Gold Coast
Gold Coast beach
Australia's Gold Coast stretches south from Queensland's capital, Brisbane, along 45 miles (70km) of coastline into northern New South Wales. The stunning array of beaches along this coast are a major drawcard, and where once only the surf graced the shoreline today there is a plethora of high-rise accommodation, giant theme parks, exotic nightlife and countless restaurants. The sun shines here 300 days out of the year, and the beach resort towns with their alluring names all offer soft golden sand, rolling waves and the chance to gain a perfect suntan.



Resorts

See our separate guides to the following Gold Coast holiday resorts: Surfer's Paradise and Sanctuary Cove

Attractions

Fraser Island
Fraser Island © Judith Duk

Fraser Island

This is the world's largest sand island, situated a two-hour drive north of Brisbane, which provides a unique ecological system of giant dunes, forests, streams and freshwater lakes. In 1993 it was placed on the World Heritage List and draws visitors wishing to explore the unique elevated lakes (there are more than 200 of them) which contain pure, acidic water that are so low in nutrients that few fish survive in them. The island, well covered in vegetation, is inhabited by bats, dingoes and more than 350 species of birds. It also features giant satinay trees that stand 60 metres high as well as several other rare and ancient botanical species. The island is 75 miles (120km) long and about 9 miles (15km) wide and can be explored on walking trails or by four-wheel drive. Accommodation is plentiful on the island in ecologically sensitive resorts.

Website: www.tamborinemtnlandcare.org.au


Wet \'n Wild Water World
Wet 'n Wild Water World © Wet \'n Wild Water World

Wet 'n Wild Water World

This premier water theme park was recently voted Brisbane's best tourist attraction. Sited at Oxenford on the Pacific Highway in 20 acres of tropical parkland it incorporates a wave pool, children's pool, speed slide, toboggan ride and a variety of twisting slides - all supervised by fully qualified lifeguards and with the water heated year round. There are also barbecue and picnic facilities in the park, as well as a cafe and souvenir shop.

Address: M1 Pacific Motorway, 12 miles (20km) north of Surfers Paradise and 31 miles (50km) south of Brisbane; E-mail: info@wetnwild.com.au; Website: www.wetnwild.com.au; Telephone: (0)7 5573 2255; Transport: A number of bus services access the park. Rail services are available to Helensvale station from Brisbane, which connects to bus transport; Opening time: Daily 10am. The park closes at various times depending on the month from 4pm to 9pm; Admission: A$42(adults), A$28children 4-13 yrs); concessions available, as well as various passes

Excursions

Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is inland from the Gold Coast, about 21 miles (34km) northwest of Nerang and about 40 miles (62km) from Brisbane. It is a popular scenic drive destination, as the area includes seven national parks featuring a variety of sub-tropical rainforest. Mount Tamborine itself rises 1,837ft (560m) above sea level. The main Tamborine National Park covers a large section of the mountain offering walking trails through abundant rainforest and past waterfalls, with excellent picnic facilities. There are numerous art and craft galleries in the area, several restaurants and two wineries.

Website: www.tamborinemountain.net

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