2025 Gold Coast Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

Parents, don't miss out on a family trip to Australia! Get up close and personal with native animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the sun and waves at Rainbow Bay and Byron Bay. Save this 5-day itinerary now! -- Australia, a land of history and unique landscapes! 🏞️ From the spectacular Sydney Opera House to the mysterious Great Barrier Reef, every corner is a sight to behold. 🌊 Immerse yourself in the rich local culture and explore this magical land! -- 🎉 Itinerary: DAY 1️⃣: Mount Coot-tha - South Bank Parklands - Story Bridge - Brisbane City Hall Enjoy the views from Mount Coot-tha, visit South Bank Parklands to experience nature, stroll across Story Bridge to hear its stories, and finally visit Brisbane City Hall to learn about local politics and culture. DAY 2️⃣: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Danger Point Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to get up close and personal with adorable animals, then head to Danger Point to experience the thrilling and interesting natural scenery. DAY 3️⃣: Free time on the Gold Coast Enjoy free time on the Gold Coast, soak up the sun and sand, and explore the endless fun of this charming coastal area. DAY 4️⃣: Free time on the Gold Coast Continue your stay on the Gold Coast, where you can choose to surf, dive, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy a leisurely vacation. DAY 5️⃣: Byron Bay - Main Beach - Cape Byron Lighthouse Head to Byron Bay to experience the unique coastal atmosphere, stroll along Main Beach to enjoy the beautiful sea views, and finally climb Cape Byron Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the bay. -- 🎒 Travel Essentials: Australia Travel Checklist 🌏 📞 Bring a SIM card for easy communication and to avoid the hassle of losing contact. 🔌 Don't forget a plug adapter, as Australian sockets are different. 📜 Make sure you have your passport and visa ready for a hassle-free entry and exit. 👕 In December, pack warm clothes for the Australian summer in the Southern Hemisphere. 🔋 Bring a charger and power bank to keep your phone charged at all times. 🕶️ Sunglasses and sunscreen to enjoy the summer sun. 💳 Bring both credit cards and cash for convenient shopping and dining. -- That's it for your trip to Australia. We look forward to your next adventure and discovering more of Australia's unique charm!

💖 I previously shared my travel, attractions, and food experiences in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Australia. Today, I want to recommend some accommodations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Feel free to check them out if you're interested. 😎 Six amazing star-rated hotels: 🏨 Palazzo Versace Gold Coast. Located on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast. This place is the epitome of luxury, with its architectural style and interior details exuding elegance and fashion. 🏨 Hilton Surfers Paradise. Situated in the Surfers Paradise area of the Gold Coast. Its prime location allows you to easily stroll to the beach and nearby bustling commercial areas. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with complete facilities, and there's a rooftop pool offering stunning sea views. 🏨 Marriott Surfers Paradise. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. A combination of modern design and top-notch service, with beautifully decorated and cozy rooms. 🏨 Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast. Situated on Seaworld Drive, Gold Coast. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and featuring a private beach, it's a paradise for vacationers. The rooms are spacious and bright, with unbeatable sea views. The hotel's spa is fantastic. 🏨 Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. Located in the Broadbeach area of the Gold Coast. A hotel filled with French romance and elegance. The rooms are cozy, and the hotel's restaurant offers delicious French cuisine. 🏨 Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise. Located near Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. The hotel offers complete facilities and attentive service. The rooms are comfortable and pleasant, with plenty of entertainment options nearby.

It was a trip to Gold Coast, Australia. Just to share some of my favourite places during the trip. My most favorite place is definitely the Surfers Paradise Beach 🏖️ Surfers Paradise has been a major tourist destination since the 1920s, growing into a vibrant suburb known for its nightlife and shopping. The beach itself is famous for its golden sands and consistent surf breaks. The view was amazing especially during the evening 🌇 📍Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast QLD 4217. We also explored the Burleigh Head National Park. This park is an ancient volcanic headland, offering stunning views and rich indigenous history. The area is also known for its surf breaks and the surrounding nature trails. Is you have spare time, this park definitely somewhere that you wouldn’t want to miss 🥰 📍 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220. We also visited the Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck. The Q1 building, completed in 2005, was once the tallest residential tower in the world. The observation deck on the 77th floor provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the Gold Coast. The view was stunning! My friends and I love it so much and this is definitely one of our favorite places in Gold Coast. 📍9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. We also went to Sea World which was opened in 1971. Sea World is a marine mammal park and oceanarium, offering educational shows and exhibits. It’s one of the oldest and most popular attractions on the Gold Coast. If you’re traveling with kids, they gonna love this place so much. 📍 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217. We also walked around the Lamington National Park. it was Established in 1915, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is home to ancient rainforests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. We spent some times to walk around the park, the air was very fresh and we really enjoy our morning walking around park 💯💯💯 📍 Binna Burra QLD 4211. Aside from all the places, I would also recommend you to try Social Eating House + Bar. They served modern Australian with a focus on shared plates. We tried out their signature Broadbeach QLD 4218. Slow-roasted lamb shoulder and their signature tapas plates which was very delicious 🙌 💰 AUD 50-120 per person, depending on your choice of dishes and drinks. #australiatrip #vacation #trip

