Gold Coast Holidays

There’s something for everyone in Queensland’s Gold Coast, from surf and sandy beaches, to rollercoasters and water parks and wildlife and jungle walks.

Just south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is a great addition to a multi centre holiday or an essential stop on any East Coast Australia road trip.

Browse our holidays to the Gold Coast and eastern Australia below, or get in touch with one of our Aussie Specialists for a personal itinerary. Let the fun begin!

Holidays to the Gold Coast

Renowned for its endless beaches and hair-raising theme parks, Australia’s Gold Coast also has a wonderful range of family attractions, an expansive gourmet scene and nightlife catering for all tastes.

More a collection of towns than a city in the traditional sense, the Gold Coast is surrounded by nature, with the ancient rainforest of the Hinterland on one side and humpback whale migration route on the other.

Things to do in the Gold Coast

Whether you’re on a day trip from Brisbane or beach break at the end of your Australia holiday, you’ll find plenty of things to do in the Gold Coast. Here are ten of our Aussie Specialists’ favourites:

• Stroll down the Esplanade in Surfers Paradise, stopping for a quick dip in the Pacific Ocean or to browse the beachside market, open three evenings a week
• Ride the rollercoasters, rapids and water slides at Sea World, Warner Brothers Movie World, Dreamworld, Wet n’ Wild or White Water World
• Dine al fresco in one of Broadbeach’s many restaurants and brasseries, entertained by street artists, then perhaps try your luck at the 24 hour casino
• Take in the panoramic views of the Queensland coastline and rainforested Hinterland from the Sky Point Observation Deck in Q1, Australia’s tallest building
• Swim in the calm waters by Burleigh Heads, protected by the headland, then try not to burn the snags on the communal BBQs in the park by the beach
• Explore the sub tropical rainforest, caves and waterfalls of Lamington National Park, following your choice of the 160 km of walking trails
• Spot humpback whales, on a cruise or from the mainland, as they migrate past the Gold Coast between June and early November
• Hit the surf in laid back Coolangatta, with board hire and lessons from the beach
• Cuddle a koala and meet other iconic Australian wildlife at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, set in 27 hectares of rainforest
• Walk amongst the tree tops on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, then look out for turtles at Curtis Falls in Tamborine Mountain National Park

Where is the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast is in the very south eastern corner of Queensland. Known as the City of Villages, it stretches from Coolangatta, on the border with New South Wales, to the Logan River in the north and outer fringes of Brisbane.

If you are staying in Queensland’s capital, the drive from Brisbane to the Gold Coast takes around one hour, public transport a little longer.

Immensely popular with domestic holiday makers, there are regular flights to the Gold Coast from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and most other Australian cities and large towns. You can also fly direct to the Gold Coast from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and several cities in New Zealand.

East Coast Australia Road Trips

The Gold Coast is a fantastic stop on an East Coast Australia road trip.

If you are driving from Melbourne to Brisbane, which we’d recommend you spread out over a couple of weeks, the Gold Coast offers a fabulous place to relax for a couple of days before handing your car back.

If you are heading from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns, you’ll reach the Gold Coast as you near the first 1,000 km of your journey; its beaches, cafes and bars the perfect reward.

If travelling by motorhome from Sydney to Brisbane, there are a couple of beachside campsites in the Gold Coast, plus several others set in the stunning scenery of the Hinterland.

Planning Your Gold Coast Holiday

At FREEDOM, you can book everything you need for your Gold Coast holiday in one place, to benefit from a single point of contact and full ATOL protection.

Browse our holiday ideas, self drives, Gold Coast hotels and experiences to get started, then get in touch with our Aussie Specialists to plan your own adventure.