Gold Coast Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Typical prices
- Budget mealA$18.00≈ $12.51
- Mid-range mealA$40.00≈ $27.80
- CappuccinoA$4.80≈ $3.34
- Domestic beerA$9.00≈ $6.26
- Taxi (per km)A$2.30≈ $1.60
- Public transport ticketA$4.50≈ $3.13
- Museum entryA$20.00≈ $13.90
- Mid-range hotel (night)A$190.00≈ $132.06
Food & Drink
- Rick ShoresAsian-influenced seafood · $$$
A Burleigh Heads restaurant on the rocks above the beach known for Asian-inspired seafood and sunset views.
- Justin LaneModern Australian · $$$
A laneway restaurant and wine bar in Broadbeach known for share plates and an extensive wine list.
- Paddock BakeryCafe · $$
A converted Burleigh Heads house serving acclaimed brunch and coffee in a garden courtyard setting.
- Hurricane's Grill BroadbeachSteakhouse · $$$
A well-known steakhouse chain outpost on the Broadbeach esplanade popular for ribs and grilled meats.
- Northcliffe Surf Club
A beachfront surf club in Surfers Paradise with bars and live entertainment overlooking the sand.
- SinCity Gold Coast
A well-known Surfers Paradise nightclub popular with the late-night crowd.
Culture & History
- HOTA (Home of the Arts)
The Gold Coast's cultural precinct on Evandale Lake including a gallery, outdoor stage and rooftop bar.
- HOTA Cinema
A boutique cinema within the HOTA arts precinct screening curated and mainstream films.
- Event Cinemas Robina
A large multiplex at Robina Town Centre showing current releases.
- Bleach* Festival
An arts and culture festival held annually at HOTA and other Gold Coast venues, featuring performance and outdoor art.
- Swell Sculpture Festival
An outdoor sculpture exhibition along Currumbin Beach featuring works by Australian and international artists.
Nature & Outdoors
- Surfers Paradise Beach
The Gold Coast's iconic patrolled beach lined by high-rise towers, popular for swimming and people-watching.
- Burleigh Heads Beach
A renowned point break beloved by surfers, backed by Burleigh Head National Park's rainforest headland.
- Currumbin Beach
A family-friendly beach with a natural rock wall creating calmer swimming conditions.
- Natural Bridge (Springbrook)
A rock arch waterfall in Springbrook National Park with a cave behind the falls that glows with bioluminescent glow-worms at night.
- Springbrook National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest plateau in the hinterland with lookouts like Best of All Lookout over the Gold Coast hinterland.
- Tamborine Mountain
A cool hinterland plateau with rainforest walks, waterfalls and boutique wineries.
Active & Fun
- Fitness First Surfers Paradise
A well-equipped gym in the heart of Surfers Paradise with beachside views.
- Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
A public Olympic-standard pool complex in Southport used for training and public swimming.
- Dreamworld
One of Australia's largest theme parks, home to record-breaking roller coasters and a Tiger Island wildlife exhibit.
- Warner Bros. Movie World
A Hollywood-themed park with rides based on DC and Warner Bros. franchises, including the Batwing Spaceshot.
- SeaWorld Gold Coast
A marine park with rides and rescued marine animal exhibits, including dolphins and polar bears.