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.
