Australian Gold Coast 

Covering topics such as:

• location details
• local activities
• local facilities
• accommodation
• golf courses in the area
• travel considerations
• travel distances
• tips and pointers.

An interactive map of the Gold Coast opens in a new window. Refer to it as you research each area.  

Full instructions are under the map so you can get the most out of it.  Use the satellite image option to see what each area looks like!

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Australian Gold Coast Zones

• Coastal
• Inland
• Hinterland

North Coast - Coomera River, Nerang River and Broadwater frontage
The Broadwater is an area of calm water and river estuaries protected from the ocean by the Spit, South Stradbroke Island and Wave Break Island.

Ocean access from the Broadwater is through the Gold Coast Seaway which is between the Spit and South Stradbroke Island.

This area includes:

• South Stradbroke
• Sanctuary Cove
• Hope Island
• Runaway Bay, Paradise Point & Biggera Waters
• Sovereign Islands
• Labrador
• Southport

Central Coast – Ocean beachside suburbs
This area is what most people think of when they think of the Australian Gold Coast.  

High density high-rise accommodation, the ocean beaches, restaurants and tourist activity hubs.

Lots of redevelopment in this area so new accommodation coming on stream all the time.

The main areas include:

• Main Beach (also fronts to the Broadwater)
• Surfers Paradise
• Broadbeach
• Mermaid Beach

South Coast – Ocean beachside suburbs
This area has a mix of accommodation - high rise and low rise, old and new.

Redevelopment of this area is ongoing, but lags the central coast area. Some good accommodation bargains can be found here - but do your research as there can be some pitfalls. 

Surfers will find the better surfing options here!

• Miami
• Burleigh Heads
• Palm Beach
• Currumbin
• Tugun
• Kirra
• Coolangatta
  

Inland – Between Coast and Hinterland
This is the area where you will find resorts and golf courses! There are some waterways and you’ll have to drive to the beach.

• Ashmore
• Carrara
• Robina

Hinterland
This is a side of the Gold Coast most people only visit on day tours or trips.

Mount Tamborine is worth a visit on a clear day just for the view – both to the coast and inland.

The National Parks of Springbrook and Lamington are great for walking and sightseeing with some great opportunities to get up close and personal with Australian flora and fauna in their natural surroundings.

An array of lodges, cabins and luxury Bed & Breakfast accommodation – some of which are exclusively for adults.

• Tamborine – including North Tamborine, Mount Tamborine, Cedar Creek, Eagle Heights
• Canungra & Beechmont
• Advancetown & Nerang
• Binna Burra
• Natural Bridge
• Springbrook
• O’Reilly’s Plateau
• Mudgeeraba
• Tallebudgera Valley
• Currumbin Valley

When is the best time to visit the Australian Gold Coast? 
That depends upon what you want to do, when you can come, your budget and what kind of weather you'd prefer! Check out my guide to the best time to visit the Gold Coast.


Want to know what to do in the Gold Coast?
So many things to do, so little time - take the challenge check out the Gold Coast main attractions and plan your trip to make the most of it.