A coastal city in the southeast corner of Queensland, Gold Coast is a famous tourist destination with millions of domestic and international visitors arriving yearly. With a long stretch of beaches, plush hotels and hectares of world heritage-listed rainforests, it is impossible to be bored and run of things to do and places to visit in Gold Coast. All things that a visitor expects are here in the Gold Coast – from in-land entertainment such as theme parks and museums to nature such as beaches and wildlife, Gold Coast has it all.
Things to Do
Young and old alike will find fun things to do in Gold Coast. Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to see Australia’s amazing wildlife and experience cuddling a koala or feeding a kangaroo. Take the ride of your life in various world-class exhilarating adventure rides and movie attractions at Warner Bros. Movie World. See the funny antics of dolphins and seals or experience a close encounter with the predators of the deep at Sea World. Want to get wet without going to the beach? Beat the sun and have a lot of fun at Australia’s biggest and best water theme park, the Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World. Tired of the outdoors? Enter Infinity Attraction, where you will be awed by the dream-like, interactive and multi-sensational environments of this futuristic world of wonder.
Gold Coast is a shopaholic’s dream destination, where various merchandise from local crafts to high-end fashion collide. Weekend markets such as Arts and Crafts on the Coast, Coolangatta Arts and Crafts Markets, Broadbeach Arts and Craft Markets and Burleigh Arts and Craft Markets feature hundreds of outdoor stalls displaying locally made crafts, souvenirs, jewellery, handmade fashion, fresh produce, baked goods, preserves and more. Do you like to do your shopping in an air-conditioned location? Shop in comfort at Australia Fair Shopping Centre, which has more than 200 speciality shops and supermarkets, or Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, which offers a wide selection of fashion boutiques, retail stores, restaurants and take away food stores.
Other iconic and popular shopping destinations include Centro Surfers Paradise; Carrara Markets, the largest permanent markets in Australia; and Ferry Road Market, the leading gourmet food market in Gold Coast.
Also a must-do in Gold Coast is a visit to its various galleries, museums and historical and heritage sites. A few recommended places are Gold Coast City Art Gallery, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, King Opal, Tambourine Mountain Distillery, The Gold Coast Wax Museum, Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, Yugambeh Museum Language and Heritage Research Centre, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, David Fleay Wildlife Park, Pimpama and Ormeau War Memorial, amongst others.
Places to See
A visitor’s itinerary would not be complete without going to see Gold Coast’s beaches and the Hinterlands.
It is a beach life in Gold Coast, with miles and miles of pristine beaches and where “fun in the sun” is for everyone to experience. The world-famous Surfers Paradise, just 30 minutes from the airport, offers sundry cafes, restaurants, fashion boutiques, bars and clubs. It is where most of Gold Coast’s accommodation is located, making it the perfect home whilst on holiday.
Broachbeach is the best to enjoy the most pristine beaches in the world. It is perfect for its proximity to a thriving hub of restaurants, cafes, shops and nightlife as well as theme parks, golf courses and many other attractions.
The stylish and wealthy beachside area of Main Beach is also a treasure trove of attractions. It features a beautiful beach, outdoor dining and varied shopping boutiques. There is also parkland where families can have a picnic.
The Hinterlands offers a respite from the city holiday experience. It commences west of the Pacific Motorway and comprises mountain ranges covered with rainforests. Tambourine Mountain, a 30-minute drive from the city’s beaches, is where visitors will find boutique wineries, restaurants and art galleries as well as a scenic view of the coast.
Springbrook is a popular must-visit for its awe-inspiring waterfalls and popular Purlingbrook Falls. Don’t leave Springbrook without visiting Natural Bridge, a geological feature formed millions of years by water cascading down from the roof of a basalt cave.
Green Mountains, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is home to verdant rainforests, old trees and amazing views. Lamington National Park, located on the western portion of the Lamington Plateau, and its many attractions are explored by half-day or full-day walks offered to visitors.
Car Hire Gold Coast
The vast area of the Gold Coast that visitors can explore can be daunting as transportation seems to be a bit of an issue. How can visitors reach as far as the Hinterlands, where the sight of public transport appears to be rare? Going from place to place around town should never be a problem with Alpha Car Hire.
At the airport, Alpha Car Hire is waiting to provide you with the means to explore without limit. Cars, Vans, Trucks or Utes for hire are available in Brisbane, Coolangatta, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. Near new cars are offered at deep discount rates whilst near perfect custom service is guaranteed.