Gold Coast Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Beaudesert is a quaint rural town situated in scenic mountain hinterland, less than an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Often enjoyed as a convenient stop-off point on the Mt Lindesay Highway, Beaudesert is a buzzing destination in its own right.

The ever-popular country markets here teem with local produce and high quality craftwork. Galleries display the well-respected works of the local art community.

A smattering of high quality restaurants serve exquisite meals, while a growing number of boutique vineyards complete the picture of a food lovers’ paradise. There is also a good selection of boutique accommodation that's perfect for a romantic getaway.

The Beaudesert area is also well known for its majestic national parks and rainforests, some of which are World Heritage listed. Check out Mt Tamborine, Mt Lindesay, Mt Barney, Mt Ernest, Mt May and Mt Maroon. Their spectacular scenery makes bushwalking a popular activity.

Of course, a leisurely drive out on the winding country roads is not to be missed. Stop at a country pub for lunch; the food is often as generous as the hospitality.

Just 45 minutes’ drive from the heart of the Gold Coast, Beechmont is a world away from the high-energy buzz of the famous glitter strip. This majestic plateau of the Gold Coast Hinterland commands breath-taking views largely unchanged from those enjoyed by the traditional owners, the Yugambeh people, for thousands of years.

The Yugambeh people called the plateau "The Place of the Binna Burra" referring to the forests of ancient Antarctic Beech trees that still grace the landscape today.

The Beechmont Plateau is one of the numerous northerly spurs of the McPherson Range located south of Tamborine Mountain on the way to Lamington National Park. The area is best known for its many spectacular lookouts, picturesque drives through the countryside and charming spots to stop for a picnic.

On good days hang-gliders flock to Rosin’s Lookout to enjoy the excellent flying conditions. Some days the hang-gliders compete for airspace with model airplane enthusiasts and the natural masters of the sky, our beautiful native birds.

Nearby are a range of accommodation options including quaint bed-and-breakfasts, holiday rentals and beautiful creek side campgrounds.

Located directly across the Broadwater from the famous Gold Coast Spit, Biggera Waters is the perfect launching pad for a Gold Coast holiday adventure.

Hire a boat and head out on the water to explore the creeks, estuaries, and islands found around this part of the Gold Coast Seaway. In the distance, the shimmering Gold Coast skyline is your impressive backdrop.

Fishing enthusiasts will soon discover a land of bounty with a myriad of hidden channels, mangroves, rock walls and creek mouths providing the perfect spot to drop a line.

Biggera Waters is the place to snap up a bargain with a huge factory direct shopping precinct located on its western fringe. Savour a freshly ground coffee, enjoy a meal, catch a movie and shop till you drop at this popular meeting spot.

Along the Broadwater you’ll find many excellent dining venues with beautiful views across the water. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and pass through beautiful parklands and children’s play areas until you reach the fashionable suburb of Southport.

Biggera Waters offers a range of accommodation options, located along the waterfront or just a short walking distance from the Broadwater. Luxury resorts, comfortable apartments, motels, self-contained units and even camping and caravanning are all available.

Biggera Waters is just minutes from the centre of the Gold Coast and 45 minutes’ drive from the Coolangatta airport.

Nestled in a small parcel of land surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Binna Burra, is a charming area shrouded in lush, ancient rainforest.

The name, Binna Burra, is an Aboriginal word meaning "where the beech tree grows," referring to a stand of ancient Antarctic Beech in the nearby rainforest.

Binna Burra is a great starting point for numerous nature walks through the pristine Lamington National Park. Explore caves once used by the local indigenous people for shelter and cooking. Marvel at thundering waterfalls shrouded in mist. Feel the temperature drop and the sun disappear as you descend into the rainforest canopy.

The blue and white spiny Lamington Crayfish can sometimes be seen in rock pools, but more often met casually strolling down the walking tracks during wet weather. Keep a look-out for koalas high in the trees as well as small pademelon kangaroos, goannas and more than 600 bird species.

Facilities at Binna Burra include a visitors’ centre, cafe, a guesthouse, campsites, safari tents, powered sites, picnic grounds, and an environmental education centre.

Founded in 1933, Binna Burra’s Mountain Lodge is one of Australia's longest established nature-based resorts, named one of the world's top 10 eco-lodges and green hotels. The original rustic log cabins have been updated with modern amenities, but televisions, phones, clocks and radios have deliberately been left behind.

Binna Burra is approximately 90 minutes’ drive south of Brisbane via Beechmont. The road is unsuitable for caravans.

Broadbeach is just south of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast and offers an inviting beach lifestyle.

Broadbeach is somewhat quieter than Surfers Paradise to the north, but boasts an excellent stretch of beach, dining and shopping options. Broadbeach Mall and Surf Parade are lined with trendy outdoor cafes and restaurants, and beachfront craft markets are held on the first and third Sunday of every month.

But probably the best known attraction at Broadbeach is Conrad Jupiters Casino, which thrives with people trying their luck 24 hours a day.

Adjacent to bustling Broadbeach, Broadbeach Waters is known for a landscape woven with kilometres of canals, bike paths and scenic walks. It is also a central hub, located just minutes from all the major shopping and entertainment hot-spots on the Gold Coast.

