Sophisticated, sassy and up to the minute, the Gold Coast is Australia’s best beach vacation area. Over 10 million travelers travel to the beaches over each year, pulled with the promise of laidback, luxurious days and extreme, exciting nights.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, the Gold Coast proffers a myriad of things to explore, people to meet and things to do. It isn’t simply another destination – it’s a lifestyle.

Why go to the Gold Coast?
If all-year-round sunshine and warm atmosphere plus above 57 glorious kilometres of coastline aren’t what will to get you dusting off your travel bags right now, let the large share of food and drink options, world class accommodation and never-ending variety of things to do on the Gold Coast give you even more interest. Are we there yet?

The top restaurants and cafes
With above 500 thriving Gold Coast restaurants, the local dining industry is solid proof that eating absolutely is one of life’s top pleasures. Some of the world’s top chefs call the Gold Coast home and you will take your fancy from alfresco seafood restaurants with multi-million dollar outlooks and modern, cosmopolitan modern bustling eateries. Or go for relaxed, idealic Gold Coast cafes that prove simple things – great service, high quality food and amazing atmosphere – really are the best.

Exciting things to do
The wide, wonderful and colourful landscape – picture lush green rainforest, hinterland and mountains; expansive beaches, great blue ocean waters and the sunny Surfers Paradise skyline – that makes up the Gold Coast is a practical ‘grown-up’s’ playground. Things to do may be surfing, fishing, sailing, water sports, golf, theme parks, film studios, action and adventure – why not look at the unbelievable scenery from helicopter, seaplane, luxury cruiser or even a hot air balloon? Anything and everything can be here on the Gold Coast.

A wide variety of hotels and accommodation
When it’s time to set down your weary head, you can know you’re not dreaming – your new home away from home awaits. The plethora of Gold Coast hotels available for you give deals to fit all kinds of travelers, whether you desire five-star waterfront glamour, a unique boutique retreat or a luxurious resort set on the pristine grounds of a golf course.

International shopping scene
With a reputed shopping circuit that proffers your wish of large shopping centres, stunning open-air piazzas and funfilled shopping strips by the coastline, they have tonnes of reasons to bring on the plastic and come home laden with shopping bags! From the sophisticated fashion boutiques – with international and Australian flair – to hip homewares stores, whatever it is that you fancy, you’ll find it on the Gold Coast.

World-class day spas and retreats
Taking a time off on the Gold Coast is finally indulging in that necessary ‘me-time’ and there’s no better way to totally relax than calling yourself in for a relaxing beauty therapy session at one of the unbeatable Gold Coast day spas. Whether it’s a therapeutic massage, a radiance-boosting facial, or an all-day pamper package with a nutritious and restaurant style meal deal, the Gold Coast personal health spas offers a package for all requirements.

Large international events and unique local festivals
Part of the never-ending attraction of the Gold Coast is found in in the regular draw of huge international events and tonnes of local events that take to the stage. On any given day on the Gold Coast, you could be finding yourself by open-air concerts, international sporting events and professional surfing tournaments plus music, art, food and film festivals alike. No arena is forgotten on the Gold Coast, gracing you ever more excitement to drop by!

Thinking about holidaying on the Gold Coast? If so, visit the Gold Coast Guide for a review of Gold Coast attractions including things to do, things to see and tips on how to find a great restaurant; Gold Coast restaurants offers some of the best food in Australia.