Gold Coast

The Eight Best Beaches on the Gold Coast

If you don’t visit Queensland, you may be missing out on what Australia has to offer. And what better way to experience it than visiting some of the coolest beaches on the Gold Coast?

When planning your next trip to Australia, don’t forget to add the Gold Coast to your itinerary. There are so many beaches to visit and experiences to have there.

The region accommodates everyone, from young kids to hardcore surfers. It even has ideal destinations for more sophisticated tourists or true nature lovers. If this is where you plan on heading next, here are some beaches you may want to check out.

1. Surfers Paradise Beach

This is one of the best beaches on the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise Beach is a top attraction for the young crowds that want to experience everything – from surfing to nightlife. It’s certainly an entertainment hub you can’t miss. It’s also a redeveloped beach that’s just 100m away from restaurants and shopping outlets.

If you don’t trust your surfing skills, this beach poses no problems. The waves here are smaller and manageable compared to others in the region.

It’s a great place to learn surfing safely and get a good tan going. What Surfers Paradise lacks in thrilling waves, it makes up for with convenience. And of course, the scenery. The clear water and soft sands make for a picturesque location.

2. Main Beach

Main Beach is the primary beach in Southport. Yet the continuous development has turned this into an individual suburb of its own. The region offers many facilities very close to the water. As such, it’s a hotspot for family vacations.

This is one of the top 20 beaches in Australia in terms of convenience. While it may not be the hottest surfing destination, it’s a great relaxation spot. Main Beach is rarely as crowded as its closest neighbors.

But, it lacks nothing when it comes to restaurants, coffee shops, and other amenities. So if you want to travel with kids, Main Beach should make your list.

3. Broadbeach

Broadbeach is one of the best beaches Gold Coast offers in its northern region. It’s an ideal destination spot for those looking for a more refined crowd. The beach is in a suburb that combines apartment buildings and high-rise resorts.

It’s truly a cosmopolitan area where there’s more to do than surfing. After all, it’s where you can satisfy your gambling needs, check out conventions, and more.

If you want to trade in the sand for grass, a few parks border the beach. Broadbeach truly offers a bit of everything for both tourists and locals.

4. Duranbah Beach

It’s a shame to visit Queensland and not hit up a top surfing destination. Known among the locals a D-Bah, Duranbah Beach is world-famous for its waves that can get quite big and challenging.

Best of all, there’s enough room for beginners and experienced surfers. And no one pushes you out of the way if you want to take out your shortboard.

Although this destination is not famous for its sandy beach, it’s a must-visit spot if you want to catch some waves.

5. Kirra Beach

Kirra Beach is a hotspot for surfing competitions all year round. So if you want the thrill of surfing in diverse conditions, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

You can hone your skills or learn the sport from scratch closer to the shore. But past the flags, you can begin to experience what surfing is all about.

Kirra Beach is still worth a trip or two even if people tend to crowd the water. And if you ever get tired and want to just take it all in, the scenery is fantastic. The beach offers golden sands, headland, and many picturesque footpaths.

6. Nobby Beach

The secluded Nobby Beach is another destination you don’t want to miss. It’s a quiet spot bordered by a massive park. And because of its specific landscape, the beach serves as a scenic picnic and relaxation spot.

You can find peace and quiet on the beach since the younger surfing crowds tend to go where the waves are bigger. But there’s a lot to do on Nobby Beach, too. Learn to surf or watch the gorgeous sunrise. Or, relax in the sun or practice your fishing skills.

Whether you want to spend quiet time alone or chill with your entire family, this is a good spot for such activities on the Gold Coast.

7. Palm Beach

Here’s another one of the best beaches in the world that happens to be in Queensland. Palm Beach is one of the cleanest and most beautiful on the Gold Coast.

The scenery makes up most of the appeal due to the underdeveloped nature of the beach. On top of that, the absence of massive crowds makes Palm Beach one of the most relaxing destinations in the South Pacific.

It’s also a lovely family destination, thanks to the many available parks and playgrounds. You can even find picnic tables and barbeques ready for you to use. While the nightlife isn’t impressive, there are other regions on the Gold Coast you can visit for that.

8. Currumbin Beach

Are you looking for something low key with a small-town vibe? The beach in Currumbin is a great place to learn surfing. It has peaceful waves and soft golden sands. And there aren’t as many high-rises in the area to kill the mood, either.

It’s also a family-friendly location. But don’t think that a young crowd wouldn’t fit in. Locals praise this area for its craft beers.

It may not be glamorous, but the scenery and mellow vibe make it an exciting alternative to the more crowded Gold Coast beaches.

Plan a Gold Coast Vacation for a Golden Experience

Don’t let your trip to the Gold Coast be boring. Try to make the most of it and visit its finest beaches. Embrace some of the unique surfing conditions or relax at the family-friendly areas.

Take in the sun, swim, or ride on the South Pacific Ocean. Embark on an adventure that doesn’t come close to anywhere else in the world. The Gold Coast is nothing short of interesting for tourists from around the world. Or even for the locals for that matter.

