Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a major urban region in eastern Australia. As of the 2021 census it had about 640,778 residents, making it Queensland’s second-largest city (after Brisbane) and Australia’s sixth-largest overall. The metropolitan population now exceeds 700,000, and grows rapidly each year. The city covers around 414 km² along the coastline. This population is diverse: approximately 83.6% of Gold Coast residents were born in Australia, with significant communities of foreign-born people from Asia and Europe as well. English is the dominant language (roughly 88% speak only English at home), but Mandarin, Japanese and Korean are among other languages spoken due to tourism and immigration.

Economically, the Gold Coast is broad and well-developed. Its GDP was about AU$49.3 billion in 2024. Key industries include tourism (a mainstay), health care, education and construction. The city also has a growing creative sector (film and games production) and leads Australia in startups per capita. The unemployment rate is usually slightly below the national level. Tourism drives much of the economy: the city attracts around 10 million visitors each year. Altogether, Gold Coast boasts over 65,000 accommodation beds and channelized waterways (600 km of canals) in addition to its beaches. In short, the Gold Coast is a bustling coastal metropolis – large in population and highly diversified – whose economy centers on its sunny climate, theme parks and active lifestyle.

Situated on the east coast of Australia, the Gold Coast stretches along Queensland’s shoreline just south of Brisbane. Its central business district (CBD) is roughly 66 km south-southeast of Brisbane’s city centre. The urban area extends about 60 km along the coast, from Currumbin in the south to Coomera/Stevenson in the north. The region lies on flat coastal plain backed by the forested hinterland. Directly offshore are the beaches of the Tasman Sea, including the world-famous Surfers Paradise beach. Inland lie the green hills of Lamington and Springbrook national parks, which rise dramatically into the Great Dividing Range.

The climate is a warm subtropical one. Average summer highs are in the mid-20s °C (around 25.4 °C) and winter daytime highs are mild (around 17–18 °C). Rainfall is fairly abundant (roughly 1,253 mm per year), mostly in summer. The weather is generally sunny and beach-friendly year-round, though Queensland’s storms can bring heavy rain at times. In summary, the Gold Coast’s geography – long sandy beaches fringing a large city with rainforest just to the west – gives it both seaside resort character and subtropical climate. Sunshine and surf are ubiquitous; even its metropolitan centre is strongly oriented toward outdoor living.

The Gold Coast’s history began long before European settlement. For many thousands of years it was the land of the Yugambeh-speaking Aboriginal peoples (such as the Kombumerri clan). European contact came in the early 1800s: Captain John Oxley explored the Tweed River area in 1823. Early colonial settlement was limited (partly due to reefs and river barriers), but by the 1860s small towns were surveyed – for example, Southport was established around 1875. These coastal villages began to attract holidaymakers from Brisbane, and the area was known as a place for seaside retreats.

The real turning point came in the 20th century. In the 1920s tourism accelerated, with holiday shacks springing up along the coast. Gold Coast’s growth exploded after World War II: it was officially proclaimed a town in 1949 and a city in 1959. The first high-rise (the Surfers Paradise Hotel) was built in 1960. From the 1960s through the 1980s, the coastline saw numerous skyscrapers go up – earning it nicknames like the “Glitter Strip” and “Goldy” (residents are called “Gold Coasters”). The late 20th century saw multiple theme parks open (Seaworld, Movie World, Dreamworld, etc.) which further defined the city’s character as a pleasure-park destination.

Modern Gold Coast has matured into an international city. Over time its identity has been shaped by both glitzy tourism and local culture. (One local pundit noted that the coast was heavily marketed under the slogan of “sun, sand, surf and sex” in the 1980s, though by the 21st century the image is simply one of fun in the sun.) Despite rapid development, the city still prides itself on a relaxed, laid-back ethos. It also has a vibrant local culture – for example, surf lifesaving clubs are a community mainstay, and the city embraced arts with venues like the Home of the Arts (HOTA) opening in recent years. Milestones for Gold Coast include hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which helped build many new facilities and confirmed the city’s transformation into a modern urban centre.

The Gold Coast’s cultural vibe is a blend of coastal leisure and urban night life. English is the everyday language, but many residents and visitors bring diverse backgrounds. Mandarin (1.6%), Japanese (1.0%), and Korean (0.6%) are among the other commonly spoken languages, reflecting both immigration and the influx of tourists from Asia and beyond. Indigenous heritage is acknowledged (there are Yugambeh cultural events), but in everyday life the city has a very modern feel.

