The central Gold Coast is a beach front playground and shopper's paradise rolled into one, where you will find international hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. To the south, are the twin towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads with fabulous sporting clubs, secluded beaches, picturesque farmlands and national parks.

Surfers Paradise is a booming 'sun, surf and sand' resort destination. As well as the stunning beaches, this area also has an abundance of shopping opportunities, restaurants and nightlife.

The region features many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries with many Australian native animals and birds. Lamington National Park is Australia's largest reserve of subtropical rainforest; peaks, cliffs, gorges and more than 500 waterfalls.

The Gold Coast is also home to many theme parks including Warner Bros Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild Water Park and Cable Sports World.

A visit to the Gold Coasts southern region will give you a chance to enjoy a beautiful area renowned for its tropical fruit plantations, tall cane fields, the majestic Tweed River and clear ocean waters. The Hinterland region has vast mountainous areas and a rural backdrop, providing a magnificent contrast to the coast's golden beaches.

Fact Summary

The Gold Coast operates on Eastern Standard Time throughout the year and does not join the Southern states in Daylight saving and is 10 hours forward from Greenwich Standard Time.

The climate is sub-tropical and the region enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.

Climate: Summer 19-28 deg CC. Winter 9-21 deg CC.

Departure Tax AUD27.00 ( children under 12 years exempted.

Population is approximately 400 000.

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