A Quick Guide To Gold Coast, Australia

The Gold Coast, located in Queensland, Australia, is a coastal city with a population of over 6,00,000, making it the sixth-largest city in the country. The city's economy thrives on tourism, and it is known for its warm weather, picturesque environment, and tourism-based economy. The Gold Coast is a paradise for adventure-seekers, culture enthusiasts, and beach lovers, offering a perfect blend of beauty, attractions, and culture. Explore all you need to know about the city's history, geography, local attractions, culinary delights, activities, shopping hotspots, and more, helping you make the most of your visit to this Australian gem.

History

The Gold Coast has a rich indigenous history. The Yugambeh people are the traditional custodians of the land. European exploration started in the late 18th century, which led to the establishment of small settlements. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the region gained prominence. Particularly with the development of Surfers Paradise in the 1950s, the Gold Coast became a thriving city. Today, the city beautifully blends its modern skyline with traces of its historical roots.

Geography And Biodiversity

The Gold Coast runs along the southeast coast of Queensland. It is known for its diverse geography, including pristine beaches like the famous Surfers Paradise and lush hinterlands with rainforests, mountains, and picturesque landscapes. The Broadwater, a stunning estuary, is also located on the Gold Coast and offers a haven for water activities. 

The Coast also boasts diverse wildlife, including whales, dolphins, fish, sharks, koalas, possums, bats, birds, reptiles, and insects. This region is home to 49 per cent of native vegetation, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in Australia. Gold Coast's climate is subtropical, with mild to warm winters and hot, humid summers. The region features coastal plains with river floodplains, bays, estuaries, wetlands, beaches, and dunes, which make it a unique and diverse place to visit.

Places To Visit

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 27-hectare rainforest reserve on Queensland's Gold Coast. The sanctuary is home to 800 animals, including 38 species of reptiles and snakes. It is run by the National Trust of Australia (Queensland), a charity focusing on environmental conservation and heritage preservation. Visitors can enjoy watching koalas or feeding the kangaroos. The sanctuary also offers live performances and a tree-top challenge course with 11 zip lines. Additionally, the sanctuary houses a wildlife hospital where dedicated veterinarians take care of the ailing animals. Children can have a great time at the Wild Island amusement area inside the sanctuary. The sanctuary is open every day and offers free Wi-Fi hotspots. It is recommended to download the sanctuary's app before arrival. Some visitors describe the sanctuary as a vast area filled with many animals, while others appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the wildlife.

Timings: 9 am to 4 pm

Entry Fees: A day pass at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is INR 3,600 (AUD 64) for adults and INR 2,756 (AUD 49) for children. Families of two adults and two children can enter at just INR 11,363 (AUD 202).

Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223, Australia

SkyPoint Observation Deck

The SkyPoint Observation Deck is located by the beach and provides stunning 360-degree views of the Gold Coast, making it the only observation deck of its kind in Australia. Situated in the heart of Surfers Paradise, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views that extend down to the New South Wales border and out to the lush Gold Coast Hinterland.

At night, SkyPoint Observation Deck turns into a sleek, high-altitude lounge bar with music every Friday and Saturday night, and Sunset Sounds on Sunday afternoons. You can enjoy drinks and delicious platters with your friends while enjoying the glittering skyline. It's important to note that SkyPoint Observation Deck is an 18+ venue on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm.

Timings: 7:30 pm to 9 am

Entry Fees: The price to access the viewpoint begins from INR 1,721 (USD 30).

Address: Level 77, Q1 building/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia

Home of the Arts (HOTA)

HOTA, which stands for Home of the Arts, is a cultural centre in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The centre was first inaugurated in 1986 as the Keith Hunt Community Entertainment and Arts Centre. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes, including The Arts Centre Gold Coast and Gold Coast Arts Centre.

The place can host a wide range of events, from intimate dinner gatherings for 50 people to large outdoor concerts for up to 4,000 attendees. The HOTA Gallery is open to the public free of charge, and no prior booking is required. However, some programs and events held at HOTA may require an entry fee, and tickets for these events are available online.

Timings: 9 am to 9 pm

Address: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is a popular retail, dining, and entertainment destination in Broadbeach Waters, Queensland. It opened in 1977 and is currently Queensland's second-largest shopping centre and the fifth-largest in the country. With over 400 stores, Pacific Fair is home to many well-known brands such as Target, Big W, Coles, Woolworths, Event Cinemas, and David Jones. You can also find luxury and iconic global brands at the shopping centre. Additionally, Pacific Fair boasts a cosmetics and beauty supply store called Mecca Cosmetica, where you can find a gamut of beauty products.

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm

Address: 2 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218, Australia

Things To Do

For travellers, the place offers activities in abundance. Gold Coast's culinary offerings with fresh seafood available at waterfront restaurants such as Galaxy Seafood and Mediterranean Restaurant (6/50 Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215, Australia) or the Omeros Brothers Seafood Restaurant (74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia). You can also savour traditional Australian barbecues at one of the many parks or beaches. Experience the vibrant Surfers Paradise Night Markets and sample different international cuisines. For thrill-seekers, take a surfing lesson or catch some waves at the world-renowned surf breaks. Explore the lush rainforests and hiking trails of the Gold Coast hinterland, such as the Warrie Circuit or Two Falls Circuit. You can also embark on an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride along the waterways at the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Runaway Bay, or Burleigh Heads.

Where To Shop

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is the largest shopping destination on the Gold Coast, with more than 400 stores. If you are looking for unique handmade goods, art, and fashion, you should check out the weekly Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. For discounted shopping of top brands, the popular Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre is the place to be.

Where To Stay

When exploring the Gold Coast, find the perfect place to stay to ensure a memorable experience. There are several options to choose from, depending on your preferences. For those looking for a luxurious retreat, the opulent Palazzo Versace in Main Beach (94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia), starting at INR 25,676 (AUD 456), offers Versace-designed interiors and stunning waterfront views. QT Gold Coast (7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia), starting at INR 16,540 (AUD 294) per night, located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, is a great option for those who want to combine quirky design with convenience and easy access to the beach. If you're on a budget, Backpackers in Paradise (40 Peninsular Dr, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia), starting at INR 2,158 (AUD 38), situated in Surfers Paradise, provides a lively hostel atmosphere and is near the beach. Each accommodation option caters to different preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay on the Gold Coast.

How To Reach

Air: Gold Coast Airport, or Coolangatta Airport, connects to major cities in Australia, Asia, and New Zealand places. You can take a direct flight or fly to another Australian city and connect to Gold Coast. Alternatively, fly to Brisbane and connect via flight or train.

Rail: You can travel by either the monorail or regular railway from other cities to the Gold Coast. If you arrive at Brisbane Airport, you can easily reach the Gold Coast by taking the Airtrain. These trains operate seven days a week and run every half an hour.

Road: The Logan Motorway in Brisbane connects to the Pacific Highway. The Gold Coast Highway links coastal suburbs. Surfside Buslines is a budget-friendly option for commuting to the city.