Just to the south is one of the largest shopping centres in the country, offering hundreds of specialty shops, major department stores, a cinema complex and plenty of activities for the kids. To the north is the vibrant beachside playground of Surfers Paradise, where the options for good food, great entertainment and knock-out views are unsurpassed.
Along the eastern fringes of Burleigh Waters you’ll find a world-class casino and cabaret venue as well as the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre where you can always catch a concert, exhibition or show.

On the coastal fringe is the fabulous dining and entertainment precinct of Broadbeach, boasting great shopping, wine bars, alfresco dining, and groovy night spots. Take the monorail to the casino, have a flutter, then sample fresh local produce at one of six restaurants before catching a live show.

The beach at Broadbeach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing and boogie boarding – but be sure to stay between the flags!

When it’s time to relax, head to Cascade Gardens for a gentle stroll through the rainforest. Visit the enclosed sanctuary for water birds, wander amongst the waterfalls and enjoy a barbecue by the tranquil creek.

Broadbeach Waters is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the Coolangatta Airport and an extensive range of accommodation options are available to suit most budgets.

Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast is world renowned for its spectacular surfing conditions. Burleigh attracts international pro surfers with its tubular Burleigh Barrel waves, and is the venue for major surfing tournaments like the Quicksilver Pro Surf Tournament.

Burleigh Heads is nestled beneath the rolling Burleigh headland, which is studded with distinctive pines and pandanus palms. The headland was formed by an ancient volcano and is a sacred spot for Aborigines who once gathered here to fish and feast. It adjoins the Burleigh Head National Park on the banks of the Tallebudgera Creek. From the headland you have expansive views north to the high-rises of Surfers Paradise. There’s also a lovely beachfront park that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Burleigh Heads has a chilled out, beach atmosphere with several alfresco restaurants, bars and cafes. This relaxed charm exudes from everything in Burleigh, making it a perfect holiday destination.

The old saw-milling town of Canungra is the springboard to Lamington National Park and its popular mountain resorts.

Visitors can take a walk through the sawmill’s old tramway tunnel cut through sandstone, where the walls show the scars caused by logs jamming against them. The beautiful timbers used in the interior of St Luke's Church also bear testimony to Canungra’s timber heritage.

Now the town has become a haven for artists and craft-workers. View their work at local galleries and potteries and then sit back with a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes. And if your thoughts turn to adventure, learn to hang-glide, paraglide or take a horse trek through the picturesque Biddaddaba Valley.

Carrara is famous on the Gold Coast for its enormously popular markets boasting more than 500 stalls. Parking and entry is free, and so is the fun street entertainment. Family Fun Lane is a great place to take the kids with face painting, pony rides, a merry-go-round and balloon-wielding clowns adding to the fun. Everything from fresh produce and meat to fashion, toys, jewellery and homewares can be snapped up for a bargain at this Gold Coast institution.

Carrara is also home to three large and impressive golf courses offering great views and challenging greens. Hire some clubs, improve your handicap, and then reward yourself with a cool drink and scrumptious lunch at the exclusive and very stylish clubhouse.
With a capacity of 18,000 Carrara Stadium regularly holds big sporting events and also has a well-appointed indoor sports centre.

Several luxury resorts provide a range of accommodation options along with all the recreational facilities you would expect from a top class Gold Coast hotel. Day spas, tennis courts and superb dining are all at your finger tips.

Cararra is located right on the Pacific Highway just 20 minutes from the Coolangatta Airport.

Coolangatta is located at the southern end of the Gold Coast on the border with New South Wales. Coolangatta shares this edge of Queensland with its ‘twin town’ of Tweed Heads.

Coolangatta boasts some of the region's most beautiful beaches and best surfing. The most difficult surf break is at Port Danger, while Kirra Point is also popular with more experienced surfers.

The rugged headland of Point Danger gives way to delightful Rainbow Bay where gentle surf offers a safe haven for small children. Further north is the tree-studded Greenmount headland, the perfect vantage point to watch the sun rise over crystal waters. Rainbow Bay and Greenmount Beach offer gentler breaks suited for beginner surfers.

There are several alfresco bistros and cafes, and on the second Sunday of the month, market stalls are set up along the beachfront where you can browse through local handicrafts.

With the serene Coomera River as its backdrop, Coomera and nearby Oxenford are home to the Gold Coast’s famous theme park attractions. With more fun than you can pack into a single day, these theme parks offer adrenalin-pumping rides, gravity-defying rollercoasters, hair-raising water slides, electrifying stunt performances and exotic animals from around the world.

If that’s not enough action, in Coomera you can also get a thrill on a go kart track, take a scenic helicopter flight or kayak down the beautiful Coomera River.

The gentler side of Coomera can be found on an Aussie farm tour where you can see stockmen at work, feed the kangaroos and watch the wintery coat being shorn off a sheep. The local winery offers tours and you can learn to sail on the river or play a round of golf.

For a holiday with a difference Coomera has house boats for hire, offering a view of the Gold Coast waterways seen by only a select few. Drop a line over the side and you might just enjoy fresh mangrove jack, flathead, bream or trevally for lunch!

