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Getting to the Gold Coast
Getting to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is approximately 80 kms south of Brisbane and 950 kms north of Sydney.

Getting To The Gold Coast By Bus/Coach

There are a number of coach services that pass through the Gold Coast. There are regular services from Brisbane, Byron Bay, Sydney and other major centres. There are bus transit centres in Coolangatta, Surfers Paradise and Southport. Travel time from Brisbane is around 1½ hours and from Sydney, an express coach service takes around 14 hours.

Getting To The Gold Coast By Train

The Gold Coast is connected by rail to Brisbane’s Roma Street and Central stations. The closest railway stations servicing the Gold Coast include Nerang, Helensvale and Robina – there are connecting shuttle bus services available from the station to Surfers Paradise and other Gold Coast centres. Airtrain also operates regular rail services from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast which take approximately 90 minutes.

Due to a difference in the gauge of the railway between New South Wales and Queensland, there are no Interstate direct rail links to the Gold Coast. Trains depart daily from Sydney and terminate at Murwillumbah (around 30 mins south of Coolangatta).

Getting To The Gold Coast By Air

The Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta is serviced by domestic and international flights. Most services are one-class, but many also offer business class travel. There are regular daily domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide & there are connecting flights to all other Australian cities. The trip from Sydney takes around 1 hour 25 minutes, around 2 hours 15 minutes from Melbourne & around 2 hours and 10 minutes from Adelaide.

International flights arrive from Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, Palmerston North & Christchurch in New Zealand. There are also flights arriving on the Gold Coast via Cairns from Japan (Osaka, Nagoya &Fukuoka), Taipei, Hong Kong & Singapore. Brisbane’s International Airport also provides links with the USA and Europe.

Self Drive

The major route from Sydney to the Gold Coast is via the Pacific H’way which is currently undergoing major upgrades and conditions vary. Use the following table to plan your trip and ensure that you “stop, revive, survive” every 2 hours.

Gold Coast to  Distance in Kms  Driving Time
Sydney  947  11 hr and 25 minutes
Canberra  1251  15 hrs
Melbourne  1840  22 hrs and 10 minutes
Brisbane  80  1 hr

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Accommodation – A comprehensive guide to accommodation on Australia’s Gold Coast including hotels, motels, resorts, self-contained apartments and holiday units.
  • Gold Coast Visitor Information – This section of the website provides general visitor and tourist information about the Gold Coast including links to more information.
  • Gold Coast History – A brief look at the Gold Coast’s colourful history from a no go zone in 1874 to a popular vacation resort area of international standards today.
  • Public & School holiday dates – An accurate and up to date ready reference for dates of Public and School Holidays/vacations in Australia.
Springbrook National Park - Waterfalls and Forests
Springbrook National Park – Waterfalls and Forests

Plunging waterfalls, cool forests, rugged gorges and remnants of early foresting history await you at Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Covering land on and around Springbrook Plateau, the 2720ha park protects rainforests, eucalypt forests and the headwaters of rivers flowing to the Gold Coast.

Springbrook lies on the Scenic Rim, a chain of mountains stretching across the Queensland-New South Wales border. Walking tracks ranging from easy to challenging take you to lookouts, waterfalls and ancient forests.

Springbrook is about 90 minutes from Brisbane and 45 minutes from the Gold Coast. The park has three sections: Springbrook Plateau, Mt Cougal to the east and Natural Bridge to the west.

At 900m above sea level, Springbrook can be cool even in summer. Rainfall averages 3000mm a year, mostly from December to March. Drier months from May to October are probably the best time to visit. Holidays and weekends can be crowded.

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Accommodation – A comprehensive guide to accommodation on Australia’s Gold Coast including hotels, motels, resorts, self-contained apartments and holiday units.
  • Gold Coast Visitor Information – This section of the website provides general visitor and tourist information about the Gold Coast including links to more information.
  • Gold Coast Regional Information – Regional information about the main towns situated on the Gold Coast as well as information on the Gold Coast hinterland.
  • Gold Coast Things To Do – A user-friendly guide to theme parks including Dreamworld and Movieworld as well as tours, activities and other things to do on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Natural Bridge (Arch) - Springbrook National Park
Natural Bridge (Arch) – Springbrook National Park

Natural Bridge is one of the most popular parts of 2954ha Springbrook National Park.

Natural Bridge (also called Natural Arch) nestles in the scenic Numinbah Valley near the Queensland-New South Wales border. See the picturesque rock formation, stroll through the subtropical rainforest and have a bush picnic. Underneath the bridge lives a colony of glowworms, tiny stars in the dark.

Natural Bridge is about an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast or two from Brisbane. In a day you can also visit more of Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park, or cross the border to New South Wales parks.

