Gold Coast Holidays

A Gold Coast holiday is not complete without visiting one of the award-winning theme parks. These attractions are very family oriented and whatever the age there is a show to entertain and amuse.

- Dreamworld is Australia's favorite family theme park, packed with the wildest, adrenalin rush rides in the country. Bengal tiger displays, waterslides, Nickelodeon Central, Wiggles World, street performers are all part of the experience. Whitewater World has the hottest water slides on the planet and provides year round aquatic fun.

- Seaworld is the undisputed number one marine park which is combined with entertainment ranging from triple loop roller coasters to Cartoon Beach. The dolphin shows and polar bear displays make this a great attraction for the whole family.

- The entertainment at Warner Bros. Movie World combines thrill rides, the fun of the Grand Parade, colourful entertainment in Looney Tunes Village and the antics of the Police Academy Stunt Show. It's an attraction with something for everyone.

- Wet'n'Wild Water World is the biggest and the best when it comes to aquatic fun. The giant slides are not found anywhere else in Australia. Test your speed and nerves on the Super 8 Aqua Racer and ride the Terror Canyon. Relax in the Wave Pool for a Dive-In movie.

- The Australian Outback Spectacular is a dining experience with a difference. Enjoy traditional Aussie meals accompanied by rousing outback music and displays of fabulous horsemanship, sheep dogs at work, camel races and a variety of outback themed entertainment.

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is set on 27 hectares of landscaped grounds, and has grown from a simple bird sanctuary to a national Trust wildlife reserve.It is one of the most popular attractions on the Gold Coast.

The highlight for most visitors is the feeding of the rainbow lorikeets that swoop out of the surrounding bushland at feeding times. Park attractions include traditional Aboriginal dancing, feed the kangaroos, cuddle koalas and enjoy the many Australiana displays throughout the sanctuary. Just a short distance away at Burleigh, the David Fleahy Wildlife park has a collection of rare and threatened species presented in a natural setting.

An easy 30 minute drive from the beach takes visitors into the Gold Coast hinterland, sometimes referred to as "The Green Behind The Gold". This is a region of mountainous, rural landscapes in stark contrast to the coast's golden beaches. It is a very popular day trip destination for Gold Coast holidaymakers.

Over 160kms of National Park walking trails provide access to spectacular views, waterfalls and tracts of original subtropical and eucalypt forests. This is an area of colourful country markets, craft cottages and friendly guest houses, art galleries, tea houses, historical buildings and pubs and working farms.

An popular hinterland day trip is to set off from Coolangatta, then drive south to Murwillumbah and the Tweed Valley in northern New South Wales, then swing north through Crystal Creek, Chillingham, Numinbah, Natural Bridge, Nerang, Mudgeeraba and then back to the coast.

The magnificent Gold Coast beaches are the major attraction that continues to entice holiday makers to the Gold Coast. While entertainment comes and goes with each passing fad and fun parks change with the prevailing technology, the beaches remain an ever appealing constant.

The 40+kms of unspoiled ocean frontages, clean golden sands, ocean swells for surfers, secluded bays and estuaries for the little ones, bather amenities and patrolling surf life savers all contribute to the popularity of the beaches.

Renowned for its beach safety initiatives, the Gold Coast City Council patrols more beaches than any other local authority in Australia. It uses helicopters, boats, jet skis and watercraft in its rescue operations.

High UV levels in summer will cause sunburn in a very short time and beach goers need to be aware of that. Take every precaution against sunburn if you are prone to burning easily. It's a good idea to stay off the beach between 10:30 and 3:00 when the UV is at its peak.">

As well as the major entertainment parks, the Gold Coast offers more tours, activities and attractions than any other Australian holiday destination. The following list is just a short introduction to what is available:

- Conrad Jupiters Casino with two floors of gaming plus restaurants and floorshow extravaganzas.

- Gold Coast panoramas from the Q1 observation deck

- Ripley's Believe It Or Not! provides a world of fun, magic, mystery, exhibits and illusions.

- parasailing, jet boat rides, kite surfing, jet skis, charters and off shore fishing, waterway cruises, diving and snorkeling, learn to surf. If its aquatic, you can do it on the Gold Coast.

- horse riding through the lush valleys of the hinterland

- whale watching cruises (in season)

- hang-gliding, abseiling adventures, sky-diving, wilderness treks and 4WD tours in the hinterland.

- thrill rides in exotic sports cars, helicopter and Tigermoth joy rides, adventure flights in WWII aircraft

There is also the high excitement driving and karting circuits, the novelty of an ice parlour, the sedate mini-golf and put-put, a wax museum... the list is never-ending.

From Coolangatta in the south to Biggera Waters at the north end of the Gold Coast, high rise apartment blocks and resorts stretch as far as the eye can see. There is a small group of Gold Coast hotels but by far the majority of Gold Coast accommodation comprises apartments that are fully self contained with everything necessary for self catering. The guest need only bring their personal effects, clothing and foodstuffs.

In-house transfers to and from the airport are not included in accommodation costs. Guests need to make their own transfer arrangement although the accommodation provider will usually suggest the best transfer option for each case. The reception desk will offer a complimentary service for making bookings for entertainment and shows, car rentals, tours and holiday activities.

Advance bookings for accommodation are essential at all locations and at all times of the year, with the heaviest demand being for the school holiday periods. Prices are charged per apartment per night for a set number of occupants and vary considerably throughout the year, being linked to the holiday periods. These periods consist of a high season (most expensive), mid season and low season (least expensive).

High Season is the December - January holiday period and is usually about the 15-20th Dec to 20-25th Jan. 7 night minimum stays are the norm during high season periods. Make reservations at least 4-5 months in advance for this season.

