Yesterday we explored the world's largest sand island. Click here if you missed that post. Today we head down the coast a few hours to visit one of Australia's biggest and most popular resort cities.
The Gold Coast is a popular holiday destination for Australians and international tourists alike. Located about 1.5 hours south of Brisbane it is easy to get to and the perfect place for a vacation. It is close to so many attractions including the theme parks, beaches, mountains and much more. It also has a great climate and about 300 days of sunshine which reduces the chance of a rained out vacation. Although the Gold Coast stretches for many miles the centrepoint of the Gold Coast is the city of Surfers Paradise. Finding a place to rest your head here is easy as there is a range of accomodations for every taste and budget, from caravan parks to 5 star beachfront high rise hotels. There is plenty for everyone to do and the toughest part is deciding what activities will make the cut on your holiday here.
What I loved: The Gold Coast is the ideal base for our holidays in Queensland as it is close to so many different activities. We can visit the theme parks one day and then go up into the mountains the next without having to change hotels or spend all day in the car. The hotels near the beach make it even more special and there is enough space between properties that you still get a good view of the Pacific even if you are back a few blocks.
More Info:
Surfers Paradise Tourism
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The golden sandy beaches stretch for miles and the surf is always great.
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Craft markets are held by the beach and is the place to buy unique souvenirs.
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The Gold Coast is hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
There is a hotel or resort for every taste and budget.
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There is plenty to do even if you don't like the beach like the Infinity Attraction. We blogged about this earlier this year. Click here if you missed that post.
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There is great shopping, restaurant and entertainment down town as well.
Car: The Gold Coast is just a few miles off the Pacific Highway. It is about a 1.5 hour drive south of Brisbane and 11-12 hours north of Sydney.
Air: Gold Coast Airport is the closest airport and is about a 20-30 minute drive from the airport to Surfers Paradise
Train: There are several railway stations that serve the Gold Coast area. Most stations are about a 2 hour ride from Brisbane.
What is your favourite beach town/city? What did you post about today?
My favorite beach city would have to be Cancun.. but i'd love to be able to visit Australia's Gold Coast one day!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how it looks like San Diego with all the tall buildings and close to the water. Does sound like a good central location for visiting! Favorite beach town would have to be San Diego since I lived there most of the my life in the area; but second favorite would be around Laguna Beach, gorgeous up there too (but frightfully expensive).
ReplyDeletebetty
Looks like my kind of town. I would love to visit the land down under sometime.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
an A-Z Cohost
@StephenTremp on Twitter
About a year ago I visited Encinitas, California for an awesome time. It is truly a U.S. Surfers Paradise. This town looks awesome, though. My son bought a surfboard on his way out of Melbourne, so I hope he makes it there.
ReplyDeleteWe spent about 10 days in the Gold Coast before heading to the Sunshine Coast. For short term, we liked love the Gold Coast, as the area is so alive. But for longer term, I would rather have the relaxation of the Sunshine Coast.
ReplyDeleteHoping to visit Australia someday :)
ReplyDeletePoints To Ponder
I think I've seen more about the Gold Coast in Australia than any other beach areas. Apparently I expose myself to too much surfing culture... Elle @ Erratic Project Junkie
ReplyDeleteI've been to the Gold Coast a few times now for conferences, and I've always enjoyed it, but it's not the sort of place I'd normally go for holidays, I'd prefer the nearby hinterlands.
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