Gold Coast Overview
The Gold Coast is bold, brash and cheerful and has been developed to unashamedly entertain its visitors and to provide an enviable place to live in.
Located around an hour south of Brisbane, there is everything here to cater for the holiday maker.
Several large theme parks, miles and miles of sandy surfing beaches, night clubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, casinos, shopping arcades, water sports, theatres and golf courses.
As the sub tropical South Queensland weather is usually good throughout the year, this is a year-round holiday destination which attracts over 4 million annual visitors.
There are a many places of interest along the Gold Coast and some of these are described below and in more detail on additional pages.
Surfers Paradise
The Gold Coast can be experienced at its most intense at the original resort - Surfers Paradise.
The world famous 'Surfers', a bustling resort which never sleeps, has the renown surf beach, holiday attractions (including Ripleys Believe It or Not), bars, nightclubs, shopping arcades, holiday resorts and also The Gold Coast Arts Centre. More....
Broadbeach
Broadbeach is a stylish Gold Coast suburb which perfectly compliments and contrasts the adjacent loud and brash Surfers Paradise, just a few km to its north.
Broadbeach is still fronted by that magnificent uninterrupted stretch of golden sand, there are also impressive apartment buildings and high-rise towers similar to those found in Surfers.
Broadbeach is generally regarded as the more laid back and stylish, has one of the biggest shopping malls in the Southern Hemisphere (the famous Jupiters Casino) and scores of well regarded restaurants and cafes. More....
Coolangatta to South Stradbroke Island
The Gold Coast begins at the New South Wales-Queensland Border at the twin towns of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta which tends to appeal to people looking for a quieter holiday but still with the big Gold Coast attractions nearby.
The sandy strip extends up the coast and includes the resorts of Bilinga, Currumbin, Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Miami, Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Sanctuary Cove, Couran Cove and South Stradbroke Island.
Each of the towns and resorts has a different character but the underlying theme is the same. As you approach it, usually the first indication of the 40 km long Gold Coast are the impressive sky rise developments standing proudly against the horizon.
As you move closer there is a sense of anticipation and excitement as the towers start to dominate the sky. The Gold Coast and its lifestyle is highly sought after. The already high 'sky scrapers' has been joined by the world's tallest residential tower (Q1 at Surfers) such is the demand from people wishing to live and holiday on The Gold Coast.
Most Golf Courses in Australia
The Gold Coast has more golf courses than anywhere else in Australia.
These include The Palms and The Pines (designed by Arnold Palmer) at the luxurious Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island Links Course (designed by Peter Thompson), Robina Woods, Coolangatta-Tweed Heads, Lakelands (designed by Jack Nickelous), Paradise Springs and Gainsborough Greens (designed by Fred Bolton) to name but a few.
Always check to see if you do have to be a member or a guest to play at any course but with almost 40 courses you have plenty to choose from.
Where To Stay
The Gold Coast has an excellent selection of places to stay, in fact it is not an exagerration to say you will be spoilt for choice.
You can find low budget self catering apartments through to palatial 6 star resorts.
For a full list of the properties we have listed please see the Gold Coast accommodation listings for hotels and resorts and Backpacker accommodation for hostels.
Location
The Gold Coast is located in the south east of Queensland and has an approximate latitude of 28.0°S and a longitude of 153.4° E.
Approximate Driving Time/Distance
11Hrs From Sydney (850Km)
18Hrs From Melbourne (1600Km) )
1Hr From Brisbane (100Km) )
See Route and Distance Calculator for more driving times and routes.
Flying To The Gold Coast
Coolangatta airport, which is served by Virgin Blue and Jetstar, is only around 30 minutes by car to Broadbeach.
Shuttle busses, hire cars and taxis operate from Coolangatta airport to transport passengers to Broadbeach and The Gold Coast.
Queensland School & Public Holidays
New Years Day Tue 1st Jan.
Australia Day Mon 28th Jan.
Good Friday 21st March.
Easter Monday 24th March.
Anzac Day Fri 25th April.
Labour Day Mon 5th May.
Queens Birthday Holiday Mon 9th June.
Christmas Day Thu 25th Dec.
Boxing Day Holiday Fri 26th Dec.
(End and start school on preceding and next week day (Mon - Fri) respectively)
School Starts Tue 29th January
Easter Holiday 7th April To 11th April.
Winter Holiday 30th June To 11th July.
Spring Holiday 22nd Sept To 3rd Oct.
Summer Holiday 15th Dec To Jan 21st.
Daylight Saving does not operate in Queensland
Note: Dates for guidance only. Always check with your individual School as variations may occur for individual education authorities or establishments and dates may be subject to change. Always check with relevant State or Territory education department to confirm holiday periods at the commencement of each school year. Not all Public Holidays for individual regions within each state and territory are shown and public holidays falling on weekends are not listed. Not all Public Holidays may be applicable to all employers, organisations etc so always check with your employer, education authority etc which public holidays are applicable.
Gold Coast Climate
These figures are for guidance only:
Approximate Max Average Temperature
Max Average Temperature
Deg C/ Deg F
Winter(June-Aug):21 / 70
Spring(Sep-Nov):26 / 78
Summer(Dec-Feb):29 / 84
Autumn(Mar-May):26 / 79
Approximate Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Winter(June-Aug): 57
Spring(Sep-Nov): 73
Summer(Dec-Feb): 150
Autumn(Mar-May): 100