#100 Ways to Travel I came to the Gold Coast by accident. It is about 1.5 hours away from the city of Brisbane. When I came here, I could clearly feel the different life style from the city. There is also a beautiful Chinese community here, which is a great place for a long stay!

Emerald Lakes Village boasts the beautiful scenery of the calm lake, surrounded by multiple European inspired establishments such as restaurants, cafes, villas, and apartments that are photoworthy. This place made us feel like we travelled somewhere in Europe.🏞🌍 Although the weather wasn't that great, we were able to take beautiful photos and enjoy the walk around the place. The only issue is that some part of the bridge is covered with bird droppings. Nevertheless, It is very quiet and peaceful here. 💕 This place is approximately a 25-minute drive from Marina Mirage. #localguides #familytrip #goldcoast #australia #queensland

This quaint little cafe nestled in the middle of a residential neighbourhood was the perfect place to have a quiet lunch. Although it took a bit of walking to get to (under the scorching afternoon sun, no less), we were rewarded with a nice view of the river that ran parallel to the road the cafe was on! I really liked the ambience of the cafe, despite the largely white-coloured interior and the seemingly haphazard way they arranged the photos and frames on the walls. The cafe exuded a familiar, inviting, homey vibe, pretty much like walking into a friend’s house that you’ve been to for the hundredth time. The staff were pleasant too and were welcoming in their demeanour (: The food was quite decent! It was yummy and reasonably priced, plus the service was good. Other than the slight inaccessibility of the cafe by public transport, I remember my experience here to be a comforting and relaxing one, like chicken noodle soup on a cold day. My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #tripmoments #cafe #australiancuisine #surfersparadise #goldcoast #australia

Our Ocean View Apartment was located on a staggeringly high floor with an insanely spectacular view! The room was a good size and generally clean, although one could see the wear and tear in various parts of the space. I didn’t fancy the fact that certain items and areas looked heavily used, but that’s just me nitpicking. Washing machine and dryer were available too. Some reviewers mentioned difficulty sleeping due to the whistling sounds made by the strong winds. I heard these sounds ocassionally when the windows weren’t closed tightly enough and while waiting in the lift lobby, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, probably because our window seals were fine and our room was located further away from the lifts. The highlight of this experience was, without a doubt, the breath-taking ocean view (: Coupled with a nicely furnished room and warm greetings of “hi, how are you?” and “have a good day!” from the staff, this place was really something special. My gut tells me I can’t give this a full 5-star rating because some areas in the room could still use more tender-loving care (eg. water stains on windows, dirt and dust in crevices, worn carpets) but in all fairness, I must say that the experience here was one I could genuinely get used to, so much so that I was really reluctant to pack up and leave! My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #tripmoments #resort #surfersparadise #goldcoast #australia

Goldcoast Helitours located at Marina Cove, Goldcoast, Australia. An aerial view of Goldcoast. Operate by professional pilot. The pilot is quite informative explaining the area. Great experience. Staff were friendly. Brief all the safety guidelines. We took flight time 15 mins for SGD$99. There’s option to choose: 10 mins for marina cove and seaworld area, 15 mins for marina cove + seaworld area and surfer paradise, 20 mins for entire goldcoast area (lol, the 15 mins seems like the entire Goldcoast to me, not sure of the 20 mins.) Hint: Take picture or video as many as possible!!! #helitours #goldcoast #australia #helicopter

Hilton Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast . Breathtaking views with good and affordable room service menu, very convenient location where u can walk to everything. Friendly staff with great facilities, very clean room with everything that your need . I stayed in the ocean view with 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom , perfect for family staying. Highly recommended👍🏻. #smelltheroses#beautifulhotel

