As the tourist centre of the Gold Coast, Broadbeach is ideal for first-time visitors. As well as top hotels and resorts, the locale boasts a wealth of shops, restaurants, and bars. Not forgetting it sits directly on one of the region’s best beaches.
If you are more of a city slicker than a beach bum, then perhaps stay in Southport, the CBD of the Gold Coast. Think ultra-modern high-rise glass buildings, chic shopping and dining, and luxe accommodation to boot. But if you do feel like lazing on a beach, you will find one less than 2 km away.
Surfers Paradise is another tourist hotspot because, for a start, it is actually a surfer’s paradise. Its reputation for ‘sick’ surfing attracts a younger, more lively crowd than Broadbeach. While it has a wallet-draining selection of cool surf retailers and boho market stalls, it’s perhaps the wild nightlife that draws crowds the most.
Miami, another beachfront surfing spot, is also an exciting place to party at night, but during the day, it is much more chilled than Surfers Paradise. Miami is also a foodie’s favourite thanks to its renowned Miami Marketta, a street food market where you can find delicacies from every corner of the globe.
Main Beach, Coolangatta, Kirra, and Burleigh Heads also offer outstanding surfing, but without the commercial ‘tourist’ feel. Therefore, they are ideal for families who want a quieter, more relaxing stay on the Gold Coast with fewer crowds.
Instead of sipping cocktails on a beach, why not stay in Eagle Heights and North Tamborine where you can sip wine in a real Australian vineyard instead? As the region’s wine country, these areas are scenic, peaceful, and brimming with top wine estates.
Head even further inland to Mount Tamborine and Mudgeeraga to experience life in the Australian bush instead. Both areas are completely immersed in nature with hiking trails through the rainforests where you can spot some of Australia’s wonderful wildlife.
A light rail and public buses run along the Gold Coast to all the major neighbourhoods in the region. However, the area is vast and so it is often much easier to hire a car, especially if you’d like to explore the hinterlands too.
