4 Best Kept Travel Secrets on the Gold Coast

White sand, sparkling blue water, vibrant and eclectic nightlife. The Gold Coast is well known to local and international tourists for its stunning beaches, great mix of city and beach lifestyle, and temperate weather all year round. Yet, there remains a few undiscovered travel secrets that even those who are familiar with the city will want to know about. These travel secrets will have you dreaming of staying in one of the Surfers Paradise apartments right on the beach.

Surfers Paradise

While the beauty of Surfers Paradise is not strictly a secret, no Gold Coast list would be complete without a mention of its capital, also known as the jewel of Queensland’s Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise is popular with Australians as well as New Zealanders and travellers from further afield. This vibrant and multifaceted city has plentiful attractions for families as well as singles and anyone seeking beach, sunshine, and great nightlife. With the perfect mix of city and beach living, Surfers Paradise remains one of the most popular places for local and international tourists in Australia.

Opportunities for surfing, water sports and jet boats abound. In March, the city is host to the Quicksilver Pro-Surfing Competition and the Surf Life Saving Championships. Other than the beach, a little further afield there are lots of theme parks, water parks, and wildlife parks to keep travellers entertained. This glittering paradise is not short of fine dining and shopping opportunities either. After sunset, travellers can enjoy the vibrant nightlife at any of its numerous bars and nightclubs. Some of the best Surfers Paradise accommodation is to be found right on Surfers Paradise beach, right in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Hinterlands of the Gold Coast

The Hinterlands are too often forgotten by visitors to the Gold Coast. Just 30 minutes away from the famous strip of white sand cradling the ocean lies a cluster of charming villages, wineries, farmland and rainforest and national parks.

What to Do

Visitors have a wide range of activities to choose from. The hinterland area has some of the best walking trails in Australia: well maintained, with striking scenery. In addition to horse riding, 4WD rides, abseiling, hang gliding, hiking in the untouched national parks, there are the quaint villages where you can check out the local art and crafts, shop at the market stores, and sample the local cheeses and chocolates. Notable places to see include:

• Canungra township
• Lamington National Park
• Springbrook National Park
• Mount Tamborine

Gold Coast Beaches

While Surfers Paradise beach is well known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, there are so many great beaches along the Gold Coast that many are effectively secrets to most visitors. Some of the best beaches for keen surfers and swimmers include:

• Currumbin Alley – a great beach for beginners and new surfers with some very beautiful ocean scenery
• The Spit – this beach is one of the best surfing beaches on the northern point of the Gold Coast.
• Palm Beach – good sand banks and excellent waves

Wineries

Queensland isn’t usually known for its wineries, but the temperate climate of the hinterland region has provided an excellent location for wineries. Within a short drive of the coast, travellers can sample fine wines and liqueurs at any of the estates, which are increasingly popular with visitors. Cellar door sales are also available. Follow up your wine sampling morning with a leisurely lunch at one of the local cafes and a stroll through the markets.