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

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.

#Travel itinerary A trip to Brisbane, Australia last May! I had a great time because my friend was staying in Australia. Please note that I didn't use public transportation because my friend had a car, so I traveled by car. Day 1 - Southbank Parkland -> Story Bridge Day 2 - Koala Sanctuary -> Lookout Day 3 - Gold Coast day trip -> Beach -> Sightseeing Day 4 - Dolphin experience -> Beach walk and dinner Day 5 - Local cafe -> Souvenir shopping -> Airport I took this route and had a lot of time to sightsee, so the schedule seemed empty, but Brisbane itself didn't have much to do! Still, I recommend visiting Gold Coast. It was a great city to relax and heal.

#australiatrip Gold Coast, located in Queensland, Australia, is famous for its golden beaches, world-class surfing, thrilling theme parks, and vibrant nightlife. With a mix of coastal beauty, lush hinterland, and exciting attractions, it’s a top destination for families, surfers, and adventure seekers. Why Visit the Gold Coast? ✅ Stunning Beaches – Relax at Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and Coolangatta. ✅ Theme Park Capital – Visit Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild. ✅ Nature & Wildlife – Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland, Lamington National Park, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. ✅ Nightlife & Dining – Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Cavill Avenue and Broadbeach.

Gold Coast One-Day Tour Guide: Tallebudgera Creek Beach, Hidden Bars, and Local Cuisine If you visit Australia's Gold Coast and are looking for a scenic, moderately crowded hidden gem, Tallebudgera Creek Beach is definitely worth a visit! This article provides you with everything from transportation options, and attractions to food recommendations, so you can easily enjoy a leisurely day. 🌊 Morning: Tallebudgera Creek Beach - Gold Coast's Hidden Beach ▶️ Transportation: From Surfers Paradise, take a tram + bus for about 1 hour. The transportation is convenient, and the scenery along the way is also quite nice. ▶️ Beach Features: Clear Waters, White Sand Beach: The beach here is long, spanning a bridge, with fine white sand and clear water, making it a perfect spot for taking beautiful photos. Ideal for Water Activities: Due to the gentle waves and flat water, this place is perfect for SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) or a relaxing swim. ▶️ Two Main Areas Guide: Lively Area (Fully Equipped): Follow the crowd to the lively area with parking lots, restaurants, restrooms, and wash areas, suitable for travelers who need facilities. Quiet Area (Scenic and Less Crowded): Cross the road to the other side of the bridge, where it's less crowded and more serene, perfect for travelers looking for a quiet corner to relax. 📌 Reminder: Sun Protection is very important. The Australian sun is strong, and even with sunscreen, it's easy to get sunburned. If you are afraid of the sun, it's recommended to choose a shaded area to enjoy your beach time more comfortably. 🍷 Afternoon: Espresso Bonsai - Local Bar Afternoon Time ▶️ Highlights: This is a cute little bar full of local atmosphere, especially loved by locals, with a relaxed and casual environment. The red and white wine portions are huge and reasonably priced, perfect for leisurely sitting, sunbathing, and relaxing. ▶️ Recommended Experience: Enjoy a large portion of red or white wine and feel the leisurely pace of local life. 🌅 Evening: Evandale Lake - Lakeside Sunset and Art Park ▶️ Transportation: From Espresso Bonsai, you can walk to Evandale Lake, a beautiful man-made lake adjacent to the Home Of The Arts (HOTA) Parklands. ▶️ Must-Do Highlights: Sunset Scenery: Lie on the grass by the lake, feel the cool breeze, and enjoy the golden sunset, relaxing and healing. Cultural Atmosphere: If you have enough time, you can enter the HOTA Art Center to visit local art exhibitions. 📌 Reminder: Bring a light mat or a large towel to sit comfortably on the grass and enjoy the lake view. 🐟 Dinner: Chevron Island Seafoods - Popular Fish and Chips ▶️ Transportation: From Evandale Lake, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to Chevron Island, where there are many popular local restaurants. ▶️ Must-Eat Fish and Chips Guide: This shop is highly recommended by locals for its Fish & Chips. It's crowded in the evening, so it's recommended to arrive early to avoid long waits. The fish is fresh and delicious, and the fries are crispy, making it a classic Australian seaside dish. ▶️ Hidden Recommendations: Locals love to order seafood salad and burgers. If you have a big appetite, it's worth a try. 📌 Reminder: During dinner time, you need to wait about 30 minutes. It's recommended to be patient; it's worth a try. So I think you can buy it around 4 pm and then go to Evandale Lake for a picnic!!! It's super perfect~~~

Hey friends, get ready for a classic Australian adventure along the Great Ocean Road and through the Blue Mountains! With no shopping pressure or extra expenses, this relaxing itinerary is perfect for enjoying quality time with your friends. -------------------- Australia, nestled between the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, is often called the "land of the riding on the sheep's back." Explore the magnificent underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef 🐠, soak in the artistic atmosphere of the Sydney Opera House 🎭, and embark on your own Aussie adventure! -------------------- 🎈Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne, private transfer to your hotel. Days 2-3: Explore Melbourne, including the Great Ocean Road, Split Point Lighthouse, the Dandenong Ranges, and a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train. Days 4-7: Travel to Sydney, visit the Blue Mountains National Park, Sydney Opera House, and other landmarks, and go dolphin watching in Wollongong. Days 8-10: Arrive in Brisbane, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, South Bank Parklands, and enjoy a day of leisure. Day 11: Experience sand tobogganing on Moreton Island from Brisbane. Day 12: Private transfer from Brisbane for your departure, concluding your wonderful Australian journey. -------------------- Must-See Attractions: - 🌟Sydney Opera House: Elegant surroundings, captivating performances, stunning views of Sydney Harbour, and a perfect spot for afternoon tea. - 🚂Puffing Billy Steam Train: Take a ride on a vintage steam train and admire the natural beauty of Australia, a relaxing experience ideal for seniors. - 🌆Darling Harbour: Enjoy harbor views, visit the aquarium and wildlife park, and watch fireworks and cultural performances in the evening. - 🐨Phillip Island: See koalas, kangaroos, and penguins up close, along with beautiful beaches and wetlands, a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience. - 🌳Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Observe unique Australian animals, feed them, and watch shows, a fun and easygoing destination. -------------------- 🎒 Packing Essentials for Your Australian Trip 📞 Don't forget a local SIM card to stay connected and avoid losing touch. 🔌 Remember your plug adapter, as Australian outlets may differ from those at home. 🆔 Make sure you have your passport and visa ready for immigration. 👕 Pack for spring/autumn weather in March, as temperatures can fluctuate between day and night. Layers are recommended for warmth. 🔋 A charger and power bank are essential for your phone and camera. 🎨 Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must for protection from the strong Australian sun. -------------------- Australia, a land of captivating charm, awaits your exploration. May every step of your journey create unforgettable memories! 🌏✨