Australia Travel Advice

Queensland’s Gold Coast is situated in the south east corner of Queensland about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Also known as Surfers Paradise the Gold Coast has grown into one of Australia’s largest regional cities and offers something for everyone.

Of course the theme parks still provides loads of fun for the kids and the beaches cater for surfers to families. And don’t forget Whale Watching!

Gold Coast International Airport has flights to New Zealand and some Asian destinations. The domestic airport flies out to most major Australian destinations.

Best beaches on the Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise
Close to everything is the best way to describe Surfers Paradise. Don’t be concerned about crowds though there is 3km of beach to share! This beach has all the amenities and shops nearby and you can hire surf and body boards or even get a surf lesson.

A word of warning though avoid Surfers Paradise in December. This is when all the school leavers from Queensland and New South Wales visit. Best waiting till they go.

Broadbeach

Kurrawa Beach at Broadbeach is a real family favourite. Grab the footy or Frisbee and get everyone off their towels for some fun. Kurrawa is known to be a little unpredictable so check the Surf Life savers board when you get down there. There’s loads of shady spots and fantastic playground equipment for the little ones. Kurrawa Beach is close to shops and accommodation which makes Broadbeach an excellent base to explore the rest of the Gold Coast.

Snapper Rocks

Once known as a premier fishing spot Snapper Rocks is now famous as one of Australia’s top surfing beaches. Snapper Rocks is not patrolled so it’s not really suitable swimmers. If you love getting on the board though Snapper is for you.

Main Beach

Despite it’s name Main Beach at the northern end of the Gold Coast is in fact one of the quieter beaches. This makes Main Beach ideal for families. Whilst it doesn’t attract the crowds like the other beaches Main Beach has all the amenities including playground equipment and BBQ facilities. Why not have lunch at the Southport Surf Club. Given it’s proximity to all the Theme parks Main Beach is a great spot to head to after visiting places such as Seaworld which is nearby.

Rainbow Bay

My favourite! Between Greenmount Hill and Snapper Rocks you will find the magical Rainbow Bay. This beach really has something for everyone. Popular with surfers there is loads of room for families to stretch out as well. Make sure you take the walk from the beach to Greemount Hill and Point Danger lookout. There are magnificent views of the coastline and Surfers Paradise.

Theme Parks

The Gold Coast is home to the most well known theme parks in Australia. Here’s a taste:

Dreamworld

Once a meek and mild theme park for the little ones Dreamworld is now the home for adrenalin junkies. Rides such as The Claw, The Tower of Terror and the Big Drop make Dreamworld a favourite for the older kids. Not to be outdone though there’s Wiggleworld and Nickelodean Central for the little ones.

SeaWorld

This is my favourite of all the Gold Coast theme parks. Check out all kinds of marine life, water shows, 4-d movies and great rides. The star attraction at the moment however is Australia’s only polar bears Liya and Nelson.

Australian Outback Spectacular

The Australian Outback Spectacular has grown into one of the most popular attractions on the Gold Coast. This is a great family night out and a chance to learn something about our country’s tradition and culture. There are numerous animals brought into the arena and the show can be quite interactive. A three course meal and a great stockman’s hat to keep is more than worth the money.

Other Theme parks
Warner Bros Movieworld
Wet’n Wild
WhiteWater World
Currumbin Bird Sanctuary
Adrenalin Park
Adventure Parc

Gold Coast Hinterland

Where and what

Just 30 minutes from the bustling coastal strip is the magnificent Gold Coast hinterland. Here is a pick of my favourite spots:

Canungra township
Springbrook National Park – including the Natural Bridge
Tamborine Mountain’s Gallery Walk
Tamborine National Park
the wineries trail and
Lamington National Park, home to Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

When

Summer is the time to go with temperatures cooler than the coast.

Walks

The canopy walkway suspended high among the trees at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
The Border Track bushwalk between Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s (experienced trekkers only)
Another high-rise thrill at the Adventure Parc at Cedar Creek with a whole series of treetop walks
The bushwalk through Joalah at Mt Tamborine, only a short distance from the tourist shopping hub of Gallery Walk.

Types of Hinterland accommodation

Bed and breakfast
Mountain villas
Rainforest lodges
Camping and campervan sites
Self-contained
Resorts
Hotels and motels
Farm stays

You really need at least 3-4 days to explore the Gold Coast or why not consider some of the more relaxed beaches around Coolangatta on the southern end of the coast and spend a whole week or more doing very little!

By: Michael McGarry

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