Gold Coast holidays

How to reach the Gold Coast

Flight time: There are no flights from London to the Gold Coast but it’s convenient to fly to Brisbane. Flights to Brisbane from London take around 22 to 24 hours. There are no non-stop connections, however, with a stopover usually taking place at Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong.

Transfer time:

• From Brisbane Airport you can reach the Gold Coast in an hour by taxi or in 1 hour 30 minutes by the Airtrain. Alternatively, shuttle services are available.

Price:

• The Airtrain ticket costs about AUD30 one way from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

• A shuttle bus will set you back around AUD40–AUD50, with a taxi around AUD200.

Best time to visit the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a great place to visit regardless of the season. However, some times of the year may be more ideal depending on what you expect from your Gold Coast holidays.

March to May brings autumn to the Gold Coast, with temperatures dropping to 20°C to 28°C, less humid weather and less frequent rain (60 to 90mm a month). You’ll still get 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day and, with peak season tourists gone, it’s an ideal time for outdoor attractions.

June to August is winter, but worry not as it’s still warm by UK standards. Temperatures range from 12°C to 22°C, so it’s a perfect time to come if you’re into sightseeing or hiking. Rainfall is low (around 30 to 60mm a month) and there’s still plenty of sunshine.

September to November are spring months in the Gold Coast, with temperatures hovering around 18°C to 26°C. With low rainfall (40 to 80mm per month) and plenty of sunshine, it’s an excellent time to visit, especially for surfing, with ideal swells and water temperatures.

December to February is the Gold Coast’s summer, with hot and humid weather. Average temperatures skyrocket to 28°C or even 30°C. Chance of rain is quite high, with around 100 to 160mm of rainfall a month. It’s the perfect time for beachgoers, but it’s also the busiest season.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the official language.

• Local habits and customs: Australians are known for their relaxed attitude. They also value good manners so a “hello” and a smile go a long way.

• Currency: Australia uses the Australian Dollar. ATMs are widely available, and major credit card payments are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: The Gold Coast has an efficient public transport system, including buses, light rail and trains. A single journey costs around AUD4, but if you get a public transport Go Card, you’ll get discounted rates. Hiring a car may be more convenient for exploring the surrounding area, with prices starting at AUD50 a day.

• Electricity and plug types: The supply voltage in the Gold Coast is 230V and the Australian three-pin socket plug type is used so UK nationals need an adaptor.

• Time zone: The Gold Coast operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is GMT+10, and doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in the Gold Coast

Whether you’re chasing waves, exploring rainforests or enjoying local cuisine, holidays to the Gold Coast guarantee an exquisite mix of relaxation and adventure.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• SkyPoint Observation Deck: Located at the top of the Q1 building, this 230-metre observation deck is a must-visit for anyone interested in stunning 360-degree vistas of the Gold Coast. And who isn’t?

• Burleigh Headland: Another option is to head to Burleigh Headland National Park and hike up to one of the fantastic viewpoints overlooking the coastline. It’s best to stay until evening to watch a magical sunset!

The best districts

• Surfers Paradise: Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast’s suburb and major entertainment and tourism centre. Famous for its golden beaches, it also has a wide choice of dining, shopping and nightlife options as well as sport activities.

• Broadbeach: Escape into a quieter paradise and head to the Broadbeach suburb which offers a more relaxed atmosphere but is still close to the beach and packed with restaurants and shops.

Parks and gardens

• Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens: Tired of the beach? Do something totally different and head to the oasis of tranquillity just outside the city, which features various gardens, including a rose garden and the Sensory Gardens, to name just a couple.

• Cascade Gardens: Whether you’re looking for an ideal spot for a tranquil stroll, a family picnic by the water or a children’s playground, you’ll find it all in Cascade Gardens in Broadbeach. Just enjoy!

Historical monuments

• St Augustine’s Church: St Augustine’s Church in Coolangatta, dating back to 1926 and gracing the skyline with its 33-metre campanile, is the only church in the Gold Coast resembling the Italian Romanesque style.

• The Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade: Located in Burleigh Heads and currently housing boutique shops and cafés, this 1930s building is steeped in history and offers an interesting insight into the Gold Coast’s early days.

Day trips in the area

• Tamborine Mountain: Enjoy a day packed with hiking at Tamborine Mountain, just a 40-minute drive from the Gold Coast. And in the evening try the region’s finest wines or take part in… an incredible glow worm tour.

• Lamington National Park: Proudly featuring waterfalls, diverse wildlife, rainforests and numerous scenic trails, Lamington National Park is a true haven for outdoors enthusiasts.

• Moreton Island: A nature lover’s paradise, Moreton Island is a short ferry ride from Brisbane. With its clear waters, sandy beaches and shipwrecks, it’s a go-to place for sunbathers and snorkellers alike.

Activities for families in the Gold Coast

Holidays with your children in tow? The Gold Coast is a family-friendly paradise with a multitude of activities for kids of all ages.

• Theme parks: The Gold Coast teems with Australia’s best theme and amusement parks, among them Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World. They offer all sorts of activities, from thrill rides to close encounters with marine mammals to live entertainment shows.

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Who can resist feeding kangaroos or holding a koala at this excellent wildlife park? Your kids will love it!

• Aquaduck Safari: This unique combined city tour and river cruise in an amphibious vehicle is a fun way to show the Gold Coast to children. When on the water, kids even get an opportunity to drive the boat!