Mid Season (aka shoulder season) is usually Easter, the April school holidays and the Sept - Oct school holidays. It may also apply to special events (The Indy 300 & Wintersun) in some locations. 5 night minimum stays are the norm during mid season. Make reservations at least 3-4 months in advance for this season.

Low Season is all dates outside of high season and mid season periods. 3 night minimum stays are the norm during low season although some properties will accept 2 night stays. It is advisable to book 45-60 days in advance for low season.

Located in central Broadbeach, the Pacific Fair shopping complex covers 17 hectares. It incorporates 7 major stores including Myers, has over 270 specialty retailers plus a wide range of bars, restaurants, cafes and the ever present Food Court.

Harbour Town is the Gold Coast's discount outlet shopping centre and is located in the Southport Broadwater area at the northern end of the Godf Coast. Discount stores and factory outlets sell quality brand names direct to the public. The centre also has the Gold Coast's largest Cinemaplex with Readings 14 Screen Cinema, great restaurants, cafes, supermarket, medical and support services.

Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, Australia Fair overlooks the Southport Broadwater. It includes over 220 specialty stores as well as Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Best & Less as well as Birch Carroll & Coyle cinemas.

Runaway Bay shopping centre is located on the northern end of the Broadwater area. It offers relaxed shopping at Big W, Target, Best & Less and over 110 speciality stores.

Located on Seaworld Drive, Broadwater Spit, Marina Mirage is instantly recognised by its distinctive sails roof line. This is the number 1 venue for exclusive speciality shops, boutiques and waterfront restaurants.

The Sanctuary Cove Waterfront Marine Village adjoins the marina and is a trendy locale for boutiques, art galleries, gift stores, antiques and service outlets. Enjoy a meal in any of the Marine Village restaurants with a choice of casual cafes, a la carte or the International Marketplace and Food Hall with it's ethnic eateries and fresh produce.

Gold Coast Markets are a fun way to spend time and meet the locals whether you're browsing, bargain hunting or just want to soak up the atmosphere. Carrara market is the original and biggest market on the Gold Coast.

Formal restaurants, courtyard bistros, sidewalk cafes, ocean front surf clubs, take-aways on a beachfront esplanade or fish and chips in the park, the choice is yours. Good food is never far away on the Gold Coast, and whether its food to go or fine dining, the choices will be many and varied.

Tempt your palate with a range of international cuisines. Select from fine five-star dining or al fresco cafes and eateries offering Italian, Chinese, French, Thai, Indian, Malaysian, German and Middle Eastern cuisines.

The Broadbeach restaurant precinct is centered around the Broadbeach Mall and is one of the best known dining locations on the Gold Coast. Choose from over 100 quality restaurants and sidewalk cafes that create the vibrant, atmosphere of Broadbeach.

Surfers Pardise is another popular location for a beachfront breakfast, a long leisurely lunch or a night out on the town. Surfers is where the locals come to sample international cuisines and award-winning wining and dining right throughout the year.

If you intend to see the whole length of the Gold Coast and visit the beautiful hinterland, then you should think seriously about a Gold Coast car rental.

If arriving via a flight into either Brisbane or the Gold Coast airports, you probably need to pay for airport transfers and they are charged person with a mini bus option. So Mum, Dad and a few kids can incur a big expense getting to and from the airport, especially if you are arriving at Brisbane.

You should give serious thought to using that same money part fund a car rental with an airport pick-up and return. This allows you to be totally independent from the moment you arrive at the airport. With a rental car, you have control over your itinerary and can travel where you want with your own timetable.

Calling all serious golfers!! A Gold Coast holiday provides an opportunity to play some of the the most highly rated courses anywhere in Australia. Courses designed by the likes of Nicklaus, Palmer, Norman, Thompson and Graham are dotted across much of the Gold Coast landscape.The opportunity to play these challenging courses is one that no serious golfer should miss!

The variety of Gold Coast golf is quite exceptional. It ranges from international standard resort courses that have hosted some of the biggest names in the game, through to uniquely Australian country courses where you may be sharing the fairways with the local wildlife.

When the golf is combined with excellent holiday activities, tours and attractions galore for the whole family, its easy to see why the Gold Coast is the perfect holiday choice for a great golfing holiday!

International visitors will probably at Brisbane, about a one hour drive north of the Gold Coast. Domestic travelers have a choice of either Brisbane airport or Coolangatta airport at the southern end of the Gold Coast.

Domestic flights will be with either Virgin Blue, Jetstar or Qantas and the cheapest flights are usually with Virgin Blue and Jetstar. The flight time from Sydney is approximately 1 hour and it's approximately 2 hours from Melbourne.

Ask your Gold Coast accommodation provider to recommend the best airport transfer service for your group. Brisbane is connected to the Gold Coast by an AirTrain service which involves a travel time of approximately 1h 15m. Several motor coach companies as well as limousine operators provide door-to-door transfers to and from the rail station.

A Gold Coast hire car option provides an opportunity to get to and from the airport as well as explore all the regional highlights. Drive time from the Brisbane airport to the northern end of the Gold Coast is approximately 1 hour. All vehicle models are available for rental ranging from budget to limos and off-road to open-top fun sportsters.

Surfside Buslines is a public transport bus service that runs a 24 hour operation with services every 30 mins that connect the major Gold Coast locations. Pick up and set-down locations are at all the major shopping centres and throughout the major accommodation precincts.

Scooters, motorbikes, bicycles and mopeds are available for hire for 2 wheel enthusiasts. Even roller-blades are available for exploring the bikeways and walkways along the coast. Fancy a trip to Brisbane for a day out? That same AirTrain mentioned above operates from Robina and Helensvale stations to Brisbane central.

See all the Gold Coast locations as presented by Google Maps