If you fancy a sun-drenched holiday where the fun doesn’t stop, Australia is a natural choice. The Gold Coast (which is in Queensland) should be particularly high on your list.
Located on the south-east coast of Queensland, this seaside city has it all – bags of sunshine, beautiful beaches and attractions to suit pretty much anyone you can imagine. If a fun-filled break is what you have in mind, we have a few ideas that’ll help you build your perfect itinerary.
Lively beach areas
The Gold Coast has a seriously vibrant beach culture, and some of the most exciting precincts are built around the best stretches of sand. Take Surfers Paradise, for instance.
This place is home to nearly half of all the accommodation in the city, so unsurprisingly it also has heaps of attractions to keep tourists happy. For example, you can spend all day soaking up the sun and still hit the shops, since there’s late night shopping every single day. Plus, on Wednesdays and Fridays there are beachside markets from 17:30 to 22:00 local time.
The Broadbeach area, meanwhile, is home to one of the most stunning beaches in Queensland. What’s more, the area has a really charming European feel and a reputation as a great destination for foodies.
Surfing
If you fancy splashing about in the sea (and with a coast like that, why wouldn’t you?), it’s pretty hard to beat surfing. And, as you’ve probably guessed from the fact there’s a district called Surfers Paradise, the pastime is pretty big here.
If you’re new to the sport, you’ll be glad to hear it’s a great place to learn, since conditions are so reliable – and there are some decent surf schools around to boot. For instance, the Get Wet Surf School holds lessons every morning and afternoon on an uncrowded spot north of Surfers Paradise. This is known as the Spit, and it has excellent conditions for both beginners and intermediates.
And you needn’t worry about getting there either, because the school will give you a lift there and back for free.
Tamborine Forest Skywalk
Our next suggestion is a great way to explore the best of the local landscape – the Tamborine Forest Skywalk, which lets you walk through the forest canopy.
You’ll begin by learning a little about the local wildlife and plants in the Rainforest Eco Gallery, then take to the elevated walkway to explore the breathtaking middle and upper canopies of the rainforest. And don’t worry about safety – the walkway is high-tech and made of steel. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for rock pools, the butterfly lookout, views over the local creek and more.
Golf
If you’re a keen golfer, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Gold Coast is home to some excellent courses. One of the best is the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, which is home to the only Arnold Palmer-designed and exclusive course in Australia.
Plus, it’s one of the few 36-hole golf facilities in this part of Queensland. So, it’s got plenty to recommend it. The Pines is the course designed by Arnold Palmer, while the other course (Palms Golf Course) was designed by Ross Watson.
Alongside the courses themselves, there’s a chipping and putting green for you to practise on, as well as two driving ranges. And in case you fancy doing something a bit different, there are tennis courts, fitness classes, a swimming pool and more too.
Photo credit: gold coast
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