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GOLD COAST

57km of golden sand, world-class surf breaks, theme parks, and hinterland rainforest. 30 curated spots.

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Sand

Beaches & Surf

57km of coastline from The Spit to Coolangatta. World-class surf breaks and patrolled swimming beaches.

Burleigh Heads Beach
Beach & Water

Burleigh Heads Beach

Best beach on the Gold Coast. Point break for surfing, national park headland walk, and the Burleigh Brewing taproom nearby. Local vibe, less touristy than Surfers. Sunset from the headland is iconic.

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Surfers Paradise Beach
Beach & Water

Surfers Paradise Beach

The iconic Gold Coast beach. High-rises, lifeguard towers, and golden sand. Beachfront markets Wed/Fri/Sun nights. Tourist central but the surf is genuinely good. The skyline backdrop is dramatic.

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Snapper Rocks & Rainbow Bay
Beach & Water

Snapper Rocks & Rainbow Bay

Superbank, one of the world's longest waves. Watch pro surfers from the headland. Rainbow Bay is sheltered for swimming. Coolangatta end of the coast. Less crowded, more authentic.

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The Spit
Beach & Water

The Spit

Northern tip of the Gold Coast strip. Sea World side, less crowded, great for fishing and walking. The Seaway view of boats entering Broadwater is excellent. Doug Jennings Park for picnics.

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Tallebudgera Creek
Experiences

Tallebudgera Creek

Calm tidal creek perfect for families. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming without waves. David Fleay Wildlife Park nearby. Free. The most relaxing swim on the Gold Coast.

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Currumbin Rock Pools
Experiences

Currumbin Rock Pools

Natural rock pools in the hinterland. Free. 20 min from the coast. Rope swing, shallow pools, and rainforest setting. Local secret, go on a weekday. Budget: free, bring a picnic.

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Wild

Nature & Hinterland

Rainforest walks, waterfalls, glow worm caves, and volcanic plateaus in the Green Behind the Gold.

Springbrook National Park
Nature & Outdoors

Springbrook National Park

Gondwana Rainforest (UNESCO). Natural Bridge glow worm cave (free, night walk essential), Purlingbrook Falls (106m), and Best of All Lookout. 1 hour from coast. Allow half day.

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Lamington National Park
Nature & Outdoors

Lamington National Park

World Heritage rainforest. O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk (free with park entry), 160km of walking trails, and wild king parrots that eat from your hand. 1.5 hours from coast. Full day.

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Tamborine Mountain
Nature & Outdoors

Tamborine Mountain

Rainforest village atmosphere. Gallery Walk (art/craft/cheese shops), Curtis Falls walk, Skywalk ($20), and glow worm caves. 45 min from coast. Half day or longer.

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David Fleay Wildlife Park
Experiences

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Small, intimate wildlife park. Platypus exhibit, cassowary, and crocodile feeding. $24. Less crowded than Currumbin. Near Tallebudgera Creek, combine them. 1.5 hours.

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Burleigh Heads National Park
Nature & Outdoors

Burleigh Heads National Park

Short but stunning rainforest walk around the headland. Ocean views, Tallebudgera Creek lookout, and echidnas in the bush. Free. 30-45 min loop. Start from the Burleigh surf club end.

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Taste

Food & Coffee

Beachfront brunch, Asian fusion, seafood markets, and Australia's best fish and chips.

Rick Shores
Food & Drink

Rick Shores

Modern Asian seafood right on Burleigh Beach. Bug rolls, fish curry, and sake cocktails with ocean views. Book ahead, hardest reservation on the Gold Coast. Budget $40-70.

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The Fish House
Food & Drink

The Fish House

Upscale seafood at Burleigh. Sustainable, local catch prepared simply. The ocean view terrace is beautiful at sunset. Budget $50-80. Book well ahead for dinner.

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Nobby Beach Social
Food & Drink

Nobby Beach Social

Beachside brunch institution. Acai bowls, avo smash, and excellent coffee. Mermaid Beach location. Weekend queues, worth the wait. Budget $15-25. The Gold Coast brunch at its best.

