With its wonderfully sunny and warm weather all year round, the Gold Coast is an ideal holiday destination for international travellers and Aussies alike. Home to over 1,300 animal species and 1,700 plant species, the Gold Coast is the perfect location for outdoor activities such as barbecues, water sports, nature walks and frolicking on the beach. Explore our Australia holiday packages to discover the best deals for experiencing the beauty and excitement of the Gold Coast
Whether you’re an avid surfer, foodie or shopper, there is certainly something for everyone in the Gold Coast. If you’re planning a trip to the Gold Coast shortly, here are 6 absolute must-see sights that you can’t miss out on!
6 Best Places to See along Australia Coral Sea
1. Surfers Paradise Beach
Surfers Paradise is yet another world famous destination in the Gold Coast and is truly Australia’s original home of the sun, sand and sea. A perfect mix of beach life and city, this beach spans over 3.5km with a modern background of skyscrapers and buildings that are sure to amaze. Surfers Paradise is the perfect spot for kids and adults alike, and is home to dozens of restaurants, cafes and shops to keep you well fed and entertained. Gentle swells also make Surfers the ideal location for beginner surfers and swimmers, with lifeguards on patrol 365 days of the year to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
Don’t forget to visit the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights where you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling clothing, artwork, jewellery, souvenirs and of course, delicious street food.
2. Whitsunday Islands
Another must-see destination is the Whitsunday Islands – an archipelago of 74 tropical islands located just 55km off the Queensland coast, right next to the Great Barrier Reef. With its crystal clear waters and heavenly beaches, the Whitsundays offers a day-dream-like experience featuring an abundance of activities ranging from snorkelling, diving, kayak adventures, tour-operated cruises, seafood feasts and so much more.
While you’re there, don’t forget to tuck into a delicious, juicy Bowen mango at the home of summer’s favourite tropical fruit. Honestly, there are just so many things to do at the Whitsundays that you’ll probably need at least a few days to get through even half of the amazing activities that await you.
3. Warner Brothers’ Movie World
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy a day out to the Warner Brothers’ Movie World. This world famous destination in the Gold Coast attracts people of all ages from all around the world thanks to its never ending schedule of magical theme park rides, attractions, events and shows. Originally opened in 1991, this theme park features dozens of famous characters such as Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Daffy Duck, Tom & Jerry, Marilyn Monroe, DC Supervillians and Superheroes, the Scooby-Doo gang and many more.
Aside from a ton of different adrenaline-rushing rides, you can also purchase tickets to meet and greet sessions with your favourite Warner Brothers’ characters. Whether you have children or are simply a big kid at heart, Movie World is an incredibly entertaining destination that will leave you with magic in your eyes and wanting more.
4. The Great Barrier Reef
No trip to the Gold Coast is complete without a visit to the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Touted as one of the world’s most desirable diving destinations, the Great Barrier Reef is home to over 2,900 separate reefs and is actually the largest living thing in the entire world, spanning over 348,000 square kilometres. The Great Barrier Reef can even be seen from space, making it all that more magical for tourists and Aussies alike.
Depending on your interests, there are a variety of different activities you can partake in at the reef, ranging from snorkelling up close with marine life to scuba diving, helicopter flights and of course, sunbathing on the pristine white sands of Whitehaven beach. Day trips are also a fantastic way to experience the reef, and liveaboard dive trips will allow you to maximise your underwater time and offer a chance to explore remote and less-visited reefs.
5. Cavill Avenue
Last but not least, if you’re a shopaholic in search of a good bargain, you should definitely add Cavill Avenue to your travel itinerary. Known as the shopping and entertainment heart in Surfers Paradise, Cavill Avenue stretches from the city centre all the way through Cavill Mall and the world renowned beaches along the Esplanade.
Cavill Mall in particular is a hot spot for tourists looking for an abundance of different shops, cafes, eateries, boutiques and entertainment venues. Whether you’re looking to do a quick supermarket shop for on the road snacks or are looking to visit the iconic Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum, Cavill Avenue offers no shortage of entertainment and shopping that is guaranteed to keep both adults and children entertained for the entire day. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the Love Italy Restaurant & Bar to fuel up for the day ahead.
6. Federation Walk Coastal Reserve
Located just a few minutes’ drive from the Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast, the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve is a beautiful slice of nature amongst the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast CBD. One of the few areas in the Gold Coast with a dune system, this reserve is well known for its abundance of native animals and wild birdlife in particular. Expect to encounter galahs, rainbow lorikeets, pale headed rosellas and a variety of other stunning birds on your visit to this breathtaking reserve. If you’re up for an unforgettable walk, we highly recommend taking on the 3.5km Federation Coastal Walk that will bring you through 93 hectares of coastal land by the bush and beach. If walking isn’t quite your thing, you can also explore this reserve on bike or simply choose a shady spot to enjoy a picnic with loved ones.
And there you have it – 6 must-see sights along Australia’s Coral Sea. It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, an avid surfer or simply someone who is looking for a relaxing time away from home – the Gold Coast has something for everyone and you can hold us to that statement!
What are some of your favourite sights in the Gold Coast? Be sure to share your thoughts by leaving a comment!
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