 of Australia 's leading golf resorts with picturesque backdrops and meticulously manicured greens.
Nightlife
The Gold Coast is popular for its famous nightclubs located on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue where you can party to til the wee hours of the morning. There are also two world class nightclubs located in Broadbeach as well as a large casino and convention centre. Taverns and Surf Clubs are also popular.
Dining
There are over 500 restuarants on the Coast! Main Beach and Broadbeach are popular for their main streets lined with quality restuarants serving for all tastes in ambient relaxing surroundings.
Accommodation
The Gold Coast has over 13,000 rooms available from Coolangatta through to Hope Island including Motels, Guest Houses, Apartments and Hotels. Resorts are first class and the big names include the Palazzo Versace, Marriot, Sheraton Mirage, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Conrad Jupiters and the Sofitel. Most of these are centrally located in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach with most having water and or Hinterland views.
Transport
You can fly to either Gold Coast Airport (30mins from Surfers) or Brisbane Airport (50mins from Surfers) and transport from there can either be via taxi, rental, bus or limousine. Buses run on a regular time table throughout the area and a train runs from Robina to Brisbane .
Major Events
The Indy championship is one of the major events on the calender as well as the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival, Schoolies Festival and Surf Carnivals.
With all that why not consider the Gold Coast for your next holiday!
