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Hotels in Gold Coast

Sixty kilometres of beaches, high-rises and rainforest behind

Gold Coast

LanguageEnglish
CurrencyAUD
TimezoneAustralia/Brisbane
Temperature12-30 °C
Dial Code+61
Population26.4M
Area7,692,024 km²
SocketsType I
Tap waterDrinkable

Discover Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a coastal city in Queensland on Australia's east coast, about eighty kilometres south of Brisbane, which stretches sixty kilometres along beaches and is one of Australia's most popular resort areas. The sea brings waves for surfers, sand for families and sunshine almost all year. In Surfers Paradise stand a row of skyscrapers and a lively promenade, nearby are the Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld theme parks, and behind the city begins a mountain rainforest that is a UNESCO site. The Gold Coast suits families with children and those who want to combine beach with nature and koalas. From Brisbane it is an hour by car or train, and Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta is near the southern border with New South Wales. The southern-hemisphere location means that summer runs from December to February and winter, June to August, is mild at around twenty-one degrees. EU citizens need an electronic ETA before travelling.

What to see

The places worth your time in Gold Coast, and what to expect at each

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise

The best-known part of the coast with a beach lined by the Esplanade promenade, skyscrapers and the lively Cavill Avenue of shops and bars. Surf Life Saving lifeguards patrol the beach daily and you may swim only between the red and yellow flags. In the evening the beach becomes a night market and the promenade fills with people.

Tip: Swim only between the flags; currents are strong and dangerous. In the morning the beach is calmer and less crowded, and in the afternoon the wind arrives. Do not forget strong sunscreen — the UV is extreme.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
half a day
SkyPoint and Q1

SkyPoint and Q1

Surfers Paradise

An observation deck on the seventy-seventh floor of the Q1 skyscraper, which at 322 metres is one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. It offers a view of the coast, the Nerang River and, in good weather, as far as Brisbane. The bold can pay extra to climb to the roof.

Tip: Come at sunset, when the view is loveliest; evening tickets often include a drink. Book ahead, or there is a queue.

Admission:
about AUD 35
Time needed:
1 hr
Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads

A calmer and greener part of the coast in the south with a beach that is one of Australia's best surf spots and a national park on the headland. Around are a promenade, cafés, restaurants and a Sunday market. The atmosphere is relaxed and contrasts with Surfers Paradise.

Tip: From the headland there is a view of the whole coast; walk the park track in half an hour. The cafés on Burleigh Heads are better than in the city; try a flat white and fresh fish.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
half a day
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin

A wildlife and nature reserve in the south where you can feed rainbow lorikeets, pat kangaroos and see koalas and crocodiles. Every morning and afternoon hundreds of colourful parrots fly to the meadow. It is the best place to meet Australian animals.

Tip: Lorikeet feeding takes place morning and afternoon, so come early. Koalas are most active in the morning. Book tickets online, as they are cheaper.

Admission:
about AUD 65
Time needed:
half a day

Sea World

Main Beach

An entertainment and marine park in the north of the city with dolphins, rays, seals and rides such as a roller coaster. It is the oldest of the parks and suits families with children. The park lies by Main Beach.

Tip: Buy tickets online and arrive at opening. At midday it is hot, so plan a rest by the dolphins in between.

Admission:
from AUD 100
Time needed:
full day

Warner Bros. Movie World

Oxenford

A film theme park with roller coasters and characters from films such as Batman and Superman. It suits older children and teens and most rides have a minimum height. It also offers shows and character parades.

Tip: Arrive at opening and go first to the biggest roller coasters. For several parks a multi-day combination ticket is worth it.

Admission:
from AUD 120
Time needed:
full day

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook

A mountain national park about an hour from the coast with waterfalls, rainforest and the Natural Bridge, beneath which glow-worms live at night. There are trails, viewpoints and trees thousands of years old. The park belongs to the Gondwana Rainforests, a UNESCO site.

Tip: Go to Natural Bridge after sunset, when the glow-worms light up; switch off your torch and keep quiet. Bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
half a day
Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park

Lamington

A rainforest on the border with New South Wales with tall trees, waterfalls and trails, where many birds live. It also offers a treetop walk in the canopy. It is the best place for birdwatching and for hikes.

Tip: Allow an hour and a half from the coast; trails vary in length. In the morning the forest is full of birdsong; bring repellent against leeches.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
full day

Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine

A hilly plateau about three quarters of an hour from the coast with rainforest, vineyards, galleries and the Skywalk, which runs through the treetops. It is a few degrees cooler than the coast and offers cafés and small shops. It suits half a day.

