The Top Attractions Of Gold Coast City

• By: Editor
• On: 07/Oct/2009
• In: Australia Travel Tips

Beaches Obviously, beaches are one of the major selling points of the Gold Coast. The city is comprised of 57km of coastline with some of the major prominent surf breaks not only in Australia, but in the world! Some of the popular beaches include The Spit, Main Beach, Broachbeach, South Stradbroke Island, Mermaid beach and Nobby Beach.

One of the world’s most renowned surfing beaches is Duranbach Beach, near the area. You will not be spoilt for choice in searching for wonderful golden and sun kissed beaches!  Don’t forget to take in a trip to Surfer’s Paradise, a suburb of the Gold Coast. Vibrant nightlife, shopping and surfing are the main attractions here! Find out more about the beaches of the Gold Coast.

The Q1 Building The Q1 building is the world’s tallest residential building. It is the 2nd highest public viewing point in Australia and indeed the Southern Hemisphere, the highest being the Eureka Tower in Melbourne.  The observing point on level 77 affords you wonderful views in all directions around Queensland, from Brisbane to Byron Bay. The view over the Surfers Paradise skyline is magnificent, and a visit to the 322 metre high building is a must if visiting the Gold Coast.

Find out more about the Q1 Building.

Gold Coast Arts Centre The City Art Gallery of the Gold Coast was opened in 1986 to the public and receives thousands of visitors each year. Find out more about the Gold Coast Arts Centre.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum Due to re-open in December 2009, a visit to this museum is well worth taking. By taking a self-guided tour, you will discover 12 galleries with amazing stories of magic and mystery.  Find out more about Ripley’s Gold Coast Museum.

Tropical Fruit Farm on the Gold Coast Tropical Fruit World is well worth checking out – it is the home of the world’s largest variety of fruit of the tropical variety! Enjoy the various attractions of the Fruit Farm from a Train Ride across the island, Fruit shows and exhibitions, the fauna park featuring the major animals of the region, and walks along the celebrated Rain Coast. Find out more about the Gold Coast Tropical Fruit Farm.

Whale Watching Take a cruise along the Gold Coast and travel on the "Mahi Mahi" cruiser and not only will you catch a glimpse of the magnificent humpback whale specimens, you will also travel along the Nerang River, past the wonderful architecture of the area. Find out more about Gold Coast Whale Watching.

Dreamworld Theme Park The largest theme park in Australia, Dreamworld has been used as the venue for the Australian version of Big Brother. Some of the main attractions at Dreamworld include on Main Street – (Croc Pond (drivable boats) and Remota Boats) on the Ocean Parade (The Claw, The Cyclone and the Flowrider) and at Nickelodeon Central (themed rides from Dora the Explorer to Spongebob Squarepants). Other areas include the Australian Wildlife Experience and Wiggles World for children.

Sea World is a marine mammal park and has some fantastic water rides, animal exhibitions and promotes the conservation theme through educating visitors and also providing rescue and safety for ill, injured or threatened wildlife.

Wet 'N' Wild Water World Located at Oxenford, this theme park is owned by Warner Village Theme Parks. It is the largest waterpark in Australia, and the third largest in the world. With exciting rides and exhibitions taking place, it is a perfect place for a family day out. Read more about Wet 'N' Wild Water World.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary contains hundreds of native Australian fauna on display in natural bushland and rainforest settings. The park covers an area of 27 hectares of rainforest vegetation, and visitors can come close to a crocodile, cuddle up with a koala bear, fraternise with kangaroos and check out other birdlife and marsupials native to Australia.

WhiteWater World This water park on the Gold Coast opened in December 2006. WhiteWater World contains six primary water slide attractions, a huge wavepool, as well as safe play areas for children. It is located directly opposite Dreamworld. 

So there you have it – a guide to the main attractions of the Gold Coast! Interested in taking a self-drive tour of the region? The best way to get around is to hire a car, so check out our Car Hire Gold Coast page.

Have you visited Australia’s Gold Coast? What did you think of the tourist attractions in the area? If you can offer any travel advice or information for your fellow blog readers please let us know – thank you.