Facts and Figures
The Gold Coast is situated in the southeast corner of Queensland, to the south of Brisbane, the state capital, and not far north of the New South Wales border. According to the 2005 census the population was 482,566 and by the year 2021 its population is expected to increase to about 633,972. Over 10 million tourists visit each year.
The area has as its native emblem, the ‘Wallum Banksia' which was actually discovered and named by Sir Joseph Banks - of Captain Cook's Endeavour fame. Wallum being the word that Aborigines used to describe the flower.
In the mid 1800s people were attracted to the area because of the supply of red cedar By 1875 Southport had become a secluded holiday destination for upper class Brisbane residents. The population grew steadily to support the tourism industry and by the 1940s, the area was commonly referred to as the "Gold Coast." The name "Gold Coast" was officially proclaimed in 1958.
During the 1950s and 60s expansion and development of the Gold Coast was in full swing. Many holiday homes, motels and accommodation options were constructed in an effort to attract the tourist dollars and offer a fun holiday destination, complete with pristine beaches, coral reefs and a relaxed atmosphere. This rapid development set the tone and was a major force in shaping its settlement and lifestyle. Some of the Gold Coasts' original structures still exist such as the 1870's post office, the fish trap built by the Aborigines, many farmhouses, the first high-rise building, bathing pavilions and a few of the original motels.
During the 1970s, real-estate developers gained a dominant role in local politics, and high-rises began to dominate the area now known as Surfers Paradise. The Gold Coast now boasts the worlds' tallest residential tower the Q1, which towers an incredible 322.5 metres above street level and an incredible view awaits you on the 78th floor, where there is an observation area for those not fortunate enough to live in the building.
The Gold Coast has a large broadwater and five main river systems and over 270 km of navigable waterways. It has major shopping centers as well as specialty and boutique shops and art & craft markets, and boasts more than 500 restaurants and cafes offering cuisine from near and far lands. In addition the Gold Coast has the title of being the most biologically diverse regions in Australia.
Climate
On average the Gold Coast boasts 287 days per year of sunshine. It has a sub-tropical climate, and an average water temperature of 22°C. Average summer temperatures range from 19 to 29°C and in winter an average of 9 to 21°C. During the summer the Gold Coast receives on average 1400mm of rainfall and is prone to severe storms, sometimes with hailstones the size of golf balls, so make sure the car is protected and stay undercover. In the winter months the skies are often clear, which means cool nights and the occasional light frost. Summer is the busiest time as it proves a consistent and popular destination for those seeking a warm and sunny finish to a hectic year, and much of the culture is geared towards the tourism industry.
Top 10 things to see or do
The Gold Coast is adventure-packed, and with so much to experience you may have to come back for a second or even a third holiday just to see and do all that is on offer. You may find, like so many others, that after holidaying there even once you end up relocating for an even longer extended stay. Truly a world-class city that has something to offer singles, couples or even the whole family, no matter what the age. Here are a few of the most popular choices for you to enjoy.
1. Visit the Q1, the world's tallest residential tower.
2. Discover Dreamworld where you can test your nerves on some of the wildest rides, , cuddle a koala and observe rare Bengal.
3. Explore Sea World swim at at Shark Bay, or have a close encounter with the playful dolphins..
4. Tour Warner Bros. Movie World where you can meet your favorite movie stars, see daily live stunt shows or ride the amazing rides such as the Batwing Spaceshot and the Lethal Weapon ride.
5. Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to more than 1400 birds and animals with one of the largest Australian wildlife collections in the world.
6. Enjoy a Hinterland Tour.
7. Experience the thrill of an NRL match-Titans. Go and cheer the home team, the ‘Titans' in a tough and exciting NRL match.
8. Surf, swim or laze on the beach.
9. Go Hot-air ballooning.
10. Try bungee jumping. For the adrenaline junkie this must surely blow all other activities away.
Gold Coast Events not to be missed
The Gold Coast is rapidly developing a reputation as the regional sporting and events capital of Australia, playing host to many national and international events plus many other events such as yachting classics, golf tournaments, horse races, and is home to anumber of sporting codes such as the cricket, ARL, NBL, tennis tournaments, A-League Soccer and a soon to be established AFL team.
- The Magic Millions National Sale, Horse Racing and Horse Sport series is normally May-June. The Gold Coast is the home of the world's most innovative and successful thoroughbred horse sales company, Magic Millions Sales
- The Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships are held in April
- The Gold Coast Lexmark Indy 300 is held in October
- Schoolies Week is when students from throughout Australia flock to the Gold Coast to celebrate the end of school.
- The Gold Coast Marathon
- Gold Coast Fashion Week is held in May
- The annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May is a leading boat show in the Asia Pacific region
- The Gold Coast Show in August is the largest Community Event held on the Gold Coast.
- The Broadbeach Blends of Jazz Festival is a three day free community festival in August.
Gold Coast Hotels and Accommodation
The Gold Coast has a massive range of accommodation types, and much of it is less than 20 years old. There are luxury five and six star resorts, like Palazzo Versace, the Sheraton Mirage, The Hyatt Regency at Sanctuary Cove, Crowne Plaza and the Marriott where you could pay up to several thousand per night. At the other end of the scale there is a plentiful range of budget Gold Coast hotels & accommodation.
Whether you're after a short or longer stay, Gold Coast deal and packages offer some of the best accommodation rates in the world. This is why people wanting budget Queensland holidays often choose Gold Coast holidays. Cheap Gold Coast accommodation includes motels, hotels, B&B options perfect for romantic getaways, and self-contained units suitable for families.
Transport
The Gold Coast has a first class transport system in place to cater for thousands of visitors each week. Buses are the most frequent public transport. A rail-link and Pacific motorway connect Brisbane to the Gold Coast and buses run frequently, as do taxi services to and from the airports, to the city, and to your choice of accommodation.
The Gold Coast is serviced by Domestic and International Flights to Coolangatta Airport. The distance from the Coolangatta Airport to Surfers Paradise is about 20kms and buses are available. International Flights also arrive in Brisbane at the new International Terminal (some 80kms from the Gold Coast). Shuttle Buses are available from here to the heart of the Gold Coast.
You can hire cars, limousines, helicopters, light planes and bicycles. A monorail runs from The Oasis Shopping Centre to The Casino at Broadbeach. For those after something different a Pedicab service operates around Surfers Paradise, it is inexpensive and good fun.