Come and discover one of the most important seaside resorts on the Australian Gold Coast. Not just surfing, here are all the activities not to be missed!
Now I turn to all of you, dear down-under friends you have chosen Brisbane as a stop on your longer or shorter Australian stay. There is no need to repeat it, it is a fabulous city, dotted with parks and nature everywhere, crossed by an amazing river that offers such beautiful views, at times, to take your breath away. But… that's right: there is an MA. The third largest city on the continent is in fact among the few that are NOT directly overlooking the ocean. And unfortunately, often, this fact seems to take tourists by surprise, who unaware arrives convinced that they can enjoy a happy hour at sunset on the beach, looking for a moment of relaxation after a day of exploring the city center.
But at this point do not stir the spirits and do not start to despair or repent of the choice made. True, Brisbane does not face the sea... but I can assure you that it is strategically positioned in a perfect spot to easily reach some of the Australia's most popular beach resorts. I have experienced it myself and I was thrilled with every location I visited!
Gold Coast is a surfer's paradise
To begin, I would like to tell you about what is perhaps the best known of all, known throughout the world for attracting thousands of those who love to have fun riding the waves of the sea: GOLD COAST.
It is approximately 80 kilometers from Brisbane. If you have a car or decide to rent one, in less than an hour you will be roasting yourself lying on the golden sand of Surfers Paradise, the main beach of this region.
If not, know that reaching this destination using public transport is quite simple, fast and above all cheap. Later I'll explain how to do it.
First I want to tell you about this spectacular place: as the name suggests, it is a real paradise. Upon your arrival in Surfer Paradise you will find yourself in front of an infinite expanse of sand dunes warmed by the golden light of the sun, which in the Queensland it shines over 300 days a year. The over 70 kilometers of endless beaches that characterize this part of the continent offer a crazy and somewhat original panorama: lapped by one side from the Pacific, with its impressive waves that make it a perfect playground for surfers, meet on the other with theimpressive city skyline, on whose high glass walls the Australian sky is constantly reflected, which never fails to delight us, offering breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
Surfers Paradise is a suburb of the Gold Coast, one of the most important seaside resorts in the Australian Gold Coast. A place, therefore, very popular with both locals and tourists from all over the world. Do not be afraid, however, that it may not be for you if, like me, you are a lover of silence and tranquility. The beach is in fact so immense that you will not struggle to carve out a corner detached from the rest of the people, thus granting you a moment of peace, lulled only by the sound of the waves and the song of the seagulls that many populate the promenade here.
How to get to Gold Coast by public transport
If you are in Brisbane or any other location in Queensland and don't have a car, know that Gold Coast is perfectly served by the public transport of the state.
In particular, if you are coming from Brisbane, just take a direct train to HELENSVALE station and from here transfer to platform 5, from which a tram leaves with constant frequency that will take you directly to Surfer Paradise, a few tens of meters from the beach.
For all the information on how to move by public transport in Queensland, I refer you to the related article that you can find HERE.
In Surfer Paradise you can't not surf!
Of course, if you have landed in this wonderful place you cannot fail to try your hand at this discipline! All along the coast you will find various locations for the rental of equipment and facilities where you can book yours lesson with an expert.
Just remember, VERY IMPORTANT: always stay within the designated areas. Only in these spaces, in fact, the beach viewers will be able to see you and help you in the unfortunate event that something goes wrong.
So: are you ready to ride your first wave?
Gold Coast: all the unmissable activities
If, on the other hand, you are not fond of long days spent lying on the beach and you think that surfing is not for you, at this point you are wondering: why should I visit the Gold Coast? Don't be rushed, Queenland's Gold Coast offers so much more than that. Below I will list the 5 unmissable activities where you can indulge yourself in this place:
1. Picnic on the panoramic promenade: very similar to that of some other big cities such as Barcelona or Miami, the seafront of Surfer Paradise is a perfect location for those who want to spend their free time with friends or family sharing an outdoor meal while enjoying an amazing panorama. In fact, it is equipped with free-to-use barbecue stations, picnic tables and toilets.
2. Beachfront Markets: every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening the Surfers Paradise area is populated by more 100 stalls which offer a myriad of products including food and local crafts. They are also organized for the occasion live music performances or street performers, who help to further revive the festive atmosphere.
3. Paradise Center: it is the largest shopping center in Surfers Paradise, a must for shopping addicts.
4. Theme parks: moving a little from Surfers Paradise, fun is guaranteed and there is something for everyone! TO Sea World you can observe the dolphin performances, a Movie World you will meet your favorite cartoon characters and movies while a Dreamworld an upside down roller coaster ride will get you adrenaline pumping!
5. Trekking in the Outback: Gold Coast doesn't just offer seaside landscapes. In fact, you just need to drive for a few kilometers to be able to enter one of the largest rainforests in Australia itself.
Also in this case the choice is wide: you can dedicate yourself to exploring the Great Hinterland Walk, an exceptional route in the nature of the hinterland, or enter the luxuriant forests of Lamington National Park of Springbrook, A World Heritage Site, where you can access an ancient volcano and a spectacular waterfall.
In short, at this point I would say that the chances of getting bored in this area of Queensland are almost non-existent! :) How about? Have I convinced you to book a weekend on the Gold Coast?
Cheers!