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Gemelli Italian
Food & Drink

Gemelli Italian

Best Italian on the Gold Coast. Woodfired pizza, handmade pasta, and an incredible wine list. Broadbeach. Book for dinner. Budget $30-50. Multiple locations, the original is best.

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Do

Experiences & Theme Parks

Movie World, Sea World, WhiteWater World, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Attractions

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Hand-feed rainbow lorikeets at 8am and 4pm (iconic). Koalas, kangaroos, tree top challenge, and Aboriginal dance show. $55. Allow 3-4 hours. Less commercial than the big theme parks.

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Warner Bros. Movie World
Attractions

Warner Bros. Movie World

DC Comics rides, Scooby-Doo coaster, and Hollywood stunt shows. The best thrill rides on the Gold Coast. $99 or multi-park pass. Full day. School holidays are very busy.

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Sea World
Attractions

Sea World

Marine theme park. Dolphin shows, shark reef, jet rescue ride, and penguin encounter. $99 or multi-park pass. Good for families. Full day. The helicopter flights over the coast are worth it.

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SkyPoint Observation Deck
Experiences

SkyPoint Observation Deck

77th floor of Q1 (tallest building on the Gold Coast). 360° views from hinterland to ocean. $29. SkyPoint Climb goes to the roof outside ($79). Sunrise and sunset sessions available.

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Jet Boat Ride
Experiences

Jet Boat Ride

360° spins, power slides, and high-speed runs through Broadwater. 55 min, from $69. Jetboat Extreme at Main Beach. Exhilarating and wet. Great for groups.

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Explore

Neighbourhoods

Laid-back Burleigh, buzzing Surfers, chilled Coolangatta, and hipster Palm Beach.

Surfers Paradise
Districts

Surfers Paradise

The iconic strip. Cavill Avenue, beach bars, nightclubs, and beachfront. Touristy but iconic. Beachfront Markets (Wed/Fri/Sun). Meter maids in gold bikinis. The party capital of Australia.

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Burleigh Heads
Districts

Burleigh Heads

The cool neighbourhood. Boutique cafes, surf shops, national park headland. Saturday morning farmers' market. Instagram models and surfers. Gold Coast's answer to Byron Bay.

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Broadbeach
Districts

Broadbeach

The grown-up alternative to Surfers. Pacific Fair shopping, The Star casino, Oasis mall, and quality restaurants. Less chaotic. Family-friendly. Kurrawa Beach is excellent.

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Coolangatta
Districts

Coolangatta

Southern tip, borders NSW. Laid-back surf town. Snapper Rocks, Kirra, and Rainbow Bay are some of Australia's best waves. Airport is here. Authentic and uncrowded.

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Palm Beach
Districts

Palm Beach

The hip neighbourhood. Vintage shops, craft breweries (Balter), and a chill surf beach. The Collective markets. 4th Avenue is the strip. Gold Coast's emerging cool suburb.

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Shop

Shopping & Markets

Harbour Town outlets, Pacific Fair luxury, and beachside weekend markets.

Pacific Fair
Shopping

Pacific Fair

Massive shopping centre in Broadbeach. Luxury brands, Australian designers, and dining precinct. Recently renovated with a rooftop garden. The Gold Coast's premier shopping destination.

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Harbour Town
Shopping

Harbour Town

Premium outlet shopping. 240+ stores with 30-70% off. Nike, Adidas, Coach, and Australian brands. Near Movie World. Allow 2-3 hours. Budget: dangerous for wallets.

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Burleigh Farmers Market
Shopping

Burleigh Farmers Market

Saturday morning organic market at Burleigh. Local produce, fresh bread, cold-pressed juice, and live music. The best market on the Gold Coast. 7am-12pm. Budget $10-30.

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Escape

Day Trips

Byron Bay, Tamborine Mountain, and Stradbroke Island adventures.

Byron Bay
Day Trips

Byron Bay

1 hour south. Australia's most famous hippie town. Cape Byron lighthouse (most easterly point), Julian Rocks snorkelling, arts markets, and whale watching (Jun-Nov). Essential day trip.

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Stradbroke Island
Day Trips

Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke ('Straddie'). Ferry from Cleveland (1.5 hrs from GC). Point Lookout for whale watching, Gorge Walk, and empty beaches. Less developed than the mainland. Day trip or overnight.

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