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Gold Coast, Queensland
Guide to the Gold Coast
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- Getting to the Gold Coast
- When to visit
- Accessibility
From theme parks to shopping, surfing to ancient rainforest, here’s how to make the most of the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast's star attraction is its beaches, including the world-renowned stretch of sand at Surfers Paradise. Beyond the beaches, discover laid-back neighbourhoods, a booming culinary scene and the Gold Coast's famous theme parks. And be sure to leave enough time for a trip into the subtropical hinterland for rainforest walks and waterfalls.
The Gold Coast can be reached by international and domestic air travel into two nearby airports.
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is 30km (19mi) from the city and services domestic and international arrivals
- Brisbane International Airport (BNE) is 80km (50mi) from the city and services domestic and international arrivals
- Once you have landed at either airport, you can easily hire cars or catch taxis, rideshares and shuttle services to the city centre
The Gold Coast is serviced by a variety of dependable trains, buses, taxis and ferries. When using public transport, be sure to get a go card as this electronic ticket can be used for transport services in South East Queensland.
With about 300 sunny days a year, you're likely to get good weather on the Gold Coast any time you visit. Soak up the tropical rays of summer or enjoy crisp winter days with cooler mornings and evenings. Although the climate here is temperate, expect the hinterland areas to be cooler than the beaches.
- High season: Summer holidays (November to January)
- Low season: Autumn, winter, early spring (March to August)
- Don’t miss: The major events happening in the Gold Coast
Travellers with accessibility needs will love exploring the Gold Coast, which offers a range of accessible accommodation and experiences .
- Arrival: Gold Coast Airport caters to travellers with accessibility needs , including hidden disabilities .
- Getting around: The G:link tram system is a handy way to travel between key locations, with all services and stations accessible for passengers with limited mobility.
- Accessible experience highlights: Enjoy a day at one of the Gold Coast’s famous surf beaches with complimentary beach wheelchairs and matting , or charter a wheelchair-accessible cruise boat with Pacific Wind .
- Helpful resources: Find accessible facilities with the City of Gold Coast’s detailed mobility maps .
Gold Coast restaurants and bars
Must-try restaurants
Top coffee shops
Cheap eats on the Gold Coast
Best rooftop bars
Best breweries and distilleries
Gold coast trip planner.
Gold Coast hotels and accommodation
Weather on the Gold Coast
Suburb guide
Destinations Near the Gold Coast
The Scenic Rim
Gold Coast holiday inspiration
3 days on the Gold Coast
3 days on the Sunshine Way
16-day family road trip: Gold Coast to Cairns
4-day road trip through Queensland’s Scenic Rim
Discover australia.
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Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.
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Become inspired to visit the Gold Coast. Discover Australia’s favourite playground with Destination Gold Coast, the official site for our city’s tourism.
Accommodation
Choose from hotels, apartments, tourist parks and more. Just promise to stay a while.
Destination Gold Coast
Whether you’re a tourist or simply playing the guide, there are plenty of ways to explore.
Destination Gold Coast
Things to do
With endless attractions, outdoor adventures, entertainment and dining experiences to choose from, where will you start?
Restaurants
We live an alfresco lifestyle. Eat and drink your way around our city.
Holiday deals
Who doesn’t love mates’ rates? Here’s how you can access Gold Coast deals and discounts.
Travel information
Stay up-to-date. Here’s everything you need to know for the best Gold Coast experience ever.
Popular Searches
Northern Gold Coast
Australia’s theme park capital and home to an awe-inspiring stretch of beach, Gold Coast’s northern region is an absolute must.
Central Gold Coast
Home to cute cafes, craft breweries, modern shopping centres and marketplaces, plus some of the best live music venues on the Coast.
Escape the seaside and head to our lush hinterland. Unearth a piece of the city that’s as magical as the sandy coastline that made it famous.
Southern Gold Coast
With a world famous point break, sprawling beaches, the Southern Gold Coast’s laidback vibes is renowned for its casual coastal culture.
- Deals All Deals
- Sneeky Mid-Weeky All Sneeky Mid-Weeky
Information & Booking Centres
Surfers paradise.
2 Cavill Ave (Cavill Mall), Surfers Paradise Qld 4217
- 1300 309 ...
- infosurfers...
9:00am to 5:00pm Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm Sunday
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