Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is renowned for its white sand beaches that stretch across 57 kilometres (35 miles) of coastline.

Choose from the sheltered waters at Coolangatta and Currumbin beaches or the popular surfing breaks at Main Beach or Burleigh Heads.

First-time surfers can book a group or private lesson with Get Wet Surf School at The Spit, Surfers Paradise.

Wave Break Island lies just off Main Beach and offers fantastic snorkelling and diving, with more than 50 species of fish.

Explore this colourful underwater world on a Queensland Scuba Diving tour

As well as its beaches, the Gold Coast is equally famed for its world-class theme parks. Water lovers should head for Wet ‘n’ Wild with its extreme waterslides such as Kamikaze and the Tornado. Warner Bros.

Movie World is great for families, with plenty of kid-friendly attractions and the chance to meet loveable cartoon characters.

Dreamworld caters to adventure seekers with big rides, including The Giant Drop, Tower of Terror and Buzz Saw. To experience more than one park, buy a Mega Pass, which gives you access to Wet ‘n’ Wild, Movie World, Sea World (a marine animal park) and the Aussie farm and wildlife experience, Paradise Country. Tickets to Dreamworld can be bought separately.

Marvel at the views of the Gold Coast while freefalling from 12,000 feet with Gold Coast Skydive. Whether the thought excites, inspires or downright terrifies you, everyone feels the same sensation when hovering over the glistening Gold Coast skyline; pure thrill.

The take off from the Gold Coast International Airport amongst the passenger jets offers its own unique experience before you have even left the ground.

The ride to height allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Gold Coast’s white sandy beaches and enchanting hinterland, until you reach the drop point.

After the extreme freefall with the sea floor directly below you, the parachute ride will have you lost for words as you glide onto the soft white sand of beautiful Kirra Beach.

Turn away from the beach and explore the enchanting Gold Coast hinterland, with its unspoiled national park and charming mountain villages.

Adventure seekers can test their legs on the three-day Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which passes an ancient volcano and goes through World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, or follow a cycling trail through the wineries and boutique breweries of Mount Tamborine.

At Lamington National Park stroll through the rainforest canopy 15 metres (49 feet) above ground at O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk.

Get a taste of the region when you drop by Burleigh Brewing Company – pioneers of the Gold Coast’s craft beer movement. Visit the taphouse to taste their award-winning beers and see live music.

Another Burleigh Heads local is Black Hops, voted Australia’s Champion Small Brewery in 2018. Fortitude Brewing Co., in Mt Tamborine, is the perfect hinterland spot to quench your thirst.

In Currumbin you’ll find Balter, a venture from four Australian pro surfers. While the logo is playful and you can compete in “tinnie hurling” competitions, the brew is serious and has won multiple national and international awards.

Finally, don’t miss the new kid on the block – Lost Palms Brewing Company in Miami where you can enjoy the classics alongside Kombucha infusions in colourful surrounds.