Mini guide to the Gold Coast of Queensland

The Gold Coast in Queensland Australia certainly lives up to its idyll of sun and sandy beaches. Here you will find the sun, on average, 245 days in every year and also you will find some really extraordinary beaches and coastline.

It is possible to enjoy the Gold Coast at any time of the year, but in the winter time, which is June to August, it is a little cooler, being only some 11 – 21 º C. But if you are into either bowling or golf, then this is the ideal time to visit. If you like to see a bit more sun, then visit at any other time of the year.

The coastline is simply stunning. You have a choice of over 42 kms of golden sands to choose from, so you are certainly spoilt for choice.

Surfing is big here and it is a real opportunity to get some great tuition or just have a go. The most popular for surfing are Kirra, Seaway, Burleigh Headland and Snapper Rocks, although Duranbah is also good.

Broadwater Beach is excellent if you are with a family, for the protected beaches have very shallow waters, making them very safe for children.

Restaurants on the Gold Coast are certainly of a standard which you would expect in such a fantastic area. As you may expect there are quite a few seafood restaurants, but there are also quite a few others. You can choose from Smorgasbords, Steakhouses, Modern Australian and Asian, as well as Italian and Mexican. So whatever type of cuisine takes your fancy, you are sure to find it on offer here and the food is of excellent quality on the whole.

There is plenty to do and see here, with a really excellent choice to suit all tastes. You could try out one of the theme parks and have a dare devil experience. Or if you prefer life at a more gentle pace, why not take a trip to the Fleay’s Fauna Reserve, which has a huge range of native animals, some of which are exceptionally cute: and some of which most definitely aren’t!

You can take a cruise up the coast, or take in a panoramic view from a hot air balloon. If that is too adventurous then why not check out the Arts Centre or go for a brewery tour at Sanctuary Cove?

Shopping is also a really good choice when in the Gold Coast, since there are lots of shopping centres, many of which have some very individual shops, selling really high end products. It’s also a great place to buy a new bikini or swimwear.

But most of all, when in the Gold Coast, make sure that you spend some time on the beach, just watching the sun going down and taking in the fantastic scenery. It will leave you with treasured memories which you will have forever.