#unforgettableexperiences hiking in Lamington National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland 🍃 🥾 #travelinspiration#scenicspotguide#couplestrip

Gold Coast, Australia. I love the sun, sea and beach here. Plus the scenery is very good as well. It'll be great to return in the summer 🌞🌞🌞🌞 #tripaway

#tripaway Gold Coast Sky 100 Tower viewpiont #tripaway

Dreamworld is the largest theme park in Australia. It not only has a variety of rides and activities, but also performances and a wildlife park. You can even hug koalas! #Overseas Travel #goldcoast #dream world #Overseas Travel

#awesomepic #goldcoast #springbreak trip with the boys

#awesomepic 🏄🏼‍♂️ The Gold Coast is made up of dozens of large and small beaches, of which Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach are the three most famous beaches. In fact, the three major beaches are connected together and the beach scenery is exactly the same, the difference is the corresponding coastal city scenery and facilities. Surfers Paradise, known as Miami in the Southern Hemisphere, is a major gathering place for tourists. There are many food shopping streets, malls, DFS, bars, etc. on the beach. Leisure and entertainment usually last until midnight, and it is also a pilgrimage site for surfers around the world. . In comparison, Broad Beach and Main Beach are quieter, and the wide sandy beaches are perfect for spreading and sunbathing. #awesomepic

If you love roller coaster rides definitely visit here! The rides are amazing and even just wandering around the sets provide a cool atmosphere. As with most theme parks be prepared for lines and waits and it is definitely worth paying a little extra for a free refill drink! #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

warner bros is one of few theme parks where they make an effort to make the audience, specially children enjoy and enagage. superman, cat women and other warner heros are wandering around for pictures. great place for a family getaway

Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon Tour: When it comes to hot air balloons, maybe everyone will think of Cappadocia in Turkey. In fact, there are also hot air balloons in Australia to experience, especially on the Gold Coast, how can you miss the romantic hot air balloon trip? 4:00 in the morning, the hot air balloon company will pick us up at the hotel on the Gold Coast. It is said that if the weather is normal, the hot air balloon will take off near the city and enjoy the coastline and city scenery of the Gold Coast. However, this time we took an hour's drive to take off inland, so we only enjoyed the inland landscape. 1 hour flight, in fact, the time is still quite long, very lucky to see the sunrise on the hot air balloon. When it is floating in the sky, it is very quiet and stable. At this time, we will feel that the world is so beautiful. After the flight, there is a hot air balloon flight certificate and celebration champagne to commemorate this unforgettable experience. tips: Hot air balloon flight price: 880/person (excluding breakfast) departure: Gold Coast Time: Morning 4

The Gold Coast Whale Watching Tour May-November is the best season for whale watching in Australia. Thousands of whales migrated along the coastline, from Antarctica to the north to the warm waters of the Australian coast to breed offspring, and return to Antarctic waters in the spring of next year. The Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, is one of Australia's best whale watching locations. I am a half-day tour on Trip, every day from 7 in the morning.

Queensland Travel - Gold Coast Surfers Paradise Beach, as its name suggests, is a paradise for all surfers on the Gold Coast. It is a must-have experience of surfing the Gold Coast. I have been studying for a coach for more than 2 hours in the local area. I remember the coach said this sentence.

Queensland Travel - The Gold Coast Q1 Tower is one of Queensland's most iconic high-rises and one of the best viewing spots on the Gold Coast's infinity coastline. I remember that my friends here have always told me to go up and see that it is up to Q1 to see the essence of the Gold Coast. Sure enough, when I got to the 77th floor, I was shocked by the coastline, and I couldnt see the end at all. I went up at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I stayed at the Sky bar for more than 2 hours. It was great to see the sunset and the night scene. In addition, the price of the sky bar was very close to the people, and I ordered a drink or beer. It is the best vacation on the Gold Coast.

Australians who love surfing, take this as the ideal playground and arena, called "Surfer Paradise." (Surfers Paradise) Every morning at 6 o'clock, the sun just rises from the ocean, the sun shrouds the beach, you can see the young men and women come to Surfers Paradise, start fighting, rushing in the waves, show their own Majestic. In Surfers Paradise, surf competitions and exhibitions are often held, attracting countless visitors.

