Gold Coast, Australia
Surfer's Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
The Gold Coast of Australia is unlike any other travel destination in the world. Australia’s Gold Coast is located on the eastern seaboard in the state of Queensland just 80 kilometers south of Brisbane. The year round gorgeous waters are inviting to locals and tourists alike to come and enjoy the warm waters and all of the activities she has to offer. The amount of different activities that you can choose from is just a piece of what sets this beautiful slice of Australia apart from other surf travel destinations. Just for starters there are numerous different surf breaks to choose from both up and down the coast. Ironically the place they call Surfers Paradise is best suited for beginners but not to worry, most of the serious surf breaks on the Gold Coast are located only a short distance form Surfers Paradise. Not only is the Gold Coast a paradise for surfers but it is also a great place to visit for anyone looking for a place full of entertainment, restaurants, sports and nightclubs all within your reach. Whether you’re looking for action, relaxation or anything in between, you will be sure to find it on the Gold Coast of Australia.
The Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia
Visit ‘em All
Here on the Gold Coast there are just too many great options for me to pin point any one activity. You could literally stay there for an entire year and pick a different activity or tour everyday and still would not have enough time to fit it all into your busy schedule. The options are plentiful to say the least, it depends on the individual or the group as far as what type of activities you choose to do during your stay. There are amazing historical attractions as Australia is full of centuries old history and culture. Countless sporting events and natural wonders, from the beaches and waterfalls to the rain forests and wildlife sanctuaries, all are easily accessible to you. If none of the above activities are of interest there are many more to choose from just check with any of the major hotels or just ask around. Tour companies are everywhere and will gladly assist you in planning your itinerary. On the Gold Coast of Australia the possibilities are virtually endless. The surf doesn’t go flat here much but when it does you will not be bored as long as you have a pulse on the gold coast of Australia.
Welcome sign in the heart of Surfer's Paradise, the holiday capital of the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia with beach in background
Get Home Safe
On the Gold Coast of Australia crime is no more of a worry than any other of the major tourist destinations. Even though the crime rate is generally considered to be low, tourists should always be aware of their surroundings and property. This is always a good rule to live by when you are in any area that is foreign or unfamiliar to you. Any traveler especially woman should be extremely careful in bars or nightclubs as there have been increased incidences being reported of spiked drinks and date rape. Never leave your drink unattended and always keep your eyes on it. Also always stay close to your friends and watch each others backs and you should have no problems. If you follow these few simple universal rules of safety your worries will be spent on figuring out where to eat and which break you plan to shred up in the morning.
Danger no swimming sign on Gold Coast beach, watch flags for ALL warnings
Hazards & Health
On the Gold Coast of Australia you will not see the health hazards that you will encounter in some of our surf travel destinations as far as your food and drinking water are concerned. The water is just fine to drink and the Gold Coast is home to some of the restaurants that go hand in hand with the best restaurants in the world. One hazard worth mentioning is the sometimes dangerous rip current. Rip currents can and have been known to drag even the most competent swimmer out to sea. You should always try to enter the water in between the red and yellow flags. These are the areas that are patrolled by the lifeguards. If you happen to get caught in a rip current DO NOT FIGHT IT! You have two options:
#1 swim parallel to the shore line until you are clear of the rip current and then swim calmly to solid ground.
- or
#2 allow the rip to carry you out to sea and then swim parallel to the shoreline PAST the boundary of the rip current and then continue to swim in to the shore. If you get too tired just conserve your energy by treading water and waving one hand in the air until somebody sees you. To be absolutely sure the help is on the way, continue waving your hand as your intoxicated buddy on the beach may think that you’re just saying hello instead of actually drowning.
For some added caution it is never a bad idea to speak to the lifeguards before entering the water. It is their job to be fully aware of any potential current health and water hazards that may be of concern to you.
Aerial view of Great Barrier Reef, located off the northeastern coast of Australia -the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world
Airports
The Gold Coast or Coolangatta airport offer both domestic and international flight services. This is a full service airport offering all of the amenities that you will find at any of the other large scale airports.
Tel: +617 5589 1100
E-mail info @: gcal.com.au
Level 1 Airport Central
1 Eastern Avenue
Bilinga, QLD 4225
Another one of Australia's natural wonders...
Stop By and See
The Gold Coast of Australia is full of life and overflowing with activity. There truly is so much to see and do in and around this gorgeous city. For your convenience we have listed just a few of the activities that tourists and locals alike are raving about.
If the surf is flat and you’re still looking to get wet, then we have a few options for you to choose from. You can always hit one of the thousand plus bars on the Gold Coast (we’ve never actually counted, we lose count usually around 4 or 5) or you can stop by and see White Water World. White Water World is one of Australia’s newest and biggest water parks with awesome attractions ranging from the most extreme rides to family friendly waterslides suitable for toddlers. This facility is definitely state of the art, and if you know anything about Australians you already know they don’t play when it comes to water sports.
Sea World +61 7 5588 2222 Sea World is an amazing place offering spectacular underwater exhibits, rides and shows. They even have a Sesame Street attraction for the kiddies!
