Gold Coast Attractions
Throughout the year the Gold Coast plays host to an electrifying variety of events and extravagant entertainment. From fun-runs and festivals to competitions and concerts, the region's special events calendar caters for adults and children of all ages. Plan your Gold Coast holiday to coincide with a major event like the Honda Indy 300, JAL Marathon, Magic Millions horse-racing carnival, Australian Surf Life Saving Titles, Billabong Pro surf carnival or a celebrity-packed golf Tournament.
Set adjacent to scenery of stunning beaches and dazzling mountains are a quantity of championship golf courses that considered among the world's best. Some 40 courses, varying in design and complexity, have given the region the nickname, Australia's 'Golf Coast'. The mild climate means perfect conditions all year round. Beaches such as Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Mermaid Beach and Surfers Paradise offer soft golden sand, rolling waves, blue Pacific waters and the chance to soak up the seemingly infinite sunshine. From an early morning jog to a leisurely stroll at sunset, the Gold Coast's clean, uncrowded beaches set the perfect pace for a truly unforgettable vacation.
Pursue the roads inland from the Gold Coast's beaches and a delightful world unfolds. The Gold Coast's Hinterland offers a cosmos of tropical rainforests, mountain villages, and other hidden treasures. Much of the hinterland area is National Park, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the area first hand on one of the park's many walking tracks. These include Witches Falls, Border Rangers, Lamington, Mt Warning, Nightcap and Springbrook National Parks. In addition, many day tour companies have guided walks through the rainforest with visits to natural swimming holes. Currumbin Sanctuary has the biggest compilation of native Australian animals in the world. Feed the colourful lorikeets, which visit twice daily, walk amongst the kangaroos, pose for a photograph with a koala or have a totally wild encounter with wombats, Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and fresh water crocodiles, all in their natural environment.
Shopping on the Gold Coast is perfect. Pacific Fair, one of Australia's largest shopping centres, with leafy walkways and lakeside restaurants as well as a stunning selection of international and Australian retailers. You'll find imported and local designer fashions and accessories together with casual dining, cafes and art galleries at Marina Mirage, overlooking the outstanding Southport Broadwater. Enjoy a stroll around Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove and see unusual displays of glass blowing and opal cutting in a relaxed waterfront setting.
The Gold Coast is the Theme park capital of Queensland. Discover eleven themed worlds of fun and excitement at Dreamworld, the largest theme park in the southern hemisphere. Catch the lights, cameras and action at Warner Brothers Movie World, where the magic of the screen comes alive. Be overjoyed by the friendly marine life at Sea World. Or take the plunge on Wet 'n' Wild's speed slide. Either way there is a Gold Coast attraction for everyone to enjoy.
