The Gold Coast has had a bit of a bad wrap lately and I’ve decided it’s time to set the record straight. It’s a holiday destination that is perfect for both families and couples alike and can rarely be beaten on shear amount of things for everyone of all ages to do.
Sure Surfer’s Paradise is famous for being the glitzy, commercialised sister to America’s flashy Miami, Florida, but that’s because it’s home to one of the most spectacular stretches of white sand beach in the country – can’t blame everyone for wanting to be there. There is plenty in the way of shopping, restaurants and cafe’s and the people watching on both Cavill Ave and Orchid Ave is second to none. Head to the bowling alley, games arcade or Ripley’s Believe it or Not with the kids and have them entertained for hours – and worn out too! Or spend the day relaxing on the beach, then relaxing in a restaurant and then relaxing in a bar…
Step outside of the Surfer’s Paradise “bubble” and you have a smorgasbord of other fantastic, less crowded, slower-paced destinations that are well and truly worth a visit…or two. Burleigh Heads, towards the Southern end of the gold Coast is a personal fave. It has a fantastic laid-back, beachside village vibe and is dotted with an array of quirky cafe’s, many of which offer organic produce, and unique retailers, from home wares to fashion and everything in between. The beaches here are less crowded and flanked by lush green parks complete with play equipment and plenty of picnic and BBQ areas. Don’t miss the art and craft markets held on the last Sunday of every month.
Further south still you’ll find the small beachside hub of Currumbin, perfect for family getaways. Distinguished by the inlet that provides fantastic, sheltered swimming beaches for littlies and the Currumbin Rock, standing several metres tall the rock separates the two beaches of Currumbin and offers the perfect vantage point to watch the surfers brave the waves. Currumbin is actually a ‘gnarly’ spot to learn to surf because of its sheltered waters. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with an abundance of native and exotic wildlife – cuddle a koala, feed the ‘roos or get up close and personal with a croc, the kids will love it!
Changing direction (because why not?) and heading north of Surfer’s you’ll hit Main Beach. If you love shopping this place is for you, situated smack bang in the middle of both the well known shopping precincts of Surfer’s Paradise and The Spit, Main Beach is just that little bit more chilled then Surfer’s but still close enough to the hustle and bustle so that you won’t miss out on anything. Close by the flashy Palazzo Versace Hotel and the exclusive Marina Mirage shopping precinct, Main Beach is surrounded by trendy cafe’s and elite restaurant’s for you to savour and enjoy. Not without attraction for the littlies either, Main Beach is close by the world famous theme park Seaworld. Spend a day enjoying the rides and the marine wildlife shows, they are simply spectacular!
Finally head west to the luscious Gold Coast hinterland to enjoy winery tours, waterfalls, national parks, award winning art galleries and sweeping coastal views. The Coast with the most is most certainly an understatement when it comes to the Gold Coast.
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