There are also endless amount of attractions where you can stay dry for all you land lovers and you will have no problem finding them either. One of the many beauty’s of the Gold Coast is the shear amount of exciting activities to choose from.
Find a nice place to dine, witness the spectacular sunsets on the Gold Coast
Good Eats, Restaurant’s & Pubs
Whatever they do on the Gold Coast they do it big and they do it well. The restaurants and pubs are no exception to the rule. The Gold Coast is home to more than a few world-class restaurants, stylish bars and last but not least, good old fashioned pubs. Once again you will not have any problem with finding a handful of venues that suit your particular taste. So eat drink and be merry!
Sage Restaurant - An exquisite venue with a menu to match. They are located at 5/20 Queensland Avenue Broadbeach, QLD 4218. Tel: (07) 5538 9938
Yellow Fin Restaurant- The Yellow Fin’s menu places an emphasis on seafood and a great emphasis it is. Located at 6/20 Queensland Ave. Broadbeach, QLD 4218 – Tel: (07) 5504 5335
Dracula’s- Dracula offers a crazy dinner package with a show – it’s wild! They also have some cool options catering to the little ones. Give them a call or check out the website for more details. Their location is 1 Hooker Boulevard in Broadbeach. Tel: (07) 5575 1000
Hard Rock Café- Always decent food and cool scenery. The restaurant is located on the corner of Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Boulevard in Surfers Paradise. Tel: (07) 5539 9377
Alto Cucina Bar- Alto Cucina Bar serves up excellent modern Italian cuisine with a wine and drink menu to match. They are located at the Oasis, Victoria Avenue in Broadbeach. Tel: (07) 5539 0377
Beer Thai Garden- They serve up good Thai food and your standard pub fare. They also have some exotic beers that you won’t find many other places. The Beer Thai Garden is located at 2765 Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach. Tel: (07) 5538 0110
Bravo Pizza, Pasta & B.B.Q Ribs- The name pretty much says it all. Do the math and you don’t need a calculator to figure it out. Seriously though the foods tasty and also is a good value. They are located at the corner of Trickett Street and Surfers Paradise Boulevard in Surfers Paradise. Tel: (07) 5538 3998
Moo Moo Wine Bar & Grill- Here you will find some fabulous dishes served up by some of the areas top chef’s specializing in modern Australian cuisine. Moo Moo’s won the Gold Coast prestigious restaurant of the year award in 2007 and best steak house of the year in 2008. MMMM good! Tel: (07) 5539 9952
Landsdowne Road Bar - A good old fashioned pub located at the Chevro Renaissance in Surfers Paradise. Tel: (07) 5531 5599
Looking for pal to dine with? Sol will make himself readily available, his schedule is usually open
Another fine traditional Italian food venue that is definitely worth checking out. They are located at 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach on the park. Tel: (07) 5539 9600
Total Travel
D’Arcy Arms Restaurant & Bar – A restaurant, bar and a nice little motel with old Irish flair located in the heart of Surfers Paradise located at 2923 Gold Coast Highway in Surfers Paradise. Tel: (07) 5592 0882
Montezuma’s & the Aztec Mexican Restaurants- Three different locations. Good food at reasonable prices.
The Aztec Broadbeach – Tel: (07) 5538 8477
Montezuma Surfers Paradise- (07) 5538 4748
The Aztec Coolangatta- (07) 5599 2748
O’Reillys Canungra Valley Vineyards-
O’Reillys is an award winning winery that offers different picnic and dining options located in Lamington National Park in Canungra. Give them a call and definitely ask about the picnic set up if you’re with the family or you’re a single dude looking to woo your new date. Tel: (07) 5543 4011
Pancakes in Paradise – Aussie Travel
Three separate locations that are absolutely family friendly restaurants. They even offer takeout for the kiddies.
Fantastic value and they are located on the beach. If you’re on the vacation with the family and need an excuse to watch the game this is the perfect spot. Family friendly, located on the beach and they have Flat screen T.V’s. What more can you ask for? Tel: (07) 5531 5666
Temple Restaurant & Lounge Bar-
Temple is a hot bar, an even hotter restaurant and a scorching hot sizzling lounge. They are located on the river front of Cahill Avenue in Surfers Paradise. Tel: (07) 5527 5000
Surf Shops & Surf Schools
On the Gold Coast of Australia in or around Surfers Paradise the name says it all. As far as anything surfing is concerned, you will have no problem finding it no matter what you’re looking for. Surf shops and surf schools are everywhere so seek and thou shall find my friend.
Just to give you a heads up, the Pelicans have been known to laugh in your face when you wipeout. Don't take it personal.
Surf Shops
Located at 2438 Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach. Tel: (07) 5572 9866
Billabong - Kortum Drive, Burleigh Heads – Tel: (07) 5589 9880
Every surf shop listed here, check out Burleigh Barrel Surf Center: 2/211 Gold Coast Highway in Nobby Beach – Tel: (07) 5572 6077
Coolangatta Surf: 82 Griffith Street in Coolangatta – Tel: (07) 5536 1239 (site unavailable)
Double Keg Surf Shop: Shop 3/8690 Musgrave Street, Kirra Beach – Tel: (07) 5599 3404 (site unavailable)
Surf Schools
Open at 8:30am daily and have a beachfront surf shop. Tel: (mobile phone) 0412 729 747
Surf education, kids surfing, and recreational activity programs.
