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5 Reasons to visit the Gold Coast
Thursday 10th October 2013 | Osh
If you’re going to Australia, you absolutely must visit the Gold Coast – one of the country’s biggest cities, located directly on the South-East Queensland coast. When you visit the Gold Coast, you will undoubtedly be told to head to Surfers Paradise. It’s the heart of the city, offering the best shops, nightlife and beach. Well, that’s what they tell the tourists. Swarms of unsuspecting visitors are steered in the direction of Surfers, while the locals keep the real paradise a secret… but not anymore.
#1 The beach
Beware! Surfers Paradise is not as the name suggests. For some of the best beaches in Australia head to Burleigh Heads, Currumbin and Broadbeach. Burleigh Heads is well loved by native Gold Coasters, whether it’s for surfing, sunbathing or taking a walk along the coast. Currumbin is more secluded and consequently local surfers’ favourite spot. Broadbeach is the Surfers Paradise of the locals, with a great beach, easy surf and plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. For sand head to Burleigh, for surf Currumbin and for atmosphere it’s got to be Broadbeach.
#2 Car racing
In October each year, the Gold Coast transforms its main roads into a racing track, where some of the world’s best drivers come to compete over several days. Previously called the Indy, the city now hosts the V8 Armor All Gold Coast 600. No matter if cars aren’t your thing – we haven’t even got to the best part! The atmosphere surrounding the annual race really is Christmas come early, with non-stop parties, barbeques and scantily dressed promo girls. What’s not to love?
#3 Nature
The Gold Coast is the perfect place for people who love nature… but not too much. With the hinterland only 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre, you can get your dose of the outdoors and be back in the city for a night out. Mount Tamborine is fantastic for foodies and nature lovers alike, with cute little villages hidden amidst a landscape of tropical rainforest, waterfalls and hiking trails. For a different kind of trail head to Numimbah Valley and enjoy the scenery on horseback – you don’t even need to walk to see nature!
#4 Theme parks
Everyone loves theme parks, right? The Gold Coast is home to three large theme parks and what’s better, they’re all next to each other! Dreamworld is a more traditional theme park with rollercoasters and the like, Wet ‘n’ Wild is a water park and Warner Brothers Movie World combines studio with movie-themed rides. Rollercoasters not your thing? Swim with the dolphins at SeaWorld or feed the kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
#5 Shopping
The Gold Coast is well known for its shopping scene. The newly refurbished state-of-the-art Robina Town Centre spans over 1,350,000 square feet and contains over 350 shops, three department stores, two supermarkets, countless restaurants and eateries and a huge cinema, offering Vmax and Gold Class viewings. Other shopping centres include Pacific Fair, Marina Mirage and Harbour Town Outlet Centre, so no matter your taste, whatever your style, you are sure to find something you like.
Joss Wyatt
