GHA DISCOVERY

in Gold Coast

Discovery in Germany

Sunny beachy days await you

Long stretches of glittering golden sand, surfers on the crest of turquoise waves and a world-class entertainment scene: this is Australia’s Gold Coast. A metropolitan region hugging the south Queensland shore, this sun-soaked destination comprises several enticing locations, each with its own unique atmosphere and collection of intriguing attractions. From the picturesque wildlife haven of Burleigh Heads to the laid-back beaches of Coolangatta, the welcoming Gold Coast is set to steal your heart.

Surfers Paradise

Viceroy

Broadbeach

Coolangatta

Burleigh Heads

Hotels

Surfers Paradise

An engaging blend of beaches and skyscrapers, Surfers Paradise is a major Gold Coast hub. Whether visiting on business, here for a bit of retail therapy or seeking calm by the shimmering sea, it's easy to get immersed in the buoyant ambience of this sunny spot. Cavill Avenue is an ideal place to begin. This bustling pedestrian district offers deluxe boutiques, inviting eateries and buzzing bars that stay open long into the night. Journey here outside November and December to escape the crowds and have more space to roam and explore.

Sunset at Surfers Paradise

Fun is the main theme of this Gold Coast beach destination and you’ll find it in spades at Adrenalin Park. After a morning of thrilling bungee trampolining to build up your appetite, you’ll be happy to discover that Surfers Paradise is also renowned for its fabulous food. From hearty burgers and desserts to diverse international cuisine, delicious gastronomy is in no short order here. Given its ocean-side location, seafood is a speciality, so indulge in succulent prawns and crisp calamari before taking time out on the beach.

Adrenalin Park

Running and Biking Track

Prawns

Crisp Calamari

Broadbeach

In contrast to nearby Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach is its easy-going cousin, with a haven of markets, street art and alfresco dining venues. Days are easily filled with outdoor pursuits; grab a surfboard and take to the waves or bask in the verdant surrounds of Cascade Gardens. Here, tranquil rainforest trails are awash with indigenous heritage sites, while Kokoda Memorial Walk's 1000-step climb offers an insight into local World War II experiences.

Dusk at Broadbeach

With a landscape made up of winding waterways, Broadbeach is a feast for the eyes. Its natural beauty is captured by the numerous skilled artists who live here, and you can pick up your own creations by visiting an 'Art and Craft on the Coast' market. These Sunday morning events boast over 200 stalls of handmade products at which to seek out the perfect souvenir.

Many Gold Coast hotels offer opulence and luxury. For optimum comfort and indulgence, check into the Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences and bookend your days with time at the rooftop pool and terrace. Visit the nearby Q1 Spa for soothing treatments such as a hydrating chamomile and green tea body mask.

Cascade Gardens

Boardwalk Beach Access

Art and Craft Market

Broadbeach Suburb

Coolangatta

Coolangatta is the Gold Coast’s most southerly suburb, offering beachy culture, myriad walking trails and a bounty of mouthwatering seafood. For an exhilarating adventure, soar over the shores on a skydive; the region's only centre for the extreme sport is based here. If you prefer more down-to-earth outdoor activities, take a stroll around leafy Pat Fagan Park's ocean lookouts. Pack a picnic to make a day of it, or spend the afternoon on an eco-cruise admiring the natural environment along the meandering Tweed River. Visitors can also explore Snappers Rock on Rainbow Bay.

Aerial View of Coolangatta

Much of the cuisine here is inspired by the daily catch, so feast like a local on platters of lobster and shrimp. The Strand is a veritable foodie hub, with an eclectic assortment of restaurants on hand to tempt your taste buds, while Musgrave Street is brimming with independent cafés. You’ll find everything from aromatic Mediterranean dishes to authentic Hawaiian recipes, and most establishments are perfectly placed to take in the vast ocean vistas.

For a home away from home in the heart of Coolangatta, opt for a luxury apartment at Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites. As an alternative to other Queensland hotels, this welcoming, low-rise accommodation provides private kitchen and living space in which to unwind after a busy day's exploring.

Coolangatta Beach Access

Snappers Rock

Fresh Seafood

Picnic at Fagan Park

Burleigh Heads

Nature, serenity and culture characterise the peaceful neighbourhood of Burleigh Heads. Enjoy a leisurely pace of life, relaxing in attractive parks and flourishing conservation areas. Hike to Tumgun Lookout in Burleigh Head National Park for views along the dazzling azure coastline. Alternatively, head inland to David Fleay Wildlife Park to spend time among the mangroves with the resident koalas.

Sunrise at Burleigh Heads

Indigenous heritage is on display throughout Burleigh Heads, and you can get an insight into age-old traditions at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Browse the inspiring on-site gallery for breathtaking imagined depictions of the world's beginnings, or join an organised tour to learn about the history of the native Yugambeh-speaking community.

As with other places on Queensland's Gold Coast, the food scene in Burleigh Heads is dominated by fresh seafood. Tropical fruits are also incorporated into many recipes; follow your steamed mud crab and battered barramundi with a sweet mango salsa gelato. For a drink with a fiery kick, try a dash of local favourite Bundaberg Rum mixed with the brand's famed ginger beer.