Coomera is also home to the largest Marina in the southern hemisphere where you can enjoy superb dining as you gaze out over the water at luxurious yachts and leisure craft. The Marina is adjacent to a major boat building precinct specialising in the manufacture of larger vessels and enormous super yachts.

Coomera is handily located just 45 minutes drive from Brisbane and a half hour’s drive from Coolangatta airport on the M1 motorway. Accommodation in the area includes caravan parks, cabins, self-contained units, holiday rentals and motor-inns.

Currumbin is small coastal town on the southern Gold Coast just south of Surfers Paradise. Currumbin boasts a sheltered swimming and surfing beach where the mouth of the Currumbin Creek and the Pacific Ocean meet.

Currumbin can be distinguished from other beaches by the Currumbin Rock. Standing several metres tall, the rock separates the two beaches of Currumbin and offers an excellent vantage point to watch the local surfers brave the waves. There are also expansive views north to Surfers Paradise and south to Coolangatta.

Currumbin is popular among beginning surfers because of its sheltered waters. It’s an excellent place to bring your family and friends for an afternoon barbeque, or to snack at one of the cafes along the esplanade. And just a little further from the beach you'll find Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Make sure to leave time for a visit and view the many wildlife species there.

And just a short drive inland from the beach are the Currumbin Rock Pools in Mt Cougal National Park. There are several pools and cascades that make for plenty of fun for the whole family.

Hidden away, out of sight of the Gold Coast’s hustle and bustle, is one of the area’s most beautiful natural gems – Currumbin Valley. Encompassed by steeply rising peaks and shrouded in lush protected rainforest, Currumbin Valley is just 10 minutes’ drive from the tourist strip but a world away in attitude.

The drive to the valley takes you along picturesque Currumbin Creek and past velvety green pastures, dairy farms, plant nurseries, quaint craft shops and roadside vegetable stalls.

The beautiful Currumbin Rock Pools provide a cool, refreshing rainforest retreat during the hot summer months. The pristine spring water cascading down from the mountains over rocks and boulders makes it a delightfully refreshing place to take a dip. The bubbling waters create a natural-spa like effect and there are plenty of nooks and crannies for the kids to explore. Pack a picnic, fire up the barbecue or grab a delicious lunch at a nearby cafe.

Past the rock pools, the creek is a great place for a relaxed afternoon of fishing. Explore the scenic waterway by canoe – the eco-friendly way to get back to nature. Currumbin Valley is also home to an award-winning ecovillage, recognised as one of the world’s best examples of an environmentally sustainable urban development.

Just 10 minutes up the road is the Mt Cougal section of the Springbrook National Park. At this mountainous section of the Park you can enjoy the beauty of cascades and rock pools as you wander under the rainforest canopy.

Currumbin Valley is home to a number of retreats, health resorts and bed-and-breakfast style accommodation and is just 30 minutes’ drive from Coolangatta airport.

Tucked away in the foothills of World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, is a spot straight from a picture-book, Darlington Park. The area is part of South East Queensland’s beautiful Scenic Rim and is a great base from which to explore this unique and spectacular part of the world.

Caravan, motorhome and camping enthusiasts regularly flock to the excellent camp grounds situated on banks of the picturesque Albert River. Toilets and free gas barbecues are provided, however there are no showers or electricity and visitors must bring their own water and firewood.

The area also has several quaint bed-and-breakfasts, farm-stays and romantic cottage-style accommodations set against the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains and rainforest.

A walk to the headwaters of Albert River rewards with beautiful scenery. The river is stocked with bass and cod and a catch release system maintains good numbers. Other activities available in the area include horse riding and four wheel drive tours of the least inaccessible but most beautiful parts of the dramatic landscape.

From Darlington Park you can explore the ancient world of Lamington National Park, O Reilly’s and neighbouring Lost World Valley. Walking tracks will take you through thick lush rainforest to spectacular gorges, thundering waters and breath-taking scenery.
Darlington Park is just 90 minutes’ drive south of Brisbane via Beaudesert.

Mention the Gold Coast region and various images come to mind... stunning beaches, exciting theme parks, sun-kissed locals, sophisticated style, the list goes on. The Gold Coast truly offers something for everyone.

It’s a holiday destination of wonderful contrasts. From the sophistication of Main Beach, the glamour of Surfers Paradise, to the quiet beachside towns and World Heritage listed rainforests of the hinterland… the Gold Coast is teeming with holiday options. Add this to the non-stop energy of the theme parks and a 70 km coastline with more than 40 patrolled beaches, and you’ve got an idyllic holiday destination.

The beachfront esplanades of Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta invite you to sit back, relax and soak up the holiday atmosphere. While on the Gold Coast hinterland, you’ll feel as though you’re miles away from everything. Explore quaint mountain villages and natural escapes in the World Heritage listed Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves.

So come experience the contagious excitement, glorious weather and natural beauty of the Gold Coast. You'll want to come back again and again.

If a day spent on the fairways is your idea of a day well spent, you’re going to love Hope Island on the Gold Coast!

A third of Hope Island’s land mass is taken up with big glorious golfing greens set amongst palm trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. Golfers can improve their handicap on championship 18 hole courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Peter Thomson. These courses are internationally recognised as some of the best in the country.

