Gold Coast Destination Guide
Rising to the top of bucket-lists around the world, the Gold Coast’s dazzling 52km stretch of sun-kissed coastline has easily become the ultimate holiday destination.
Fun is at the forefront of life on the Gold Coast, where red and yellow flags frame azure waters that are welcomingly warm enough for revelers to enjoy all-year-round. Its rainforest hinterland is a treasure trove of hiking trails, hidden wildlife, refreshing water holes and native Australian flora.
Home to Australia’s most iconic theme parks, the Gold Coast enthralls and delights holidaymakers of all ages. It’s a rare destination where you can swim with dolphins, experience the rush of some of the world’s tallest thrill rides, sunbathe on world-famous beaches and indulge in gourmet dining – all in one day.
Best Time to Visit the Gold Coast
It’s easy to see why the Gold Coast is regarded as the ultimate holiday destination – averaging 300 days of sunshine each year, it boasts a seemingly endless summer with travellers and locals enjoying beautiful sunny weather across all four seasons.
The Gold Coast plays host to a number of annual world events. Bronzed fitness fantatics flock to town for the Gold Coast Marathon during winter and car-enthusiasts make the annual pilgrimage for the Gold Coast 600 race in October.
Summer: December – February
Summer is one of the best times of the year to visit the Gold Coast, with temperatures ranging between 21-28 degrees Celsius. It’s the perfect time to experience the Gold Coast in all its glory - surf the breaks at Burleigh Heads, teach the kids how to build sandcastles at Broadbeach and cool off with an afternoon ice cream on the famed Cavill Avenue strip of Surfers Paradise.
Autumn: March – May
The Gold Coast promises warm sunny days offset by cool nights with average temperatures ranging between 18 – 25 degrees Celsius during the Autumn months. Sunny days offer the ideal conditions for days at the beach where you’ll easily find more than enough space to lay out your towel and soak in the rays.
Winter: June – August
There are no winter blues on the Gold Coast, with many people opting to chase the summer-like weather on the Gold Coast. The winter months are filled with beautiful crisp blue skies and days drenched in sunshine. Even in winter, it’s still warm enough to enjoy the water with stand-up paddle boarding, sailing and jet-skiing. For those wanting to avoid crowds, there’s no better time to visit – blissfully untouched beaches are waiting for you, while thrill seekers can make the most of theme park rides without the queues.
Spring: September – November
Spring is one of the most magical times to visit the Gold Coast, with sunshine-filled days averaging 16 – 25 degrees Celsius. Head to the hinterland where hiking trails beckon, beautiful native Australian flowers beginning to bloom and you may even spot some newborn wildlife if you’re lucky!
Attractions & Things to Do
One of the reasons the Gold Coast has become a firm holiday favourite, is its innate ability to inspire travellers of all ages.
It’s impossible to be short of things to see and do on the Gold Coast. There’s a bounty of family memories waiting to be made - whether that’s a family bike ride along the Gold Coast Oceanway before cooling off with a swim at Main Beach or a fun-filled day of adventure at one of the five major theme parks where you can come face-to-face with a tiger at DreamWorld and meet your favourite characters at Warner Bros. Movie World.
Outdoor lovers can soak up the sun on numerous pristine white beaches from Broadbeach to Coolangatta. While January – July sees surfers and watersports enthusiasts flock to the coastline to take advantage of the best surfing conditions.
Those who want to enjoy the water without getting wet can take to the ocean on a land and sea tour or indulge in chamapagne sunsets aboard luxury catamarans.
Fashionistas be prepared to shop up a storm at the area’s vast retail options including Pacific Fair Shopping Centre – Queensland’s largest shopping and dining destination and Surfers Paradise’s beachfront markets which take place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. While avid golfers will relish the chance to tee off on some of the best golf courses in Australia.
Come nightfall, the Gold Coast’s buzzing nightlife comes alive with super-stylish bars, themed pubs and bustling clubs.
Best Restaurants & Places to Eat
The Gold Coast knows that no two travellers are alike – and that’s why everyone will feel right at home thanks to a lineup of restaurants that appeal to even the fussiest of appetites.
There’s relaxed beachside eateries, fun family-friendly restaurants, extravagant buffets and chef-hatted restaurants offering cuisine from all around the world.
Top Four Places to Eat Miami Marketta, Miami: Offering a dish for every palate – from sushi to hearty burgers or spicy Mexican, served with live music and colourful food market vibes, this promises to be a fun night for all ages.
Vanitas, Palazzo Versace, Main Beach: The seasonal menus may be ever-evolving at the Chef-Hatted Italian restaurant Vanitas, but handmade pasta, freshly-cut bread and classically-Italian tipples such as wine, Nergroni, Aperol Spritz and Prosecco are a given.
Social Eating House + Bar, Broadbeach: Head to Social Eating House + Bar for Chef-Hatted, modern Australian dining crafted by multi-award-winning chef and owner Matthew Jefferson, such as salt bush lamb shoulder slow roasted in sheep’s milk yoghurt and Yuzu cheesecake cannoli with matcha tea custard and black sesame ice cream.
room81, Sofitel Gold Coast, Broadbeach: More Chef-Hatted indulgence awaits at room81, whose signature 12-course tasting menu utilizes local produce to create dishes such as maremma duck with honey lavender glaze, celeriac and pear and hot and cold scallops.