Welcome to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is Australia's sixth-largest city and one of the world's premier beach destinations. Stretching from South Stradbroke Island in the north to Coolangatta in the south, this 70km coastline delivers consistent surf, endless sunshine and a unique blend of natural beauty and modern entertainment.
Beyond the beaches and high-rises, the Gold Coast hinterland offers World Heritage-listed rainforests, mountain villages and stunning national parks — all within 30 minutes of the coast. This hub connects you to curated tours, insider tips and direct booking options with Cooee Tours for an unforgettable Gold Coast experience.
🌟Why Visit the Gold Coast?
Australia's beach capital: 70km of coastline with 57 beaches · Year-round sunshine: 300 days of sun annually · Theme park central: Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, Wet'n'Wild · Surf culture: World-class breaks including Snapper Rocks and Kirra · Hinterland access: Rainforest, waterfalls and mountain villages 30 minutes away
Beaches & Surf
The Gold Coast's beaches range from patrolled family-friendly shores to world-famous surf breaks. Each beach has its own character — some attract international surfers, others offer calm swimming and waterfront dining. The warm subtropical climate means beach weather year-round.
Surfers Paradise
The Gold Coast's most famous beach with wide golden sands, patrolled swimming areas and the vibrant Cavill Avenue precinct. Perfect for families and first-time visitors.
Burleigh Heads
Local favorite with a relaxed village vibe, excellent surf, beachfront park and the Burleigh Heads National Park walking track. Great cafés and weekend markets.
Broadbeach
Sophisticated beach precinct with fine dining, Pacific Fair shopping, The Star casino and Kurrawa Beach. Mix beach time with entertainment and shopping.
Coolangatta & Kirra
Southern Gold Coast beaches with excellent surf, quieter atmosphere and the NSW border. Home to legendary surf breaks and Point Danger lookout.
Main Beach & The Spit
Northern beaches with calmer water, Sea World access and The Spit nature reserve. Popular for fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and family swimming.
Tallebudgera & Palm Beach
Quieter beaches south of Burleigh with creek swimming, picnic areas and a more relaxed local feel. Less crowded, family-friendly options.
Entertainment & Nightlife
The Gold Coast offers world-class entertainment ranging from sophisticated casino dining to vibrant nightlife precincts. Whether you're after live music, comedy shows, fine dining or late-night dancing, the Gold Coast delivers.
Cavill Avenue (Surfers Paradise)
The heart of Gold Coast nightlife with bars, clubs, restaurants and street performers. Buzzing atmosphere, especially on weekends.
Broadbeach Precinct
More upscale entertainment with The Star casino, fine dining restaurants, cocktail bars and live shows. Sophisticated evening out.
HOTA (Home of the Arts)
Cultural hub on the Elanora waterfront with galleries, outdoor cinema, markets and performances. Family-friendly cultural experiences.
Burleigh & Miami
Relaxed bar scene with beachfront venues, craft breweries and live acoustic music. More local, less touristy vibe.
📝 Entertainment Guides
Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is Australia's theme park capital with four major parks offering everything from movie-themed attractions to wildlife encounters and water slides. Multi-day passes available for better value.
Warner Bros Movie World
Movie-themed rides, DC Comics superheroes, stunt shows and character meet-and-greets. Great for families and thrill-seekers.
Sea World
Marine life exhibits, dolphin and seal shows, polar bear encounters, plus rides and attractions. Educational and entertaining for all ages.
Dreamworld
Australia's largest theme park with high-thrill rides, family attractions, and adjacent WhiteWater World. Includes wildlife experiences with native animals.
Wet'n'Wild
Water park with slides, wave pools and lazy rivers. Perfect for hot summer days. Seasonal operating hours.
Hinterland Escapes
Just 30 minutes inland from the beaches, the Gold Coast hinterland offers World Heritage rainforests, mountain villages, cascading waterfalls and stunning lookouts. A perfect contrast to the coastal buzz.
Tamborine Mountain
Boutique wineries, galleries, rainforest skywalk and glow-worm caves. Easy day trip with numerous lookout points. Book: Tamborine Day Tour.
Springbrook National Park
Ancient Gondwana rainforest, Natural Bridge glow-worm cave, Purling Brook Falls and Best of All Lookout. World Heritage listed.
Lamington National Park
Extensive walking tracks through subtropical rainforest, tree-top canopy walks, lyrebird spotting and O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat.
Hinterland Villages
Explore charming mountain towns like Canungra, Beechmont and Mount Tamborine village with local artisans, cafés and produce.
Things to Do on the Gold Coast
From adrenaline-pumping theme parks to serene rainforest walks, the Gold Coast caters to every type of traveller. Mix beach days with hinterland adventures or dive into the entertainment precinct.
🎢 Theme Parks
Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild. Multi-day passes available. Book ahead for discounts.
🏄 Surf & Beach
Surf lessons at Surfers Paradise, Burleigh or Coolangatta. Beach volleyball, coastal walks, swimming at patrolled beaches.
🌳 Hinterland Adventures
Lamington National Park walks, Springbrook waterfalls, glow-worm caves, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, tree-top walks.
🐨 Wildlife & Nature
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, whale watching tours (June-Nov), David Fleay Wildlife Park, dolphin spotting cruises.
🎭 Entertainment & Nightlife
Cavill Avenue dining and bars, The Star casino, live music venues, night markets, comedy shows and cultural performances.
⛵ Water Sports
Jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking through canals, fishing charters, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding.
📝 Gold Coast Activities & Guides
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
The Gold Coast enjoys 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a year-round destination. Even winter days are warm enough for most outdoor activities. Book well ahead for peak periods including Christmas, Easter and Australian school holidays.
Planning Resources & Downloads
Free downloadable guides to maximize your Gold Coast experience. Print these for offline reference while exploring.
Balanced mix of beaches, theme parks, hinterland and dining. Includes daily schedules and budget tips.
Understanding flags, rips and tides. Safe swimming zones and surf etiquette. Essential for first-timers.
Detailed map of Lamington, Springbrook and Tamborine trails. Difficulty ratings and access information included.
Age-appropriate activities, kid-friendly restaurants, stroller-accessible walks and rainy-day options.
Quick Book with Cooee Tours
Ready to experience the Gold Coast? Send us an enquiry and we'll create a personalized itinerary with availability and pricing.