About Gold Coast
The Gold Coast, also known by its initials, GC, is a coastal city and region in the state of Queensland, Australia, located approximately 66 kilometres (41 mi) south-southeast of the centre of the state capital, Brisbane. It is on the central eastern coast of Australia adjoining the Pacific Ocean. It is Queensland's second-largest city after Brisbane, as well as Australia's sixth-largest city and the most populous non-capital city. The city's central business district is located roughly in the centre of the Gold Coast in the suburb of Southport. The urban area of the Gold Coast is concentrated along the coast, sprawling between 60–70 kilometres, joining up with the Greater Brisbane region to the north and the state border with New South Wales to the south. Nicknames of the city include the 'Glitter Strip' and the 'Goldy'. The demonym of a Gold Coast resident is Gold Coaster.
Cheap flights to Gold Coast
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,515 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Qantas Airways.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to Gold CoastPlaces to visit in Gold Coast
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Surfers Paradise
Neighborhood · 2 mi from centreThe busy heart of the Gold Coast, with high-rise towers right behind a wide surf beach, plus shops, bars, and night markets. Swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards patrol.
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SkyPoint Observation Deck
Viewpoint · 2 mi from centreAn observation deck near the top of the Q1 tower, one of the tallest buildings in Australia, with views along the whole coast. Go just before sunset to see the city in daylight and after dark.
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Burleigh Head National Park
Park · 6 mi from centreA small headland park with rainforest walking tracks, rocky lookouts, and views north to the Surfers Paradise skyline. Walk the coastal track in the morning and watch for whales in winter.
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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Zoo · 10 mi from centreA wildlife park with koalas, kangaroos, and native birds, plus a working wildlife hospital. Check the daily program on arrival so you can plan around the bird shows and animal talks.
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Springbrook National Park
Nature · 11 mi from centreA park in the hinterland with ancient rainforest, waterfalls, and the Natural Bridge, a rock arch over a cave lit by glow worms at night. Bring a flashlight with a red filter for the glow worms.
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Lamington National Park
Nature · 19 mi from centreA large mountain rainforest park with walking trails, a tree-top walkway, and colorful birdlife. The drive is winding and narrow, so allow plenty of time and plan to spend the full day.
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Warner Bros. Movie World
Entertainment · 9 mi from centreA movie-themed amusement park with roller coasters, stunt shows, and characters from DC comics and Looney Tunes. Arrive at opening and head straight to the biggest rides before lines build up.
Things to do in Gold Coast by type
68 tours, tickets and experiences across 10 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 19 experiences Aquaduck Gold Coast Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 16 experiences Aquaduck Gold Coast City Tour and River Cruise -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 14 experiences Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Tickets Inbound -
Day Trips & Excursions 12 experiences Aquaduck Tours Surfers Paradise + Free Photo Pack -
Amusement Parks 10 experiences Dreamworld One Day Entry -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 7 experiences Croc Tours Transfer & Entry Adventure (Gold Coast) -
City tours 4 experiences Byron Bay Day Trip -
Classes 4 experiences Learn how to Surf -
Tour & activities 4 experiences Aquaduck Tours Surfers Paradise + Free Photo Pack -
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours 2 experiences Go ballooning Gold Coast including Bonus Photo and optional Breakfast
- Over 6 hours 22
- 1-3 hours 10
- 3-6 hours 6
- Flexible 3
- Up to 1 hour 2
- Small group 6
- Private 2
Top experiences in Gold Coast
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 68 available.
Village roadshow Movie World One Day Entry
From $80 per adult
Croc Tours Transfer & Entry Adventure (Gold Coast)
From $142 per adult
Village roadshow Sea World + Paradise Country
From $87 per adult
Gold Coast Hinterland Treetop Challenge - Zipline Ticket
From $55 per adult
Discover the Gold Coast by Jet Ski
From $156 per adult
Arro Jet Boating Experience - 45 Minutes Ticket
From $54 per adult
Arro Jet Boating Experience and GC Aqua Park - Ticket
From $61 per adult
Hop-on-hop-off Gold Coast Cruise - 2 hours
From $27 per adult
Home of the Arts Entrance and Dining with Ferry Transfer
From $41 per adult
Ultimate Jetboat Ride - 55 Minute Trip
From $61 per adult
Gold Coast Kayaking and Snorkelling Tour to Wavebreak Island
From $74 per adult
Aquaduck Gold Coast City Tour and River Cruise
From $44 per adult
Where to stay in Gold Coast
Popular hotels in Gold Coast, out of 394 properties you can book.
