The Gold Coast is an incredibly popular vacation destination for Australians and international tourists alike. Whether you want a fun family holiday complete with theme parks, or a surfing adventure, or even a romantic wine-filled getaway, you'll find it in this south-eastern portion of Queensland.
Getting in and around Gold Coast
Gold Coast Airport
The Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is one of the most conveniently located airports in the country; visitors can find it on the Gold Coast Highway at Bilinga on the southern end of the Gold Coast. The airport facilitates both domestic and international flights.
There are six car rental companies located opposite the check-in counters. Other transportation options to and from the airport include the local Surfside Bus and the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle bus, which you can arrange to and from most registered holiday accommodations on the coast.
Gold Coast Transport
For those who intend to stay within a few miles of their hotel, bicycles and scooters are a fun, inexpensive way to get around. You can also take a taxi, catch a bus or join a tour group.
If you intend to island hop or explore the Gold Coast from the water, you'll find plenty of ferries and water taxis available in addition to the do-it-yourself kayaks and jet skis.
Gold Coast Car Hire
Once you've made it into the Gold Coast, you'll need a means of getting to all of the great adventures waiting for you. If you intend to stay for a while, Gold Coast car rentals are an easy-to-find, smart choice.
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Gold Coast accommodation
You can't beat Gold Coast holiday accommodation for variety. Whether you need bargain-basement prices or want to indulge in serious luxury, you'll find it here. Many seek out the excitement of Surfers Paradise, with its stunning beach and assortment of entertainment, dining and shopping options - but you have plenty of options if you prefer something a little more tranquil.
Luxury
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach is a cosmopolitan home away from home. Each lavish room has a private balcony and the hotel boasts a spa, two pools and two restaurants.
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast (Main Beach) offers elegant rooms or condominium suites, 3 award-winning restaurants, a private marina and spa.Hotel Sofitel Gold Coast (Broadbeach) is a cosmopolitan home away from home. Each lavish room has a private balcony, and the hotel boasts a spa, 2 pools, tennis courts, 2 restaurants, and monorail link to a casino.
Palazzo Versace (Main Beach), voted Australia's most luxurious hotel, offers elegant rooms or condominium suites, 3 award-winning restaurants, private marina, Versace boutique, and spa.
Mid-range
Mantra on Salt Beach (Kingscliff) is a beach-front resort offering hotel rooms and suites, a lagoon swimming pool, children's pool, spa, exercise room and restaurant.
Vibe Hotel Gold Coast. This Surfers Paradise accommodation is in the heart of the shopping district. The hotel provides a pool, heated spa, sundeck, in-room dining and marina facilities.Mantra on Salt Beach (Kingscliff) is a beach-front resort offering hotel rooms or apartments, lagoon swimming pool, children's pool, spa, exercise room, and restaurant.
Vibe Hotel Gold Coast. This Surfers Paradise accommodation is in the heart of the shopping district. The hotel provides a pool, heated spa, sundeck, in-room dining, and marina facilities.
Budget
Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise offers one and two-bedroom apartments and can provide package deals for local attractions.
Aristocrat Holiday Apartments provides one or two-bedroom self-contained apartments, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, tennis court, gym and BBQ area.A+ Holidays by Wyndham (
Surfers Paradise,
Kirra, or
Burleigh Heads) offers one- and two-bedroom apartments and can provide package deals for local attractions.
Aristocrat Apartments (Surfers Paradise) provides one- or two-bedroom self-contained apartments, indoor and outdoor pools, spa, tennis court, gym, and BBQ area.
Backpackers
Tequila Sunrise Hostel offers bed capsules as opposed to rooms and dorms. This hostel has free breakfast and dinner for guests and boasts fantastic amenities.Gold Coast International Backpackers Resort (Surfers Paradise) provides guests with Internet access, laundry facilities, restaurant and bar, gaming tables, and linens.
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Things to do on the Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast Casino provides every entertainment option you could want in one place. Naturally, gaming is what most come here for, with traditional and modern gaming machines along with a stunning array of table games. Patrons can also take in incredible shows, music and special events. When it's time to refuel, guests can choose from unique restaurants and superb bars. And if it gets late, stay the night in The Star's well-appointed rooms.
Gold Coast Beaches. Many people choose to holiday at the Gold Coast because of its beaches. Of the 21 patrolled beaches, the most popular are Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach. Main Beach is great for catching some sun and offers tempting food within a short jaunt. Not surprisingly, Surfers Paradise offers great surfing, swimming and beach volleyball. Broadbeach has nearby parks, and Mermaid Beach is less crowded than Surfers Paradise.
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Day trips in and around the Gold Coast
Sea World Gold Coast. Fun for the whole gang and gets you up close and personal with marine life, from sharks to polar bears to penguins. You can also take in both educational and comical shows featuring animals and their human sidekicks or hop a ride on exhilarating roller coasters.
Wet 'n' Wild Gold Coast. Combining the fun of a day at the beach and the thrill of an amusement park, guests of all ages can splash down water slides, jump on a spine-tingling tube ride, or take it easy in the wave pool and the warm waters of Whirlpool Springs. In Wet 'n' Wild Junior, kids can explore their very own watery playground.
Dreamworld, Australia's most popular theme park, is a Gold Coast must-do for families. There's at least several days' worth of fun to be had: spectacular thrill rides, kids rides, a theatre, games, live shows and more. If your kids are animal lovers, they'll adore Tiger Island and Wiggles Farmyard Friends.
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