Together, these parks are the heart of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (Australia) World Heritage Area. Tamborine National Park is also close.

Sheltered in a subtropical rainforest, Natural Bridge receives 1500mm of rain during the hot, humid summer. Winter days are often clear, crisp and sunny. Can be cool any time.

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Accommodation – A comprehensive guide to accommodation on Australia’s Gold Coast including hotels, motels, resorts, self-contained apartments and holiday units.
  • Gold Coast Visitor Information – This section of the website provides general visitor and tourist information about the Gold Coast including links to more information.
  • Gold Coast Regional Information – Regional information about the main towns situated on the Gold Coast as well as information on the Gold Coast hinterland.
  • Gold Coast Things To Do – A user-friendly guide to theme parks including Dreamworld and Movieworld as well as tours, activities and other things to do on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Gold Coast History
Gold Coast History

The Gold Coast has become one of Australia’s most popular holiday playgrounds, a long way from the days when Captain Cook passed the coast in 1770 and named Point Danger and Mount Warning. The Gold Coast region was first put up for sale in 1874 when it was little more than a picturesque collection of lagoons and mangrove swamps with rivers and creeks meandering their way out to the ocean at Southport. By 1884, the Gold Coast was already becoming a popular holiday destination and Cobb & Co. started running regular coach services from Brisbane to the developing Gold Coast region. Further strimulation to the area’s development occurred in 1889 when a rail link between the Gold Coast and Beenleigh was completed. The rail link was removed 65 years later in 1964.

James Cavill was instrumental in the growth of the region when he built the Surfers Paradise Hotel in the early 1920s. He purchased the land in Elston (now known as Surfers Paradise) in 1923 for a princely sum of £40 (about $200). A bridge replaced the old horse ferry crossing the Nerang River in 1925 and in an effort to attract the more mobile and lucrative holiday market, the town of Elston (previously known as Meyers Ferry) was renamed “Surfers Paradise” in 1933 after the hotel Cavill had built 10 years earlier.

Property prices began rising sharply after WWII as there was an involuntary moratorium on the development and would-be developers could see an opportunity to cash in on a Post War boom. The greater region was given its modern moniker in the early 1950s when a journalist discussing the rising property values metaphorically referred to the area as the “Gold Coast”. The ensuing development boom of the 1950s saw a rush to build large beachfront holiday apartments to support the now rapidly growing tourist market. By the 1960s the beachfront had all but been completely developed and the urbanisation of the surrounding farms and wetlands began.

Gold Coast Aboriginal History

The Gold Coast region was known to local Aborigines as “Umbigumbi” and “Kurrungul”. The traditional borders of the Gombemberri people of the Gold Coast extended from the Tweed River in the south along the Coomera River to Numinbah Valley. Some historians estimate that Aborigines have been coming to the Gold Coast for over 10,000 years. They came to the Gold Coast from Bundjalung, south of the Tweed River, and from as far north as Maryborough in the north. They would visit the Gold Coast for festivals and tribal ceremonies, fishing, subtropical fruits and bush tucker and to harvest a special hardwood that they used to make boomerangs.

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Visitor Information – This section of the website provides general visitor and tourist information about the Gold Coast including links to more information.
Gold Coast Entertainment & Nightlife
Gold Coast Entertainment & Nightlife

From themed sports bars to alternative venues beating out the funky house and disco classics, the Gold Coast’s thriving Club scene has something for everyone. There are countless bars, restaurants and nightclubs with quality bands and DJs performing across the Gold Coast. For those not so into the music scene, there are Cigar Lounges, cabaret clubs and hotels/pubs with pool tables. You’ll also be happy with the great range of tap beers, fine wines and cocktails available at reasonable prices.

Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast’s main bar and nightclub precinct with a number of establishments along with Orchid and Cavill Avenues.

Gold Coast Nightlife Directory

Capitol Bar & Lounge

The Capitol is a place where creative and free spirits meet in an environment where the quality of design, music, dishes and beverages, and guests rule. Long before lounging proved to be the latest trend in New York, relaxing in high quality and above all surprising environment has been pivotal at the Capitol.

Melbas Restaurant, Cocktail Bar & Nightclub

Dance with the hottest crowd in town on the large dance floor and podiums, or maybe a game of pool is more your style. With its large bars spanning the entire length of the club and stunning waitresses ensuring you are looked after, you are guaranteed fast and efficient service.

The Clock Hotel

There is always something happening so come along and have some fun. Come and see all the major sports events live on the big screen or have a flutter on the live daily races in our new TAB and upmarket sports lounge.