Free things to do in the Gold Coast

Costly glamorous attractions aside, there are also plenty of activities in the Gold Coast that won’t cost you a penny.

• Free events: On your arrival be sure to check the current schedule, as every month the Gold Coast hosts a variety of free events and festivals, from outdoor concerts to markets.

• Beaches: Relaxing on a lovely beach is one of the best free activities. Both Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta have miles of golden sand to enjoy without spending any money.

• Free guided tours: Several local companies run free guided walking tours of the Gold Coast, focusing on the area’s history, architecture and culture.

Wellness in the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast offers a wide range of top-notch wellness options that make it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Spas and thermal baths: The Gold Coast is home to some of Australia’s best spa resorts, including Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat and Q1 Spa in Surfers Paradise, where you can indulge in luxurious therapeutic and beauty treatments.

• Traditional body care: Pamper yourself and opt for organic treatments using native ingredients like macadamia oil or eucalyptus, eg. at Greenhouse Bathhouse in Burleigh Heads.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Yoga is very popular in the Gold Coast, with the most serene experience probably being beachside sunrise yoga sessions along Main Beach.

Beaches on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is famous for its long stretches of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and fantastic surf, making it a top destination for beach lovers. Whether you're looking to relax under the sun, swim in the calm waters, or try your hand at surfing, the beaches here offer something for everyone.

Surfers Paradise Beach

Surfers Paradise Beach is the iconic heart of the Gold Coast. Known for its soft golden sands and rolling waves, it’s perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and people-watching. Located in the bustling centre of Surfers Paradise, the beach is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to spend the entire day enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, this beach offers the perfect conditions to enjoy the surf. It’s also ideal for a relaxing stroll along the shoreline or a swim in the sparkling waters.

Burleigh Heads Beach

For a more laid-back beach experience, Burleigh Heads Beach is a fantastic option. This beach is renowned for its natural beauty, with its wide sandy shore and scenic parklands surrounding it. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or having a picnic in the nearby park, Burleigh Heads is also famous for its surf breaks, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The area is family-friendly, with playgrounds and easy access to cafes and local markets, offering a perfect combination of relaxation and activity.

Coolangatta Beach

At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta Beach offers a more relaxed vibe, away from the hustle and bustle of the central areas. The beach is great for swimming, with its gentle waves and clear waters. Coolangatta is also the spot for surfers who want to experience a more tranquil surf scene. The nearby Rainbow Bay and Greenmount Beach add to the variety of options, with each offering their own charm and peaceful atmosphere.

Broadbeach

Broadbeach is another beautiful spot on the Gold Coast, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities. The beach is wide and clean, with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball. It’s a great beach for those looking to combine relaxation with easy access to cafes, bars, and shopping centres. Broadbeach is also home to the annual Gold Coast 600, a motor racing event that draws visitors from around the world.

Main Beach

Located near the northern end of the Gold Coast, Main Beach offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to the more popular beaches. With its calm waters, it’s perfect for swimming and relaxing. Main Beach is also close to the Southport Spit and the famous Sea World theme park, making it a great spot for families to enjoy the beach alongside other activities.

With so many beautiful beaches to explore, the Gold Coast truly is a beach lover’s paradise. From the lively Surfers Paradise to the more tranquil Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads, each beach offers a unique experience. Whether you're looking for adventure in the waves, a peaceful day by the sea, or a fun family outing, the beaches on the Gold Coast are sure to make your Gold Coast holidays unforgettable.

Local dishes in the Gold Coast

During your Gold Coast holidays you’ll be spoilt for culinary choice, from fresh seafood to creative street food and mouthwatering desserts.

Some typical dishes

• Moreton Bay Bugs: These delectable local crustaceans are similar to lobster and typically grilled with garlic butter or served chilled in a seafood salad. Yummy!

• Barramundi: Grilled or pan-seared, this iconic Australian fish is often served up accompanied with a fresh salad, seasonal vegetables, lemon butter sauce or chips.

Meat dishes

• Kangaroo Steak: Kangaroo meat is perhaps a dish for more adventurous consumers, but it’s rather flavoursome and lean, and is often served medium-rare with pepperberry sauce.

• Australian Barbecue: Popular meats for barbecue in the Gold Coast include steaks, lamb and sausages, and are usually served with a salad or fresh bread.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Prawns: Queensland is famous for its fresh prawns, which are best enjoyed simply grilled and dished out with a squeeze of lemon. An excellent no-frills dish!

• Fish and Chips: A staple Aussie dish, be sure to try fish and chips at one of the Gold Coast’s beachside takeaways. Simple but delicious!

Street food

• Acai Bowls: Do as the locals do and for a post-beach snack, grab an acai bowl. Made from frozen acai berries, these appetising bowls are topped with fresh fruit, honey and granola.

• Burgers and Tacos: The street food scene is thriving in the Gold Coast, with food stalls serving up everything from gourmet burgers to Mexican tacos.

Sweets and desserts

• Pavlova: Admired all around the world, this famous meringue-based dessert, topped with fresh fruit and cream, is definitely one of the sweet treats to die for.

• Lamingtons: One of Australia’s sweet favourites, these soft sponge cakes, coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut, can be found at many local cafés and bakeries.

Local drinks

• Australian Wine: The nearby Granite Belt wine region is renowned for its excellent wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, so definitely have a glass while in the Gold Coast.

• Cocktails: Try a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars in the Gold Coast. Drinks featuring ingredients like passionfruit, lime and lychee are among the local favourites.