Visit and explore the Gold Coast
If you’re looking for a holiday full of sun, sand and surf, the Gold Coast is where it’s at! From Coolangatta in the south to Sanctuary Cove in the north, the Gold Coast is an iconic Australian holiday destination the whole family will love with its famous golden beaches and lush green hinterland. Newcastle is northern NSW’s primary gateway to Queensland, and Newcastle Airport offers Newcastle to Gold Coast flights 7 days a week.
Top attractions
A holiday on the Gold Coast offers so much choice, and with around 70km of beautiful coastline you’ll be tempted to laze your days away at the beach. The sheltered waters of Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek are family-friendly spots to soak up the sunshine and swim in sparkling waters, while famous point breaks Snapper Rocks and Currumbin Alley offer world-class waves for those looking for more adventure. Don’t forget to visit Surfers Paradise, one of the most famous beaches on the Gold Coast! If you want to take it up a notch, there’s plenty on offer for thrill seekers and the theme parks should be at the top of your Gold Coast itinerary. Meet your favourite stars and superheroes at Warners Bros Movie World, ride rollercoasters at Dreamworld, or splash about at Wet & Wild.
Eat & Drink
From relaxed beachside pavillions to unique 5-star experiences, the Gold Coast has a varied dining scene to suit all tastes. Start your day the right way with breakfast at one of the beachside cafes where healthy options such as smoothie and Acai bowls frequent the menu. Come afternoon, there’s plenty of scenic spots for a sneaky sunset drink and it doesn’t get much better than the Surf Life Savings Clubs dotted along the coast. If you love craft beer, make sure you hop aboard a brewery tour that visits some of the best breweries the coast has to offer including Black Hops, Precinct Brewing Co. and Burleigh Brewing Co. Or if something more special is on the agenda add Rick Shores at Burleigh Heads, Maggie Choo at Broadbeach, or Etsu Izakaya in Mermaid Beach to your bucket list.
What’s On
The Gold Coast region is home to a non-stop calendar of events, and you’re bound to find an event you love no matter what time of year you visit! On any day of the week you’ll find live music, sporting matches, markets, and community and cultural events. There’s also a great range of major events including the Magic Millions, Gold Coast Triathlon, Supernova Comic Con & Gaming, Blues on Broadbeach, Cooly Rocks On, SWELL Sculpture Festival, Gold Coast 500 and more.
Explore the Regions
When it’s time for a nature-fix, take a walk on the wild side and explore the natural beauty of the wider Gold Coast area. You don’t have to travel far to find world-heritage listed Lamington National Park and Tamborine National Park. Hike up mountains, swim under waterfalls, and simply bask in the natural beauty of the region. There's also no shortage of wildlife encounters to be had. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a bird lover’s paradise, while Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to hundreds of native animals including salt-water crocodiles. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Australia’s number one marine park – Seaworld.