In keeping with the high quality of the golf courses, Hope Island is home to luxurious four and five star resorts that promise the ultimate in opulence. Enjoy spas, gymnasiums, saunas, and sand-fringed lagoons. At the tennis academy you can be coached by a pro.

The Marina at Hope Island is one of the best on the Gold Coast but is more than just a place to enjoy the boating lifestyle. The Marina precinct boasts good shopping facilities including a supermarket, pharmacy, medical centre, and bakery. It’s also a great place to unwind with alfresco dining and a lively Tavern.

Just five minutes up the road you’ll find famous Sanctuary Cove. This relaxed, yet fashionable precinct offers superb waterside dining, exclusive boutique shopping, beauty salons and even a movie theatre.

Hope Island is located 45 minutes’ drive from Coolangatta airport and an hour from Brisbane airport. The beaches and excitement of Surfers Paradise are 20 minutes away.

Named for its natural freshwater waterhole, thirsty travellers have been visiting Jacobs Well since the mid 1800s. Situated near the mouth of the Pimpama River on the edge of a pristine waterway peppered with uninhabited islands, Jacobs Well is a haven for fishermen and boat enthusiasts alike.

This quaint fishing village, with lovely water views, is situated approximately halfway between the cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It can be found 10 minutes off the Pacific Highway after a short drive through scenic fields of sugarcane.

As the gateway to southern Moreton Bay, Jacobs Well is just a short boat ride to the Gold Coast Broadwater and the tourist Mecca of Southport. The area is an ideal launch site to access the islands and channels of the Jumpinpin area, well-known for its ideal fishing and boating conditions. Boaties will enjoy exploring the myriad of islands in the coastal channel and there are no bridges or obstacles or to spoil the fun! Fisherman will find nearby estuary waters teeming with flathead, whiting, tailor, and bream. Reel them in from the jetty or over the side of a boat.

Just five minutes up the road is a luxury resort and deep water marina offering fine dining, live entertainment, cold drinks and knock-out views over the water.
For a change of pace the Gold Coast’s major theme parks are only a 15 minute drive away and the heart of bustling Gold Coast is just 30 minutes down the road.

Kirra is in the southern stretch of the Gold Coast and boasts excellent breaks for experienced surfers.

Kirra Point has challenging waves for the experienced surfer, as well as smaller waves closer to shore for beginners. It's a great place to watch the experts at work and get some pointers if you're learning to surf. You could say it's the local obsession - with three surf life saving clubs, many events and major surf competitions.

Try hiring a longboard for the day for guaranteed fun. And make sure not to miss nearby Duranbah for another surfing hotspot.

Labrador is located on the northern stretch of the Gold Coast and overlooks the Southport Broadwater. The Broadwater is a haven for boating and watersports enthusiasts with its still, shallow waters.

Accommodation options include serviced and self-contained apartments, motels and a popular waterfront tourist park. The area also offers a wide variety of restaurants.

Main Beach is just north of Surfers Paradise and boasts a sophisticated, yet casual, beach lifestyle. It's one of the Gold Coast's best beaches.

Main Beach offers a beachfront park perfect for an afternoon barbeque or game of Frisbee. And just a block from the beach, is a lovely area filled with alfresco restaurants and cafes where you can relax to the sounds of live music and enjoy watching a variety of luxury cars drive by.

Main Beach is located near a long sandbar known as the Spit. The Spit divides the Broadwater from the Pacific Ocean and is popular with surfers and fisherman alike. The Spit is also home to the Sea World theme park and several fabulous shopping and dining experiences. There are also some dive sites nearby including the Scottish Prince shipwreck.

Mermaid Beach, in the southern Gold Coast, offers magnificent beachfront and great breaks for surfers.

Mermaid Beach is, however, known for its ‘millionaire’s row’ of beachfront homes. Many prestigious business owners buy and sell the beautiful beachfront properties on the famed Hedges Avenue because of its location and prestige.

Mermaid offers several accommodation options including motels and self-contained apartments, and a range of alfresco dining restaurants and cafes. Be sure and stop by the Surf Life Saving Club for an excellent meal with views of the Pacific. Mermaid Beach is also close to Broadbeach’s shops and holiday attractions.

Located right in the heart of the Gold Coast, Mermaid Waters is in close proximity to the area’s most popular attractions and fashionable hot-spots. Just five minutes’ drive north, you can court Lady Luck at the world-class casino and catch a cabaret show. A further five minutes’ drive will see you amongst the glitz and glamour of the famous Surfers Paradise strip.

In contrast, the same distance driven south will take you to sheltered family beaches and big broad stretches of sun-kissed sand where you can soak up the sun in relative peace and quiet. Enjoy trendy alfresco dining, browse the boutiques, or snap up a bargain at the bustling beachside markets.

Mermaid Waters is also right next door to Australia’s largest outdoor shopping precinct. Beautifully landscaped and full of fun activities for the kids, this enormous shopping venue will challenge the most experienced retail adventurer!

While it sounds like the work of a team of marketing professionals, Mermaid Waters actually derives its name from the "Mermaid", a cutter ship that brought Australian surveyor John Oxley to the region in 1823. Oxley named the area where he landed "Mermaid Beach" and the land adjacent became known as Mermaid Waters.

