Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise
Inspiration

It’s hard to narrow down your holiday wishlist when there’s such a tempting array of locations, experiences and activities on offer. Here’s some info and inspo from those in the know.

New & Now

@PLAY Campaign Hero
Gold Coast: The Best Destination to Escape & Unwind
We’re all for the kind of holiday fun that gets your heart racing, but as a destination that’s famous for its laidback energy, we're really good at switching off, slowing down and easing into a blissful state where the vibes are set to super chill. Come unwind and let the Gold Coast get to work on l
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whale watching
Where Whales Come And Play
Our seaside city is one of the best places in Australia to hang out with the humpbacks. The Gold Coast Highway runs parallel to another highway, but it’s not one you can drive. To travel this popular and picturesque route, you’re going to need either a boat or fins and powerful flukes. It’s the Hump
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Family Friendly Guide to the Gold Coast Hinterland
If you want to teach your kids to appreciate nature, take them to the Gold Coast Hinterland. In this magical place curious creatures shelter in ancient rainforests and exotic bird calls echo through the canopy. It’s a natural play ground where the kids can dip in waterfalls, slide into swimming hole
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Thrill Seekers Guide To The Gold Coast Your Action-Packed Adventure Awaits
Thrill Seekers Guide To The Gold Coast: Your Action-Packed Adventure Awaits
Do you like to sightsee at a leisurely pace? Or would you rather go fast, get amongst it and immerse yourself in energetic experiences that get your heart pumping and the endorphins flowing? If you’re the type who likes to take it to extremes, we’ve put together a hit list of action-packed adventure
Read more
@PLAY Campaign Assets
Itinerary: Boy's Weekend on the Gold Coast
Gentlemen! It's time to stop talking about that boy's trip and book it. No need to debate the destination - the Gold Coast is the obvious choice as the place to gather the lads. There's enough action-packed pursuits to keep you entertained for days, alongside a thriving nightlife and dining scene, a
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@PLAY Campaign Assets
Itinerary: Girls' Weekend on the Gold Coast
Set against a backdrop of golden beaches, sweeping cityscapes and with an unmatched offering of eateries, shopping precincts, natural beauty and exciting places to play, there's nowhere better to indulge in the ultimate girls weekend, than the Gold Coast. Squeezing in as much of the good stuff as po
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@PLAY Campaign Assets
Itinerary: Going Solo on the Gold Coast
Travelling solo is the ultimate freedom. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want at your own pace, without having to accommodate anyone else's schedule or preferences. There's no shortage of incredible solo adventures and unique experiences to be had on the Gold Coast. And since we were rece
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@PLAY Campaign Assets
Itinerary: The Ultimate Gold Coast Couple's Escape
Sure, Paris is pretty romantic but if you're loved up and looking for a dreamy destination where the chemistry is sure to spark, then you can't go past the Gold Coast. Feel the love with beachside sunsets, pretty picnic locations and different date ideas that encourage playfulness, affection and con
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Summer Events on the Gold Coast
With 2023 underway and summer in full swing, it's the perfect time of year to get amongst all that's happening on the Gold Coast. Pop these events on your social calendar and get the year off to a cracking start. Catch some sizzling turf and surf sports action, join the crowd at a waterfront music f
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Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club
The Ultimate Summer Holiday Hit List For Families
Ready to make the most of summer hols on the Gold Coast? Here's our hit list of all the best places for kids to swim, eat and play that parents will love too. From toddlers to teens, here's how keep the whole family having a ball all holiday long. Swim at Gold Coast's Best Family Friendly Beaches Fr
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8 New Gold Coast Venues to Hit Up This Summer
Summer in Queensland is undoubtedly the best time of year. The sun is shining, the drinks are flowing, the vibes are high and everyone is about to hit wind down mode. Which means it’s also the perfect time to check out all the new Gold Coast venues that have popped up over the last few months. And l
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New & Now
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Eat & Drink

