Overview

Gold Coast is Queensland's most popular holiday destination and Australia's largest city outside the state and territory capitals. Today, it is the third-biggest holiday market in the country and welcomes millions of domestic and international visitors every year. Its most iconic sight is the Surfers Paradise skyline, where towering high-rises stand right against the golden sands of the Pacific Ocean.

Beyond the beaches, the city is home to five major theme parks and a busy calendar of festivals and events, from Blues on Broadbeach to Cooly Rocks On in Coolangatta. Behind the coastline sits the sheltered Broadwater, where most of the city cruises begin. Inland, the Gold Coast Hinterland is home to Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, both part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

From surfing and jet boat rides to whale watching and rainforest walks, all are within easy reach of the city. Gold Coast also makes a convenient base for day trips. Brisbane is just over an hour's drive north, and the Tweed Valley in New South Wales sits right across the border. Getting around is easy. With its own international airport, the G:link light rail, local buses and a train line to Brisbane, the city is simple to navigate for both domestic and international travellers.

Popular Gold Coast Cruises

Gold Coast cruises explore the waterways around Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Broadwater, offering a different perspective of the city’s famous skyline and waterfront. Depending on the cruise, you can see the high-rises of Surfers Paradise, luxury homes along the canals, Marina Mirage, Sea World and the Broadwater. Choose from sightseeing and sunset cruises to lunch, dinner and jet boat experiences.

Beyond the main Gold Coast canals and waterways, there are also seasonal and regional experiences to discover. Whale watching cruises head to the open ocean to see the annual Humpback migration, while cruises on the nearby Tweed River offer a very different experience, with activities such as crab catching and pelican feeding.

Gold Coast Cruise Experiences

Famous Gold Coast Attractions

Gold Coast has some of Australia's best-known holiday attractions, from major theme parks and wildlife parks to iconic beaches, observation decks, shopping and entertainment precincts. Here are some of the most popular:

Surfers Paradise & Surfers Paradise Beach

Gold Coast’s best-known beach and the heart of its tourist scene, Surfers Paradise combines two kilometres of golden sand with a skyline of high-rises, beachfront dining and buzzing nightlife. The area has been a holiday favourite since the 1920s, when it was known as Elston, and its famous bikini-clad meter maids have become part of the local character. Beginners can join a surf school on the beach, while the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets bring local makers and food stalls to the beachfront. Lifeguards patrol the beach, with flagged areas indicating the safest spots for swimming and surfing.

Gold Coast’s best-known beach and the heart of its tourist scene, Surfers Paradise combines two kilometres of golden sand with a skyline of high-rises, beachfront dining and buzzing nightlife. The area has been a holiday favourite since the 1920s, when it was known as Elston, and its famous bikini-clad meter maids have become part of the local character. Beginners can join a surf school on the beach, while the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets bring local makers and food stalls to the beachfront. Lifeguards patrol the beach, with flagged areas indicating the safest spots for swimming and surfing.

At the top of Q1, Gold Coast’s 322.5 m tall skyscraper in Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint offers sweeping 360° views from one of the city’s highest vantage points. On a clear day, the views stretch from Brisbane in the north to Byron Bay in the south. Stop at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar on Level 77 for a meal or drink with the coastline spread out below or take the experience up a notch with the SkyPoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building climb.

Australia’s largest theme park combines big thrills, family attractions and Australian wildlife across a sprawling park on the northern Gold Coast. Tiger Island is a popular highlight, while the new Rivertown precinct brings a jungle-inspired setting with family rides and coasters. For serious thrills, the Giant Drop sends riders plunging 39 storeys in one of Australia’s tallest free-fall rides. The Australian wildlife area also offers close encounters with native animals, including koala cuddling and dingo experiences.

This is one of Gold Coast’s biggest theme parks, where movie and TV characters, high-speed roller coasters and live entertainment come together. The new Wizard of Oz precinct brings a first-of-its-kind experience to Gold Coast, while the DC Rivals HyperCoaster holds the record as the tallest, longest and fastest hypercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere. Seasonal events such as White Christmas add festive parades, entertainment and evening rides.

