Surfing and so much more.
See why Australia’s holiday playground is worth its weight in Gold.
A Californian visiting Gold Coast dreamt of surfing an empty break, so he’d have all the best waves to himself. He hires a car to explore the coast and at the first beach where no surfers are catching waves a local warns him: “Don’t surf here, mate…too many sharks”. Heeding the advice, he drives from beach to beach always receiving the same shocking news about sharks.
Finally, he finds a beach with amazing surf and not a soul in the water. He asks the first person he meets if there are any sharks and was surprisingly told: ‘No.’
After other locals give him the same answer, he starts to paddle his board out for his first wave when he thinks: It’s a beautiful beach, the water temperature is perfect, the waves are amazing…and not only are there no surfers, but nobody is swimming at all. Something must be wrong!
So, he turns back to the beach and shouts out to a sunbather: “Hey, why aren’t there any sharks at this beach?” And he’s answered: “Because they’re afraid of the crocodiles, mate!”
The quickest way to understand what the Gold Coast is all about is to consider it the smaller brother of Miami. It’s new, vibrant, exciting, a bit brash and bold, warm year-round and considered the playground of the nation. And while the crocodiles are as close to people in Gold Coast as the alligators from the Everglades are to Miamians, the warning signs on the beaches about dangerous rips, jellyfish, sunburn and the occasional shark sighting shouldn’t be laughed off in the same way as this little joke…because the Gold Coast, its people, its culture, its sport and recreation are intertwined with the Pacific Ocean surf and all the energy it brings to this amazing tourist region.
Here’s the battleface guide to the ins and outs of the Goldy.
Surfers Paradise
The name of Gold Coast’s most famous town could as well be an adjective for this part of Australia. Surfers and surfing culture are the silverbacks in this urban jungle – not that anyone coming here can be unaware, given that world-famous surf breaks are all within easy reach on the 70km (45 miles) of pristine coast. South Stradbroke Island, Burleigh Point, Currumbin Alley, and of course Snapper Rocks make the Gold Coast a mecca for surfers and families that tag along for the ride.
If you’re a first-time novice to the adrenaline rush of surf, then that’s also well catered for here in Goldy. Surf schools are everywhere, with true-blue Australians ready with a smile and a G’day to initiate you into the sport.
Top Tip! Don’t hesitate to have a surf lesson. There wouldn’t be the hype and dedication to catching waves if it weren’t a life changing experience!
The green behind the gold
Drive west and inland from the coast with golden sands and you’ll soon hit the rainforests of Mount Tamborine and the seduction of a lush green jungle packed with birds, bees, flowers and trees. For the hikers, there are tracks to discover as well as wineries, a distillery, art galleries and chic restaurants. The ranges that dominate the Western skylines also host Lamington National Park: part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world. The area is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and more than 160km (100 miles) of walking trails.
Top Tip! If you’re touring the Gold Coast in a campervan, check out our guide to safe travels.
Feats of Eat
It seems the pace of this metropolis is reflected in the rate at which eateries delivering gastronomical happiness appear in Goldy – and if the tell-tale sign of a memorable holiday is a little more padding around the waistline, then foodies are in for a treat on the Gold Coast. The culinary scene here is at the forefront of Australian’s charge in being recognised as a food nation with an amazing selection of cafes, street food, hatted restaurants, wine and cocktail bars, alfresco-everything, and upmarket on-trend restaurants with oceanfront dining to make the experience all the better.
Top Tip! If you’re on a budget family holiday, then try eating at any of the local surf clubs on the Gold Coast. They know all about feeding hungry beachgoers with big appetites for very reasonable prices.
Kids play
For the young, or young at heart, Goldy is a destination that doesn’t lack for whole family fun and adventure. Whitewater World, Warner Brother’s Movie World, Sea World, Tiger Island, Nickelodeon Land, and Dreamworld offer a mix of the highest water slides, incredible sea creatures and zoo animals, thrilling rides, family shows and enough entertainment to last multiple holidays.
Top Tip! With so many theme parks in the Gold Coast cluster, it’s worth booking discounted day-passes that allow access to multiple sites – get all the great rides and adventures for less.
Don’t pay and don’t miss
Goldy’s entertainment and lifestyle scene is always the talk of the town with plenty of events free to attend and making the most of 300-days guaranteed sunshine.
Bleach* Festival: The 10-day event celebrates the Gold Coast’s art, music, theatre and more with performances, workshops and installations.
The Gold Coast isn’t like other places where the best locations and scenes are held as secrets from visitors. In Goldy everything is available and advertised to visitors and the locals are open, fun and welcoming.
From its surf beaches, hinterland forests, restaurants, nightlife, theme parks and laid-back vibe, the Gold Coast is quick to reveal itself for those wanting an outdoor, adventure-packed holiday in a distinctly Australian style.