The Tropic
Local Flavour: Gold Coast’s 23 Hatted Restaurants
The Gold Coast is getting a reputation as a foodie destination and with an impressive 23 hatted restaurants scattered across the city, it’s no surprise.  If you’re wondering why a restaurant would be wearing a hat, let us explain… It’s a rating system used by the Australian Good Food Guide which con
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Dust Temple
8 Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants on the Gold Coast
Eating clean, green and plant-based food on the Gold Coast is easy as vegetable pie. With a slew of vegan and vegetarian restaurants serving up everything from delectable Asian dishes to nutritious super salads and incredible vegan baked goods, our plant-based friends will be very well fed. Here are
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Bazaar Restaurant in QT Hotel
The Best Buffets on the Gold Coast
Hooray for the buffet! There’s something special about stepping out with friends and family to enjoy a decadent all-you-can-eat feast. The Gold Coast has plenty of buffet offerings if you're seeking delicious dishes in a sophisticated setting. Check out our favourite venues to experience endless gra
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Discover Gold Coast's Best Hidden Bars
While we've got our fair share of iconic restaurants and venues on the Gold Coast, there are those who prefer more secluded and lesser known locations to enjoy a drink. Step off the main street, venture down an alleyway and text a number to gain entry to Gold Coast's hidden bar scene. Scratch the su
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Where To Buy The Best And Freshest Seafood On The Gold Coast
Where To Buy The Best And Freshest Seafood On The Gold Coast
For foodies, theres one glaring advantage to our coastal location - fresh and succulent seafood straight from the ocean. Here are some locally loved providers of prawns, bugs, crabs and delicious fish, as fresh as you can get.  GOLD COAST FISHERMEN'S CO-OP For the freshest seafood look no further th
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Edgewater Dining & Lounge
Creekside Dining on the Gold Coast
Mouth-watering meals devoured to the sound of waves crashing on to the shore? That's world-famous Gold Coast dining for you. But if it's a local's life you're keen to explore, epic spreads are also found alongside our scenic creeks, lakes, lagoons, and rivers. From Tallebudgera Creek’s flaky Portugu
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Bam Bam Bakehouse
10 of The Best Gold Coast Bakeries
The rise of Gold Coast Bakeries continues with irresistible freshly baked aromas swirling throughout suburbs from our northernmost reaches of Sanctuary Cove through to the southern sweep of Coolangatta. And the only way to silence the tummy grumbles is to join in the feast by devouring bespoke bread
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Husk Distillers
The Best Gold Coast Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
Love to sample a local drop? Then we've got good news. The Gold Coast is home to an impressive number of highly regarded producers of craft beer, boutique spirits and award-winning wines. Whether your drink of choice is a liquor or a lager, vino or a vodka cocktail, you'll probably need to try a few
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Fine Dining On The Gold Coast
Fine Dining On The Gold Coast
Boasting award-winning dishes and five-star service, the Gold Coast's fine dining food scene is serving up some quality cuisine. From Italian and Pan Asian eats to modern Australian, there's something for every craving. So, if you're looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or you just
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A Guide to Gold Coast Surf Clubs
A Guide to Gold Coast Surf Clubs
Gold Coast surf clubs are the quintessential Queensland experience – an absolute must if you love seaside dining (and drinking), uninterrupted ocean views and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere. We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to surf clubs, with one in almost every beachside suburb along th
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11 Top Spots For High Tea On The Gold Coast
11 Top Spots For High Tea On The Gold Coast
If you fancy fine china and sweet treats, then it’s time to taste the sweeter side of life with a high tea on the Gold Coast. From dreamy valley cafes to sophisticated coastal venues, there are plenty of places to indulge in delicious delicacies, pretty pastries and tiny, tasty sandwiches. While it’
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Eat & Drink
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Local Guides

