Australia’s Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is Australia’s most loved tourist destination. Millions of visitors come here each year from around the world to enjoy the sun-drenched beaches as well as the lush sub-tropical mountains and valleys of the hinterland.
With a pleasant sub-tropical climate all year round, this beautiful coastline offers spectacular patrolled surf beaches, 27 international golf courses, theme parks, duty free shopping, casinos, fine dining, exiting nightlife, tropical rainforests and fishing.
The Gold Coast is also Australia's leading theme park capital where the whole family can have fun at award-winning Dreamworld, Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water Park.
And just a 30-minute drive from the beachfront, the Hinterland offers bushwalking, abseiling, 4WD tours and mountain biking in more than 24 national parks, nature reserves and World Heritage Listed subtropical rainforests.
SunMore Holidays provide luxury holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast, where all you want in a holiday is at your doorstep, all year round.
Gold Coast Information
Airport - Nearest International Airport:
Brisbane Airport [www.brisbaneairport.com.au] is approximately 85 km from Surfers Paradise. From Brisbane airport you can either go by limousine (approx. $170 one-way), rail (Airtrain) approx. $25, or catch shuttle bus to your accommodation facility, approx. $33.
Airport - Local Domestic Airport:
Gold Coast Airport [www.goldcoastairport.com.au] is approximately 22 km from Surfers Paradise. From the airport to city centre by taxi is approximately $35. Shuttle bus service costs approx. $20.
Banking Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:30am - 4:00pm
Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm
24-hour automatic teller machines are centrally located
Beach Safety:
For your own safety always swim in areas patrolled by lifeguards and lifesavers, inside the area where the red and yellow flags appear. Do not swim directly after a meal or under the influence of alcohol. Do not swim when the red DANGER flag appears. Do not swim where there are no red and yellow flags. If caught in a current or undertow or if you experience a cramp, raise one arm for help and float until help arrives.
Climate:
The region enjoys a subtropical climate and an average of 300 days sunshine a year.
Spring: September to November - 15-25°C / 59-77°F
Summer: December to February - 20-28°C / 68-83°F
Autumn: March to May - 16-25°C / 61-77°F
Winter: June to August - 11-21°C / 52-70°F
Clothing:
Casual, lightweight clothes are generally worn on the Gold Coast. A jacket or other suitable outfit may be required in some nightclubs and restaurants. Comfortable shoes are a must for hiking though National Parks.
Disabled Services:
Most public areas, shopping centres, accommodation, attractions and restaurants have disabled facilities and services. Advance advice about special needs will ensure the best possible assistance from local operators. For more information telephone:
Tourism Queensland: +61 7 3406 5455
Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of Queensland: +61 7 3391 2044
See more Tours: +61 7 5534 7748
Foreign Currency:
To ensure the most accurate rate of exchange, overseas visitors are advised to convert foreign currency to Australian dollars at a bank or at financial institutions.
Hospitals:
Gold Coast Hospital: +61 7 5571 8211
Tweed Heads Hospital: +61 7 5536 1133
Private hospitals and 24-hour clinics are available
Medical Services:
Standards are high. Overseas visitors should obtain their own medical insurance.
Parking:
Inexpensive parking is available in busy areas such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Southport and Coolangatta. Metered and free parking is generally available at other centres.
Speed Limit:
A 50kmh limit in residential and commercial areas or where indicated. A 100kmh limit on highways or where indicated.
Sun Protection:
Enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of sun damage by wearing a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with collar and sleeves and SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen on exposed skin. Try to avoid staying outdoors during the middle of the day when ultra-violet rays are strongest.
Time:
The Gold Coast operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST). Daylight saving is not observed in Queensland.