Tip: Stop for lunch in the cafés in Mount Tamborine and for a walk on the Skywalk, which is slippery after rain. Try the local wine too.

Admission:
Skywalk about AUD 30
Time needed:
half a day

Photos: Surfers Paradise — chillmimi (CC BY 2.0) · SkyPoint and Q1 — Jordan Gellie jordan_gellie (CC0) · Burleigh Heads — Herry Lawford (CC BY 2.0) · Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary — Lewi Hirvela (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Lamington National Park — Steve Bennett (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Where to stay

Areas and districts, matched to the kind of trip you are taking

Surfers Paradise

Best for: beach, shopping and nightlife

The heart of the Gold Coast with skyscrapers, beaches and bars. It has the most hotels and widest range of services, but also the most people. Suits a first visit and families with children.

Broadbeach

Best for: restaurants and shopping

An elegant district south of Surfers Paradise with restaurants, cafés and the Pacific Fair shopping centre. It is calmer and pricier. A good choice for couples.

Burleigh Heads

Best for: surf and a relaxed atmosphere

A picturesque district with a beach, cafés and a national park. There are fewer hotels and higher prices, but the setting is calm. Suits surfers and those who want peace.

Coolangatta

Best for: calm in the south

The southern end of the coast near the border with New South Wales, with the airport, a beach and smaller hotels. It is calm and has lower prices. A good choice for families and for arrival days.

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Getting around

From the airport

Gold Coast Airport (OOL) lies at Coolangatta by the southern border, with domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Most travellers arrive in Brisbane (BNE), about eighty kilometres north, and go on by train or shuttle in an hour and a half. From Europe you fly via Singapore, Doha or Dubai and the journey takes about twenty-four hours. An ETA is required to enter Australia.

Gold Coast Airport (OOL) · 25 km

  • Taxi to Surfers Paradise· 30 min· AUD 70
  • Bus and tram· 1 hr· AUD 6

Brisbane International Airport (BNE) · 80 km

  • Shuttle to the Gold Coast· 1 hr 15 min· AUD 50
  • Train and tram· 1 hr 30 min· AUD 20

Around town

Along the coast runs the G:link tram from Helensvale to Broadbeach, which is being extended further south, and buses. For the national parks a car or an organised trip is needed. Taxis and Uber are available but pricier. Bikes and scooters are rented on the promenade.

G:link tramAlong the coast from Helensvale to Broadbeach. · AUD 5
BusLines along the whole coast. · AUD 3
Uber and taxiTo hotels and parks. · AUD 20
Car rentalFor the hills and national parks. · AUD 60

Useful apps: Google Maps, Uber, TransLink, Surf Life Saving

When to go

The Gold Coast has a subtropical climate with a warm summer from December to February at around twenty-eight degrees and a mild winter from June to August at around twenty-one. The seasons are opposite to Europe's. It rains most in February and March, and the sun is extremely strong. The best time is March to May and September to November.

Best time

March to May and September to November

What to avoid

January and February (heat, humidity and storms)

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day29°29°28°26°23°21°20°22°24°25°27°28°
Night21°21°20°17°14°12°10°11°14°16°18°20°
Rainy days14151512118878101213
Sea26°27°26°25°23°21°20°20°21°22°24°25°

Food & drink

Australia offers cooking from fresh ingredients: fish, grilled meat, fruit and excellent coffee. The Gold Coast is full of beachfront seafood restaurants and cafés. A main dish costs twenty-five to forty dollars and a café lunch about eighteen.

What to try

Barramundi

A firm white fish from Australian waters, grilled or fried, served with chips or salad. One of the most popular fish.

Fish and chips

Battered fried fish with chips, served in a paper wrap by the beach. A staple of the coast.

Meat pie

A baked pie of beef and gravy eaten by hand. The national fast food.

Lamington

Sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut, sometimes with cream and jam. A typical Australian dessert.

Flat white

Coffee with milk of fine foam, which Australia made famous. Drunk in every café.

Moreton Bay bug

A flat lobster with delicate meat, boiled or grilled. A Queensland speciality.

Anzac biscuits

Sweet crisp biscuits of oats and coconut, historically linked to soldiers. Sold in bakeries.