DGC Brand Photos 2022 - Kirra
4 of the Best Kid-Friendly Beaches on the Gold Coast
A family holiday to the Gold Coast means beach time! With 52 kilometers of golden sand and sparkling water to choose from, you could probably use a few pointers. From the calm, clear waters of our estuaries and creeks, to sandy shores and sheltered bays, here are some of the Gold Coast’s best kid-fr
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The Best Destination For Family Fun
If playful was a place, it would be the Gold Coast. It's a destination loved equally by parents and kids alike and with such a huge variety of things to do and places to visit, we reckon it's the best spot in Australia for family fun. In this flexible itinerary you'll find awesome activities for tod
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Get Lost in Gold Coast’s Natural Wonders, Waves & Wilderness
The Gold Coast gives you all the benefits of a big city like incredible dining, a buzzing culture scene and thriving nightlife. But part of our city's unique appeal is its proximity to pristine wilderness and natural beauty. This itinerary covers coastal and hinterland locations where you can immers
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ATPLAY23-DGC-18
72 Hours In The Gold Coast Hinterland
Getting out and about and exploring the great outdoors isn't just good for the soul but it's been proven to aid both mental and physical health. Graced with beautiful weather year-round, there's no better place to immerse yourself in the great outdoors than on the Gold Coast. From wineries and retre
Read more
Where To Buy The Best And Freshest Seafood On The Gold Coast
Where To Buy The Best And Freshest Seafood On The Gold Coast
For foodies, theres one glaring advantage to our coastal location - fresh and succulent seafood straight from the ocean. Here are some locally loved providers of prawns, bugs, crabs and delicious fish, as fresh as you can get.  GOLD COAST FISHERMEN'S CO-OP For the freshest seafood look no further th
Read more
Sailing in Paradise
12 Epic Gold Coast Experiences You Need To Try
Want some inspiration on all the wonderful ways you can enjoy the Gold Coast? These epic experiences will show you different sides to our city.. and they're all awesome. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, entertainment, exploration, nature, culture, amazing accommodation or the perfec
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@PLAY Campaign Assets
Luxury Lover's Guide to the Gold Coast
For those who love the finer things in life the Gold Coast delivers a decadent array of luxury accommodation, fine dining and 5-star experiences, from exclusive rooftop pool clubs and lavish hotels to heavenly hinterland escapes and extravagant entertainment. We've reserved a poolside cabana for you
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Six Hidden Swimming Holes and Rock Pools on the Gold Coast
Yes, the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches are a top spot for a swim, but did you know the stunning South Eastern pocket is also home to many hidden freshwater swimming holes? Tucked away in the Hinterland, deep in sub-tropical rainforest, these natural rock pools are much-loved by locals and now you'r
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What To Do When Its Raining On The Gold Coast
What To Do When It’s Raining On The Gold Coast
There are 300 days of glorious sunshine on the Gold Coast each year. As for the other 65 days? Well, there’s no guarantee of perfect beach weather. But fear not… if the forecast is looking unfavourable during your stay there are still plenty of wet weather activities to keep you entertained rain, ha
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Currumbin Beach
Local Love - More Ways to Play For Gold Coasters
How good is living on the Gold Coast? Not only do locals enjoy endless options for entertainment, nature-based activities, fine dining and some of the world's best beaches, but there are always new and exciting experiences popping up for us to explore. This month, there are plenty more ways for loca
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Surfers Paradise
Your Guide to Surfing the Gold Coast
The name of our central suburb sums it up. The fabled point breaks and consistent beach breaks of the Gold Coast are nothing short of a surfer's paradise. Our hallowed stretch of coastline has been attracting board riders from across the globe for decades. This wave-drenched destination was awarded
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Local Guides
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Must Do

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5 Great Reasons to Visit the Gold Coast in Winter
Looking for the perfect winter holiday? You’ve found it! The Gold Coast is gorgeous year round and winter offers a different experience of our beautiful seaside city. The humidity that makes summer heat hard to bare is replaced with crisp air, glorious sunshine and bluebird skies - perfect weather f
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Skypoint Observation Deck
Only On the Gold Coast
It’s no surprise that the Gold Coast is a multi-award-winning destination. We're one of a kind! Our stunning city boasts an impressive array of unique, family friendly experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else. From the some of oldest rainforests in the world, to the fastest roller coaster in
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Get Wet Surf School
Gold Coast Kids Bucket List
Kids don’t really get to decide where the family goes on holiday but if they did, they’d choose the Gold Coast in an instant. Luckily, parents are also partial to a family getaway where everyone’s happy and having an absolute ball. So bring the kids and cross off some epic bucket list experiences in
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Top Tips For Visiting Theme Parks With Younger Kids
Wondering whether you can take your toddler to Warner Bros Movie World? The answer is yes! Gold Coast theme parks are famous for high speed thrill rides, but young families visit for a very different experience. Little kids will love presentations and performances by their favourite characters, inte
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Get Your Thrill, Chill & Fill on the Gold Coast
It's a common problem when you get to the Gold Coast... what to do first? Launch straight into the action, ease into it with a more relaxed approach... or find somewhere to satisfy your hunger? We've broken it down for you, suburb by suburb, where to get your thrill, chill and fill. Southport Thrill
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Gold Coast Events Guide
If the Gold Coast is on your holiday wish list, then it makes sense to plan your stay around some of the incredible annual events that bring this city to life. Whether you're a lover of live music, a cultural connoisseur, or a passionate sports fan, you'll find something on the Gold Coast's annual e
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Thrill Seekers Guide To The Gold Coast Your Action-Packed Adventure Awaits
Thrill Seekers Guide To The Gold Coast: Your Action-Packed Adventure Awaits
Do you like to sightsee at a leisurely pace? Or would you rather go fast, get amongst it and immerse yourself in energetic experiences that get your heart pumping and the endorphins flowing? If you’re the type who likes to take it to extremes, we’ve put together a hit list of action-packed adventure
Read more
PTDA active adventures.jpg
Let’s Go! Active Adventures For Your Gold Coast Holiday
If you're looking for action and adventure, you've come to the right place. The Gold Coast is a destination that delivers on diverse experiences with wide open spaces and wilderness, world-class attractions and breathtaking natural beauty alongside, fine dining, cool culture, sophisticated shopping
Read more
@PLAY Campaign Assets
Two Days to Explore Gold Coast Art & Culture
Colourful and creative, loud and lively, the Gold Coast arts and culture scene is exploding with new talent, vibrant venues and a supportive environment for the arts. When it comes to music, design, fashion, performing arts, sculpture and more, our homegrown talent is turning heads and gaining our c
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Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
Gold Coast's Absolute Beachfront Accommodation
From luxury hotels to seaside caravan parks, the Gold Coast has a wide variety of beachfront accommodation, which means you can completely immerse yourself in our coastal lifestyle. Stunning sunrises, waterfront dining, beach walks, salty swims and sea breezes become part of your daily routine. And
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O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
25 Great Gold Coast Dates
It's ridiculously easy to plan a great date on the Gold Coast - this city sure knows how to turn on the charm. Whether it's your first date or your fifteenth wedding anniversary, there's a wide range of romantic activities and locations where you can impress that special someone. We've come up with
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Must Do
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Plan

