Gold Coast Hotels

Attractions

Situated in southeast Queensland, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s foremost leisure destinations. First up on any traveler’s itinerary would be the stunning beaches, all 57 kilometers of it, encouraging various water sports and leisurely activities for the whole family!

Surfing remains top draw for Gold Coast and the best spots for it are in Duranbah, Burleigh Point, South Stradbroke and Kirra. Southport area offers sprawling Australia Fair shopping complex, chic Marina Mirage, the highly acclaimed Southport Yacht Club, the amazing Sea World and a myriad of aqua adventures on the calm beaches of Broadwater. Main Beach is the foremost surf beach boasting Federation Walk that takes you to lush green pathways.

The area devoted to the Gold Coast lifestyle is Surfers Paradise. From busy beaches to bustling nightlife, this town has it all. Shopping and dining are both a mixed bag of sorts. Sample various cuisines in any of hundreds of restaurants and cafes. Then shop till you drop at boutique stores, malls and night markets. Should you find yourself lost, maybe the bikini-clad meter maids can point your way back to the action! South of Surfers Paradise is Broadbeach where one encounters Kurrawa Park, and Jupiter’s Casino. If you’re lucky, you may even chance upon a lifesavers competition right on the beach.

Bordering New South Wales and Queensland is Coolangata, home to some of Gold Coast’s breathtaking beaches. Then also at the southern end, nature lovers will be thrilled at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for its vast array of attractions. But for more captivating sceneries and raw adventures, the Hinterlands offer a most spectacular time to admire the well-preserved flora and fauna and the whole ecosystem in the area.

Events

If you expect just to laze around the beaches, you’re in for a surprise. The Gold Coast offers popular and interesting happenings in sports, music and local festivals to keep that adrenaline pumping.

Big Day Out, the concert extravaganza, hits major cities in Australia during summer. The annual road show reaches the shores of Gold Coast in January. Then also in the same month, all the glitz and glamour come out for racing day during the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Carnival. For some superb sporting action from top women athletes, the Australian Women’s Hardcourt and Australian Ladies Masters kick start the new year in Gold Coast. In February and March, surf’s up as world champs converge for the Quicksilver and Roxy Pros.

In May, it becomes a jazzy affair when Blues on Broadbeach unravels in Gold Coast. Also for this month, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show brings out boats of all shapes and sizes for a spectacular showcase on water. Finally, the very prestigious Prime Minister’s Cup presents horseracing at its best in Gold Coast.

Springtime kicks into gear with Indy 300 cranking up the streets of Gold Coast with high-octane energy. And then, prepare for a myriad of sporting events, 39 to be exact, as the Pan Pacific Masters Games happens in November. Choose what sports fancies you, be it volleyball, basketball, rugby or baseball to name a few.

Climate

• Winter (June to August) 11 to 21°C Pleasant but may be chilly in the Hinterlands
• Spring (September to November) 15 to 25°C Warm days and mild, pleasant nights
• Summer (December to February) 20 to 28°C Hot, sunny and humid yet with occasional rainfall
• Fall (March to May) 16 to 26°C Starts to get generally mild