What it costs

Flat white

AUD 5–6

Fish and chips

AUD 15–22

Café lunch

AUD 18–28

A beer

AUD 9–12

SkyPoint

AUD 35

Currumbin

AUD 65

3★ hotel (night)

AUD 150–300

Shuttle from Brisbane Airport

AUD 50

Indicative prices that change over time — treat them as a guide, not a price list.

Practical information

SocketsIAustralian, angled pins
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Tap waterTap water is drinkable — Tap water in Australia is safe to drink. In restaurants you can ask for it free.
TippingTipping is not usual in Australia, as staff are well paid. In a restaurant you may leave ten per cent for exceptional service; for taxi drivers rounding up is enough.
Driving on theleft
SafetyThe Gold Coast is safe, but beaches have strong currents — swim only between the red and yellow flags. The sun is extreme: use factor 50, a hat and a shirt. Do not touch jellyfish, even washed up on the beach. The emergency number is 000.
Opening hoursShops are open from nine to five, in tourist places until nine in the evening. Restaurants serve lunch from eleven and dinner from six. On Sunday shops have shorter hours.
Customs & etiquetteAustralians are friendly and informal. On the beach lifeguards patrol; follow their instructions. In parks do not feed wildlife and stay on the paths. When driving you keep to the left.
A few local wordsHello (informal) — G'dayThanks — Thanks, mateYou are welcome — No worriesFlip-flops — ThongsCheers — CheersAfternoon — ArvoSun protection slogan — Slip, slop, slap

How to plan your days

1 day

A day on the Gold Coast

  1. 1Morning the beach at Surfers Paradise.
  2. 2Lunch on Cavill Avenue.
  3. 3Afternoon SkyPoint.
  4. 4Early evening the promenade and sunset.
  5. 5Evening dinner with barramundi.

2 days

Two days: koalas and beach

  1. 1Day one as above.
  2. 2Day two morning Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
  3. 3Afternoon Burleigh Heads.
  4. 4Evening a café and the beach.

3 days

Three days: coast and rainforest

  1. 1Days one and two as above.
  2. 2Day three Springbrook and the Natural Bridge.
  3. 3Afternoon Tamborine Mountain.
  4. 4Evening return and glow-worms.

Day trips

Brisbane

80 km · 1 hr by car or train

The capital of Queensland with a river, bridges, cafés and museums. A train runs from the Gold Coast and the trip takes a day.

Byron Bay

90 km · 1 hr 15 min by car

A surf town in New South Wales with a lighthouse, beaches and a hippie atmosphere. It suits a full-day trip.

North Stradbroke Island

70 km · 1 hr 30 min by car and ferry

A sand island with kangaroos, dolphins and Main Beach. It suits a full-day trip or a weekend.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Gold Coast?+

March to May and September to November, when it is pleasant and there are fewer people. In summer it is hot and humid at around twenty-eight degrees. In winter it is milder, but the sea is cool.

Do I need a visa for Australia?+

EU citizens need an electronic ETA (subclass 601), arranged in the Australian ETA app and costing a few dozen dollars. The passport must be valid. Conditions change, so check them.

How do I get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast?+

By train and tram in an hour and a half or by shuttle bus in about an hour and a quarter, costing around fifty dollars. A taxi costs about a hundred and fifty dollars. By car on the M1 motorway it takes an hour.

Is the sea safe?+

Yes, if you swim between the red and yellow flags that mark the patrolled area. Outside it there are strong currents. Always follow the lifeguards.

How long should I stay on the Gold Coast?+

Four to five days are enough for beaches, parks and rainforest. For Brisbane and Byron Bay add two days. In holidays accommodation sells out, so book in advance.

Is the Gold Coast suitable for families?+

Yes, it is one of the best family holidays in Australia: beaches with lifeguards, theme parks and zoos. Children enjoy koalas and lorikeets. Beware the sun.

Where can I see koalas?+

At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and in the rainforest at Lamington. In the parks koalas are seen mostly in the morning. Do not touch them and follow the rules.

Are the theme parks worth it?+

For families with children yes, but they are pricey. A combined ticket for several parks is better value. It is best to go at opening and on a weekday.

Arrival Card

Fill in the required arrival card before your trip to avoid delays at immigration.

Complete Arrival Card

Visa Requirements

Check the latest visa requirements for entering this country. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa or e-visa before travel.

Check visa requirements

Emergency Numbers

Police000Ambulance000Fire000

Language

English

Currency

AUD

Timezone

Australia/Brisbane

Dial Code

+61

Population

26.4M

Area

7,692,024 km²

Voltage

230V / 50Hz

Driving Side

Left

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