The Miami of Australia, the Gold Coast is home to the famous Surfers Paradise. Located in the state of Queensland, this city is the heart of nightlife and beach.
Top places to stay:
- Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort: closest hostel to the newly redeveloped Pacific Fair, Queensland's largest shopping centre and The Star Casino! The Glink tram is perfectly located directly outside the hostel connecting you to Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Currumbin and Coolangatta Airport!
- Coolangatta YHA: Fun and laid back atmosphere, regular BBQ & movie nights. Right across the road from the beach and have a free courtesy bus to take you in to town and to surf beaches further south.
- Surfers Paradise YHA at Mainbeach: Located at trendy Mariner's Cove, Surfers Paradise YHA is a great base to get into the action. A stone's throw to the beach and surrounded by restaurants, this hostel offers the perfect recipe for non-stop fun in the sun! Learn to surf, shop til you drop, enjoy a drink at the Marina or party until sunrise in Surfers Paradise.
Top things to do:
- Surfers Paradise: World-renowned Surfers Paradise is a popular haven for tourists looking to experience the true beauty of the sunshine state. After sun tanning on the golden sandy beach, stroll over to explore the nearby area. Everything is within walking distance from beachside shopping, dining, bars and clubs to entertainments. Besides the famous beach, here are some of the notable places of attractions that makes Surfers Paradise a tourist-magnet.
- Theme Parks: As the major feature that sets the Gold Coast apart from other popular holiday destinations throughout Australia, its theme parks are a huge drawcard for many people visiting from both interstate and overseas and are the major reason the city is such a popular spot for families.
- Sky Observation Desk: Situated on Level 77 of the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, the SkyPoint Observation Deck is Australia’s only beach side observation deck. It provides stunning 360 degree panoramic views that stretch from the surf to the hinterland and beyond and provides the perfect location for visitors to experience the shimmering Gold Coast skyline at night or take in views from Brisbane to Byron Bay during the day.
- Adventure Around: There are so many hidden gems in and around Gold Coast, go cliff jumping at lip falls or visit Springbrook National Park for some epic views. There's something around every corner in the surrounding areas of Gold Coast.
Top food & drink:
- Elk Espresso: Everything from the decor to the unique menu makes this one stand out from the crowd. This one is tucked away a block or two north from the main cafe and shopping precinct of Broadbeach but it’s well worth the short work to find it.
- Social Eating House: This is a great little dining precinct just up from the beach and this would be one of the most popular bars and restaurants here. There’s a choice of indoor and street front dining serving up a wide variety tapas in small and large share plate options, decadent desserts and a huge whisky and general bar selection.
- Bam Bam Bakehouse: Tucked away at the side of Mermaid Park between the beach and the Gold Coast highway it feels like a very badly kept secret. It’s not large and it’s an incredibly popular spot but the wait is so worth it. Such an instagrammable place too.
- Brooklyn Depot: Home to the best pub grub you'll eat. Variety of cocktails, beers and specialty milkshakes.
I had the honor to call this place home for 6 months and still didn't get to see everything. I'd recommend having a vehicle since there is so much to see and do! Drive up and down the mountains and find all the hidden towns and waterfalls.