On the 15th, when the plane arrived at the Gold Coast Airport, it overlooked the magnificent coastline. Unfortunately, the weather was not good, and the US and China were slightly inadequate. So today, I made a special helicopter. The beauty of the Gold Coast is unforgettable. I really want to be rich. People, and then pension here, no wonder so many rich people come to Australia to immigrate. Helicopter tour is very recommended, although expensive, but the scenery is superb, but also expensive within the acceptable range, according to the flight range price is also different, 79 knife 5 minutes, 99 knife 10 minutes, 149 knife 15 minutes The ring range is getting bigger and bigger, the most expensive is 299 knives, and the individual thinks that 99 knives are the most suitable. Ten minutes is enough to appreciate their beauty from the sky. Sit helicopter is very loud, need to bring headphones, generally can sit 6 people, it is best to grab the front row position, or the rear two sides, the viewing angle is good.

Pink sky 💕 It was the most beautiful sky yayyayaayayaayyaayaaya

Wenchang Golden Coast is a hidden gem in Hainan. Without the hustle and bustle of crowds, it offers pure ocean views and gentle coconut breezes, making it the perfect choice for a seaside vacation! 1. Best Time to Visit November to April of the following year is the best time to visit Wenchang Golden Coast. During this period, the climate is pleasant, the sun is not too strong, and the sea water is warm, making it ideal for various sea activities and beach walks. Enjoy a pleasant seaside time. 2. Transportation Guide 1. By Plane: First, arrive at Haikou Meilan International Airport. Meilan Airport is seamlessly connected to the high-speed train station. Take the high-speed train for about 15 minutes to reach Wenchang Station. After exiting the station, take a taxi to Golden Coast, which is about a 30-minute drive. 2. By Car: Starting from Haikou, drive along the Hainan Ring Expressway, exit at Wenchang, and follow the navigation prompts to Golden Coast. The entire journey takes about 1.5 hours. Along the way, you can also enjoy the natural scenery of Hainan, which is free and convenient. 3. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Wyndham Grand Wenchang Gaolong Bay: Located in Gaolong Bay, with the beach right outside the hotel. The hotel has high-end facilities and spacious sea view rooms where you can lie in bed and watch the sea. There are also multiple restaurants offering a variety of cuisines to satisfy different tastes. 2. Hilton Wenchang: Not only does it have a prime sea view, but it is also close to the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site. The hotel has outdoor swimming pools, an indoor heated swimming pool, and a children's play area, making it ideal for family trips. The rooms are elegantly decorated, and the balcony offers panoramic sea views. 4. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Gaolong Bay: The core scenic spot of Golden Coast, with fine and soft sand, clear blue sea water, and swaying coconut trees all around. You can enjoy sunbathing here, as well as experience exciting water activities such as jet skis and banana boats, and feel the passion of the sea. In the evening, stroll along the beach and watch the sunset dye the sky and sea orange-red, a breathtaking sight. 2. Dongjiao Coconut Grove: Not far from Golden Coast, it is the kingdom of coconuts. Here, coconut trees grow into forests, with various coconut postures. You can also taste fresh and sweet coconuts. Shuttle through the coconut grove trails, listening to the sound of the sea breeze and coconut leaves, as if walking into a tropical wonderland. You can take a local fishing boat to watch the coconut grove up close on the sea, which has a special flavor. 5. Featured Cuisine 1. Wenchang Chicken: The first of Hainan's four famous dishes, with yellow and crispy skin, tender meat, and fresh taste. In a local restaurant, order a serving of sliced Wenchang chicken, served with a special dipping sauce. The original flavor of the chicken and the unique flavor of the dipping sauce blend together. One bite will instantly activate your taste buds. 2. Fermented Rice Vinegar: A specialty snack originating from Puqian Town, using sour vinegar produced by the fermentation of distiller's grains as the soup base, adding vegetables, animal offal, crispy bones, crab roe, oysters and other ingredients, and then drizzling with chili, sugar, minced garlic and other seasonings. It tastes sour, sweet, and slightly spicy, with a rich taste. After a bowl, you will call it enjoyable!