Sovereign on the Gold Coast
From $101 per night
Avani Broadbeach Residences
From $219 per night
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
From $179 per night
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
From $224 per night
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
From $141 per night
Rhapsody Resort
From $169 per night
Dorsett Gold Coast
From $152 per night
Oaks Gold Coast Hotel
From $166 per night
RACV Royal Pines Resort
From $259 per night
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
From $154 per night
Q1 Gold Coast - Resort And Spa
From $228 per night
Mantra Circle On Cavill
From $134 per night
Best time to visit Gold Coast
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gold Coast is June and September, when average daytime highs are around 69–76°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Gold Coast weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 71° 63° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 70° 64° 100%
- Fri 23 Oct 72° 66° 96%
- Sat 24 Oct 74° 66° 95%
- Sun 25 Oct 78° 69° 100%
- Mon 26 Oct 88° 66° 88%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.43
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +61
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Australia/BrisbaneUTC+10
- Capital
- Canberra
Upcoming public holidays in Australia
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Gold Coast
These are the airports closest to central Gold Coast. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- OOL Gold Coast Airport12 mi (19 km) from the city centre
Getting around Gold Coast
Translink is responsible for all trains, buses, ferries and trams in South East Queensland and regional urban buses. The website and app can be used to plan a journey, including full navigation and real time updates. Apple Maps and Google Maps provide a similar experience.
Fares
A 50-cent flat fare applies to any journey, regardless of mode or distance, with a limit of 3 transfers. The only exception is an Airtrain journey to or from Brisbane Airport which costs $22.30 (June 2025), with a 15% discount for booking online. Refer to the website for other discounted fares. You can be fined $261 for travelling without a valid fare.
By train
Interurban services run between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with connecting tram services at Helensvale.
By tram
G:Link (Gold Coast Light Rail) provides the main form of public transport along the Gold Coast. The L1 Helensvale-Burleigh Heads route travels from Helensvale Station via Gold Coast University Hospital, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads. The trams run every 15 minutes or less from 5AM till midnight on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.
Gold Coast travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Gold Coast?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gold Coast is June and September, when average daytime highs are around 69–76°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Gold Coast?
January is usually the warmest month in Gold Coast, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 52°F (11°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 421 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Gold Coast?
Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is the closest airport, about 12 miles (19 km) from the centre of Gold Coast.
How much are flights to Gold Coast?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Gold Coast in the last 30 days was $1,515 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec.
What currency is used in Gold Coast?
Gold Coast uses the Australian dollar (AUD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.43.
What time zone is Gold Coast in?
Gold Coast uses the Australia/Brisbane time zone (currently UTC+10). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Gold Coast?
Translink is responsible for all trains, buses, ferries and trams in South East Queensland and regional urban buses. The website and app can be used to plan a journey, including full navigation and real time updates. Apple Maps and Google Maps provide a similar experience.
What are the best places to visit in Gold Coast?
Top sights in Gold Coast include Surfers Paradise, SkyPoint Observation Deck, Burleigh Head National Park and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The busy heart of the Gold Coast, with high-rise towers right behind a wide surf beach, plus shops, bars, and night markets. Swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards patrol.
What are the top things to do in Gold Coast?
Popular experiences you can book in Gold Coast include Village roadshow Movie World One Day Entry, Croc Tours Transfer & Entry Adventure (Gold Coast) and Village roadshow Sea World + Paradise Country. Destina Holidays offers 68 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Gold Coast?
The most popular types of experiences in Gold Coast are outdoor activities & adventure (19), cruise & water tours (16), tickets & attraction passes (14) and day trips & excursions (12). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Gold Coast?
Popular areas for hotels in Gold Coast include Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach. Well-reviewed options include Sovereign on the Gold Coast and Avani Broadbeach Residences.
How many hotels can I book in Gold Coast?
Destina Holidays currently lists 394 properties in and around Gold Coast, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
