Australia’s Gold Coast is one of the nation’s best known and most loved holiday destinations – sun, sea, surf and sand is only the beginning as to why everyone loves this magical part of south east Queensland. We are fortunate to only live a couple of hours drive away so frequent often for a variety of reasons, and it’s always a great place to visit for a weekend or a full-blown holiday.
Kids of all ages love the Gold Coast. Trendy Surfers Paradise with its bustling mall, stunning beach, shops, cafes and restaurants is always a drawcard and there are lots of attractions and theme parks galore to enjoy. Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet n Wild Water World and White Water World are all a kid’s paradise (no matter what age) and popular with the adults too; a Mecca of rides, shows and fun activities without the queues of their international equivalents and only a short drive from the heart of the Gold Coast. There’s also Infinity and Ripley’s Believe it Or Not in the centre of Surfers Paradise, as well as Duck Adventures, water sports, sea planes and a host of other activities so you don’t have to venture far to participate in a number of adventures.
There are lots of areas to discover at the Gold Coast if you love beaches – Burleigh, Main Beach, Currumbin and Greenmount, as well as Surfers. Currumbin is also home to the well known Currumbin Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary which is always popular with families.
The nightlife and restaurants are aplenty. Take in dinner and a show at Dracula’s for a fun night out that is a little bit different and Jupiter’s Casino is always worth a visit. If gambling is not your thing, there are plenty of restaurants, a night club and usually a show on offer here too. Explore Broadbeach for a host of restaurants and stop in at Marina Mirage at Southport and check out the yachts and water activities before settling in for a nice lunch. You can also experience a High Tea at the nearby Versace Hotel although this is seasonal, something a little bit special for the ladies.
Speaking of hotels, there’s something to suit every budget and every requirement throughout the Gold Coast, ranging from basic motels and hostels through to five star luxury hotels and resorts. And if high-end is more your style, there are numerous locations with exquisite Day Spas and luxury shops for ladies that are wanting to pamper themselves. The Golden Door Day Spa is world class and there are lots of others to choose from. The Gold Coast is also home to multiple renowned world class golf courses, so there’s something for the guys (and golfing girls) too!
The Gold Coast is not all racy and fast paced. When you’re ready for a bit of peace and quiet, head into the Gold Coast hinterland and spend a day at Mount Tambourine and its surrounds for a great day out. Lamington National Park is also not too far away if you want to experience the Mountain Lodges and walks or hikes, and head back to nature.
Byron Bay is only a short drive south from the Gold Coast, Brisbane a short drive north and the Sunshine Coast a couple of hours away. South East Queensland and Northern NSW is a holiday paradise with so much to see and do, amazing experiences and adventures to enjoy and a climate to die for. So if you’re looking for a luxury long weekend. Family holiday, couples get away or golfing/pampering retreat, head to the Gold Coast as it’s all there to enjoy.
