With the Pacific Ocean on one side, the deep blue Nerang River on the other, and more shops, restaurants, high rise resorts and attractions squeezed in between than probably any other peninsula on earth - Surfers Paradise is the undisputed tourist capital of Australia. Surfers is known amongst locals to be THE place to go for a night out, with the majority of the Gold Coast's nightclubs, bars and pubs located in and around Orchid and Cavill Avenues.

This unique village is only minutes north of Surfers and is widely regarded as the most sought-after location in Queensland. Main Beach allows you to simultaneously bask in a lifestyle of relaxed beachside living whilst being in the hub of high-end shopping and dining. Visit Mariners Cove for a myriad of different tours and cruises, head south to Tedder Ave for one of the Coast's best restaurant strips or simply laze about on the wide stretch of beaches.

Broadbeach is home to many accommodation providers, entertainment venues, attractions and shopping making it one of the Gold Coast's top spots for family fun in the sun. With its wide, white sand, lifeguard patrolled beach, fronted by kid-friendly parks, Broadbeach provides safe, family fun. Broadbeach is also home to a thriving nightlife, with major venues like The Star Gold Coast, the GCCEC and one of the Coast's premier dining strips.

South East QLD's best-kept secret is this picturesque mountain rainforest region. The Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim, the region around Tamborine Mountain and the beautiful Lamington National Park, all part of the Border Ranges. We've included a comprehensive guide with our top picks for rainforest accommodation, National Parks, Mount Tamborine, the best scenic drives, bushwalking trails, natural attractions, wineries, hinterland tours & more!

The Spit is a 5km long, relatively undeveloped, sandy isthmus starting at Main Beach and finishing at the seaway, where the Broadwater meets the Pacific Ocean. The Spit is home to some popular destinations including Fisherman's Wharf, Marina Mirage, Peter's Fish Market (for the freshest fish, and best fish and chips on the Coast), Palazzo Versace and Sea World, as well as a large 3-4km open area with several dog exercise, picnic spots and places to anchor.

One of the largest sand islands in the world, Straddie is one of Australia’s national treasures and the perfect place for an island getaway. The island is popular among locals who know of the kilometres of white, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters while only a one hour drive and a ferry away. It’s a subtropical area with sunshine almost all year round and temperatures ranging from 20C in winter and 28C in summer and is split into North and South Stradbroke.

Currumbin, with its steep hillsides and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, stands out for its natural vegetation, a rarity on the Gold Coast. Despite its proximity to the CBD, Currumbin maintains a secluded charm. The popular surfing site 'Currumbin Alley' attracts longboarders, while the nearby Currumbin Rock Pools are a local favourite for swimming. Fishing is a common pastime on Currumbin Creek, complemented by picnic areas and barbecue facilities for enjoyable weekends.

Renowned for its surf break, Burleigh Heads is a beachfront alternative to the more touristy suburbs of the Gold Coast. Burleigh’s headland, known to locals as ‘The Point’ is a favourite spot for weekend barbecues with great surfing, room for cricket, and plenty of barbecue facilities to enjoy. Tallebudgera is home to many water-based activities. Pack your gear for swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing or canoeing.

Robina, the second-to-last stop on the Gold Coast train line, is a new and peaceful residential community surrounded by greenery and parks. With easy access to transportation, including the train station and bus network, visitors and residents can explore the Gold Coast's attractions. Robina Town Shopping Centre offers extensive shopping and entertainment options. The suburb features various parks with picnic facilities, playgrounds, and sports amenities for families to enjoy. 

Peppers Broadbeach combines luxury and superior facilities right in Broadbeach. As one of the tallest buildings in the area you are granted with views out over the Pacific Ocean and back to the hinterland. You can choose from 1, 2 & 3 bedroom suites or truly live it up in the high-end 3 bedroom Sky Home or Sub Penthouse. Each suite has a fully equipped kitchen with European appliances and very generous living spaces. They throw in a pillow menu to keep you extra happy as you enjoy a great night’s sleep.

Q1 Resort & Spa is Australia’s tallest residential tower and many people consider it one of the best places to stay in Surfers Paradise. It enjoys the best views with uninterrupted panoramas of both the Gold Coast coastline and Hinterland. Each luxury apartment is self-contained with options to suit most family sizes – from 1 to 4-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Q1 prides itself on being a home away from home so you will find the kitchen and laundry well equipped with sizeable lounge and dining areas.

Rising above Surfers Paradise, the sculptured towers of the Hilton Hotel are undoubtedly a brilliant addition to the Surfers Paradise cityscape. The towers are home to an unparalleled number of guest rooms, suites and 250 self-contained holiday apartments. The range of accommodation options makes the Hilton Hotel an attractive choice for business travellers, holidaymakers, and families alike. The wide range of hotel amenities also compliments the luxurious building.

The former Jupiters Casino has received more than a lick of paint with the $345 million renovations the hotel grounds and 596 rooms have undergone. Each room has been luxuriously reappointed with room sizes varying from 32 square metres up to a huge 113 square metres in the Ocean Terrace Suite. If you ever want to leave your bed – covered in The Star’s signature range of bedding and pillows - you’ve got one of the best pools on the Gold Coast downstairs.Private Cabanas are available to rent by the day or half day .

Positioned between the yacht-rich Gold Coast Broadwater and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, lies Imperial Hotel Gold Coast. Indulge and unwind in Imperial style right in the heart of Main Beach at the former Palazzo Versace. Imperial Hotel Gold Coast offers the ultimate luxury hotel experience you would expect anywhere in the world. The hotel boasts a stunning waterfront location, breathtaking architecture, lavish accommodations, and Italian craftsmanship, paired with exceptional service and an ambience of pure sophistication.

Sheraton Grand Mirage is the Gold Coast’s only absolute beachfront resort. Located over 6 hectares, the 295 rooms and sites are dotted throughout lush gardens and lagoon pools. There are so many room types so no doubt you’ll find what you are looking for, you just how to work out how much room you need. If you want even more room, choose the newly-renovated Sheraton Grand Mirage Villas which offers 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge, dining and a fully equipped kitchen.