Holiday in the Gold Coast

What makes Gold Coast special as a destination?

The Gold Coast is Australia's shining playground — a 57-kilometer stretch of golden sandy beaches, world-class surf breaks, and a gleaming skyline that rises into the sky just behind the dunes. This city in Queensland combines relaxed beach life with theme park adventures, rainforest hinterland, and an emerging culinary scene. Surfers Paradise is the epicenter: Here, the waves of the Pacific meet high-rises, boutiques, and the liveliest nightlife on the east coast of Australia. The wide sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see, surfers ride waves at sunrise, and lifeguards in red and yellow watch over one of the safest swimming areas in the world. The Gold Coast is home to Australia's largest concentration of theme parks: Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and Sea World are all within 20 minutes and offer roller coasters, water slides, and animal encounters for the whole family. The hinterland is the surprising side of the Gold Coast: Lamington National Park, with its subtropical rainforests, waterfalls, and flocks of parrots, is just 45 minutes from the coast. The Tamborine Mountain Wine Region offers wineries, cheese factories, and panoramic views over the coast. Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta are the more relaxed alternatives to Surfers Paradise: Local cafes, craft breweries, farmers' markets, and some of the best surf breaks in the world (Snapper Rocks, Kirra) attract surfers and foodies alike.