Much of the holiday accommodation available at Mermaid Waters consists of high-rise apartments along the coastline, however good affordable low-rise accommodation can be found just a few blocks back from the beach.

Mermaid Waters is just 30 minutes’ drive from Coolangatta airport or 90 minutes from Brisbane airport.

Miami is lovely beach town located south of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. Miami has a spectacular stretch of beach perfect for families and children. There’s a children’s playground and a park ideal for an afternoon barbecue by the beach.

The Miami Surf Life Saving Club also offers refreshing drinks or a delicious dinner. Or just take a dip in the ocean. There are several accommodation options available nearby too.

One of Queensland’s highest and most impressive peaks, Mount Barney is part of the Scenic Rim and Mount Barney National Park. The Park encompasses the largest area of undisturbed natural vegetation remaining in South East Queensland. The mountain’s sheer rugged peaks, caves, crevices and steep unforgiving landscape are best suited to experienced bushwalkers and rock climbers. At the base of the mountain, easier tracks can be found taking walkers to pristine rock pools and lush rainforest.

The eastern face of the mountain is a sheer 300 metre cliff, presenting a meaty challenge for the country’s best rock climbers. Abseilers also regularly test their mettle on nearby escarpments.

The mountain is home to rare and important species including platypus, kingfishers, Coxen’s Fig Parrot, robins, rock wallabies, kangaroos and many birds of prey. Vegetation is varied and includes eucalypt forest, River she-oaks, bottlebrushes, Golden Silky oaks, patches of rainforest and Antarctic Beech Forest.

The mountains and valleys around Mount Barney are the traditional homes of the Mununjali, Githabul and Yugambeh people. The mountain is considered sacred to these people and before European settlement corroborees would be held around the bora ring at the bottom of nearby Mount Ernest.

Accommodation options in the area range from friendly farm stays to cabins and limited camping.

Mt Barney is approximately two hours by car south west from Brisbane via Beaudesert and Rathdowney.

Skirting the fringes of the Gold Coast, and cradled at the foot of the majestic Gold Coast Hinterland, lies the quaint, historic village of Mudgeeraba.

Once a small settlement of timber-cutters situated on a railway siding, this tiny hamlet remained largely untouched until the Gold Coast tourism boom of recent years. Still retaining many of its original buildings and much of its old-world charm, Mudgeeraba is the gateway to the spectacular World-Heritage listed Springbrook National Park, just 15 minutes’ drive west. There you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, thundering waterfalls, and rare and ancient flora found nowhere else in the world.

The Mudgeeraba area is home to the Gold Coast’s oldest original farmers’ market where you can indulge in fresh local produce, coffee, jams, preserves, cheese, wine and baked goods. Tucked away in hidden nooks you’ll find delightful restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and cafes along with art and craft galleries brimming with the work of local artisans.

Just outside of Mudgeeraba you can play golf in the rainforest, or take a ride in a hot air balloon. There are a number of museums and points of historical interest including an old pub made famous in the paintings of one-time local artist d’Arcy Doyle. Enjoy a cold one at the bar and ask a local about the old stories of bunyips in the billabong.

From various vantage points in the hills surrounding Mudgeeraba, you can soak up the region’s most spectacular views of the Gold Coast, then find a picturesque park along Mudgeeraba Creek and enjoy a picnic under a rainforest canopy.

Mudgeeraba is just 20 minutes from both the Coolangatta airport and the heart of the Gold Coast. Accommodation in the area includes country bed-and-breakfasts, and rooms at the local hotel. Motel and resort accommodation can be found in nearby Robina and Carrara.

Nerang is the gateway to the Gold Coast Hinterland's Rainforest Reserves. The Nerang district was originally settled back in 1863. As it was situated on the river and also on the coach route, it soon became a flourishing trading centre.

Nerang meaning 'little' was the euphonious name given to the beautiful river flowing through the scenic and fertile country of Ward, by its Aboriginal inhabitants. The Nerang River is a popular location for fishing, boating and picnics. A great fishing platform is located at Arthur Earle Park. You may come away with bream, flathead, whiting and trevally; or just enjoy the beauty of nature here.

In the south east corner of Queensland, perched high on the top of a mist shrouded mountain is the leafy hamlet of North Tamborine.

North Tamborine is one of three small communities on Mount Tamborine, an area known for its picture-postcard beauty, idyllic countryside and breath-taking views across the surrounding valleys.

The village centre has a number of delightful restaurants and cafes with fresh local produce on the menu. After a hearty meal you can explore the quaint art and craft shops, gift shops and art galleries in the street nearby.

Just minutes from town you’ll find a number of boutique wineries, set in beautifully landscaped gardens and offering tours, fine dining, and samples at the cellar door.

Cute, old-world bed and breakfasts abound on this part of the mountain, along with charming cottage-style accommodation, exclusive health resorts and boutique motels.

There are several rainforest walks in the area and when the weather is good, colourful hang gliders launch from a special site just three minutes from the centre of town.

Farming is still a way of life on the mountain, and the fresh local produce can be enjoyed with a stop at numerous road side vegetable stalls.

