The Best Neighborhoods on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, famous for its surf beaches and high-rise skyline, is a major tourist destination, but offers much more!

Since the 1970s, Southeast Queensland coastal towns known as ‘Gold Coast’ and ‘Sunshine Coast’ have come together into one of the longest urban beach strips. Now considered a single city with nearly three million people residing within its boundaries.

What to See

Sun, sand and surf await visitors to this coastal tourist hub. Skyscrapers tower over an expanse of golden beach while designer shops and vibrant entertainment venues lie just steps away. Waters are typically calm; lifeguards patrol this area 365 days per year to provide extra safety.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary provides visitors with an unforgettable natural experience, where hundreds of rainbow lorikeets flock to visitors’ hands and perch on their heads to dine from visitors’ hands or feast from perches atop trees. There’s also an Adventure Park High Ropes Course and Segway tours available; plus kid-friendly special animal encounters!

Brisbane‘s South Bank Parklands offer an idyllic spot for a leisurely stroll, particularly on the first Sunday morning of every month when The Village Markets arrive. Shoppers should also look out for boutiques and luxury brands in downtown, while foodies will find exquisite dining at Howard Smith Wharves which houses both a microbrewery and stylish restaurants.

Where to Stay

Queensland’s Gold Coast offers beautiful beaches and constant entertainment, making it an attractive vacation spot for both domestic and international tourists alike. This vibrant destination features everything from luxury resorts to budget-friendly apartments – no matter what your accommodation preferences may be you will surely find the ideal Gold Coast neighborhood that meets all of your travel needs!

Brisbane is generally safe city, yet it is prudent to exercise common sense along crowded inner-city streets and at festivals or markets where pickpocketing or bag-snatching might occur; similarly petty crimes at bars and clubs must also be monitored closely.

The city center of Brisbane is enjoyable to explore on foot or bicycle, while South Bank, an attractive riverside leisure and culture precinct with views of Brisbane River is especially rewarding. Nearby City Botanic Gardens and ferries to Kangaroo Point make getting around easy while trains and buses cover more extensive city areas; or head south for lush rainforest hikes and waterfall visits at Lamington, Tamborine or Springbrook national parks.

What to Eat

Gold Coast restaurants will send your tastebuds on an unforgettable adventure, from fresh surf and pristine beachfront locations, to mouthwatering bug rolls and unique Mexican dishes. Your tastebuds are in for an amazing treat when visiting this area!

Ruby Red’s high-ceilinged dining room takes its cue from Australia’s currency. Diners sit around its cozy bar and black marble tables while enjoying a menu full of seafood and shareable bites – don’t leave without trying their famous tartare dish!

Maman is a relative newcomer to Burleigh, and has quickly become one of its favourite restaurants. Serving modern Australian fare with European sophistication, this intimate 60-seater serves a modern Australian menu designed to share, with guests getting front row seats watching the chefs behind an open plan kitchen prepare it all. Start off your meal off right by sampling oysters tossed with shallot and chardonnay vinaigrette before sampling dishes like moussaka, kofta, king prawn fattoush or lamb tagine; all while sipping signature cocktails or wines while sipping them down!

What to Do

Discover the eclectic capital of Queensland on a tour that traverses high-rise skyscrapers, beachside sands and leafy suburb parks. Sample local coffee from an in-demand boutique roaster; satisfy your burger cravings at an aesthetic AF spot; or find fine art in galleries.

Experience Brisbane’s breathtaking river scenery while on a relaxing river cruise or experience Australia’s highest observatory – Q1. Additionally, learn more about Indigenous heritage at Jellurgal Cultural Centre in Burleigh Heads.

Be captivated by the sun on one of Queensland’s beautiful beaches such as Currumbin Rock Pools or South Stradbroke Island for 4WD island safaris that allow visitors to spot wallabies, bandicoots, sugar gliders and blue-tongued lizards in their natural environments. Or for something truly thrilling and exhilarating try Story Bridge Adventure Climb with ropes and expert climbing instructors–an exhilarating view of Brisbane skyline from high above river. Or enjoy Gold Coast theme park rides or shopping streets – plus rainforest hike on Mount Tamborine!