5 Things to See and Do on the Gold Coast
Just behind the infamous glitter strip, in the Gold Coast hinterland, the mesmerisingly verdant Lamington National Park covers the slopes of a gigantic ancient volcano.
Visit Broadbeach
The hip and evolving beach-side suburb of Broadbeach is known as the cosmopolitan heart of the Gold Coast. The hub’s main strip, Surf Parade is dotted with atmospheric restaurants and trendy bars and nightclubs. Kurrawa Park and Pratten Park fringe the foreshore with landscaped walking tracks, children’s play areas, and free bbq and picnic settings. While ample shopping opportunities abound at iconic retail malls like Oasis Shopping Centre and Pacific Fair.
Grab a coffee from No Name Lane. Indulge in gourmet delights at Manolas Brothers Delicatessens. Enjoy a flutter at Jupiters Casino. Or reserve a seat at Australia’s longest running and most successful dinner theatre, Draculas.
Support the Gold Coast Suns
The Gold Coast hosts a spectacular year-round schedule of sporting events, among which we proudly sponsor the AFL and the Gold Coast Suns. Born through the support and love of the people of the Gold Coast community, the Suns are the coast’s newest sporting heroes, and are building a reputation as one of the most exciting football club in Australia.
Watch Suns’ players like Trent McKenzie, David Swallow, Karmichael Hunt, and Brownlow winner Gary Ablett Jr go head-to-head with Australia’s best at Metricon Stadium in Carrara.
Spend a Day at Dreamworld
Every year thousands of families flock to the Gold Coast just to visit Australia’s premier theme park, Dreamworld. Home to “So many worlds in one” the Coomera hotspot has something for everyone and makes for the perfect family day out.
Entertain the kids at Wiggles World and in the DreamWorks Experience precinct. Interact with nature in the Australian Wildlife Experience and on Tiger Island. Test your courage freefalling from 38 stories on the Giant Drop. Get swept away on the world's fastest thrill ride, Tower of Terror II. Or try your hand at surfing on Australia's first Flowrider.
Stay at the Palazzo Versace
One part rock star, one part designer chic and two parts grand opulence, the Palazzo Versace showcases the late Gianni Versace distinctive vision of, and commitment to, luxury and beauty. Boasting the slogan “Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a palace”, the Palazzo enjoys a private marina at Main Beach, 200 glamorous light-filled rooms and timeless Italian interiors and furnishings.
If an overnight stay isn’t on your agenda, book a table at one of the Palazzo’s three award-wining restaurants, get your hair done at its private Oscar Oscar salon, shop at its on-site Versace boutique, or pamper yourself at its five-star spa. And keep your eyes peeled… the Palazzo is a favourite haunt of celebrities like Bono, Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Explore Lamington National Park
Just behind the infamous glitter strip, in the Gold Coast hinterland, the mesmerisingly verdant Lamington National Park covers the slopes of a gigantic ancient volcano. Thousands of years old, the UNESCO World Heritage Listed wilderness area contains Australia's largest preserve of pristine sub-tropical rainforest, and is a great location for a camping trip or retreat getaway.
Boasting Gondwana derived flora and fauna, lush rainforests, ancient trees, spectacular views, extensive walking tracks, exceptional ecological importance and natural beauty, the ridge and cliff-lined Lamington National Park is an outstanding place to visit.
Plan Your Gold Coast Holiday
- Flights to Gold Coast: Virgin Australia operates flights to Gold Coast daily, direct from Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, as well as Auckland .
- Gold Coast holiday packages and Gold Coast Hinterland holiday packages: Take the hassle out of planning your holiday, our partner Virgin Australia Holidays offers exceptional Gold Coast holiday packages.
- Gold Coast hotels: Establish a great base from which to fall in love with Gold Coast. Select from a wide choice of hotels and resorts with our hotel partner Agoda.
- Gold Coast car hire: Take to the road and discover the Gold Coast, the hinterland, and nearby regions with a hire car from one of our partners.
- The Virgin Australia lounge Gold Coast: Continue your holiday at the airport. Relax in comfort before board at the brand new Virgin Australia lounge at the Gold Coast domestic terminal.
