Powerful Contrasts

FEW PLACES IN THE WORLD SERVE UP CRUISY COASTAL DIGS ALONGSIDE HIDDEN HINTERLAND GEMS AND SWANKY CITY ESTABLISHMENTS. ON THE GOLD COAST, EACH NEIGHBOURHOOD KNOCKS UP A FLAVOUR ENTIRELY OF ITS OWN.

HINTERLAND

Just a stone’s throw away, the Springbrook and Lamington National Parks tucked away in the hinterland seem to be from a different world. Breathe in the infinite views that stretch across an ancient realm, wander World-Heritage listed rainforests, cool off beneath a magnificent waterfall and extend your stay with a soul-soothing sleepover.

CENTRAL

For cosmopolitan coolness cruise north along the sand from Burleigh to Main Beach to discover an urban hood turning on more swag than meets the eye. Expect night bites, hatted restaurants, hidden and not-so-secret bars, shopping destinations and perfect beaches.

NORTH

Jam-packed with joie de vivre, the north is known for charming in all matter of moments. Feast in sophisticated settings by yachtfilled marinas, settle in for a bit of deck-side wining and dining on the Broadwater, or dial up the pace and let the nostalgia kick-in at theme parks that rise from the sand.

THE SOUTH

Revel in the relaxing vibes akin to the retro beach culture of days gone by, sip a pale ale with surfing legends, make friends with laid-back locals at beachside burger bars (where going barefoot is encouraged), and meander along the crystalline shoreline that stretches from Palm Beach (“Palmie”) down to Coolangatta (“Cooly”).

Quick Facts

6th Largest City in Australia

555k Population (2016)

1 in 6 Jobs related to Tourism

$5b spent by Visitors each year

13m Visitors per year (Australia 11.8m; China 303k; NZ 206k; UK 70k; Japan 68k; USA 41k)

Voted Best Western Destination by Chineses Travellers (2017 CTRIP Destination of the Year Awards)

Awarded Best Backpacker Destination (2017 TNT Golden Backpack Awards)

57km of pristine Coastline

8th World Surfing Reserve

270km Waterways (9x Venice)

1300 Plant Species

100,000ha World Heritage Listed Rainforest

1700 Animal Species

1700 Animal Species

500+ Restaurants & Cafes

Five Hatted Restaurants (Good Food Guide Awards 2018)

Highest Concentration of Theme Parks in Southern Hemisphere

Source: DestinationGoldCoast.com/About GoldCoast.qld.gov.au/TheGoldCoast