Destination Guide - Gold Coast

  • Swim with the dolphinsThe Gold Coast from aboveSurfer and his surfboardTheme park fun on the Gold Coast
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With more than 300 days of sun each year, the Gold Coast lives up to its name. Colourful theme parks including Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n’ Wild pack more action into a day than you ever thought possible. For those who are interested in a slower pace, the beaches are the ideal location to kick back and enjoy the scenery.

The Basics

Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Population: 496,906
Time zone: +10
Daylight savings: N/A
Language: English
Country code: +61
Area code: 07
Electricity voltage: 220-240V
Electricity hz: 50Hz
Electrical plugs: Australian-style plug with two flat angled blades and one vertical grounding blade
Mobile network: GSM, CDMA

Highlights

  • Surfer’s Paradise
  • Sea World
  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Events

  • 26 January
    Australia Day

Weather

Winter (June to August) average temperatures hover around a mild 20°C. In summer (December to February) temperatures climb to 35°C regularly.

Getting there and around

It’s easy enough to get around the heart of the Gold Coast on foot. There are good bus services and taxis. However, if you intend to visit the theme parks and go exploring the most economical option is to hire a car.

Book a flight to the Gold Coast with Qantas

Travel Insider Gold Coast suggestions

Insider City Guide

Gold Coast gospel
Gold Coast gospel

As the Magic Millions thoroughbred sales bring Queensland’s Gold Coast into sharp focus, Keith McCutcheon, Surfers Paradise retailer and 30-year resident, nominates some hot spots for out-of-towners.

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Food & Drink

The Hatsuhana, Gold Coast
The Hatsuhana, Gold Coast

Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
+61 7 5591 0028.

Book a restaurant

Food and drink icon
Vie, Gold Coast

Palazzo Versace, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
+61 7 5509 8000.

Book a restaurant

Further reading

Here are some suggestions for other travel destinations around Queensland.

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  • Is there still the winter sun festival in Coolangatta
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