Located just to the south of Brisbane in Queensland, Gold Coast is one of the most legendary coastal destinations in Australia – which is saying a lot. The popularity of this place as a vacation resort has made it one of the best places in the whole country to party, with an incredible selection of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and everything else you need to have a good time on holiday. Once you’ve seen the towering skyscrapers of the Gold Coast for yourself, you might not be surprised to learn that this is Australia’s sixth-largest city and the largest non-capital city in the nation.
The generally sunny and warm subtropical climate of coastal Queensland is part of what has made Gold Coast one of Australia’s most desirable vacation destinations. It’s also a central hub of the Australian film and entertainment industry since the sunny weather provides great light for filming – and also because this is an immensely popular place to live with wealthy actors and studio heads.
This big and bustling town has something for everyone. But in among the busy streets in the shadow of the skyscrapers, it can be surprisingly easy to forget what made Goal Coast such a desirable location in the first place.
It’s the beautiful beaches and vast expanses of rainforest in the hinterland that made Gold Coast what it is today. And for that reason, because it offers both urban adventure and natural charm, Gold Coast really is a place where you can have the best of both worlds. Leave the bags behind at a Gold Coast luggage storage and enjoy both sides of this incredible place.
Gold Coast’s urban adventure
If spending time in the city is your idea of fun, you’ll have a wonderful time on the Gold Coast. This vibrant city is packed with museums, art galleries, casinos, bars, restaurants, and everything else you need for an unforgettable city break. Here are some of the can’t-miss urban attractions you’ll find here:
SkyPoint
Gold Coast is known for its skyscrapers, offering incredible views of this beautiful stretch of natural coastline. One of the best is undoubtedly the famous SkyPoint, an observation deck that gives you jaw-dropping views of the Queensland coast.
SkyPoint offers more than just an observation deck, though. If you want to linger and enjoy the view a little longer, there’s a restaurant that will serve you local favorites at an admittedly slightly elevated price, but it may be worth it to dine in such unique surroundings.
And for the more adventurous, you can even climb the outside of the building on what is Australia’s highest exterior building climb. From the launch platform, reached by elevator, you’ll climb 30 meters up the outside of the building on a staircase and enjoy stunning views along the way.
Warner Brothers Movie World
Gold Coast is known as a fantastic family vacation destination, and that’s thanks in part to the many amusement parks you’ll find in the area. Warner Bros. Movie World is one of Australia’s top theme parks and a fantastic place to have fun on the Gold Coast, no matter what your age.
Along with roller coasters and other rides, there are also entertaining shows that allow you to interact with all your favorite Warner Bros. movie characters. There are also interactive virtual reality and 4D experiences that will immerse you in the world of the movies. You can even take part in a thrilling Hollywood stunt drive with a professional stunt driver behind the wheel.
Pacific Fair Shopping Center
If you’re more motivated by the thrill of the hunt and are looking for a great retail experience, Pacific Fair offers some of the best shopping in this glitzy area. One of the largest shopping centers in Queensland, this indoor mall features everything from international brands to local boutiques, along with mini golf and an extensive food court so you can stay refreshed while you shop.
Gold Coast’s natural splendor
For all the urban adventures it offers, Gold Coast wouldn’t be the way it is if it wasn’t for the incredible scenery and natural locations you’ll find in this part of Queensland. So if you’ve had enough of the city or simply want to see the other side of Gold Coast, here are some locations you definitely need to check out:
Main Beach
This popular beach may not be the place to escape the crowds, but it is the easiest beach access if you want to take a dip in the startlingly clear water and enjoy the Queensland sunshine. And if you want to see something truly unique, take a guided dive out to Wonder Reef to see stunning underwater sculptures that have become part of a living reef packed with marine wildlife.
Burleigh Heads
Just to the south of the busy city, Burleigh Heads is where locals come to get away from it all. This suburban area of beautiful golden sand beaches, crashing waves, and stunning cliff-top viewpoints is the perfect place to appreciate the coastal beauty of eastern Australia.
Springbrook National Park
If you want to see the natural side of Queensland, head a little way inland to this incredible national park. Full of hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls, and other great places to explore, this park is the perfect antidote to the busy streets of Gold Coast. A day hiking through the rainforest or even a longer camping trip will recharge your batteries in nature and give you the energy to head back into town and experience the urban buzz all over again.
The two faces of Gold Coast
What makes Gold Coast so special as a vacation destination is just how much it has to offer. Whether you’re a city slicker or prefer to spend your time enjoying nature, you can do it here. That makes this legendary Australian vacation town the perfect choice for anyone who likes a little variety.
Blog Received on Mail