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Restaurants – An overview of the Gold Coast’s culinary delights, including links and contact details for the best restaurants in the region.
Gold Coast Car Hire
Gold Coast Car Hire

There is a range of car hire options on the Gold Coast, most of which will arrange for your car to be picked up from Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport. There are also a number of transfer services available from the airport to your accommodation and elsewhere. Browse through the services and transport information below.

SAVE ON CAR HIRE! book cheap Gold Coast car rental through Thrifty

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Accommodation – A comprehensive guide to accommodation on Australia’s Gold Coast including hotels, motels, resorts, self-contained apartments and holiday units.
Gold Coast Real Estate
Gold Coast Real Estate

The Gold Coast property market has become one of Australia’s fastest developing markets with new developments occurring all the time and some of the more established properties along the coast exchanging for record prices. For those that are attracted to the action of a city, but like to balance it with lifestyle, the Gold Coast is high on the list of preferred places to live. Browse through our directory below for the latest property sales, rentals and holiday accommodation.

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  • Chevron First National – Surrounded by an array of properties from luxury waterfront homes and duplexes to a wide variety of residential and investment properties.
  • Gold Coast Property Centre – Our Sales and Display Office. Located right in the busy heart of Surfers Paradise, the office attracts a wide range of people every day.
  • Gold Coast Prestige Real Estate – The premier online luxury real estate service on Australia’s famous Gold Coast.
  • Raine & Horne – Broadbeach – Located in a high profile location between the major banks at the entrance to Niecon Plaza.
  • Mona Kennedy Realty – Your first choice for the highest quality realty within Australia’s premier lifestyle address – The Gold Coast.
  • Realty on Main – Specialising in lifestyle investments in and around Main Beach on the Gold Coast of Australia.
  • Ray White Surfers Paradise – Services all aspects of real estate, including residential unit and house sales, prestige homes, commercial sales and leasing and property management.

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Accommodation – A comprehensive guide to accommodation on Australia’s Gold Coast including hotels, motels, resorts, self-contained apartments and holiday units.
  • Surfers Paradise Accommodation – The heart of the famous Gold Coast coastal strip. A major business and leisure centre providing a range of accommodation options.
Gold Coast Theme Parks & Tours
Gold Coast Theme Parks & Tours

Having over 20 themed attractions ranging from wildlife and marine parks and thrill rides to tropical plantations, illusion arcades and museums as well as being home to Australia’s most famous theme parks, shopping centres and world heritage listed rainforests, visitors to the Gold Coast have got plenty of things to do. To find something that you’d enjoy doing while visiting the Gold Coast, browse through our guide below.

Buy Dreamworld Tickets Here!
You can beat the morning rush and skip the queue with Dreamworld’s online ticketing service. Buy an action-packed one or two-day adventure or spread the fun over 364 days with a Max Action Pass.

Dreamworld® Package – At your leisure
Want to experience Australia’s favourite family park? This package will give you this plus a lot more – interested… Come and ride on the world’s tallest and fastest rides, see tigers and cuddle an Aussie Koala. You won’t want to miss enjoying an Aussie BBQ lunch & take home a souvenir photo with a Koala. BOOK NOW!

Dreamworld® Entry Ticket – At your leisure
Come and experience Australia’s favourite family park… Ride on the world’s tallest and fastest rides, see tigers and cuddle an Aussie Koala! There are plenty of rides for the whole family, don’t miss out – BOOK NOW!

Gold Coast and Hinterland Tour – 8 hours
Discover the Gold Coast’s best-kept secret on this small personalized tour. Explore Tamborine Mountain in the hinterland, with its world of subtropical rainforests, waterfalls and breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch and see the luxurious boats and yachts at the Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast. Enjoy fine wines at Mt Cotton Estate. A golden day on the Gold Coast…

3 Day Byron Bay Tour – 3 days / 2 nights
Spend a few days relaxing in the unique community of Byron Bay. Experience the clean white sand beaches, clear waters and alternative lifestyle that Byron Bay is famous for. Stay in a cabin at the Byron Bay Beach Club, situated on natural parkland with a stunning beachfront location. Play a round of golf, a game of tennis, or even learn to fly the trapeze! The choice is yours…

Tangalooma and Dolphin Feeding Tour – 2 days / 1 night
Take a couple of days to visit beautiful Moreton Island and meet Bess, Echo, Freddy, Lefty and the other wild dolphins of Tangalooma Cruise from the mainland to Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort and overnight on the island. Hand feed the wild dolphins when they visit in the evening. Explore Moreton Island National Park or simply relax. An enjoyable couple of days for everybody…

More Things To Do in & Around the Gold Coast…

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Accommodation – A comprehensive guide to accommodation on Australia’s Gold Coast including hotels, motels, resorts, self-contained apartments and holiday units.
Gold Coast Shopping
Gold Coast Shopping
Marina Mirage

The Gold Coast offers a fantastic range of shopping experiences, from resort / themed shopping villages to large variety-filled shopping centres, designer boutique stores, elegant arcades or beachside art & local craft markets. You’ll find some of Australia’s most exciting shopping centres on the Gold Coast open and buzzing seven days a week.

