Broadwater Parklands
Large park on the Broadwater shore in Southport with a water playground, lawns, and a waterfront path. Evening views of the Surfers Paradise skyline. The tram stops directly at the park.
Australia
Gold Coast
Region
An hour south of Brisbane, surf beaches, high-rises and theme parks stretch 50 kilometers. A few kilometers inland, rainforests and waterfalls begin.
by Felix Gillen
An hour south of Brisbane, surf beaches, high-rises and theme parks stretch 50 kilometers. A few kilometers inland, rainforests and waterfalls begin. Loud in Surfers Paradise, more relaxed in Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta.
The coast extends from Main Beach and the Broadwater in the north to Coolangatta, on the New South Wales border. Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are the center, with high-rises, bars, and shopping malls. Further south it gets quieter; Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta are popular with surfers. The major theme parks are in the north, between Coomera and Oxenford. In the hinterland, Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine Mountain are worth a day.
More places in Gold Coast
The center of the Gold Coast, with high-rises directly on the wide sandy beach. Surfing and swimming by day, bars and clubs around Cavill Avenue by night. Loud, colourful, and the opposite of a quiet beach destination.
Sights in Gold Coast
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Benowa Botanical Garden with native regional plants, ponds, and mangroves. A tranquil counterpoint to the beaches, admission is free.
Sea World
Marine theme park at The Spit in Main Beach with dolphins, seals, polar bears, shows and rides. Good for families, online tickets cheaper.
Springbrook National Park
Rainforest on an old volcanic rim in the hinterland. Viewpoints like Best of All Lookout, waterfalls, and the Natural Bridge, a rock bridge over a waterfall. Fireflies glow there at night.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife park on the South Coast with koalas, kangaroos, and an animal hospital. Known for the morning feeding of lories.
HOTA, Home of the Arts
Culture center on Evandale Lake with an art gallery, theater, and open-air stage. On weekends, a market is held, and gallery admission is free.
Essen & Trinken
Surf Club on Northcliffe Beach between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Breakfast, Fish and Chips, and Steaks with ocean views, plus a spacious terrace. Fair prices.
Fast-food chain for customizable sandwiches and salads, even for conscious eaters.
Food and Drink
Most restaurants you'll find in Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Surfers Paradise. Many Surf Clubs have casual bistros with ocean views.
Surf Clubs
The lifeguard clubs serve Fish and Chips, steaks and beer right on the beach. Great view, fair prices.
Burleigh Heads
James Street in Burleigh is the coast's culinary address, with cafes, brunch, and modern restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time for your trip?
19–23°C·45–130 mm(heavy rain)
In autumn and spring, it is warm but not humid, and the beaches are emptier outside of holidays. Summer is hot and thundery; winter brings mild sun, but a cool sea.
In winter, humpback whales migrate along the coast; whale watching tours run June to November. Cyclones rarely brush the coast, but then bring high waves.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Summer break
Humid and thundery
Nice and warm
Gentle Winter
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.0 | 150 | 8.0 |
| February | 25.0 | 180 | 7.0 |
| March | 24.0 | 180 | 7.0 |
| April | 22.0 | 130 | 7.0 |
| May | 19.0 | 120 | 7.0 |
| June | 17.0 | 110 | 7.0 |
| July | 16.0 | 60 | 7.0 |
| August | 17.0 | 55 | 8.0 |
| September | 19.0 | 45 | 8.0 |
| October | 21.0 | 90 | 8.0 |
| November | 23.0 | 115 | 8.0 |
| December | 24.0 | 140 | 8.0 |
Culture & History
Land of the YugambehThe coast is the land of the Yugambeh-speaking peoples, including the Kombumerri. Burleigh Headland, known as Jellurgal in Yugambeh, is a significant place for them. A cultural centre at the foot of the headland offers guided tours.From Resort Town to CityLoggers and farmers arrived in the 19th century; small seaside resorts later developed for Brisbane. From the 1950s, the first high-rises grew in Surfers Paradise; Gold Coast city was founded in 1959. Today, surf culture, lifesaver clubs, and HOTA's own art scene define the coast.
Getting There & Around
The airport is in Coolangatta, in the far south. Trains from Brisbane take about an hour to Helensvale, Nerang or Varsity Lakes.The G:link tram runs along the coast between Helensvale, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach and continues towards Burleigh.Buses connect the other beach towns and the airport.For the hinterland, you'll need a car or a tour.Swim only between the red and yellow flags; lifeguards watch there.
