The Gold Coast stretches for about 40 kilometres of white sand beach from Coolangatta in the south to South Stradbroke Island in the north, backed by high-rise towers, theme parks, and some of Australia's best surfing breaks. It has been popular since the early 20th century, and the strip around Surfers Paradise in particular has turned into a full-blown resort city — hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and tourist operators crowd every block. The SkyPoint Observation Deck at the top of the Q1 Tower gives the best overview of the strip.
But the Gold Coast is more than Surfers Paradise. Head south to Burleigh Heads for a mellower surf scene with rainforest headland walks, or further to Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay where the beaches are just as good and the crowds thinner. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best native wildlife experiences in Queensland — the twice-daily lorikeet feeding is spectacular.
The hinterland is the real surprise. A short drive inland takes you to Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park — ancient rainforest, waterfalls, and walking tracks that feel a world away from the beach strip below.