The Gold Coast consists of some 35 patrolled beaches along a 70 kilometre coast.

Some of these beaches are among the best in the world. The main centres are Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta.

Along most of these Gold Coast beaches you have parklands for your enjoyment which feature barbecues, toilet facilities, shaded areas, picnic spots and seating.
 
Gold Coast Airport is positioned it as the South Pacific's leading leisure destination.  A rail link and Pacific Motorway contects Brisbane to the Gold Coast. For how to get around Gold Coast City visit our transport page.

Gold Coast City is a dynamic city with a wide variety of built and natural attractions including:
 - 70 kilometres of beaches with an average water temperature of 22 degrees
 - A large broadwater and five major river systems
 - Major shopping centres as well as numerous boutiques, specialty shops and markets
 - More than 500 restaurants and cafes offering cuisine from around the world
 - Nightlife entertainment from nightclubs, restaurants, clubs, hotels and Conrad Jupiters Casino
 - Theme parks including Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n’ Wild
 - Rural hinterland stretching to the west and north of the City encompassing many natural wetlands
 - Tropical rainforest with abundant wildlife and numerous bush walks

The Gold Coast Seaway providing safe ocean access and over 270 kilometres of navigable waterways.

Gold Coast City spans across 1,402 square kilometres (approx. 541 square miles) featuring 70 kilometres of coastline from South Stradbroke Island to Rainbow Bay. With a population of approximately 450,000 it is the sixth largest city in Australia. This is expected to increase to more than 500,000 within the next decade.

Non stop entertainment, beachfront Esplanades, shopping, natural beauty of the hinterland and theme parks are just some of the features of the Gold Coast.

The name 'Gold Coast' was first used by the Brisbane newspapers in the late 1940s when they referred to the real estate opportunities here. On 23rd October 1958, the South Coast Town Council adopted the name Gold Coast Town Council.