This marine-themed park at Main Beach combines animal encounters, shows, rides and conservation experiences. The new Trident thrill ride rises 42m above The New Atlantis precinct, while the Penguin Encounter offers close-up views of King and Gentoo penguins. Beyond the attractions, the Sea World Foundation has supported marine rescue, research and conservation initiatives since 1988.

One of the Gold Coast’s best-known water parks, with a mix of high-speed slides, wave pools and private cabanas. Water temperatures average around 25°C, while Whirlpool Springs provides a warmer 35°C retreat between rides. Thrill-seekers can take on Kamikaze, which drops riders 11m at a steep 70° angle, or settle into a private cabana for a more relaxed day by the water.

A 27-hectare wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin, visitors can get close to Australian animals while supporting conservation and wildlife care. Highlights include feeding wild lorikeets, meeting native wildlife and seeing veterinary teams at work at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. The sanctuary also encompasses Lost Valley, a large free-flight aviary, and hosts the Ngari-bah Aboriginal Culture Show, which shares Yugambeh culture through dance, music and storytelling.

This is a striking coastal headland where rainforest meets the ocean, with walking tracks offering views along the Gold Coast coastline. Its distinctive six-sided basalt columns were formed from lava produced by ancient eruptions around Wollumbin (Mount Warning) more than 20 million years ago. The Oceanview Walk is a popular way to explore the headland, while guided tours with the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre provide an insight into the area’s Yugambeh heritage. During whale migration season, Humpback Whales can often be spotted offshore, adding another reason to explore the coastline.

WhiteWater World: A water park at Coomera with slides and pools, next to Dreamworld. It closes during the cooler months and reopens for the warmer season.

Paradise Country: An Australian farm park at Oxenford, where visitors can see koalas, kangaroos and emus. It also has shows on billy tea making, stock horses and boomerang throwing.

Australian Outback Spectacular: A dinner show at Oxenford, where guests have a three-course meal during a live outback stage show called Heartland.

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens: A 31-hectare garden at Benowa with native plant trails, lakes and boardwalks. A quieter place to see the native plants and landscapes of the region.

Gold Coast Neighbourhoods

Broadbeach

Broadbeach

A stylish dining and shopping precinct centred on Kurrawa Beach. Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Dracula's Cabaret are all here.

Best for: Dining, shopping and evening entertainment

Main Beach

Main Beach

An upmarket pocket between Surfers Paradise and The Spit, with marinas and waterfront dining. Most of the Gold Coast cruises depart from here.

Best for: Couples, promenade walks and cruises

Southport

Southport

Gold Coast's cultural north, set on the Broadwater. Families gather at the Broadwater Parklands, and Chinatown comes alive after dark.

Best for: Families, water sports and Asian dining

Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads

A former sleepy surf town that is now one of Gold Coast's favourite dining spots. Boutiques and cafés line James Street; beachfront venues such as Rick Shores and Burleigh Pavilion face the surf.

Best for: Food, surfing and boutique shopping

Miami

Miami

A former industrial hub reborn as a creative suburb of cafés, craft breweries and art spaces. Miami Marketta serves street food and live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Best for: Street food, live music and a local feel

Palm Beach (Gold Coast)

Palm Beach (Gold Coast)

A relaxed southern suburb with wide beaches, safe swimming along Tallebudgera Creek and a growing café scene

Best for: Families, quiet beach days and casual dining

Currumbin

Currumbin

An easygoing beach village known for Currumbin Alley, a favourite spot for learning to surf, and the calm waters of Currumbin Creek

Best for: Families, beginner surfers and nature

Coolangatta

Coolangatta

One of the southernmost suburbs, famous for surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra, as well as the Point Danger lookout.

