Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is home to some of the world's best beaches including the internationally renowned Surfer's Paradise, which caters to over 4 million tourists each year. This amazing city is the sixth most populated area in Australia and you really couldn't find a more exciting place. With world renowned nightlife, sandy beaches, high class resorts and retreats, theme parks, wineries, performing arts and national parks, this not-so-little beach town is the Vegas of Australia.

The Gold Coast is a destination you can go to and experience everything, without even having to leave the region! There are a variety of beaches on offer to suit your needs, whether it be swimming, surfing, family friendly or a nice quiet secluded location. Main Beach offers a trendy atmosphere with a cosmopolitan vibe, and is fringed with a beautiful park completed with amenities, barbeques and Southport Surf Lifesavers Club. If you're after a classic Gold Coast beach experience, head to Surfer's Paradise beach and hire a surfboard for the day. Coolangatta has a slightly slower pace yet does not disappoint with incredible beaches, good food and heaps to explore. If it's the surf you are here for, head to Snapper Rocks ? the infamous 'superbank' is one of the best surfing beaches in the world.

Attractions: The Gold Coast is the Theme Park capital of the world, so it's impossible to visit the region without screaming on the Tower of Terror at Dreamworld, laughing at the penguins at Sea World or becoming a movie star at Warner Brother's Movie World.

If it's an Australian wildlife experience you are after, look no further than Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to native and exotic species of mammals, reptiles, birdlife and amphibians, and is a favourite with locals and tourists.

For all those who have never experienced the Australian outback at its full raging capacity, the Australian Outback Spectacular is the perfect addition to any holiday agenda. The experience features dashing horses, cattle mustering, bush poetry and a three course meal.

The Gold Coast Hinterland is home to lush rainforests, beautiful views and unique Australian flora and fauna. Visit O'Reilly's and do the tree top walk from sixteen metres above the ground, take a three-day hike on the Hinterland Great Walk, take a day trip to Tamborine Mountain to see the waterfalls or walk across the natural bridge in the Numinbah Valley. If you're on a time budget but still want the full rainforest experience, Lamington National Park is your must see destination.

Between May and October an estimated 35,000 humpback whales pass through the Gold Coast heading for warmer waters, and there is no better place to see them. Tours are available for half and full-day sessions and depart from Marina Mirage, Main Beach. Whales generally pass a kilometre or two off the beach making them easy to spot, and you can also expect to see dolphins, sharks and even sea turtles.

Transport around City: Most people rely on rental cars or private cars to get around the Gold Coast. Buses and trams are available with Translink, or there are tour shuttles. We would suggest hiring a rental car if you are going to be touring around the Gold Coast, however shops, cafes and the beach will all be in walking distance.

Recommended Restaurants: Can Tho Kitchen (Runaway Bay), Max Brenner (Surfers Paradise), Yamagen (Surfers Paradise), Social Eating House (Broadbeach), Restaurant Labart (Burleigh Heads).

Recommended Bars: Cocktails Nightclub (Surfers Paradise), Jupiter's Casino (Broadbeach), Surfers Pavilion (Surfers Paradise), Aviary Rooftop Bar (Southport).

Recommended Hotels: Palazzo Versace (Main Beach), Crowne Plaza (Surfers Paradise), Chevron Renaissance (Surfers Paradise), Pethers Rainforest Retreat (Tamborine Mountain), Sheraton Mirage (Main Beach).