The eastern coast of Australia is home to some of the most pristine and gorgeous tracts of land on the planet, graced with spectacular beaches and looming ridges that dazzle visitors to these shores. The most popular-and for good reason-of all the wonderful destinations along Australia's Pacific coast would have to be Gold Coast City and the broader Gold Coast area.
This strip of beautiful shoreline and hinterland is situated in the southeastern corner of the state of Queensland, and happens to be located a relatively quick drive south of the state capital, Brisbane. The city is the biggest city in the country among the non-capital cities, and this is in large part due to the tremendous rate of growth of the tourism sector in the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast melds together a perfect blend of ecologically sound attributes with a modern, developed central area. The high-rise littered strip sitting right on the water's edge boasts many higher-end amenities and facilities, bringing all the joys of modern, 21st century life to locals and visitors; the beach strips farther removed from the center of town, as well as the tropical rainforest hinterland, are the havens of eco-tourists and day-trippers seeking a quiet and peaceful reprieve from the bustling downtown.
One of the truly unique features of the Gold Coast would have to be the intricate web of artifical waterways that were brilliantly carved out of the natural marshland that originally covered the area. All told, these canals are more than nine times longer than the famed Venetian canals...quite a lot. As a result, there are a ton of properties that sit right on the water's edge, even though they may not be oceanfront properties, only reinforcing the allure of staying here.
The excellent surfing conditions to be found in the Gold Coast are perhaps its biggest claim to fame: at the national and global level, the surf breaks here are prized like few others. At spots like Kirra, Burleigh Heads or Surfers Paradise there is just about always going to be a perfect wave right about to break not far from shore, at almost any time of the year.
Given the excellent beach conditions and the temptation to take a dip experienced by everybody, there is a professional and extremely competent Shark Control Program carried out by the state government, and it is credited with sparing beachgoers from shark attacks since the late 1950s...an eternity! Under the watchful gaze of these professionals, tourists and locals alike can take a dip without cause for concern.
Local favorite spots include such buildings as the Q1 tower, a looming edifice with the second-tallest observation deck in the southern hemisphere, giving a privileged perspective from over 750 feet in the air in all directions. Another landmark, located in the Gold Coast hinterland, is the Lamington National Park, listed by the UN to be a World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity and beauty. Finally, practically every slice of beach happens to be a landmark of its own.
In sum, this is a place with a little something for everybody, and a whole lot more, too! Apparently the 10 million annual tourists that visit the Gold Coast think that way as well, with many of them being Australians themselves...real evidence that this destination is one you can't afford to miss out on.
This strip of beautiful shoreline and hinterland is situated in the southeastern corner of the state of Queensland, and happens to be located a relatively quick drive south of the state capital, Brisbane. The city is the biggest city in the country among the non-capital cities, and this is in large part due to the tremendous rate of growth of the tourism sector in the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast melds together a perfect blend of ecologically sound attributes with a modern, developed central area. The high-rise littered strip sitting right on the water's edge boasts many higher-end amenities and facilities, bringing all the joys of modern, 21st century life to locals and visitors; the beach strips farther removed from the center of town, as well as the tropical rainforest hinterland, are the havens of eco-tourists and day-trippers seeking a quiet and peaceful reprieve from the bustling downtown.
One of the truly unique features of the Gold Coast would have to be the intricate web of artifical waterways that were brilliantly carved out of the natural marshland that originally covered the area. All told, these canals are more than nine times longer than the famed Venetian canals...quite a lot. As a result, there are a ton of properties that sit right on the water's edge, even though they may not be oceanfront properties, only reinforcing the allure of staying here.
The excellent surfing conditions to be found in the Gold Coast are perhaps its biggest claim to fame: at the national and global level, the surf breaks here are prized like few others. At spots like Kirra, Burleigh Heads or Surfers Paradise there is just about always going to be a perfect wave right about to break not far from shore, at almost any time of the year.
Given the excellent beach conditions and the temptation to take a dip experienced by everybody, there is a professional and extremely competent Shark Control Program carried out by the state government, and it is credited with sparing beachgoers from shark attacks since the late 1950s...an eternity! Under the watchful gaze of these professionals, tourists and locals alike can take a dip without cause for concern.
Local favorite spots include such buildings as the Q1 tower, a looming edifice with the second-tallest observation deck in the southern hemisphere, giving a privileged perspective from over 750 feet in the air in all directions. Another landmark, located in the Gold Coast hinterland, is the Lamington National Park, listed by the UN to be a World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity and beauty. Finally, practically every slice of beach happens to be a landmark of its own.
In sum, this is a place with a little something for everybody, and a whole lot more, too! Apparently the 10 million annual tourists that visit the Gold Coast think that way as well, with many of them being Australians themselves...real evidence that this destination is one you can't afford to miss out on.
About the Author:
Part of a successful surf travel network, Gold Coast Surfboards are the guys to talk to for surfboard hire and other surf travel products. Unique version for reprint here: Australia's Unique Gold Coast.