Best for: Surfing, relaxed beaches and trips to the Tweed

Things To Do In Gold Coast

Popular Day Trips From Gold Coast

Gold Coast is more than beaches and theme parks. Its location makes it a great base for day trips, with ancient rainforests, mountain towns, island escapes and Brisbane all within easy reach

Suggested Itineraries

Day One - Surfers Paradise, Skyline Views & Broadbeach Dining

  • Morning: Surfers Paradise Beach & a swim between the flags
  • Afternoon: Surfers Paradise sightseeing cruise
  • Evening: SkyPoint Observation Deck
  • Night: Dinner and drinks at Broadbeach

Day Two - Full Day Theme Park Adventure

  • Wizard of Oz precinct & Yellow Brick Road Meet movie and TV characters Roller coasters & family rides Swap in Dreamworld, Sea World or Wet'n'Wild

Day Three - Tweed River, Coolangatta & Border Views

  • Tweed River crab-catching cruise with pelican feeding, plus lunch on the longer tours Coolangatta & Snapper Rocks Point Danger lookout on the Queensland–New South Wales border

Day Four - Full Day Springbrook Rainforest Adventure

  • Plateau lookouts across volcanic cliffs Waterfalls & rainforest walks in the Gondwana Rainforests Natural Bridge waterfall through a cave roof Glow-worms at Natural Bridge after dark

Day Five - Burleigh Heads, Wildlife & James Street Dining

  • Morning: Oceanview Walk through Burleigh Head National Park
  • Afternoon: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, staying for the afternoon wild lorikeet feeding
  • Evening: Sunset drinks on the Burleigh headland & dinner on James Street

Day Six - Arts, Parklands & Southport's Chinatown

  • Morning: HOTA exhibitions & lakeside parklands
  • Afternoon: Picnic at Macintosh Island Park, Main Beach
  • Evening: Southport's Chinatown after dark

* You can mix and match these itineraries according to your time, interests and convenience to create your own Gold Coast experience.

How To Get To Gold Coast

As one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, Gold Coast has direct international flights from New Zealand, Fiji and Bali, as well as direct domestic connections from cities across Australia. Most visitors arrive at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) in Coolangatta, around 30 minutes' drive from Surfers Paradise.

International travellers

Fly directly to Gold Coast from Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Queenstown, Wellington, Fiji and Bali. Travellers from other international hubs can connect through another Australian airport or fly into Brisbane Airport (BNE), which is linked to Gold Coast by train and road. Compare fares across airlines and travel sites when booking flights.

NOTE: If you're arriving at Gold Coast Airport and planning to use public transport, remember that all buses, trains and trams in South East Queensland need a pre-paid fare. The easiest option is to tap on and off with a contactless Visa or Mastercard or a phone wallet, so plan accordingly.

Domestic travellers

Gold Coast has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle and Avalon. Gold Coast is also accessible by train, coach and car from Brisbane.

Know Before You Go

Best Time To Visit

With over 300 days of sun, Gold Coast can be visited any time of the year. It is advisable to avoid school holidays as these are the busiest times with increased crowds.

Whether you arrive during the summer months to bask in the tropical sun or prefer the pleasant coolness of winter with refreshing mornings and evenings, the region offers a climate that caters to different preferences. While the Gold Coast generally enjoys a temperate climate, it is important to note that the hinterland areas might be slightly cooler compared to the coastal beaches.
With over 300 days of sun, Gold Coast can be visited any time of the year. It is advisable to avoid school holidays as these are the busiest times with increased crowds.

Whether you arrive during the summer months to bask in the tropical sun or prefer the pleasant coolness of winter with refreshing mornings and evenings, the region offers a climate that caters to different preferences. While the Gold Coast generally enjoys a temperate climate, it is important to note that the hinterland areas might be slightly cooler compared to the coastal beaches.
Australia-wide holidays 2026:
1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
26 Jan (Mon) – Australia Day
3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
25 Apr (Sat) – Anzac Day
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day Holiday

QLD observed holidays:
4 Apr (Sat) – Day following Good Friday
5 Apr (Sun) – Easter Sunday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
4 May (Mon) – Labour Day
12 Aug (Wed) – Ekka Wednesday*
5 Oct (Mon) – King's Birthday
24 Dec (Thu) – Christmas Eve *
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day Holiday

*regional observed holiday
Gold Coast Film Festival (April – May)
This film festival is held every year in celebration of film and screen culture of Australia. It showcases Australian, international and premiere films. The festival also includes filmmaker talks, workshops and networking opportunities in the film industry.

