10 reasons to visit the Gold Coast in 2017

The heart of Australia’s surf scene boasts jumbo waves, ultra-modern architecture and 300 sweltering day of sun per year. But there’s more to Queensland’s seaside city than sand and skyscrapers, says Liz Connor
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Liz Connor27 January 2017

Thinking of booking a trip Down Under?

Perth and Melbourne may be experiencing a moment, but don’t let that fool you into overlooking this vast country’s lesser-Instagrammed cities. The Gold Coast is buzzing right now. Famous for fun, this adult playground is a sun-worshipper's dream of outdoor pursuits, golden sands and endless sunny days.

Here’s why life’s a beach at this coastal Queensland destination.

1. Brilliant Beaches

They don’t call it the Gold Coast for nothing. Stretching from the southern end at Rainbow Bay to South Stradbroke Island in the north, this city is famed for its unique and plentiful beaches. You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s just one long stretch of sand, but headlands and estuaries break up a whole string of beaches and adjacent neighbourhoods, each with their unique quirks. Surfers Paradise, or the 'Glitter Strip' as it’s locally known, is probably its best known beach, where you can catch the colossal waves and a decent tan; Main Beach and Broadbeach, to the north and south of Gold Coast's urban sprawl, offer relaxed spots to grab an al fresco bite to eat.

Plenty of golden beaches
Shutterstock / Steven Bostock

Those with a taste for luxury head to Mermaid Beach. It’s backed by the Gold Coast’s most exclusive address, Hedges Avenue (aka Millionaire's Row) but luckily for us mere mortals, this expensive stretch of sand can be enjoyed by all.

2. Thrilling adventure

The Gold Coast is synonymous with theme parks - it’s even been dubbed the adventure capital of Australia. All of the country’s theme parks are situated here - Movie World, Wet and Wild and Sea World - and tourists flock to experience them in droves. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush without the queues, there are plenty of opportunities to be found elsewhere in the city - jet boating, quad biking, high-ropes challenges, boozy cruises and even the world’s fastest elevator,

3. Lamington National Park

You probably wouldn’t think that the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world lay in Australia, but it does - and it’s just 45 minutes by car from the Gold Coast. Stretch your legs and take a walking trail through fern gullies, caves, Antarctic beech trees and Instagrammable lookout points. You might just stumble upon a tumbling waterfall or two.

Lamington is teeming with waterfalls
Shutterstock / Rob d

4. Tamborine Mountain

This forested plateau is a must see for visiting nature lovers. The ‘green behind the gold’, as it’s otherwise known, is only an hour from the Gold Coast (for Australians, that’s incredibly short). This lush region of tropical rainforest, colourful birds and waterfalls is a delicious mix of old and new - as well as glow worm cave tours and walking trails there are several wineries, a brewery and even a distillery at the summit. Now that’s our kind of hike.

5. Coastal neighbourhoods

Much like London, the Gold Coast’s neighbourhoods each have their own distinct vibe. The best way to see them all is by hiring a bike and taking a whistle-stop cycling tour. Ride Old Burleigh Road, from the boho-chic Surfer's Paradise to well-heeled Broadbeach with its street cafes and excellent bars and restaurants. The hip districts are Nobby Beach and Burleigh Heads - laid-back surf postcodes populated with trendy young things.

Take a bicycle tour of the neighbourhoods
Shutterstock / ChameleonsEye

6. Foodie paradise

Sun and sea might be the main lure for tourists, but the Gold Coast is also serious about its food. There’s everything from boho pavement cafes to fine dining to establishments lining the coast. Those in the know recommend Etsu Izakaya, a buzzy Japanese restaurant (try their wagyu carpaccio) and The Fish House, a beachside dining room with a famed seafood menu. For cocktails and gourmet Italian pizza, try Justin Lane - a trendy Italian in hip Burliegh Heads with a popular rooftop bar.

7. Fabulous hotels

Check in at QT Gold Coast, a high-rise boutique hotel with sea-view rooms and hipster-friendly design details courtesy of architect Nic Graham and Melbourne’s Spacecraft. Or there’s the rather more ostentatious Palazzo Versace - where you can rub shoulders with other billionaires and recline in fashionable surrounds (the design and furnishing of the hotel was overseen by Versace in Milan). Halycon House is popular with the fashion pack - a beach retreat packed with stylish and interesting textures, antiques, art and furnishing from all over the globe.

Design-friendly QT Gold Coast
QT Gold Coast

8. Cafe culture at Burleigh Heads

The coolest suburb on the Gold Coast is well known for its surf beaches, point breaks and sleepy beach culture. Nestled between Miami Beach to the north and Palm Beach in the south, the view from the beach stretches to the Hinterland’s mountains and Scenic Rim. Aside from splashing in the water and lying on the beach with a good book, there are pleasant walks to be found around Burleigh Point and plenty of al fresco restaurants adjacent to the beach where you can soak up the views of the ocean with a glass of wine or two.

9. Surfing at Surfer’s Paradise

The Gold Coast is one of the best places to learn to surf in Australia, and Surfer’s Paradise is a site of near-pilgrimage to many Australian teens who are keen to master its waves. The beach has a laid-back coastal vibe and plenty of interesting small boutiques and cafes, although be warned - it has its fair share of rip-off shopping and seedy strip clubs on the main drag. The best time to head here is between October and March when temperatures climb and the waters are deliciously warm.

Surfer's delight
Shutterstock / sw_photo

10. Wine tours

Situated at the top of Mount Tamborine, approximately 45 minutes west of the beautiful Gold Coast beaches, is a wine tasting tour experience where you can discover the well-kept secrets of this spectacular vista while sampling the very best of Queensland’s award-winning wines. Make sure to go with a clear head and an empty stomach - not only will you be sipping reds and whites, you’ll also get to try boutique crafted liquors, beers and fudge.

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