Turquoise waters, soft, golden shores, friendly locals. Is Gold Coast worth visiting? Heck yea, and we’re going to tell you why.
The Gold Coast is already one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, with 4.2 million visitors a year. For a population of under 600,000, that’s pretty amazing.
So, what do you think these travellers come to Gold Coast in search of? Fun, of course! Gold Coast attractions are everywhere, with over five major theme parks, 21 beautiful beaches, 1,000 kilometres of cycling and hiking trails and 20 Michelin starred restaurants, the Gold Coast is for anyone seeking relaxation, adventure, nightlife or all three!
So, let’s explore why the Gold Coast is worth visiting.
1. Entertainment in the Gold Coast is for kids and adults
One of the big reasons people visit the Gold Coast is for the theme parks. Five major theme parks ensure endless entertainment fit for the whole family. They’re a great way for the family to do an activity and stay together throughout.
Theme parks
Here are the major theme parks in Gold Coast, several with roller coasters and a couple with an aqua park.
- Dreamworld
- WhiteWater World
- Wet’N’Wild
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- Sea World
If the weather’s good, which it probably is, head to one of the water parks to stay cool.
Twilight climb at Q1
Rollercoasters not enough for the thrill seekers? Head over to Skypoint Observation Deck where you can check out the amazing beaches in the distance.
Strap on a harness and climb the open air stairs for a 90-minute elevated experience.
Jet Boat Extreme
Departing from Surfers Paradise, this extreme water boat tour which takes you zipping across pelicans and zooming across sandbars. Hold on tight!
Golfing
With over 35 golf courses in the Gold Coast, it’s a definite golfer’s destination. Royal Pines Resort Club and Links Hope Island Golf Club are amongst the most premiere.
2. Outdoor activities in the Gold Coast are awesome
And by outdoors we mean, the real outdoors. The rainforests, the waves and of course, the Gold Coast hinterland. It’s one of the reasons why Gold Coast real estate prices are picking up—more and more people are seeing how great a lifestyle destination it is and moving from the capital cities.
Gold Coast tours
From whale watching, to the Captain Cook Memorial and the Australian Outback Spectacular, there are so many awesome tours you can pick from to experience the rich history and culture in Australia.
Beaches
You can’t visit the Gold Coast without admiring the abundance of nature here. And the best part of it all? It’s well-preserved. For instance, just look at any one of the amazing beaches in Gold Coast and you’ll find it spotless. Many fantasise about leasing one of the houses for rent in Gold Coast to live out their coastal dreams.
That’s because the 36 kilometres of shorelines are swept clean every single day between midnight and sunrise. That’s what makes Queensland beaches some of the best in the world.
Want to see it for yourself? Here are some of the nicest beaches in Gold Coast:
- Coolangatta Beach
- Snapper Rocks
- Main Beach
- Surfers Paradise
- Kirra Beach
- Currumbin Beach
- Kurrawa Beach
Most of these beaches are good for swimming, surfing, water sports, snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding. A great experience is to paddle your way through the many coves and inlets, uncovering Gold Coast’s network of waterways.
National parks
For the avid cyclists, hikers and nature lovers, don’t miss out on the wonderful national parks they have.
Springbrook National Park – hike along the trails to different waterfalls and see glow worm caves at night at Natural Bridge.
Lamington National Park – more lovely trails and lush rainforests await you here. You can even stay overnight at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat which is a charming guesthouse built right there in the park!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – check the wildlife encounters box off your bucket list here. This non-profit organisation nurtures local wildlife and allows visitors to get up close to koalas and exotic birds.
And don’t forget about the Gold Coast hinterland. Less than an hour’s drive away are opportunities for a rainforest skywalk, valley horse riding, hot air ballooning and more picturesque hiking trails through Mount Tamborine, Queensland’s oldest national park.
3. Gold Coast restaurants are world-class
Whatever the cuisine you’re searching for, chances are, you’ll find it in the Gold Coast. Throughout the many suburbs, including the famous Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, are an impressive array of eateries.
Cafes with great coffee, Michelin restaurants offering fine dining, vegan diners… the list goes on. If you’re looking for Gold Coast restaurants with a view, check out Burleigh Pavilion, Seascape Restaurant and Bar and Glass Dining at Marina Mirage, to name a few.
4. Nightlife is vibrant
Head out to Surfers Paradise after 6pm and you’ll quickly see the crowds gather, and they’ll be there until well into the night. Cavill Avenue is stocked with restaurants, cocktail bars and clubs attracting people of all ages.
Some of the more popular nightclubs in Gold Coast are:
- Melbas on the Park
- Shooters NC
- SinCity Nightclub
- Love Nightlife
And here are some of the top bars:
- Mr P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop, Southport
- Destino, Sanctuary Cove
- The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise
- Aloha Bar & Dining, Miami Beach
Head over to The Star Casino to place some bets or to Robina and Hope Island for a more local nightlife experience.
But of course, there’s more to nightlife than drinking and clubbing. The Surfers Paradise beachfront markets, for one, are not to be missed. Browse over a hundred stalls offering everything from clothing to jewellery, artwork, and souvenirs.
Other local markets are Carrara market and Miami Marketta Street Food Markets—check out local produce and sample food from different cultures.
5. There’s tons of Gold Coast shopping
Whether it’s at any of the markets listed above or in a mall or outlet store, you can shop till you drop in Gold Coast.
Pacific Fair is one of the biggest shopping destinations on the Gold Coast, with over 400 brands including local fashion and luxury fashion.
Robina’s town centre mall, the second largest mall on the Gold Coast.
Finally, Harbour Town in Biggera Waters is a great outlet mall which also has branches in the US.
So, is Gold Coast worth visiting?
We’re pretty sure we’ve now convinced you that the Gold Coast attractions make it a destination not be missed. From theme parks, to Gold Coast nightlife, Gold Coast food and natural attractions like whale watching, scuba diving, seeing glow worm caves and uncovering aboriginal culture, you’ll have a week jam-packed with fun.
