Golden beaches, world-class theme parks, lush hinterland rainforests, and expert-guided tours — just one hour from Brisbane.
The Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia is renowned for golden beaches, world-class theme parks, lush rainforests, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, this guide covers the best attractions, tours, travel tips, and insider advice. See Destination Gold Coast for official tourism info.
From bioluminescent glow worms to world-famous surf breaks, here are the Gold Coast’s standout experiences.
Sunrise at Surfers Paradise — the beating heart of Gold Coast tourism.
Experience a magical night tour through glow worm caves on Tamborine Mountain, where thousands of tiny lights illuminate ancient caverns. An unforgettable experience for all ages.
View tourOne of the Gold Coast’s most iconic natural landmarks inside Springbrook National Park. A rock-arch waterfall, rainforest walks, and glow worms after dark.
View tourFamous for golden sand, vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining — the beating heart of the Gold Coast. Beachside markets run every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evening.
Official siteEscape the coast and explore rainforest trails, waterfalls, and boutique wineries across Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook, and Lamington National Park.
View tourVisit award-winning wineries such as Witches Falls and Cedar Creek Estate on a relaxing guided wine tour through the hinterland.
Explore wine toursSnorkelling, sandboarding, dolphin spotting, and pristine beaches on one of Queensland’s most scenic island escapes. Accessible by ferry from Brisbane.
View tourThe Gold Coast is Australia’s theme park capital and home to some of the country’s best stretches of sand.
A locals’ favourite with a stunning headland walk through Burleigh Head National Park, world-class surf, and a thriving café scene along James Street.
Read moreHome to Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild. Multi-park passes offer great value for families.
Compare parksThe Gold Coast’s southern gateway sits on the QLD/NSW border. Famous for Kirra and Snapper Rocks surf breaks, relaxed village dining, and fewer crowds than Surfers Paradise.
Read moreMeet koalas, kangaroos, and lorikeets at this iconic wildlife sanctuary. Daily shows, tree-top challenge, and Aboriginal dance performances.
Read moreLet a Cooee Tours expert handle the logistics while you soak up the scenery. Most tours include hotel pickup from Gold Coast and Brisbane hotels.
Evening tour to Tamborine Mountain’s glow worm caves with expert guide, dinner option, and hotel return.
View TourExplore Springbrook National Park — waterfalls, ancient Antarctic beech forest, and the famous Natural Bridge.
View TourVisit Witches Falls, Cedar Creek, and artisan producers. Includes tastings and gourmet lunch.
View TourFull-day adventure through Tamborine Mountain and Lamington with waterfalls, rainforest walks, and Gallery Walk boutiques.
View TourSnorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding, dolphin feeding, and pristine beaches. Ferry and transfers included.
View TourCustomise your day — ideal for couples, families, or corporate groups. Flexible itinerary with dedicated guide. Contact us to design yours.
View TourExpert-guided Gold Coast tours designed to showcase the region’s best — from beaches and rainforests to wine tasting and wildlife encounters.
Born-and-raised locals who know the hidden gems, best photo spots, and insider stories.
Complimentary pickup from Gold Coast and Brisbane hotels on most tours.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Book online in minutes.
Consistently top-rated on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews by travellers worldwide.
By air: Gold Coast Airport (OOL) at Coolangatta receives domestic and international flights. Brisbane Airport (BNE) is about 90 minutes north.
By car: The Pacific Motorway (M1) connects Brisbane to the Gold Coast in roughly one hour (80 km). Ample parking at most attractions.
By train: TransLink services run from Brisbane to Helensvale and Varsity Lakes stations. The G:link light rail then connects to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
By guided tour: Most Cooee Tours include pickup from Gold Coast and Brisbane hotels — no driving needed.
The Gold Coast stretches 70 km from South Stradbroke Island to the NSW border at Coolangatta.
Year-round sun. Summer (Dec–Feb) for beaches. Winter (Jun–Aug) for mild, dry hinterland touring. Schoolies in late Nov — book ahead.
Sunscreen and hat year-round. Reef-safe sunscreen for snorkelling. Layers for evening hinterland tours — it’s cooler at altitude.
The G:link tram runs Helensvale–Broadbeach. Ride-share is widely available. A car is helpful for hinterland day trips.
Theme parks, Currumbin Sanctuary, easy beach swimming between the flags, and numerous playgrounds make it ideal for kids.
Popular activities include Surfers Paradise, hinterland tours, wine tasting, theme parks, beaches, glow worm cave tours, and Moreton Island day trips.
Year-round destination. Summer (Dec–Feb) is perfect for beaches. Winter (Jun–Aug) offers mild weather ideal for sightseeing and hinterland tours. Avoid Schoolies week in late November for a quieter trip.
Yes. Cooee Tours offers private and custom tours for couples, families, corporate groups, and special occasions. Contact us to design a bespoke itinerary.
About 80 km south — roughly one hour by car via the M1 Pacific Motorway, or 90 minutes by TransLink train. Most Cooee Tours include Brisbane hotel pickup.
Absolutely. Theme parks, wildlife sanctuaries, easy rainforest walks, and beach experiences all cater to families. Our guides are experienced with children of all ages.
Most Cooee Tours include complimentary pickup from Gold Coast and Brisbane hotels. Check individual tour pages for specific pickup locations.
Browse expert-guided tours with hotel pickup, flexible booking, and local insider knowledge.
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