Treasures of the Gold Coast

Curiosity will get you far in the Gold Coast, known for its stunning beaches and the sunny disposition of its people.

THERE’S more than meets the eye at Queensland’s Gold Coast in Australia. Known for its beaches and theme parks, the sunny paradise also offers adventure, nature, wildlife and lifestyle experiences. You’ll be in for a few surprises when you take the time to explore.

Thrilling adventure

1. The sky’s the limit

Do you harbour dreams of becoming the next Superman? Fly in the sky with Jetpack Adventures on the Gold Coast, an exhilarating way to see this exciting fun playground from a bird’s eye view.

2. On top of the world

Ride one of the fastest lifts in Australia. In 42.7 seconds, you’ll reach the 77th floor of the iconic Q1 building to embark on the Skypoint Climb adventure. Cast aside your height phobia as you ascend Australia’s highest external building climb. The fun starts once you’re at the summit of the building.

3. Need for speed

Paradise Jet Boating is a combination of a theme park thrill ride and waterpark slide. You’re in for a wild ride, with heart-stopping spins, drifts and stops. Along the way, you get to enjoy great views of Gold Coast Broadwater. Be prepared to get really wet. Loads of fun!

4. Up, up and away

It’s a whole new world up there (and down there) when you go on a hot air balloon ride with Hot Air. And there’s champagne breakfast at the end of it.

5. Skydiving

Jump off the plane at Gold Coast...with a parachute of course! - Photo from Tourism Australia

If you’re feeling gutsy, sign up to skydive with Gold Coast Skydive. Jump from 12,000ft (3,658m) above sea level and enjoy spectacular views of the Gold Coast and beyond. And you’ll land on the beach!

Nature’s splendour

1. Southern Cross 4WD Tours

Experience a thoroughly Aussie outdoor experience when you go on a guided full-day 4WD safari through eucalyptus forests, and spot koalas and kangaroos. Enjoy a typical Aussie BBQ. Try whip-cracking and boomerang-throwing.

2. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cuddle a koala or feed the kangaroos. Highlights include lorikeet-feeding twice a day, aboriginal dance performances and free-flight bird shows. Head across to Honey World Super Bee for some honey-tasting and a beekeeping show.

3. Seaworld animal encounters

Meet Australia’s only baby polar bear Henry at Sea World. You can also get up-close with penguins at the Penguin Encounter show. Not to mention dolphins, too!

Culinary delights

1. Best breakfast spot

Not many realise that the best breakfast spot on the Gold Coast is at the local surf life-saving clubs. These clubs have the best vantage views of the beach, too. Check out BMD Northcliffe Surf Club which serves delicious breakfasts.

2. Most hip restaurant and bar

At an old shopping arcade is the Black Coffee Lyrics which offers gourmet burgers, tapas, artisanal coffee and an excellent range of craft beers and cocktails. You’ll love the cosiness of the place filled with eclectic furniture.

3. Freshest seafood on the coast

At Peter’s Fish Market (Seaworld Drive, Mainbeach) and Charis Seafoods (Labrador), you can tuck into a mind-boggling array of seafood, cooked whichever way you like. Dine alfresco and enjoy the views of Gold Coast’s Broadwater.

Retail therapy

1. Harbour Town

There are over 120 brand direct outlet shops and speciality stores to choose from. Key names include David Jones, Alannah Hill, Polo Ralph Lauren and Adidas.

2. Pacific Fair, Broadbeach

It is Gold Coast’s premier fashion destination with more than 130 fashion and accessory stores and the largest Myer outlet.

3. Robina Town Centre

The recently revamped mega shopping destination boasts a variety of brands, speciality stores, a cinema, a 900-seat food atrium and a picturesque lake.

4. Surfers Paradise night markets

Surfers Paradise Night Markets offers an exciting shopping experience. - Photo from Tourism Australia

More than 100 stalls featuring a variety of premium handmade or home-grown products. Opens on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights.

5. Village markets

Every first and third Sunday at Burleigh Heads State School and fourth Sunday at Paradise Point Parklands.

The original and best boutique creative market on the Gold Coast, showcasing up to 100 fashion, arts and creative stalls as well as live local music and delicious gourmet food.

6. Carrara Markets

Held every weekend, from 7am to 4pm, Carrara Markets is the biggest permanent weekend marketplace in Australia. With over 500 stalls, it’s a treasure trove of the curious and the unusual, and discount shopping.

Enriching journeys

1. Drive up to the Gold Coast Hinterlands

Located one-and-a-half hour’s drive west of the Gold Coast is O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. There, you can go on a guided morning bird walk and a tree-top boardwalk, and try the Flying Fox.

Join a Segway Safari Tour which runs daily to explore the rich biodiversity of the rainforest. To enjoy the full nature experience, choose to spend a night or more in one of its luxurious rooms overlooking the mountain ranges.

2. Explore Mount Tamborine National Park

Just an hour’s drive from busy Surfer’s Paradise is Mount Tamborine featuring tranquil nature, lush rainforests and cosy bed-and-breakfast accommodation.

Explore the quaint and charming Gallery Walk where you will discover many shops, galleries, wineries and tearooms. Also check out Tamborine Mountain Distillery where you can taste a variety of liqueurs/schnapps or indulge in cheese and ice cream at Witches Chase Cheese Company.

Check out the award-winning Tamborine Mountain Distillery where you can taste a sweet variety of liqueurs and schnapps. - Photo from Tourism Australia

3. Aussie farm stay

For an authentic farmstay experience, head to Lillydale Farmstay which is about 90 minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast and located in the Scenic Rim Region. You will enjoy modern farm accommodation that offers a fun holiday experience.

Hub of events

1. Surfers Paradise Festival (Now till April 26)

Visitors are bound to be dazzled at this festival which features a variety of activities that celebrate Gold Coast’s music, art, food and culture. The festival is a vibrant showcase of emerging local talent and a platform for both national and international artists.

There are lots of events including the Australian Street Entertainment Championships (April 18–21) with a carnival theme. Held over four days, this carnival of light and laughter features clowns, mimes, jugglers and dancers who will take to stages across Surfers Paradise.

Don’t forget to check out the Seafire Fireworks Challenge on April 25, where you can witness the country’s best pyrotechnicians go head-to-head in the skies above Surfers Paradise Beach. Expect some of the best fireworks displays you’ve ever seen, in this beachside battle.

2. Opera On The Beach (May 9–11)

Picture a giant sandcastle on the beach at Coolangatta, families enjoying a picnic, children making sandcastles and amazingly beautiful music. That’s all part of the uniquely Australian production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

3. Blues On Broadbeach (May 22–25)

A free event, this blues festival is unique as it feeds on the village-like atmosphere and relaxed ambience of Broadbeach. Discover new sounds from both Australian talents and international acts.

AirAsia X flies to Gold Coast daily. For those who need some ‘quiet’ (rows 7-14), the Quiet Zone with soft lighting is for guests above the age of 12. Or opt for the Premium Flatbed seats which come with free 25kg baggage allowance, priority baggage delivery, check-in and boarding, as well as a complimentary meal and drink, duvet and pillow and flight change without penalty.

- Tourism Australia/AirAsia X