Local life on the Gold Coast is often described as friendly and outgoing. Residents enjoy an outdoor-oriented lifestyle: surfing, swimming and paddleboarding at dawn; jogging on beachfront esplanades; or barbecues in the parks. The pace varies from relaxed (in the beach suburbs) to lively (in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, where nightlife is buzzing into the early hours). Festivals and events add to the atmosphere. For example, the Gold Coast hosts a major car race (the Gold Coast 600 – a V8 Supercars event), a spring marathon that draws international runners, and a big music festival (Blues on Broadbeach in May, plus the annual Splendour in the Grass nearby). The city also boasts an annual Film Festival and has even hosted the Australian Academy of Cinema (AACTA) awards. Food and culture are strong here: one famous precinct is Chinatown in Southport, which revitalized the CBD, and the coastal city has everything from upscale beachfront dining to casual dining lanes in Broadbeach and Southport.

In daily life, Gold Coast people often balance “coast” leisure with city business. The city has long been described by locals as a place of “sun, surf and sand,” but there are now also museums, theatres, and art galleries (particularly in Home of the Arts and in the Southport arts precinct). Overall, the character is youthful and entrepreneurial; many bars, cafes, and boutiques line the glitzy waterfront areas. Yet under the glitz there is a genuine local community, especially outside the main tourist zones. In short, the Gold Coast feels energetic yet relaxed, with a friendliness noted by visitors (it was ranked one of the world’s friendliest cities in a 2014 survey).

Gold Coast offers a wide range of attractions. Unsurprisingly, its beaches are top draws: Surfers Paradise Beach, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and the offshore islands (like Stradbroke) are always on the itinerary. In the city itself, the biggest landmark is the Q1 skyscraper in Surfers Paradise – one of Australia’s tallest buildings. Its SkyPoint observation deck (230 m high) offers panoramic views along the coastline and across the hinterland. The Gold Coast is also famous for its theme parks: for instance Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild Water World and WhiteWater World. (Each park is a full-day outing in itself, and they cluster north of the city.) Wildlife attractions are also plentiful: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the southern end has native animals you can feed, and David Fleay Wildlife Park offers a more natural bushland experience.

Downtown and suburban attractions include the set of canals and beaches. Broadwater Parklands on the Broadwater Estuary is a peaceful green space with playgrounds and water taxis. A ferry across the river to the suburb of The Spit is popular. The SkyPoint and the Chevron Renaissance shopping complex define Surfers Paradise’s skyline. Southport’s historic Esplanade (with old hotels) provides a glimpse of the old Gold Coast, and nearby Cavill Avenue bustles with shops and nightlife. Natural attractions in the hinterland are close by: Lamington and Springbrook National Parks (just 60–90 minutes west) feature rainforests, waterfalls and glow worms, forming another must-see if time allows.

In brief, Gold Coast’s must-sees include the beaches and skyline of Surfers Paradise, the SkyPoint observation deck on the Q1 building, the family-friendly theme parks (with rides and aquariums), and wildlife sanctuaries such as Currumbin. A new highlight is the Broadbeach precinct and its beachfront restaurants, while the craft and dining lanes of Nobby Beach and Burleigh Heads show the city’s more relaxed side.

Reaching the Gold Coast is straightforward by modern transport. The Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta (near the NSW border) handles many domestic flights and some international charters. Major airlines operate there, including Jetstar, Virgin Australia and international carriers. Brisbane Airport is also an easy option: it lies about 100 km north, and is connected by a frequent train (Gold Coast line) that gets you into the city in under an hour. From either airport, car rental, shuttle buses and taxis are plentiful.

Once on the Gold Coast, getting around is convenient. The G:Link light rail runs from Broadbeach to Helensvale through Surfers Paradise (about 20 km total), stopping at key hubs like Southport. A network of buses covers most other suburbs. Many attractions (especially theme parks) have their own park-and-ride buses. Downtown Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are quite walkable. If you have a car, the city is served by the Pacific Motorway (M1) running north-south, and the Gold Coast Highway along the coast. Traffic can be heavy at peak times, but most visitor attractions have ample parking.

A few basic tips: Australian currency (Australian dollars) is used everywhere. Tipping is not mandatory but often expected at 5–10% in restaurants if service is good. English is the language, and Australians are very informal – “no worries” and first names are the norm. For beach safety, always swim between the red-and-yellow flags patrolled by surf lifesavers; outside those zones the ocean can have rips. Sun protection is essential year-round. Like any big city, petty crime can occur; stay aware at night in crowded areas (Surfers Paradise nightlife precinct) but the city is generally safe for tourists. When driving, remember Australians drive on the left. In summary, the Gold Coast is easy to navigate: large signage guides you to major beaches and attractions, and people are accustomed to tourists, so asking for directions or help is common and welcomed.