General Information

Australia's family entertainment capital, the Gold Coast offers all the thrills, spills and excitement you can take in one lifetime. Hang on for the ride.
A huge array of award-winning attractions attract international and Australian visitors year-round. The Gold Coast is Australia's theme park capital. Here's just a sample of what you can experience.

Dreamworld is home to wild rides and Australia's 'Big Brother' television series. See Bengal Tiger cubs at Tiger Island or venture into the Australian Wildlife Experience. For heart-thumping action take the tallest high-speed gravity rollercoaster in the southern hemisphere.

Warner Bros. Movie World has transported the lights, camera and action of Hollywood to the Gold Coast. With rides, characters and fun to interest the whole family. Sea World gives you the chance to view polar bears, see a three-dimensional pirate adventure or marvel at the grace of dolphins.

Wet 'n' Wild Water World is splashtacular fun with water rides, pools, mega slides and dive-in movies.

For adrenalin action, go bungee jumping or try an extreme adventure ride in the heart of Surfers Paradise. There are mysterious worlds with illusions and amazing interactive high-tech funhouses. Try sky diving, test your muscle power rock-climbing or stretch your imagination hang-gliding or abseiling.
Head to the water where you can go paragliding, hire jet skis or try a tree-top walk in the rainforest or a flying-fox experience.

The 'GOLF COAST".
Known as the ''Golf Coast'' for its range of more than 40 championship and resort courses, the Gold Coast has hosted major international and Australian tournaments.
Play on courses designed by Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, Peter Thomson and Jack Nicklaus. You'll find a course to suit all levels of skill with Australian bush settings, lush palm tree-studded resort courses, challenging layouts with difficult water carries and comprehensive facilities. You may run up against a kangaroo or wallaby in some courses.
Balmy weather year-round makes the Gold Coast a perfect choice for golf lovers. Make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat all year.
Professionals are available at most courses for tuition, personalised clinics or intensive training and many courses have day-night driving ranges. Experienced golf tour operators combine the best of golf, accommodation and entertainment.
Some courses may have dress codes so inquire before booking. Some courses may require official handicaps.
For family fun - several putt putt attractions are located in coastal areas.

Sport & Leisure
The Gold Coast's resident population is more than 400,000. Most locals are keen to participate in a sports and leisure activity and you'll find it easy to join in when visiting the Gold Coast.

Home for many World, Australian and Olympic champions, the Gold Coast has been chosen as a training venue by elite sportsmen and women for years. There's a line-up of exciting major sports-related events including the Gold Coast Marathon in July, the Honda Indy 300 in October, major tennis and golf events, triathlons and World or Australian championships in surfing, volleyball, surf lifesaving and outrigger canoeing.
There are superb facilities in the area with indoor complexes for volleyball, cricket, netball, basketball and soccer.
Head out in the sunshine for the many pools, walkways, bikeways, football grounds, skatebowls, boating ramps and fishing platforms. World-class athletic tracks, gyms and sports facilities are dotted throughout the Gold Coast.
While on the Gold Coast, learn to surf at one of the many schools offering short programs for novices.
The kilometres of waterways make watersports a popular choice - try jet skiing, water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, hire a boat or take a jetboat or parasail ride.

Some of Australia's most accessible gamefishing grounds are within easy reach. Numerous operators cater for all anglers and boating enthusiasts, from Tweed cruises with the chance to catch a Queensland Mudcrab to sailing operators. Hire a canoe, fishing rod or even a small vessel.

For a chance to mellow out, take one of the many health and fitness classes - tai chi on the beach, yoga, pilates or aqua aerobics offered at numerous resorts, health retreats and fitness centres. Massage, mud treatments and wraps are just some of the relaxing ways to pass an hour.

In rural areas such as Rathdowney and Beaudesert, see equestrian events, view a polo match or go horseriding. Rainforest ecolodges in Lamington National Park offer activities such as flying fox rides, abseiling, star gazing and nature walks. There are 300km of nature walks waiting to be explored. Golfers can choose from more than 40 championship and resort courses