And when it’s time to step up the pace, the beaches, shopping and night life of the Gold Coast are a comfortable 40 minutes’ drive from North Tamborine.

Oxenford, on the northern outskirts of the sunny Gold Coast is undoubtabley king of the theme park precincts in Australia. It claims four of the Gold Coast’s five major theme parks.

Oxenford’s theme parks have something for everyone. At Dreamworld, nature lovers can get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world as well as Australia’s cute, cuddly and creepy-crawly critters.

At Warner Brothers Movie World, film buffs can immerse themselves in a movie magic fantasy while rubbing shoulders with the stars. Step into the topsy turvey world of cartoons and re-connect with your inner-kid.

At Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, you can keep your cool with a thrill ride on a gigantic wild water slide, or splash with the kids in a water wonderland. Grab the board and hang ten on an endless wave.

Thrill-seekers will get a buzz from heart-pumping adrenalin rides and gravity-defying roller coasters at Dreamworld and Movie World. You’ll find rides to make your eyes pop and jaw drop!

Take a step back in time at The Australian Outback Spectacular. Thrill to the sight of dozens of stockmen and their horses performing in the centre ring. Learn more about a bygone era as you enjoy hearty bush tucker.

Oxenford is located on the northern end of the Gold Coast approximately 15 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast. Good accommodation options can be found in nearby Coomera and Helensvale including caravan parks, motels, self-contained units and homestays.

At the southern end of the Gold Coast, away from the glitz and glamour of the Surfers Paradise strip, lies a beautiful stretch of sand called Palm Beach.

Stretching for kilometres between the mouths of Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek, Palm Beach is wide, sandy, and spectacularly beautiful. At the southern end you’ll find views of famous Currumbin Rock in the south and the Gold Coast skyline to the north. You can swim in the sand-fringed lagoon frequented by wild dolphins looking for breakfast. A short stroll from the lagoon is an eco-friendly boardwalk through the mangroves taking in views of Currumbin Creek.

At the northern end you can enjoy a beachside barbecue or marvel at the colourful fish as you snorkel the mouth of Tallebudgera Creek. And the Oceanway trail through the sand dunes is a great place for rollerblading.

In between you’ll find a range of accommodation options from caravan parks to luxuriously appointed penthouse apartments. Foodies will be impressed with the range of dining options available – French, Italian, Japanese, Thai and Indian along with the best modern Australian fare at a surf club or tavern.

The beach itself is a haven for surfers and during the summer months, Palm Beach hosts numerous local and national surfing events.

Avid anglers will find fishing off the beach and along the creeks superb, while shop-a-holics will enjoy browsing the trendy art and craft shops and unique boutiques peppered throughout the area.

Palm Beach is just 10 minutes from the Coolangatta airport and 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise.

Located on the very northern fringe of the Gold Coast, Pimpama is the last truly rural area left on the Gold Coast. A drive around Pimpama will take you past green fields of sugarcane and quaint rustic farm houses. A short drive east will find you at the sleepy seaside village of Jacobs Well, where you can hire a boat and enjoy the excellent fishing conditions.

You can’t visit Pimpama without stopping in at the strawberry farm. Visitors can pick their very own red juicy strawberries and the kids can feed the animals in the farmyard. Stay for a meal or treat yourself to a lip-smacking strawberry ice cream!

Pimpama is also home to Queensland’s only Zorb. Step inside this huge clear plastic inflatable ball and let yourself tumble and fall as the huge ball rolls down a long grassy slope.

Feel the need for speed? Just up the road you’ll find a go kart racing complex where the whole family can strap on a helmet and tear up the bitumen on a safe, purpose-built track.


Nearby is a picturesque golf course set amongst tall gum trees. The 18 hole course has hosted the Queensland PGA and encompasses a fauna and flora sanctuary, home to dozens of Eastern Grey Kangaroos. The course is suitable for all ages and abilities and visitors are welcome.

Pimpama is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from both the Brisbane and Coolangatta airports. Motel and unit style accommodation can be found at nearby Coomera.

Rathdowney is about an hour's drive south of Brisbane, and just a short drive from Beaudesert in the Logan River Valley. At the base of the Great Dividing Range, Rathdowney is a beautiful township offering lush forests and rolling hills.

Rathdowney still retains much of its historical origins in timbering and dairy farming. You can learn about the interesting history of this area at the Visitor Information Centre and Historical Museum. See what events are on in the area or even buy local arts and crafts... Rathdowney invites you.

Situated right in the heart of Australia’s number one tourist destination, the Gold Coast, Robina is a master-planned community boasting some of the most impressive shopping and recreation facilities in the state.

Just 15 minutes’ drive to the Gold Coast’s world famous beaches, 20 minutes’ drive to World Heritage listed rainforest and 30 minutes’ drive to the area’s popular theme parks, Robina is a buzzing mix of fast-lane industry and laid-back lifestyle.

Robina is home to the mighty Gold Coast Titans Rugby League team and their impressive home stadium. Take the train and feel the roar of the crowd as you barrack for your team.

