Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has been synonymous with the quintessential Australian beach holiday for decades. But this coastal city sparkles in more ways than one.

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Do & See
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Eat & Drink
Guide

Accommodation

We test out the Gold Coast’s hottest new stay: Kirra Point

On the razed site of a beloved local watering hole that had been pouring beers since 1956, Kirra Point has risen from demolition ashes to become the coolest new place to dine, drink and stay on the southern Gold Coast.

the industrial hub of Miami between Burleigh Heads and Main Beach

Things to do

The Gold Coast shines a light on its undiscovered gems

Amid a sea of floating reefs, edible art and lush rainforest escapes, travellers to the Gold Coast today will find Queensland’s glitter strip is all grown up.

a woman passing through O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk, Lamington National Park

Travel guide

Here’s how to explore the best of Lamington National Park

Discover part of the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world.

Family seeing sharks at Sea World Gold Coast

Family Holidays

Incredible things to do with kids on the Gold Coast

Planning your next family holiday? Here’s how to play and have fun together.

two people walking along Burleigh Head National Park

Hiking & Biking

Stunning hikes on the Gold Coast for all fitness levels

Lace up your boots and head out on an adventure, big or small, with these Gold Coast bush walks.

cheerful crowd singing at Blues on Broadbeach

Things to do

The annual Gold Coast events worthy of planning a trip around

Find an event that sparks excitement and save the date for your next visit to the Gold Coast.

Beach Holidays

A guide to the best Gold Coast beaches

Surf, swim or sunbake on these gorgeous sweeps of Gold Coast sand.

Accommodation

Sleep in style at Bon Sol in Burleigh Heads

Let your appreciation of good design guide you to Burleigh Heads for a very stylish stay.

Baskk Coolangatta gold coast restaurants dining food

Eating Out

Review: Baskk, Coolangatta

Craig Tansley discovers one of the Gold Coast's newest restaurants, Baskk at Coolangatta, that’s as much about dining out as it is about its (great) menu. Read his secret review now.

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3 wild corners of Australia that let you reconnect with nature

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Do & See

LLara Picone

35 of the best things to do on the Gold Coast

Wondering how to fill your time on the Gold Coast? Tick off these must-do ideas.

JJemma Fletcher

Incredible things to do with kids on the Gold Coast

Planning your next family holiday? Here’s how to play and have fun together.

17 things to do in Palm Beach, Queensland

JJemma Fletcher

17 things to do in Palm Beach, Queensland

Bordered by Tallebudgera Creek, here’s how to spend a day in and around Palm Beach.

JJemma Fletcher

12 of the most unique things to do in Broadbeach

Based smack-bang in the middle of the city, the best things to do in Broadbeach encapsulate the very essence of the Gold Coast.

woman walking over Happitat wobbly bridge

KKassia Byrnes

Queensland is getting the world’s first clifftop adventure park in 2026

A new way to explore the Gold Coast Hinterland is coming early in 2026.

A Gold Coast day spa with a treatment list that’s far from ordinary

TTaylah Darnell

Gold Coast day spa with a treatment list that’s far from ordinary

Gold Coast glamour meets serious zen at this next-level retreat.

a woman walking in an outdoor market beside a flower stall, HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets

JJemma Fletcher

26 Gold Coast markets to visit (nearly) every day of the week

We went, we shopped, we conquered — presenting your go-to guide to the best Gold Coast markets.

the dining interior of LiTO, Burleigh Heads restaurants

LLara Picone

A local’s guide to the 20 best Burleigh Heads restaurants

From laidback fare to refined dining, beachside Burleigh Heads restaurants showcase serious culinary cred.

therapeutic pools at Lan Bathhouse, Gold Coast spas

KKristie Lau-Adams

A local’s guide to 22 of the best Gold Coast spas

Nourish your body and soul after serious time in the sun with our favourite Gold Coast spas.

lagoon pool J W Marriott gold coast resort

KKristie Lau-Adams

12 of the best Gold Coast resorts

Create sun-soaked memories without stepping foot outside your holiday digs thanks to some of the best Gold Coast resorts.

an aerial view of the pool at Ashmore Palms Holiday Village, Gold Coast

KKristie Lau-Adams

12 of the top family accommodation picks on the Gold Coast

Make it a (mostly) tantrum-free holiday they’ll remember forever with the best family accommodation on the Gold Coast.

LLara Picone

13 of the best hotels on the Gold Coast

Level up the luxe on your Gold Coast stay at one of these top hotels.

an aerial view of Nighfall camping grounds on the Gold Coast

KKristie Lau-Adams

11 sublime places to go camping on the Gold Coast

With an average of 300 sunny days a year, camping on the Gold Coast unleashes lucid exploration in a nature lover’s playground.