Weekend Getaways

Traveling to the Gold Coast? Add These 10 Activities to Your Itinerary

Don’t miss out on the fun while vacationing on the Gold Coast. There’s more to this gorgeous location beyond its amazing beaches.

Sunbathing and swimming are probably the first two things you’ll think of doing when you reach Gold Coast, Queensland. But once there, don’t forget that there are many more adventures available to you.

Check out some of the coolest things you can do in the region – whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with the entire family.

1. Spend a Full Day at Surfers Paradise Beach

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When traveling to Gold Coast, QLD, you have to check out its main beach. It’s the longest strip of sun, sand, and sea in the area.

From the name alone, you’ll know that it’s the place to be for surfers. But that doesn’t mean those with no surfing experience can’t have as much fun. The gentle swells of the Surfers Paradise Beach are great even for kids and for anyone who’s not an experienced surfer.

The clear waters, white sand beach, and towering residential and commercial buildings in the backdrop create a very picturesque stretch.

2. Interact with the Wildlife

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One of the top attractions in Gold Coast, Queensland is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The city’s wildlife park, in particular, is a popular spot for bird lovers. And if that’s not to your liking, you can also cuddle koalas, play with kangaroos, or watch the resident crocodiles.

The park offers more activities, such as Segway tours, a train for kids, and an Adventure Park High Ropes Course. It’s worth a trip.

3. Visit Australia’s Largest Marine Park

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There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Gold Coast, QLD. And if you have children with you, why not check out Sea World, the nation’s biggest marine park?

Here, you can find a wide range of roller coasters and other sea-themed rides. But if you’re pressed for time, the monorail is always a great way to take in an overview of the park quickly.

Guests of all ages also come here to see the variety of dolphin and sea lions shows. What makes the park particularly interesting is the fact that you can also find polar bears and penguins among the plethora of marine creatures.

When visiting in the summer, it’s also an ideal spot to cool off at.

4. Have a Fun-Filled Day at the Dreamworld Theme Park Adventure

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What can you expect from a traditional theme park with an Aussie spin? You get a vast lineup of shows, movie character animators, and plenty of roller coasters and other rides.

But what’s so Aussie about it?

Apart from the usual attractions, you can also enjoy close interactions with dingos, kangaroos, crocodiles, and more. The park even houses a sunset safari if you want to check out some endangered felines.

5. Explore Tamborine Mountain

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This area has some of the best things to do in Gold Coast, QLD. For instance, you can hike a variety of outback trails, try a hang gliding experience, and do plenty of sightseeing.

Some of the region’s most popular wineries, breweries, and distilleries are on Tamborine Mountain. Each location offers tours and tastings, and the short distance separating them means you can spend a whole day here without getting bored.

6. Experience Human Flight

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While it’s true that most tourists want to go surfing, fishing, or snorkeling, Gold Coast, QLD, offers a lot more if you know where to look for fun activities.

Did you know that indoor skydiving is huge in the region?

A visit to the iFLY Gold Coast facility can offer a thrilling experience. For 50 seconds, you’ll get to feel what outdoor skydivers feel when free-falling over 14,000 feet – all without worrying about the weather, training, or actually jumping out of a plane.

7. Walk the Rainforest Tree Line

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If you want more fun things to do on the Gold Coast, check out O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk. It’s the place to visit if you want to see the rainforest from the canopy of its lush trees.

Nine suspended bridges, as well as two observation decks, combine to form a 590-feet walkway. It’s an eye-opening rainforest experience in a fascinating ecosystem, and it’s one that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere in the world.

8. Go On Crazy Rides at Warner Bros Movie World

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Have you ever wanted to see Hollywood stunts up close? If so, here’s your perfect chance – it’s even one of the most popular things to do in Gold Coast, QLD.

This area is home to the Warner Bros Movie World. It’s a breathtaking theme park with animators, stunt shows, gigantic roller coasters, and tons of outdoor adventures. You can even check out 4D movies and interact with some of your favorite Hollywood characters.

9. See the View from Above

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When you’re on a Gold Coast vacation, don’t forget about the tours. There are plenty of cruises you can take, but nothing beats a helicopter ride.

Here, you can see so much more of the region even in a couple of minutes. Keep in mind that these tours are very popular, so try to book your tickets in advance.

10. Join Kayaking and Snorkeling Tours

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How does a five-hour day trip full of adventure sound? If that tickles your fancy, you can book a tour that covers everything, including instructions for kayaking and snorkeling.

You can spend hours on the water, travel between the small islands, and watch the dolphins, as long as you visit during the season of peak activity.

It’s also possible to book a tour with a hotel pickup to waste very little time. During the tour, the guides will provide some information about the wildlife, marine life, and the local environment. It’s a great way to learn more about the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast has Fun for All Ages

Sightseeing, clear water, abundant marine life, theme parks – you name it and the Gold Coast probably has it. It’s even got a rainforest and a piece of Hollywood.

Think again if you believe hitting the beach is the only activity you should look forward to on your trip. You have to experience the thrill of the rides, animal shows, tours, and other adventures scattered in and around this part of Queensland.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast at Night – The Top Nightclubs for Your Night on the Town

Looking for ways to keep busy until sunrise? The Gold Coast has no shortage of awesome clubs. Dive right into the Gold Coast nightlife and experience something new.

