AU
Gold Coast
A long run of surf beaches backed by high-rises, with rainforest national parks in the hinterland
A long run of surf beaches backed by high-rises, with rainforest national parks in the hinterland
A long, patrolled surf beach in front of the city’s tallest towers. The SkyPoint observation deck on the Q1 tower has views along the coast.
Swim between the red-and-yellow flags.
Photo: Jack Bain, CC BY 4.0
A popular surf beach below a forested headland. A walking track through Burleigh Head National Park leads around the point to Tallebudgera Creek.
Photo: Jack Bain, CC BY 4.0
About an hour inland, Springbrook has waterfalls, lookouts and the Natural Bridge, a rock arch over a cave where a waterfall drops through the roof.
Photo: Aliceinthealice, CC0
After dark, the cave at the Natural Bridge is lit by thousands of glow worms.
Do not use flash or torches pointed at the glow worms.
Photo: Yulanlu97, CC BY-SA 4.0
Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Site, Lamington has ancient rainforest, waterfalls and treetop walks, with lodges at Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s.
Photo: Steve Bennett, CC BY-SA 3.0
Burleigh Heads and Mermaid Beach have the best cafés and restaurants; Surfers Paradise has plenty of casual options. Try fresh prawns and fish and chips by the beach.
Night markets and food trucks are common in summer.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is at Coolangatta in the south. Trains link the Gold Coast with Brisbane (about 75 minutes), and the G:link light rail runs along the coast through Surfers Paradise.
A car is needed for the hinterland national parks. Everyone except New Zealand citizens needs a visa or travel authority. Most European passport holders can apply online for a free eVisitor; citizens of the US, Canada, the UK and some other countries can use the ETA, applied for through the official AustralianETA app (A$20 service charge). Both allow stays of up to three months per visit. Australia has strict biosecurity rules, so declare any food, plant or animal products on arrival. Check current rules before you travel.
Australia uses the Australian dollar (A$). It is an expensive country for accommodation and eating out, though free beaches, parks, museums and walks help keep costs down. Tipping is not expected.
School holidays are the busiest and most expensive time.
Surf, headlands and rainforest.
Spend the day on the beach, go up SkyPoint and try a surf lesson.
Walk around Burleigh Head and spend the afternoon at Burleigh or Coolangatta.
Drive to Springbrook for waterfalls and stay for the glow worms after dark, or visit Lamington National Park.
🛂 Entry rules: every visitor needs a visa or ETA
Everyone except New Zealand citizens needs a visa or electronic authority before travelling to Australia. Passport holders from the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, Singapore and several other countries can use an ETA (subclass 601): apply in the official Australian ETA app, which charges an AUD 20 service fee. It allows stays of up to three months at a time for 12 months.
EU and some other European passport holders can instead get a free eVisitor (subclass 651) online. Other nationalities need a Visitor visa.
Official information: Australian Department of Home Affairs: ETA · Reviewed September 2026
Rips are common; swim only at patrolled beaches.
Use strong sunscreen and reapply after swimming.
Hinterland roads are narrow and winding.
Multi-park passes are cheaper than single tickets.
Quick answers for planning time in Gold Coast.
About 75 minutes by train or around an hour by car.
At the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, after dark.
Its national parks, including Lamington and Springbrook, are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Site.
Yes, at patrolled beaches between the flags; rip currents are common elsewhere.
April to October, when it is warm, sunny and less humid.
Offline maps are useful outside the cities, where mobile coverage can drop out.
Free
Australians mostly use SMS and iMessage, but many tour operators also use WhatsApp.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Australia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.