Blues On Broadbeach Music Festival (May)
Held in May, this free live music festival is popular for showcasing both Aussie and international artists. Mainly featuring blues and roots music, it takes place across multiple outdoor stages and venues, making it a city-wide music experience.

Cooly Rocks On (June)
Probably the most anticipated event on the Gold Coast calendar every year. It’s one of the biggest festivals that celebrates the bangers from the 50s and 60s, leaving everyone nostalgic. The beaches are your venues and the locals are your company!

SeaFire (May/June)
The well-acclaimed international fireworks competition will light up the shores of Surfers Paradise this year, in what will be a battle between various nations for the coveted title. There will be beachfront markets, DJs, and of course, plenty of fireworks!

Pacific Airshow (August)
This year, the largest airshow in the United States is coming to Gold Coast! Picture aerobatic displays by military & civilian pilots, aircraft demonstrations and aerial performances over the course of three days. Apart from this, the beachfront will also have live music, food precincts and entertainment. 
TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Queensland: 3 April to 19 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Queensland: 27 June to 12 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Queensland: 19 September to 5 October

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Queensland: 12 December to 26 January
You can find convenient hotel accommodation all around Gold Coast, but Surfers Paradise has the most apartment buildings and accommodation than any other city. Broadbeach is home to numerous beachfront accommodations, cheaper low-rise apartments, and brand new high-rise buildings. There are also incredible villas, tree houses and castles nestled within the rainforests just an hour away from the beaches, if you’re looking to escape the city.
Much like its beaches and landmark attractions, Gold Coast has all kinds of restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels to offer its vacation-goers. From over-the-top fine dining in Michelin-star restaurants to classic laid-back beachside cafes, Gold Coast serves up an incredible selection of culinary delights. Don’t forget to try the native special kangaroo, the thrilling Aussie take on European classics or a mix of both!
Once you've landed at the Gold Coast Airport or Brisbane International Airport, you can easily hail taxis, rideshares and shuttle services to the city centre. A range of reliable transportation options, including trains, buses, taxis, and ferries, serve the Gold Coast. To make the most of public transport, it is recommended to acquire a Go Card, an electronic ticket that grants access to transportation services across South East Queensland.

Gold Coast Tourist Information

Gold Coast’s shopping culture has caught up with its beach and surf culture. The vintage Village Market in Burleigh is where you can find an impressive mix of fashion, art, ceramics, homeware, and accessories from emerging and established entrepreneurs. You can check out the famous beachfront markets at Surfers Paradise for locally made jewellery, clothing, food, maybe even a weird souvenir to take home.

Continue Your Planning

See More

Tweed River Cruises vs Gold Coast Broadwater Cruises: Which Experience Is Right For You?

Tweed River Cruises vs Gold Coast Broadwater Cruises – it sounds like a simple comparison, but the experiences you’ll have couldn’t feel more different.

Activities You Can Pair A Surfers Paradise Cruise With

Cruising in paradise is easy to fit into your day if you plan smartly and manage your time, but this is where most people get it wrong. The good news?

Tweed River Cruises: How to Catch Crabs, Spot Wildlife & More

The Tweed River isn’t loud or rushed. It moves at its own pace, winding through mangroves, open water and pockets of untouched nature that feel far removed from busy coastal hotspots.

What Are the Best Daytime Activities To Do In Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise has an assumed reputation that begins and ends with surfing. However, that version is incomplete and the suburb deserves more recognition. If you are visiting the place during the day and want to explore something beyond surfing.