Famous for its world-class rolling ocean beaches, fine sand and balmy climate, subtropical rainforests and theme parks, this is the place to be.
Both domestic and international tourism are increasing at an average of 16% per annum. Visitors are spending 3.8 billion per year, that's almost $10.4 million per day!
Despite its relatively small geographical size, this region accounts for the biggest source of tourism revenue in the state of Queensland. 4.9 million visitors from all parts of Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world have enjoyed a holiday to this beautiful area over the last 12 months.
The local Airport is Australia's newest international airport for tourist, it is well served by two international airports - Brisbane and Coolangatta - for travelers arriving from overseas, as well as from other parts of Australia.
Beaches: Relax and enjoy a day at one of the fantastic 40 patrolled beaches that stretch over 70 km along the coast. Australia's largest expanse of still water is also here with over 190 kilometers of foreshore and is a special draw card for visitors who enjoy diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
Theme Parks: The Gold Coast is known as Australia's Theme Park Capital with 4 major theme parks offering 21 heart-thumping rides and themed attractions.
Warner Bros. Movie World is "Hollywood on the Gold Coast". With rides, characters and shows to interest the whole family.
Sea World gives you the chance to view polar bears, see a 3D pirate adventure or marvel at the grace of dolphins.
Wet 'n' Wild Water World is "splashtacular" fun with water rides, pools, mega slides and dive-in movies.
Dreamworld features some of the tallest rides in the world. Cuddle koalas, encounter wild cougars and see tigers playing and swimming at Tiger Island.
Golf: For a change of pace visit one of the 50 international standard golf courses featuring picturesque lakes and waterways catering for the beginner to the professional.
Wine & Dine: Fresh seafood and contemporary Australian cuisine are a specialty of the coast with over 500 restaurants to satisfy every taste. Jupiter’s Casino is another major attraction featuring over 100 gaming tables, 6 restaurants, 9 bars and an International Showroom featuring spectacular stage productions.
Natural Escape: National parks, state forests and regional parks most with well maintained walking trails and can be easily reached by vehicle or 4WD within 30-minutes from the coast. Often referred to as “The Green behind the Gold”, the hinterland is well known for its remarkable scenic viewing spots and magnificent variety of birds and marine life.
Transport
The region is served by Gold Coast International Airport, with frequent domestic services from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart, and International services from New Zealand, Japan and Asia. Brisbane's International Airport also provides links with the USA and Europe.
Gold Coast Airport has undergone refurbishment, which has positioned it as the South Pacific's leading leisure destination. A rail link and a eight lane Pacific Motorway connects Brisbane to the Gold Coast.
Taxis: The Gold Coast City's largest taxi fleet is Regent Taxis. Phone 131 008 for bookings or visit www.regenttaxis.com.au for more information.
Buses: The coastal strip from Southport to the Tweed is serviced by Surfside Buslines. For more information, phone (07) 5536 7666 or visit www.surfside.com.au for bus timetables and special services.
For residents and visitors at the northern end of the Gold Coast, please refer to the Logan City Bus Service or phone the Trans Info Hotline on 13 1230.
Coaches: The Surfers Paradise Transit Centre provides convenient access to a range of coach services into the heart of Surfers Paradise. All of the major companies utilise the centre which is open between 6am and 10pm each day of the week.
Bookings can be made for interstate and intrastate coach services. Operating times for individual coach companies vary according to service timetables. For more information, please (07) 5584 3700.
Train: Trains run at regular intervals from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. Bus connections to Surfers Paradise are available from the Helensvale and Robina stations. Phone the Trans Info Hotline on 13 1230 for up to date information on train and bus services. Bus connections are also available from Nerang Railway Station to Surfers Paradise. Visit Queensland Rail for a train timetable.
Airlines: The Gold Coast region is serviced by the Gold Coast International Airport, with frequent domestic services from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart, and International services from New Zealand, Japan and Asia. Brisbane's International Airport also provides links with the United States and Europe. For more information about Gold Coast's air services, please phone the Gold Coast Airport on (07) 5589 1100 or www.goldcoastairport.com.au. Alternatively please visit:
Qantas - www.qantas.com.au
Virgin Blue - www.virginblue.com.au
Freedom Air - www.freedom.co.nz
Gold Coast Airport - www.goldcoastairport.com.au
Brisbane Interntal & Domestic airport - www.bne.com.au
Ferries & water taxis: There are a number of ferries and water taxis operating on the Gold Coast, providing a unique transport service for visitors and residents of the City. For more information, please phone: (07) 5577 3311.
Gold Coast Water Taxis - Runaway Bay Marina, Runaway Bay, phone 0418 759 789
Gold Coast Ferries Pty Ltd - Runaway Bay Marina, Runaway Bay, phone 0411 711 274
Runaway Bay Marina, Runaway Bay and is perfect for discovering the waterways on the Gold Coast.
Departing daily from Runaway Bay, the journey to Stradbroke Island is just 20 minutes. For more information, please phone (07) 5577 3311.
Council Cab Service: Council Cab is a door to door weekly shopping service for seniors and those who have a disability for $2.00 each way.