Click here to send us an email
Gold Coast - Queensland
Beach at Coolangatta © Tourism QLD
Scroll down for details of Gold Coast Introduction, Gold Coast Beaches and Gold Coast Hinterland

Gold Coast - Introduction

Ride at Dreamworld © Gold Coast TourismClose to Brisbane and around 45 minutes drive in city traffic is the Gold Coast, a 70 km stretch of coastline with 42 km of beautiful sandy beaches most of which are backed by dense, urban development. There are numerous purpose built residential enclaves, resorts, hotels, motels and every kind of accommodation plus shopping centres, theme parks and restaurants.  The Gold Coast is for those holidaymakers who are looking for fun and entertainment.
A relatively short drive inland is a spectacular mountainous hinterland which is a dramatic contrast and antidote from the glitz on the coast. Tamborine, Springbrook and Lamington national parks are full of natural rather than man made wonders. The hinterland is an easy self drive destination for a day trip or longer both from the Gold Coast beaches and from Brisbane.

Gold Coast Beaches

 Aerial view of Surfers Paradise © Tourism QLD
Running south from Southport to the NSW state border is 40km of coast with a string of sandy surf beaches, most of which are immediately backed by an ever expanding array of accommodation and leisure facilities. There are plenty of shopping opportunities, bars, restaurants and a lively nightlife.
The main beaches are:

Southport Main Beach

Surfers Paradise (pictured)

Broadbeach

Mermaid Beach
Miami Burleigh Heads Tallebudgera Palm Beach
Currumbin Tugun Kirra Coolangatta
Attractions include:
Oxenford – Warner Bros Movie World and nearby Wet’n’Wild aquatic fun park
Coomera – Dreamworld theme park (see picture near top of page)
Main Beach – Sea World Marine Park

Gold Coast Hinterland

Rainforest in Lamington National Park © Binna Burra LodgeLamington National Park www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park(Lamington)
Is about 120 km to the south of Brisbane and about 85 km inland south west of Southport on the Gold Coast. Access is by sealed roads. The park and nearby Canungra Vineyards are a popular day trip but if you like walking it is easy to find solitude on Lamington's walking tracks.
The park was created in 1915 and covers 20,590 ha with extensive walking tracks on the McPherson Range with good access to forests, creeks, waterfalls and dramatic lookouts over the Gold Coast and surrounding countryside right into NSW. The tropical rainforest has profuse vegetation and the area is excellent for bird and wildlife watching.

The toilets and picnic tables at Binna Burra are wheelchair accessible. Rough camping is allowed in the park at designated spots and there are two good guest house/lodges within the park - O'Reilly's Guest House and Binna Burra Lodge.
Day walks, and guided and self-guide walks in Lamington NP are available (see our Walking Tours) and both guest houses have their own activity programmes.
Waterfall and Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park © Tourism QLDSpringbrook National Park www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park(Springbrook)
Closer to the coast than Lamington, the park is made up of 3 sections - Mount Cougal, Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge.
Springbrook has become a haven for wildlife which have become endangered in nearby areas due to land clearing and rampant development.
Camping and lodge accommodation is available.
Waterfall in Tamborine National Park © Tourism QLDTamborine National Park www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park(Tamborine)
Tamborine Mountain is about 45 km from the coast and is largely a volcanic plateau which is a mixture of scrub and rainforest with gorges and waterfalls.   
The national park is spit into several segments interspersed with small settlements which mainly cater for incomiing visitors, particularly groups.  Like Lamington and Springbrook, there are some good walking tracks.
Return to - Top    QLD Summary Page   QLD Regions Intro   AUS GUIDE BOOK Contents Page  or hit 'Back' Button
 HOME

Truly Australia have attempted to give an honest and objective description of the topics covered on this page and have deliberately avoided regurgitating tourist office media releases. The information shown has been compiled from a variety of reputable sources and our own experiences. We check and review this information from time to time, but we assume no responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the details given.