Godfathers of the Ocean Surf School
You can find them in Burleigh Heads section of Gold Coast Highway. Tel: (07) 5593 5661 – Mobile: +61 410 504 979
Cheyne had won the Billabong Pro in 1989 at Sunset Beach, and is also in the surfing hall of fame. His surf school is located in Surfers Paradise at Lifesaving club. Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade. Tel: 1800 22 surf (7872). Cheyne’s Mobile 0403 080 484
Walkin on Water Surf School & Rental
Located in Greenmount. Telephone their surf line at 0418 780 311 or at their office. Number: (07) 5534 1886
Dolphins were born to rip
Located in Burleigh Heads in Queensland – Tel: (07)5593 6919
Gold Coast Surf Academy (site unavailble)
Located in Broadbeach – Tel: (07) 5526 5245 mobile: 0415 572 775
Burleigh Heads – Tel: +61 (07) 552 01165
Where to Stay
Hotels & Resorts -
Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa – 5star
Really nice resort with all the amenities and the prices to match.
158 Ferny Avenue Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5592 9800
The Holiday Inn is always a good bang for your buck. The hotel is also in close proximity to anything you need.
22 View Avenue – Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: 1888-HOLIDAY
2807 Gold Coast Highway – Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: 1877 227-6963
Clown fish in anemone
Courtyard by Marriott Surfers Paradise
Corner of Surfers Paradise Blvd. & Hanlan St. – Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5579 3499
Good option to explore if you want an apartment for the crew with most of the amenities you would find in a hotel or resort.
37 Peninsular Drive – Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
1 & 2 bedroom apartments – Tel: (07) 5592 0877
Surfers Beachside Holiday Apartments
Another apartment rental with resort-hotel like amenities. 1 & 2 bedroom apartments.
Corner of Vista Street & Garfield Terrace- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia – Tel: (07) 5570 3000
Anemone fish clowning around
Great for kids!
122 Ferny Avenue -Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5579 4444
Gold Coast International Hotel
7 Staghorn Avenue- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5584 1200
The hotel is gorgeous with top notch amenities. 5 star accommodations.
1 Paradise Island- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5531 5600
Really nice place if you have a few extra chips to spare. 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments.
3400 Gold Coast Highway- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5584 6000
Moray eel waiting for a meal
Nightlife After Dark
AWESOME CLUBS, HOT HOT SPOTS, check ‘em all for some great nights out in QLD
11 Surf Parade- Broadbeach, QLD 4218 Australia
Tel: (07) 5538 4123
Coolangatta Sands Bar & Nightclub
3 Griffith Street- Coolangatta, QLD 4225 Australia
Tel: (07) 5536 3066
Definite must see day or night. 360 degree views, highest point in the Gold Coast.
3 Surfers Avenue – Mermaid Beach, QLD 4218 Australia
Tel: (07) 5582 2700 / +61 7 5582 2700
Extremely cool joint! Literally. The entire lounge is made of ice including the glasses. Dress warm!
55 Cavill Avenue- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5527 5571
Nice Menu, great value for the high quality eats. Gorgeous venue also morphs into a nightclub at nightfall.
30-34 Ferny Avenue- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5538 9677
Marine Patrol
Sick nightclub, they also have a bar & restaurant and a gaming facility.
46 Cavill Avenue- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5538 7411
Good spot to indulge in a beverage or two or ten with the locals and tourists alike.
46 Orchid Avenue- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5592 1144
Corner of Charles Avenue & Old Burleigh Road- Broadbeach, QLD 4218
Tel: (07) 5538 4111
26 Orchid Avenue- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5538 7600
Nice Tavern close proximity to the beach!!!
2500 Gold Coast Highway- Mermaid Beach, QLD 4218 Australia
Tel: (07) 5526 6944
Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue via Lane Way- Broadbeach, QLD 4218 – Tel: (07) 5526 9000
Real nice upstairs or downstairs, the entertainment is primo
243 Swanston Sreet, Melbourne +61 3 9663 2916
The Prince Albert (at Conrad Jupiter’s)
If you like your brewsky, then this is your kind of place. They have an extensive beverage selection. 50 different varieties of local and imported beers. CAUTION!!! Try not to try them all at once unless you’re a professional, especially if you’re expecting a big swell in the near future.
Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach Island- Broadbeach, QLD 4218 Australia
Tel: (07) 5592 8100
Loggerhead sea turtles are listed on the endangered species red list in Australia
Wild spot a lot of different musical talent & events. Check ‘em out!
23 Cavill Avenue- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5592 6880
2945 Gold Cost Highway- Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 Australia
Tel: (07) 5538 3762
1640 Gold Coast Highway- Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220 Australia
Tel: (07) 5589 9599
Remember to be sure and check each individual country’s Travel Advisory prior to your trip for more information.