Whether you want to plan a trip to the Gold Coast or just passing by, remember that you can have fun here 24/7. The vibrant nightlife calls to tourists and locals alike every day of the week. What could be better in a place that has good weather all year round?

If you plan on visiting the Gold Coast beaches, here are some of the places that the night crawlers can have fun at.

1. The Avenue

The new location of The Avenue nightclub has some cool improvements over the old. For starters, it has a soundproof dance floor, modern music, and vibrant décor. The club opens at lunchtime and closes at around 3 am.

It’s one of the best Gold Coast nightclubs Surfers Paradise has to offer. You can spend your night dancing and drinking flashy cocktails. You can also enjoy both Italian and Aussie cuisine to maintain your energy when dancing the night away.

2. Platinum Nightclub

If big crowds are your thing, then the Platinum Nightclub is a must-visit place. It’s one of the most exciting nightspots in Broadbeach.

While it often plays host to world-famous DJs, it also caters to fringe music genres. You can also check out the local talent at the club on most nights. This is simply the place to be if you prefer spending most of your night dancing.

3. Melba’s on the Park

Did you know that one of the best nightclubs on the Gold Coast is also one of the oldest? Melba’s on the Park is an underground club located in Surfers Paradise and hosts lively crowds every night.

The building has two levels. On the first level, you can feast on cocktails and snacks to build up your energy reserves. But the fun begins once you hit the top level. The place lights up until 3 am and the dance floor is massive- there’s enough room for everyone. It’s a perfect spot for young tourists and locals alike.

4. Cocktails Nightclub

For even more dancing and musical variety, you have the Cocktails Nightclub. This location has one of the largest dance floors in the area – it’s so big that it actually consists of three different rooms!

What’s even better is that each room caters to a different crowd. It’s among the few places you can go to that lets you switch from genre to genre on a whim. Furthermore, the nightclub has a secluded pool area, too. Although it’s a hotspot for night owls, it’s also on the side of the high-end market and may demand a classier dress code.

5. The Bedroom Lounge Bar

Want a very different experience? Visit the Bedroom club. You can find many lively nightclubs on the Gold Coast, but this one offers one of the most unique experiences.

That’s because it’s a nightclub with queen-sized beds inside. No, it’s not a swing club. It’s just for you to dance, rest, and then dance some more. It’s an exciting location that’s unlike anything else around for miles. Although open daily, the place also hosts special events and parties.

6. Sin City

Take it from the many celebrities that often drop by. Sin City is one of the best nightclubs on the Gold Coast. You might find that the club has a familiar vibe – its décor, music, and cocktails remind you of glamorous downtown LA clubs.

It also offers top-notch customer service, complete with highly-skilled bartenders and lovely staff. There’s also a VIP lounge where you can relax and enjoy some private time. Expect a crowd of people in the Sin City club dancing and having fun until 5 am in the morning.

7. Underground Nightclub

It is one of the newer arrivals on the Gold Coast nightlife scene. But, it’s quickly built a stellar reputation.

The club has many VIP booths and hosts a variety of dance competitions. Its music focuses mostly on hip hop and R&B. And some famous DJs and the likes of Sean Kingston also dropped by here at some point.

You may also appreciate the location for its pool table section. It offers an alternative to dancing, as well as an opportunity to talk and relax while still having some fun.

8. Shooters

Here’s another location famous in Surfers Paradise for its musical variety.

In the main room, Shooters blasts its speakers with electronic dance music. The Republic room, on the other hand, is more mellow and caters mostly to the R&B crowd. Last but not least, the Our House room provides an even more relaxing club zone. This is where you can have a few drinks and enjoy a meal at the same time.

The club is popular and easier on the dress code. And most tourists and locals choose it for the separate rooms mentioned above and variety in entertainment.

9. Elsewhere Bar

Many tourists claim to have had their best experience right here. Elsewhere showcases rotating lineups of local DJs every weekend. There’s a Boogie Show on Fridays, and you can always listen to the coolest new techno tracks.

The skilled bartenders also make crazy good cocktails. And the crowds can get wild, too, any day of the week. The fact that the bar is smaller also works to its advantage. While it always seems packed, you can enjoy a friendly atmosphere while there.

10. Asylum

The Asylum nightclub asks guests to leave their sanity at the door. It’s probably for the best because this is one of the craziest places on the Gold Coast.

The club’s mind-bending décor and free-spirited atmosphere create an unforgettable setting. There are also custom lounge seating, VIP booths, and some of the finest drinks on the coast.

The club welcomes everyone to party there. It’d be a shame to not at least stop by for one night of fun.

The Gold Coast Nightlife Is Livelier Than You Know

Even celebrities drop in to experience the Gold Coast nightlife scene. And they’re not just those hired to host events or entertain, either.

Because for many, the fun begins on the Gold Coast once the nightclubs open up.

You can stay for the weather and stay for the scenery, but don’t forget to visit some of the clubs, too. Why not feel younger again while listening to great music and sampling perfect cocktails?