Modern, magical and a major hotspot, the Gold Coast is Australia’s most preferred beach getaway spot. More than 10 million visitors flock to the beaches over every year, drawn under the utopia of laidback, luxurious days and extreme, exciting nights.

Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a lifelong resident, the Gold Coast presents a variety of activities to explore, people to meet and things to do. It isn’t merely another destination – it’s a lifestyle.

Why go for the Gold Coast?
If all-year-round sunshine and warm atmosphere with over 57 glorious kilometres of coastline aren’t going to get you packing your bags right now, let the huge variety of food and drink providers, world class accommodation and ever-expanding variety of fun activities to do on the Gold Coast bring up even more inspiration. Are we there yet?

The best restaurants and cafes
With over 500 thriving Gold Coast restaurants, the local dining scene is solid proof that eating positively is one of life’s greater pleasures. Some of the world’s greatest chefs call the Gold Coast home and you can take your choice of alfresco seafood restaurants with multi-million dollar views and chic, cosmopolitan modern bustling eateries. Or take leisurely, classic Gold Coast cafes that prove simple things – wonderful service, quality food and indescribable atmosphere – surely are the best.

Exciting things to do
The deep, driven and glorious landscape – picture lush green rainforest, hinterland and mountains; long beaches, great blue ocean waters and the sunny Surfers Paradise skyline – that really is the Gold Coast is a veritable ‘grown-up’s’ playground. Things to do can be surfing, fishing, sailing, water sports, golf, theme parks, film studios, action and adventure – why not look at the glorious area from helicopter, seaplane, luxury cruiser or even a hot air balloon? Anything and everything will be done on the Gold Coast.

A wide variety of hotels and accommodation
When it’s time to lay your weary head, you can rest assured you’re not dreaming – your new home away from home awaits. The variety of Gold Coast hotels available show aspects to suit all types of travelers, whether you go for five-star waterfront glamour, a unique boutique retreat or a luxurious resort set on the ideallic grounds of a golf course.

International shopping scene
Granting a reknowned shopping circuit that offers your take of great shopping centres, sensational open-air piazzas and then bustling shopping strips by the beach, we have tonnes of reasons to bring on the plastic and come out laden with shopping bags! From the brand fashion boutiques – with international and Australian flair – to iconic homewares departments, whatever it is that you fancy, you’ll find it on the Gold Coast.

World-class day spas and retreats
Above all a time off on the Gold Coast is about indulging in that top priority ‘me-time’ and there is no better way to totally let it all go than booking yourself in for a luxurious beauty therapy session at one of the joyous Gold Coast day spas. Whether it’s a muscle-relaxing massage, a radiance-boosting facial, or an all-day pamper package offering a nutritious and restaurant style meal, the Gold Coast health and wellbeing arena showcases a package for every need.

Large international events and unique local festivals
Part of the continuing excitement of the Gold Coast is drawn in the regular lineup of large international events and individual local events that happen. Pick any given day on the Gold Coast, you may be impressed by open-air concerts, international sporting events and professional surfing tournaments plus music, art, food and film festivals alike. No event is left out on the Gold Coast, giving you even more incentive to check it out!

Thinking about holidaying on the Gold Coast? If so, visit the Gold Coast Guide for a review of Gold Coast attractions including things to do, things to see and tips on how to find a great restaurant; Gold Coast restaurants offers some of the best food in Australia.