Late night shopping is a pleasure along Orchid and Elkhorn Avenues which are graced with names like Cartier, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Shops along this strip are generally open until 9 pm each night.

Carara Markets are held each weekend, these are the biggest markets on the Gold Coast. Regular Gold Coast markets are also held at Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Robina Town Centre, Tamborine Mountain, Canungra Country Market, Paradise Point Art and Craft Market. The Surfers Paradise beachfront night markets on The Esplanade are held each Friday night from 5.30 pm (weather permitting).

Shopping on the Gold Coast

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Located just south of Surfers Paradise, Pacific Fair is home to many of Australia’s best retailers. There are 7 major stores including Myer Department Store and the new international Daimaru Department Store as well as over 270 speciality retailers and a vast array of bars, restaurants, cafes and the Food Court.

Harbour Town

Harbour Town is lined with stylish, beautifully appointed stores selling quality merchandise, including store label stock made specifically for brand direct sale and first quality end of season lines. Harbour Town boasts Australia’s first purpose-built outlet shopping precinct in a major regional shopping centre. Harbour Town is also home to the Gold Coast’s largest cinema complex showing the latest movies on 14 screens.

The Oasis Shopping Centre

Over 100 speciality stores offer choices in gifts, homewares, and fashion plus the added convenience of a Woolworths supermarket. There is a range of cosmopolitan restaurants or cafes every day or night of the week. The Oasis Shopping Centre also offers a host of handy services including Australia Post, The Bank of QLD, a Dry Cleaner plus several Hair, Health and Beauty Salons.

Paradise Centre

Discover a world of shopping, dining, fun & entertainment right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Located opposite Australia’s most popular tourist beach, the Paradise Centre has over 110 speciality stores offering a relaxed holiday shopping experience, conveniently located to all central holiday accommodation, apartments and hotels.

Australia Fair

Situated in the heart of Queensland’s Gold Coast 2 km north of Surfers Paradise, directly opposite the Southport Broadwater. Over 220 speciality stores with majors including Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Best & Less as well as Birch Carroll & Coyle cinemas and a range of services such as Australia Post, Medicare and RACQ.

Marina Mirage

Located 5 minutes drive from the heart of Surfers Paradise. Shop & Dine in a relaxed style, spectacular waterfront location overlooking the Broadwater, award-winning restaurants, designer boutiques, top fashion labels, and art galleries.

Related Links:

  • Gold Coast Markets – A guide to the weekly markets in and around Queensland’s Gold Coast region. Includes times and contact details for market organisers.
Gold Coast Weather & Climate
Gold Coast Weather & Climate

The Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate with plenty of sunshine year-round (in fact an average of 300 days a year).

Summer temperatures range from 19 to 29 degrees Celsius (66 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit).

Winter temperatures range from an average of 9 to 21 degrees Celsius (48 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit) – it’s no wonder the Gold Coast is Australia’s favourite playground.

Historical Rainfall & Temperature Averages

  • Average temperatures are in Celcius.
  • Rainfall amounts are in millimetres. 25 millimetres is approximately equal to 1 inch.
  • A rainy day is counted if rainfall exceeds 0.2mm.
Celcius to Farenheit Conversion
C10°15°20°25°30°35°40°45°50°55°
F32°41°50°59°68°77°86°95°104°113°122°131°
Historical Rainfall & Temperature Averages
SeasonSummerAutumnWinterSpring 
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Gold Coast: Recorded at Southport 1881 – 2001
Mean Maximum Temperature28.5°28.3°27.6°25.9°23.3°21.2°20.6°21.4°23.3°25.2°26.7°28.1°
Mean Minimum Temperature20.3°20.5°19.2°16.5°13.4°10.6°9.2°9.8°12.1°15°17.4°19.2°
Mean Rainfall177.8191202.6138.813296.575.656.458.887104.1133.3
Mean Rainy Days12.713.515.211.510.17.77.177.499.911.3

Suitable Clothing, What to Wear

Easy resort wear and lightweight clothing are suitable attire for the Gold Coast’s sub-tropical climate. You may need a jacket or pullover in the evening. If you’re planning on doing any bushwalking through the National Parks, then a sturdy pair of comfortable hiking shoes is a must and if you’re going to be spending a bit of time on the beach, then sun-protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen will save you from getting too much sun – refer to the section about Gold Coast Sun and Beach Safety for more information.

For more information concerning Gold Coast weather, visit these websites: