Sophisticated, sassy and up to the minute, the Gold Coast is Australia’s most preferred beach vacation location. Over 10 million holidaymakers get away to the city over each year, drawn in with the vision of perfect, pampered days and fantastic, fun-filled nights.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, the Gold Coast holds a plenty of attractions to discover, people to meet and things to do. It isn’t yet another destination – it’s a lifestyle.

Why go the Gold Coast?
If all-year-round sunshine and warm temperatures with more than 57 glorious kilometres of coastline aren’t sufficient to get you dusting off your suitcases right now, allow the expansive share of food and drink options, world class accommodation and ever-expanding share of fun activities to do on the Gold Coast provide even more desire. Are we there yet?

The top restaurants and cafes
With at least 500 thriving Gold Coast restaurants, the local dining scheme is all about that eating really is one of life’s number one pleasures. Some of the world’s top chefs call the Gold Coast home and you might take your choice of alfresco seafood restaurants with multi-million dollar scenery and chic, sophisticated up to the minute rush eateries. Or choose relaxed, iconic Gold Coast cafes that prove simple things – great service, lovely food and glorious atmosphere – definitely are the best.

Exciting things to do
The vast, vibrant and glorious landscape – combined of lush green rainforest, hinterland and mountains; stretching beaches, deep blue ocean waters and the sunny Surfers Paradise skyline - that is the Gold Coast is a perfect ‘grown-up’s’ playground. Things to do include surfing, fishing, sailing, water sports, golf, theme parks, film studios, action and adventure – why not look at the wonderful landscape by helicopter, seaplane, luxury cruiser or even a hot air balloon? Anything and everything can be done on the Gold Coast.

A wide variety of hotels and accommodation
When it’s time to lay down your weary head, you can know you’re not dreaming - your new home away from home exists. The variety of Gold Coast hotels available show treats to fit every sort of travelers, whether you opt for five-star waterfront glamour, a unique boutique retreat or a luxurious resort set on the utopian grounds of a golf course.

International shopping scene
Having a famous shopping circuit that grants your choice of large shopping centres, remarkable open-air piazzas plus popular shopping strips by the beach, there are plenty of reasons to bring on the plastic and come home all up to the nines with shopping bags! From the iconic fashion boutiques – with international and Australian flair – to unique homewares departments, whatever you desire, you’ll find it on the Gold Coast.

World-class day spas and retreats
Taking a getaway on the Gold Coast is all about splurging in the most important ‘me-time’ and there simply can be no better way to truly let go than to book yourself in for a pampering package at one of the amazing Gold Coast day spas. Whether it’s a relaxing back massage, a radiance-boosting facial, or an all-day pamper package with a nutritious and restaurant style meal deal, the Gold Coast personal health scene offers an experience to suit every wish.

Large international events and unique local festivals
Part of the endless attraction of the Gold Coast is drawn in the constant stream of massive international events and individual local events that happen. With any given day on the Gold Coast, you could be finding yourself drawn into by open-air concerts, international sporting events and professional surfing tournaments plus music, art, food and film festivals alike. No event is left out on the Gold Coast, offering you ever more reason to come for a stay!

Thinking about holidaying on the Gold Coast? If so, visit the Gold Coast Guide for a review of Gold Coast attractions including things to do, things to see and tips on how to find a great restaurant; Gold Coast restaurants offers some of the best food in Australia.