📍 Here’s a lively and engaging Trip Moment for your Gold Coast getaway: --- Gold Coast Family Getaway at Q1 Resort – Sun, Thrills & a Splash of Rain! This April, our young family (two adults + one energetic kiddo) spent an unforgettable 5-night escape at the iconic Q1 Resort and Spa in Surfers Paradise. The skies were mostly sunny, with just one rainy twist—but even that turned into an adventure! --- 📍 Itinerary Overview We crafted a balanced itinerary mixing adrenaline, animals, and a bit of retail therapy: Day 1: Arrival & beachside strolls near Surfers Paradise Day 2: Movie World – superheroes, parades, and popcorn! Day 3: Wet’n’Wild – water slides galore! Day 4: Paradise Country – kangaroos, farm fun & cuddles with sheep Day 5: Heavy rain = spontaneous shopping day at Pacific Fair Day 6: Sea World – dolphins, polar bears & the epic SkyFlyer! --- 🚩 Sightseeing Route All attractions were just a smooth ride away using the Go Explore pass—unlimited daily travel for only $1.5 per person. No stress, no fuss—just tap and go from trams to theme parks. --- 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions Movie World: Don’t miss the DC Rivals HyperCoaster (if you dare), and the all-ages Looney Tunes Dance Party Wet’n’Wild: The Giant Wave Pool was our toddler’s fave Paradise Country: Perfect slow-paced day with a farm show and billy tea Sea World: The Dolphin Presentation was truly magical --- 🚇 Transportation We ditched the rental car and went fully public! The Go Explore card made life easy—one card covered the G:link tram, Translink buses, and the theme park shuttles. All direct, all family-friendly. --- 📷 Photo Spots Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck: 360° views of the coastline (sunset is a must!) Movie World’s Fountain Plaza: superhero selfies! Paradise Country’s Farm Barn: adorable animal close-ups Sea World’s Dolphin Beach: perfect action shots mid-leap! --- 🍜 Local Cuisine We mainly self-catered thanks to Q1’s full kitchen, but couldn’t resist: Betty’s Burgers at Pacific Fair Fresh juices & vegan bites at Cardamom Pod Late-night gelato from Gelatissimo Surfers Paradise --- 🏠 Accommodation Q1 Resort was a dream—spacious apartment, epic views, and a 2-minute walk to the beach. The kids' pool and spa were the perfect post-theme park chill zone. Bonus: great kitchen and laundry facilities made it feel like home. --- 💡 Tips Book theme park tickets online for discounts and fast entry Rainy day? Pacific Fair has indoor play zones, a food court and even a cinema! Go Explore cards save heaps—especially with kids who love trams! Carry swimwear daily—you never know when you’ll want a splash! --- Verdict: This trip was the perfect combo of action, relaxation, and family bonding. The Gold Coast delivered BIG fun for little feet—and we’re already dreaming of coming back.

If you are going from Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast, please read this☀️️🐨🇦🇺 ⚠️Air trains are sometimes suspended!? It's the only train that connects Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast, so I've never heard of it being suspended! I was told by a local person, but I was unlucky with the timing of the suspension... I ended up taking a taxi! ⚠️For information on delays and suspensions, we recommend "Google Maps Route Guide"! When the Air train is suspended, the transportation from Brisbane to Gold Coast will be bus or taxi. Buses are cheap but take a long time. Taxis are fast but expensive. Just because you can't use the train, your time and costs will change, so if you think about various scenarios in advance and make a note of them, you won't panic. ⚠️We recommend "DIDI" to arrange a taxi. DIDI was very easy to use! It's convenient to download it in advance and register your credit card! ⚠️Purchase a GO CARD! When riding the Air Train, Gold Coast trams, or buses, we recommend using a Suica-like card called a GO CARD! You can purchase a GO CARD at the station counter or at the Brisbane Airport Information Center. When purchasing a card, a $10 deposit is charged in addition to the charge fee. ⚠️How to ride the Gold Coast tram There are several machines on the station platform where you can touch your GO CARD. Just touch your card to the machine, then board the tram, and when you get off, touch the machine on the platform again! It was very easy! There are also machines on the platform where you can charge your GO CARD with money, as well as vending machines. ⚠️Can you return your GO CARD?! You can return your GO CARD at the station counter, and the remaining balance and deposit will be refunded!! This is a very convenient system for travelers. ⚠️However, there is something you should be aware of! When the Air Train is out of service, the counter at Brisbane Airport station is closed and you cannot return your GO CARD! You cannot return it at the airport information center either. This is probably a rare occurrence, but it's good to keep in mind. Please take a look at this information✨ #Transportation information #Australia #Gold Coast #AirTrain #GOCARD #Streetcar #DIDI

#March Travel Support Event A souvenir store that you will visit at least once when traveling abroad. These are souvenirs purchased during a trip to Gold Coast, Australia. There are many goods such as kangaroos and koala dolls, which are animals that symbolize Australia, so it is a shopping item that children like. As expected from the country of Ugg, there are many Ugg stores and the prices are cheap, so I recommend purchasing Ugg!