Should You Visit Gold Coast?

Is Gold Coast worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this coastline for three to seven days because of the many great activities. The Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination along the east coast of Australia. The white sandy beaches are lined with glitzy high rise skyscrapers and vibrant resorts. The area has many world class amusement parks and there is no shortage of fine dining restaurants and adrenaline-filled activities.

Gold Coast, Queensland

Reasons to Visit Gold Coast

Nightlife
The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

Resorts
Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Beaches
This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Museums
The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

Food
The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Hiking
The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Shopping
There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Gold Coast worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Gold Coast, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

The weather in Gold Coast is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (77°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, take a hike, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the luxurious resorts, the big city activities, and the nightlife.

Is Gold Coast worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Gold Coast. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

The weather in Gold Coast is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 22°C (71°F). But it can get as warm as 26°C (79°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the hiking.

Is Gold Coast worth visiting in the Winter?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).

The low season for travel in Gold Coast is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and dance the night away. Also, you can check out the big city activities.

Is Gold Coast worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Gold Coast. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

The weather in Gold Coast is fairly warm during spring, and stays around 21°C (69°F). But it can get as warm as 26°C (78°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Gold Coast

Lots of Tourists
Gold Coast sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Gold Coast might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Gold Coast here or see if Gold Coast is expensive here.

Related

What is Gold Coast most famous for?

Gold Coast is most famous for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. People visit this impressive coastline for its great nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Also, it's known for museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as glamourous, vibrant, colorful, high energy, and fun-filled.

What is the most famous sight in Gold Coast?

The most popular sight in Gold Coast is the long sandy beaches. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Gold Coast on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the long sandy beaches and other attractions here.

How touristy is Gold Coast? Is it a popular coastline to visit?

Gold Coast is a very touristy coastline that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Sunset Sailing Cruise includes snacks & drinks: $79
• Breakfast sailing cruise includes snacks & drinks: $79
• Midday Broadwater Sailing Cruise includes snacks & drinks: $79
• Gold Coast Skippered Canal Cruise: $136
• Gold Coast Waterbike Adventure: $46
• 2.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $43
• Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise: $58
• 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $185

How long should I spend in Gold Coast?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Gold Coast is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Gold Coast has a variety of activities such as nightlife, resorts, and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Gold Coast?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Gold Coast?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Gold Coast?.