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Tourism Australia Premier Aussie Specialist
Accredited Tassie, Northern Territory, NT Outback, NSW, Victoria & Queensland Specialists
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THE GOLD COAST

The southern part of coastal Queensland, from a little south of Brisbane at Southport to the border with New South Wales, is known as the Gold Coast. Its center is the aptly named Surfer's Paradise, and for many years the Gold Coast has been the premier holiday destination for Australians. With a combination of wonderful weather year-round, great beaches, as much accommodation as you could possible want ranging from 5-star luxury high-rises and resorts to National Park campgrounds, and round-the-clock activities running the gamut from casinos to sunbathing, there's something for everyone. If a beach and activity vacation is your style, then the Gold Coast is your destination. And if you want a little more, in the immediate hinterland is the Great Dividing Range, with rainforest and eucalypt forest offering lodges, walks, horse riding and other natural activities.

There are several centers along the Gold Coast, and numerous beaches, although the entire 80 mile strip is practically one continuous wide and sandy beach, interrupted by the occasional headland and small river entrance.

Surfer's Paradise, with Cavill Avenue as the hub, is the place of nightlife, shopping and play. High rise hotels line the beach, giving a Honolulu/Miami feel. Other hotels and resorts are built on extensive waterways, lined with boats, marinas and often sandy beaches. New Year's Eve here is second only to Sydney as the place to be.

Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads, Miami, Currumbin, Palm Beach, Tugun, Kirra and Coolangatta each have their own personality, and while all offer sun, surf and sand, different travelers may find some more suitable than others. Families may look for an area with non-surf beaches, such as Currumbin with a nice lake with quite, protected waters and sandy beach; there are also two patrolled surf beaches. The Currumbin Sanctuary, with its landscaped collection of Australian wildlife also appeals to families. A little further south Tugun offers an quite patrolled surf beach with sheltered BBQ and picnic areas, and playgrounds for the kids. North Kirra has some of the area's best surf; Coolangatta is popular with younger people, due in part to good surf in the area, but is also away from some of the hustle and bustle further north, so is also good for families. Going north, Nobby Beach is more secluded than some; then there's the activity of Surfers Paradise and Main Beaches within walking distance of each other. Several centers have excellent golf courses to test your skills.

Somewhere along the Gold Coast is the perfect beach for you, whether you like nightlife, seclusion, surf fishing swimming, board or body surfing or just relaxing. all the beaches are life-saver patrolled during summer, and some of the major beaches are patrolled year round.