Australia's Gold Coast: Things To Do

Aboriginal Culture Learn about the existence of the region’s indigenous occupants at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a combined museum and art gallery. Guided tours include a performance by the Minjungbal Dance Troup and a bush tucker (aboriginal food) talk. Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, corner Kirkwood Rd. and Duffy St.; South Gold Coast; Tweed Heads; 011-61-7-5524-2109
family | culture | museum | history

Beaches With warm blue waters, golden sand, and an average of 300 sunny days a year, the beach is a way life on the Gold Coast. The most popular beaches are Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Broadbeach, where world-class surfing conditions draw in the crowds. With its 2-mile-long strip of golden sand, however, Surfers Paradise is definitely where you’ll find most of the action. Surfers Paradise; www.surfersparadise.com
beach | family | outdoors

Head for the hills Nestled high on the Great Dividing Range, Mount Tamborine is a haven for talented artists whose sculptures, paintings, and photographs capture the beauty of the area. Stroll along Gallery Walk and be enthralled by the eclectic range of galleries and craft shops. Long Road; Mount Tamborine; www.tamborinemtncc.org.au
family | art | shopping | handicraft

Mount Lamington National Park Following one of more than 20 trails, you’ll discover ancient rainforests, see amazing flora and fauna (like hoop pine forests and the eastern bristlebird), and stare in awe at the incredible mountain vistas of this World Heritage-listed national park. Gold Coast Hinterland; 011-61-7-5533-3584; www.epa.qld.gov.au
family | hiking | outdoors

Shopping For avid shoppers, Cavil Mall, in the heart of Surfers Paradise (www.surfersparadise.com), is the place for surf clothing and street wear, Sanctuary Cove (www.sanctuarycove.com) in the Northern Gold Coast is where you’ll find designer labels and creative handicrafts, and Pacific Fair (www.pacificfair.com.au) in Broadbeach is the home of department stores and specialty shops. Cavil Mall, Sanctuary Cove, and Pacific Fair
shopping | eclectic

Theme Parks Australia’s theme park capital boasts the fastest, longest, highest and most exciting thrill rides in the country. This site includes information about Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet ’n’ Wild Water World. Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet ’n’ Wild Water World, Northern Gold Coast; Coomera; www.gold-coast-theme-parks.com.au
family | theme park