Just across the road from Titans HQ is one of the biggest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere. Built around a man-made lake complete with thundering fountain, this shopping monolith will give you a workout as you indulge your wildest shopping fantasies. Here you’ll find exclusive boutiques, state-of-the-art cinemas, hundreds of specialty stores, the heady aroma of freshly ground coffee and fine dining at one of numerous lakeside restaurants.

Not far away is a vast Greg Norman designed golf course interwoven with nine hectares of pristine wetlands. Improve your handicap while you enjoy the tranquil beauty of Mother Nature at her finest.

Accommodation at Robina consists of holiday rentals and self-contained apartments.

Protected from rough ocean seas by South Stradbroke Island to the east, and surrounded by deep canals to the west, Runaway Bay is a popular destination for keen fishermen and boaties alike.

By boat, Runaway Bay is just three minutes from the Southport Broadwater and Seaway, taking in spectacular views the towering Gold Coast skyline.

The local marina is a great place for lunch and to admire the yachts and luxury cruisers at berth. For anglers, this is also the spot to step on board a fishing charter for a day on the water. Choose from deep sea reef and game fishing or fishing in the calm water estuary. With luck you might find yourself dining on fresh local snapper, kingfish, pearl perch, tuna, wahoo or mackerel. Deep sea fishermen can pit their strength and will against a mighty marlin or sailfish.

Explore the beautiful waterways at your own leisure by embarking on a houseboat holiday. Houseboats are available for hire at Runaway Bay and make for a novel and budget-friendly getaway with family or friends.

Away from the water, Runaway Bay has a large shopping village, aquatic centre and sports centre and is just five minutes’ drive from one of the state’s biggest brand direct outlet shopping centres.

Runaway Bay is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the Coolangatta airport and 10 minutes drive from nearby Helensvale train station. Brisbane airport is approximately one hour away by car.

Sanctuary Cove is an exclusive master-planned community right at the very northern end of the sunny Gold Coast.

With a 300 plus birth Marina as the central hub, painstaking detail has gone into the architecture and design of the village centre, public amenities, boardwalk areas and surrounding landscape.

The attractive Marine Village boasts specialty shopping, up-market boutiques, beauty salons, art galleries, fine restaurants, cocktail bars, alfresco dining and even a movie theatre. The ambience is relaxed but at the same time chic and sophisticated.

Fringed by lavish-looking homes and bungalows, the Marina itself is a world-class facility with capacity for super-yachts. Boat operators have direct access to the Pacific Ocean via the protected waterways of the Gold Coast Broadwater. The waters surrounding Sanctuary Cove are the perfect place for a leisurely cruise with many uninhabited islands, estuaries and creeks to explore. Boat hire is available including party pontoons, luxury sailing boats and house boats. A cruise up the river will take you past palatial waterfront mansions and beautiful South Stradbroke Island, Moreton Bay and Wavebreak Island are not far away.

Golf enthusiasts can improve their handicap on two championship golf courses based on designs by Peter Thomson and Arnold Palmer. Afterwards, reward yourself with lunch at the exclusive clubhouse.

A luxurious waterfront resort provides accommodation for visitors and offers tennis courts, a day spa, gymnasium, pool and all the creature comforts you’d expect in an up-market retreat.

Sanctuary Cove is just 20 minutes’ drive from the beaches of the Gold Coast and approximately 45 minutes’ drive from both the Coolangatta and Brisbane airports.

South Stradbroke Island is a sand island near Southport on the Gold Coast. In fact, South Stradbroke is only 200 metres from the northern end of the Spit, making the island easily accessible for day trips.

South Stradbroke Island is largely undeveloped, and its main activities focus on enjoying the outdoors: surfing, bushwalking, swimming and canoeing. It is this aspect of ‘South Straddie’, as the locals fondly call it, that offers a welcome diversion from the city lifestyle. There's an abundance of native wildlife to explore, as well as hiking, rock climbing and ocean fishing.

Ferry services operate to South Stradbroke Island from Runaway Bay Marina, a 20 minute drive north of Surfers Paradise. A seaplane from Marina Mirage can also be used to visit the island; and there are resort accommodation options.

Southport is just north of Surfers Paradise and is considered the central business district of the Gold Coast. It's home to Sea World and some of the world's most luxurious hotels. Southport overlooks the Broadwater and the Southport Spit, which is a long sandbar that divides the Broadwater from the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful parklands along here provide great picnic areas and water-lined walkways. For those with a hunger for adventure the Broadwater also offers a range of watersports.

There is excellent shopping in Southport at the Marina Mirage and the Australia Fair Shopping Centre, and a variety of modern cafes and restaurants.

Springbrook, dominating the skyline west of Broadbeach, is a wonderful retreat with a choice of excellent dining at small cafes and affordable accommodation.

Nestled between Lamington National Park and the coastline, Springbrook National Park is renowned for its waterfalls and ancient Antarctic Beech trees. Be sure to visit Purlingbrook Falls, Canyon Lookout and take a lunch break at Goomoolahra Falls picnic ground at the southern end of Springbrook Road. There are plenty of walking trails to take it all in.

Don't miss the Springbrook Homestead and its fantastic observatory for night-time entertainment with a difference. South of Springbrook, steep roadways through the Numbinbah Valley offer one of the most picturesque drives on the Gold Coast. The valley is home to Natural Bridge, famed for its amazing glow-worm colony.

