When you’re discovering a new city, it can be hard to decide where to begin – the possibilities are endless. Here are five top tips from those in-the-know, to help you live like Gold Coaster.
Tip 1: Visit the Gold Coast Beaches
Trash Gordon – stayed at Sun City Resort
“Gold Coast is renowned for its white sand beaches that stretch across 57 kilometres of coastline. Choose from the sheltered waters at Coolangatta and Currumbin beaches or the popular surfing breaks at Main Beach or Burleigh Heads. First-time surfers can book a group or private lesson with at The Spit, Surfers Paradise. Wave Break Island lies just off Main Beach and offers fantastic snorkeling and diving, with more than 50 species of fish. Explore this colourful underwater world on a tour. ”
Tip 2: Adventure at the Theme Parks
Lily Rose – stayed in a waterfront house, Surfers Paradise
“As well as its beaches, the Gold Coast is equally famed for its world-class theme parks. Water lovers should head for with its extreme waterslides such as Kamikaze and the Tornado. is great for families, with plenty of kid-friendly attractions and the chance to meet loveable cartoon characters. caters to adventure seekers with the Big 9 Thrill Rides, including The Giant Drop, Tower of Terror and Buzz Saw. To experience more than one park, buy a, which gives you access to Wet ‘n’ Wild, Movie World, (a marine animal park) and the Aussie farm and wildlife experience. Tickets to Dreamworld can be bought separately. ”
Tip 3: Eat Like a Local
Dean and Juliana Simone – stayed in Main Beach
“The Gold Coast boasts a thriving food scene, from specialty coffee shops to boutique breweries and a slew of sophisticated restaurants to rival that of Sydney and Melbourne. For your morning caffeine hit head to or at Broadbeach or sit down to a classic Australian breakfast at Palm Beach. In Burleigh Heads, is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, with dishes such as whole baby calamari, oven baked Petuna ocean trout and Moreton Baby Bugs taglierini. For refined Italian food head to or at Nobby's Beach and order a selection of antipasti such as grilled polenta topped with eight hour slow cooked Angus beef cheek or oven roasted scallops. ”
Tip 4: Explore the Lush Gold Coast Hinterland
Andrea Dakin – stayed in Southport
“Turn away from the beach and explore the enchanting Gold Coast hinterland, with its unspoiled national park and charming mountain villages. Adventure seekers can test their legs on the three-day Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which passes an ancient volcano and goes through World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, or follow a cycling trail through the wineries and boutique breweries of Mount Tamborine. At Lamington National Park stroll through the rainforest canopy 15 metres above ground at. Or book to see the spectacular waterfalls at Springbrook, including Natural Bridge.”
Tip 5: Stay in Luxury
Sarah Maycock – stayed in Surfers Paradise
“The Gold Coast is known for its plush accommodation options. Indulge yourself at fabulous five-star hotels such as the Main Beach, the high-rise or sophisticated, both in the heart of Surfers Paradise, or the at Broadbeach. The Main Beach offers absolute beachfront accommodation as well as a lagoon-style pool, opulent suites and an array of restaurants and bars.”
Discover Gold Coast for yourself, book a stay in a sunning Paradise Found apartment here.