Exterior of SOL Elements Bathhouse in Mt Tamborine

KKristie Lau-Adams

Exclusive: The new SOL Elements bathhouse is a Japanese-inspired dream

The unique tranquillity of Japanese bathing culture can now be experienced in a Queensland rainforest.

epic beach views from Mel’s Place, Broadbeach accommodation

KKristie Lau-Adams

12 of the most dazzling Broadbeach accommodation picks

Unpack and unwind close – but not too close – to central Gold Coast action with the dreamiest Broadbeach accommodation.

a glamping tent in the middle of a forest at Nightfall, Lamington National Park

KKristie Lau-Adams

9 heavenly places to go glamping on the Gold Coast

Reconnect to nature in spectacular fashion with the best glamping on the Gold Coast.

Australia’s first Mondrian hotel is now open for bookings

EElizabeth Whitehead

Australia’s first Mondrian hotel is now open for bookings

The Mondrian Gold Coast marks the hotel brand's hotly awaited debut on Aussie shores.

Woman in the pool at The Tamborine Hotel in the Gold Coast Hinterland

KKristie Lau-Adams

Tamborine Boutique Hotel: A Hinterland haven with heart

A splash of California calls from deep within the Gold Coast Hinterland.

waterfront dining at The Tropic, Burleigh Heads

JJemma Fletcher

The 25 best restaurants on the Gold Coast right now

Dust the sand off and look alive as our local guide steers you to the best restaurants on the Gold Coast.

the cafe exterior of Palm Springs, Gold Coast

JJemma Fletcher

19 Gold Coast cafes that look as good as they taste

Taste your way around casual coffee, bustling brunch and lunch deliciousness with the best cafes on the Gold Coast.

LLara Picone

A local’s guide to the 20 best Burleigh Heads restaurants

From laidback fare to refined dining, beachside Burleigh Heads restaurants showcase serious culinary cred.

the tropical-themed Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise

LLara Picone

A local’s list of the 33 most epic Gold Coast bars

Quench your thirst with a top shelf round at the most epic Gold Coast bars.

high tea at Palm Court at The Langham Gold Coast

JJemma Fletcher

Delight in high tea on the Gold Coast with our 16 favourite spots

If your idea of the perfect afternoon includes dressing up for bite-size indulgences, it’s time to explore the best high teas on the Gold Coast.

NNatasha Gamra

Sweet escapes: The 13 best desserts on the Gold Coast

Find the cherry on top of your Queensland adventure with our list of the best desserts on the Gold Coast.

14 of the best craft beer breweries on the Gold Coast

JJemma Fletcher

14 of the best craft beer breweries on the Gold Coast

Sit down with an ice-cold beer and enjoy.

a three-course meal at Eddy’s, Sydney NSW

CCarla Grossetti

Get it girl: Here’s how to enjoy girl dinner around Australia

Whatever you think of this craze to graze, we see the concept of #girldinners as a low-maintenance easy meal. Here is the ultimate guide to girl dinners around Australia.

Things to Know

The Gold Coast has been synonymous with the quintessential Australian beach holiday for decades. The region attracts families, beach babes and surfers for its sun & surf culture. In recent times, the Gold Coast has shed its kitschy stereotype to emerge as a cool and confident beach destination worth revisiting. Today, you’ll find a laid-back city with an endless summer vibe.

The Gold Coast is known as the centre of family and party fun for a reason. It’s both a natural paradise and a party town, depending on where you choose to set up.

Getting Around

Getting around the Gold Coast is easy. Hire a car (or take your own) and take advantage of ride-sharing services. Or rely on frequent public transport, including buses and the G:Link tram, which traverses along the Gold Coast from Helensvale to Broadbeach South.

Don’t Miss

Whether you’re after family fun at one of Gold Coast theme parks or tasty treats, live music or locally made crafts, there’s something for everyone on the Goldie.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the Gold Coast was one long sandy strip, but the collection of beaches each attracts a varied crowd of locals and travellers. Or head west to the Gold Coast hinterland for unparalleled natural beauty and tranquillity to recharge the batteries at Lamington National Park.

The Gold Coast has breakfast, lunch and dinner wrapped up with a whole host of incredible eateries to choose from. Start the day with one of our favourite cafes for brunch, then munch your way through the rest of the day with the city’s best restaurants. If you’re after a meal out that feels a little more elevated, check out our favourite high teas around the area.