Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Gold Coast
Why Go?
Boasting 35 beaches, 300 sunny days and four million visitors a year, the Gold Coast
serves up a sexy Aussie cocktail of sun, surf and sand. It's no cliché to say that the beaches
here are spectacular, with outstanding waves at Burleigh Heads, Currumbin and Kirra: it's
one of the best places to learn to surf in Australia. Behind the beach is a shimmering strip
of high-rise apartments, eateries, bars, clubs and theme parks. The party capital is Surfers
Paradise, where the fun sucks you into a dizzying vortex and spits you back out exhausted.
The hype diminishes drastically as you head south, with Broadbeach's sandy chic, Burleigh
Heads' seaside charm and Coolangatta's laid-back surfer ethos. In the lush, subtropical hin-
terland, Lamington and Springbrook National Parks offer rainforest walks, waterfalls,
sweeping views and cosy mountain retreats.
When to Go
Jan
Summer means sun, heat, busy beaches and the Big Day Out festival.
Jun-Aug
Winter brings tourists from the chilly south chasing the sun.
Nov
School-leavers ('schoolies') swarm into Surfers Paradise to party (avoid unless you're
18).
Best Places to Eat
»
Providore (
Click here
)
»
Oskars (
Click here
)
»
BSKT Cafe (
Click here
)