RS PC Brand Lifestyle Fam Bam PRINT94.jpg
What's On For Kids: Easter Holidays on the Gold Coast
Easter holidays on the Gold Coast are set to be a brilliant time for families with an egg-ceptional array of fun activities to keep the kids entertained. Budding nature lovers can learn about their local environment or become wildlife carers for a day, and little creatives will love expressing thems
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Thrill Seekers Guide To The Gold Coast Your Action-Packed Adventure Awaits
Thrill Seekers Guide To The Gold Coast: Your Action-Packed Adventure Awaits
Do you like to sightsee at a leisurely pace? Or would you rather go fast, get amongst it and immerse yourself in energetic experiences that get your heart pumping and the endorphins flowing? If you’re the type who likes to take it to extremes, we’ve put together a hit list of action-packed adventure
Read more
PTDA active adventures.jpg
Let’s Go! Active Adventures For Your Gold Coast Holiday
If you're looking for action and adventure, you've come to the right place. The Gold Coast is a destination that delivers on diverse experiences with wide open spaces and wilderness, world-class attractions and breathtaking natural beauty alongside, fine dining, cool culture, sophisticated shopping
Read more
@PLAY Campaign Assets
Itinerary: Girls' Weekend on the Gold Coast
Set against a backdrop of golden beaches, sweeping cityscapes and with an unmatched offering of eateries, shopping precincts, natural beauty and exciting places to play, there's nowhere better to indulge in the ultimate girls weekend, than the Gold Coast. Squeezing in as much of the good stuff as po
Read more
@PLAY Campaign Assets
Itinerary: Going Solo on the Gold Coast
Travelling solo is the ultimate freedom. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want at your own pace, without having to accommodate anyone else's schedule or preferences. There's no shortage of incredible solo adventures and unique experiences to be had on the Gold Coast. And since we were rece
Read more
@PLAY Campaign Assets
Itinerary: The Ultimate Gold Coast Couple's Escape
Sure, Paris is pretty romantic but if you're loved up and looking for a dreamy destination where the chemistry is sure to spark, then you can't go past the Gold Coast. Feel the love with beachside sunsets, pretty picnic locations and different date ideas that encourage playfulness, affection and con
Read more
@PLAY Campaign Assets
Two Days to Explore Gold Coast Art & Culture
Colourful and creative, loud and lively, the Gold Coast arts and culture scene is exploding with new talent, vibrant venues and a supportive environment for the arts. When it comes to music, design, fashion, performing arts, sculpture and more, our homegrown talent is turning heads and gaining our c
Read more
ATPLAY23-DGC-18
72 Hours In The Gold Coast Hinterland
Getting out and about and exploring the great outdoors isn't just good for the soul but it's been proven to aid both mental and physical health. Graced with beautiful weather year-round, there's no better place to immerse yourself in the great outdoors than on the Gold Coast. From wineries and retre
Read more
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Festive Fun For Your Christmas Calendar in 2022
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…and with all the fun and festivity that comes with the season, there’s even more sparkle being added to the Gold Coast. So if you want to know about all things festive happening around town, from Christmas themed mini-golf to merry Christmas markets, read
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The Island Rooftop Bar
Celebrate New Year's Eve 2022 on the Gold Coast
Say goodbye to the year that was and bring in 2023 in ultimate Gold Coast style, with an epic array of New Year’s events to choose from. From glamorous rooftop soirées to bespoke beachfront gatherings and long table feasts, there’s something to tempt everybody’s taste and budget. Put on your party s
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Where to Get Your Santa Photos on the Gold Coast
It's an annual tradition that little people (and their parents!) love. Santa has arrived early this year to sprinkle his own signature brand of magical merriment throughout Gold Coast shopping centres. Get in quick - he needs to get back to the North Pole to prep for his big delivery day. Here’s whe
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. 
 
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland. 

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