Surfers Paradise is the jewel of Queensland’s Gold Coast and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia. Surfers Paradise is where you’ll find the perfect fusion of city and beach lifestyles set amidst a spectacular skyline and brilliant stretch of coast. Once you arrive, you’ll soon feel that you’ve literally arrived in paradise.

Vibrant and eclectic, Surfers Paradise provides non-stop action. With an abundance of theme parks and family attractions all in easy access, you’re never short of finding things to do. The trouble instead may be finding enough time to do everything.

Surfers Paradise invites exploration. Whether it’s through the winding streets lined with alfresco dining restaurants or the art galleries that showcase local artists’ works and Aboriginal exhibitions. There’s the unending shopping options from top-end designers to outlet bargains and nighttime beachfront markets. Surfers Paradise is enticing in every way imaginable.

And when nightfall comes, Surfers bursts into action with 24-hour excitement. Bars and nightclubs start pumping with live music and dance beats, while non-stop events keep you entertained. And of course, there’s the Indy Races, which jumpstarts Surfers Paradise into action every October.

And the next day when you’re tired from all of the action, grab your towel and hit the beach. Learn how to surf or watch the pros make it look so easy. If you’re around in March, you’ll be able to witness incredibly fit athletes competing in the Quicksilver Pro-Surfing Competition and the Surf Life Saving Championships. It’s all in a hard day’s work at Surfers Paradise. So now, it’s time for you to come to experience ‘Australia’s playground’ for yourself…Surfers Paradise.

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside just 15 minutes’ drive from the golden beaches of the Gold Coast, is the serene community of Tallebudgera. Surrounded by picturesque farmland and natural forests, Tallebudgera boasts a laid-back relaxed ambience.

The natural, pristine beauty of the area has seen the establishment of good quality health resorts and eco-retreats. Escape your work-day worries with yoga, pilates, plunge pools, massages, facials, a jacuzzi and invigorating walks through bushland. The food is fresh and organic and the views are amazing.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy one of three golf courses and a driving range in the area. Horse riding excursions and ranch tours are another popular tourist drawcard.

With the World Heritage-listed Springbrook National park just 30 minutes’ drive west; Tallebudgera has several bushland walks that meander past the creek and Tallebudgera Dam. Breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy views of the magnificent Springbrook plateau.

Accommodation at Tallebudgera includes private cabins at luxury health resorts, farmstays, holiday rentals and bed-and-breakfasts.

Tallebudgera is less than 30 minutes from the Coolangatta airport and approximately 60 minutes from the Brisbane airport.

Tamborine Mountain is an idyllic oasis comprised of three heritage communities: Mount Tamborine, North Tamborine and Eagle Heights. Located about an hour south of Brisbane and just inland from Surfers Paradise, Tamborine Mountain offers a quiet respite from busy city life. The Tamborine Mountain communities stretch along the McPherson Range, offering spectacular views to the valleys below and the impressive high-rises of the Gold Coast.

Tamborine Mountain provides many opportunities for holiday enjoyment. Explore the beautiful Tamborine Mountain National Park with its cascading waterfalls, rainforest walking tracks and remarkable coastal vistas. Take time to wander along Gallery Walk, a stretch of shops and galleries with antiques, crafts and fine restaurants. And on the weekends, browse through market stalls to buy locally grown produce (avocado and macadamia nuts especially) and then stop by the festivities at one of many events through the year.

Your choices for accommodation are limitless, with a quaint cottages and classic bed and breakfasts, catering to families and couples alike. And because of this diversity, Tamborine Mountain has established itself as a popular destination for weddings, honeymoons and couples seeking a quiet romantic getaway.

Tamborine Mountain invites you to experience this and more.

At the very southern end of the Gold Coast just before Coolangatta lies one of the Gold Coast Coast’s most laid-back and relaxed destinations – Tugun. Tugun has one of the biggest and best beaches on the Gold Coast, but is far removed from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise.

Beachside accommodation is plentiful, ranging from luxury apartments to affordable holiday units. There are some great spots to grab a bite including the surf club and numerous cafes and fish and chip shops sprinkled along the coastal strip.

The Currumbin Oceanway, from Tugun to Palm Beach, is one of the most relaxing and scenic walks in the country. You’ll stroll past Elephant Rock, admire picture-postcard Currumbin Beach, skirt the surfing Mecca of Currumbin Alley, take the boardwalk through mangroves, and end up at Palm Beach. Here you’ll enjoy glorious views of the Gold Coast skyline.

At the Tugun end of the Oceanway Walk, take a detour and pass over a quaint bridge through Kropp Park. You’ll discover hidden wetlands tucked away from the beach. And just a short stroll from here is the award-winning Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, echidnas, wombats and hundreds of wild colourful lorikeets. Jump on board the little train to explore it all.

To see the Gold Coast from a totally different perspective sign-up for a tandem skydive or joy flight at the Gold Coast Airport just across the road from Tugun.

Tugun is situated on the Gold Coast Highway and is very conveniently located just three minutes’ drive from the Coolangatta airport.