This playground is a melting pot of all walks of life. It is the universal Mecca for backpackers, families, groups, shoppers and busloads of international visitors. And it delivers to every single one of them.
From the rich, flamboyantly displaying their excesses to old school surfy types clinging to the way things used to be, and everything in between. The Gold Coast will keep you entertained from start to finish.
BEST TIME TO GO TO THE GOLD COAST
Weather on the Gold Coast is all about sunshine. You will get plenty of it all year round. School holidays are busy though, so if you are sans kids there are better times of year to visit. The best time is autumn when you will get warm sunny days, without the crowds. The summer months are tempting but they can get hot and humid, with short-lived tropical storms. You will want to avoid “schoolies” like the plaque. The annual pilgrimage of high school leavers who take over the Gold Coast from mid-November to early December can get rowdy. And sometimes ugly. It’s best to look away.
THINGS TO DO ON THE GOLD COAST
Theme Parks
Nowhere quite does theme and amusement parks like the Gold Coast. From the big players like Sea World, Wet and Wild World and Movie World to Australian Outback Adventure and Paradise Country. There is an adrenalin level to suit everyone. Theme parks aren’t everyone’s jam, especially if you’re over the age of 25. But instead of approaching it as a must do for the kids, unleash your inner child, put your cap on backwards and get ready to let out a few “yee ha”s. Here are our top tips when tackling the Gold Coast theme parks:
Search and Stay’s Theme Park Survival Guide
1. Theme parks should be approached like an aggressive business takeover. Research, planning, onboarding the team (aka family) and direction (yes, there must be a leader). But when those gates open, throw it all out the window. It is best man/woman/child for themselves. Push, shove, do whatever you need to do to get to the front of the line. Waiting is overrated.
2. If your child doesn’t reach the minimum height requirement for a ride, don’t go anywhere near it. The impending meltdown is not worth it. Though it might make for a great 18th birthday story, your day will be forever marred by the tantrum of biblical proportions.
3. Got a bit of a daydreamer in the group? Let’s face it, that’s most kids. Write your phone number on their arm. Use a tattoo gun if you must. Give them strict instructions that if they wander off, they should head to the nearest superhero or fairy princess they can find.
4. Re-finance the house before leaving home. That way you can enjoy a fast-food lunch on the theme park grounds. Or if that’s a bit over the top, you could always pack some snacks.
An alternative to the Theme Parks is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a great place for kids to learn while they have fun. As well as heaps of fabulous animals to visit and shows to see, you can watch the vets and nurses looking after native animals in the Wildlife Hospital - fascinating. And don't forget the greatest highlight, the lorikeet feeding! Feed dozens of wild lorikeets, they're not shy and will eat right from your hands or take a rest on your head and shoulders. 
Burleigh Headland National Park Walk
Burleigh Headland National Park is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast. Taking a walk on and around the headland is the best way to take it all in. The Ocean View Walk follows the water and is the easier option. Higher on the headland is the Rainforest Circuit. It’s a little tougher but you are rewarded with some stunning vistas and cool rainforest. Why not take one track on the way out and the other to return?
Q1 Skypoint
Take a ride to the top of the tallest building in Australia. The observation deck on Level 77 gives you 360degree panoramic views of the coast and hinterland. Thrill-seekers will want to take on the Skypoint Climb. A 90minute external climb of the tower is guaranteed to get your heart pumping.
BEST FOOD AND DRINK ON THE GOLD COAST
Best food on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast food scene has exploded in the last few years. Seriously good food is being dished up by seriously good chefs. From fine dining to relaxed international haunts and mouth-watering burger joints, you’ll find it all. Old favourites, rising stars and little hidden locals compete to give you a ridiculous amount of good food options. The great thing is, you don’t need to get yourself to the strip area of Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach. Good food can be found on the Gold Coast from top to bottom. Try The Collective or 8th Ave Terrace at Palm Beach in the south. Don’t by-pass Burleigh which has brushed off its daggy, surfy vibe to produce some gems like Jimmy Wah’s, Rick Shores and Justin Lane Pizza. Head south for the super hot cross-eyed mary's or north to Surfers Pavilion, a venue with direct boat and jet-ski access - very GC. The absolute must if you’re a fan of Lebanese food try the fairly new Jaybriell's at Mermaid beach.
Best coffee on the Gold Coast
Gold Coast locals are more coffee connoisseurs than coffee snobs. They will happily point you in the direction of their favoured local. And with cafes and coffee shops at every turn, their back-street favourite will be worth the diversion
All Time Coffee Co in Mermaid wins awards for its tasty coffee. No Name Lane has seriously good brews too. It’s beneath The Oracle, a high-rise resort over Broadbeach’s shopping precinct. Try Daark Espresso where you will also get one of the best breakfasts on the Coast. And go hunting for Stairwell Coffee. A little coffee hang in Surfers Paradise that pumps out caffeine hits to the masses daily.
BEST SHOPPING ON THE GOLD COAST
Shopping on the Gold Coast is like letting a kid loose in a lolly shop. The choice is mind-blowing. Gold Coast retail therapists can hold their own with shopping powerhouses like Sydney and Melbourne. Revamped destination shopping centres, designer boutiques and premium global brands sit side by side with surf shops, markets and outlet stores. Markets can be found almost any day of the week along the Coast. The Village Market, or TVM to the locals, is the pick. With art, fashion, homewares and ceramics you will find yourself some bargains from emerging designers and artisans. Add live music and food truck fare and you’ll stay for hours.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE GOLD COAST
There are literally hundreds of accommodation options on the Gold Coast. 5 star luxury holiday homes, self-contained apartments, family-friendly houses and couple hideaways. With so many options, you will get plenty of bang for your buck. Especially outside peak times. So, indulge, spoil yourself and go a little luxe.
TRAVELLING WITH KIDS TO THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast is host to more than 3 million visitors each year with a large chunk of them are families. Activities, experiences, places to go, things to see and do. The Gold Coast is a kid’s haven of holiday fun.
It doesn’t need to cost a bomb either. Nor does the pace need to be frantic. Search out some of the Gold Coast’s natural attractions that made it popular in the first place. Currumbin Rock Pools are really cool. Or Head for the hills to O’Reilly’s Treetop Walk in Lamington National Park. Every kid, large or small will love Tallebudgera Creek for snorkeling, swimming and stand up paddle boarding..
THE HISTORY OF THE GOLD COAST
The Queensland south coast was known as "Kurrungul". It was a meeting place for tribes who came together to fish and camp near the creeks and estuaries. Captain Cook travelled past in 1770 but it wasn’t until 1840 that European settlers arrived. The attraction was the extensive cedar supplies. The timber industry thrived while the surrounding valleys and plains were quickly developed as cattle, sugar and cotton farms. As the region became more accessible, its beaches became the drawcard. By the 1930’s it was a popular destination for Brisbane holidaymakers. Once known as Elston it was renamed to Surfers Paradise in 1933.
The high-rise boom hit the Gold Coast in the 1960’s. It also saw the introduction of the infamous bikini clad “Meter Maids”, who topped up parking meters so holidaymakers avoided parking fines.
SEARCH AND STAY SECRET TIP
Head to the hinterland and the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. It is a one-kilometre circuit walk through the ancient Gondwana rainforest to the rock arch. The unusual geological feature was formed by water flowing through the roof of a basalt cave. Head there after sunset to check out the light show put on by the resident glow-worm colony. Remember to turn your torch off though. The worms are shy if they know you’re watching.
Search and Stay has a plethora of great holiday rentals on the Gold Coast.
For more information visit Destination Gold Coast.