Gold Coast, AustraliaThe Insider's Guide to Gold Coast
Summary: Our Guide to Gold Coast: Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Plus, Tips on Making Connections with the Locals and Finding Fun Recreational Activities
Welcome to Gold Coast! If you're planning to move to Gold Coast, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Gold Coast has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast, located in Queensland, Australia, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous attractions. There are plenty of sites of interest for both tourists and locals to enjoy. One of the most famous attractions is the Surfers Paradise, a bustling beachfront area with a lively atmosphere, shopping, and dining options. The beach itself is perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Another popular site is the SkyPoint Observation Deck, located atop the Q1 building, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the Gold Coast and its surroundings. For nature lovers, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit, where you can interact with native Australian animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and lorikeets. The Lamington National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests, offers beautiful walking trails, waterfalls, and birdwatching opportunities.
Theme parks are also a major attraction on the Gold Coast, with options such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Dreamworld, which cater to families and thrill-seekers alike. For a more relaxed experience, the Gold Coast Hinterland offers picturesque scenery, wineries, and charming villages to explore. The Tamborine Mountain and Springbrook National Park are popular spots for bushwalking and picnicking.
The Gold Coast is also home to several world-class golf courses, such as the Royal Pines Resort and the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club. Finally, for shopping enthusiasts, the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and Robina Town Centre offer a wide range of stores and dining options.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Gold Coast is diverse and vibrant, with options to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include The Fish House, a fine dining seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views; Hellenika, a Greek restaurant offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine; and Mamasan Kitchen & Bar, which serves up a fusion of Asian flavors in a stylish setting.
For a more casual dining experience, try Justin Lane Pizzeria and Bar, known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and rooftop bar, or Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co., a popular burger joint with a laid-back atmosphere. The NightQuarter, a night market in Helensvale, offers a variety of food stalls, live music, and entertainment, making it a great spot for a fun night out.
When it comes to bars and nightlife, the Gold Coast has plenty to offer. Some popular spots include The Island Rooftop, a trendy open-air bar with live music and DJs; Stingray Lounge, a stylish cocktail bar located in the QT Hotel; and Elsewhere Bar, a quirky venue with a retro vibe and a diverse lineup of live music and DJs. Surfers Paradise is also home to numerous nightclubs, such as SinCity, Bedroom Lounge Bar, and Cocktails Nightclub, where you can dance the night away.
Recreational activities are abundant in Gold Coast, with options for both adventure seekers and those looking for a more relaxed experience. The beautiful beaches, such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads, are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Surf schools, such as Get Wet Surf School and Cheyne Horan School of Surf, offer lessons for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
For those interested in water sports, Jet Ski Safaris and Gold Coast Watersports offer jet skiing, parasailing, and flyboarding experiences. Whale watching tours, such as Sea World Whale Watch and Whales in Paradise, are popular during the migration season from May to November.
For a more leisurely outdoor experience, the Gold Coast's numerous parks and gardens, such as the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens and the Broadwater Parklands, are perfect for picnics and strolls. The Gold Coast Hinterland offers beautiful walking trails, waterfalls, and birdwatching opportunities in areas such as the Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park.
Finally, for those looking to stay active, the Gold Coast is home to several world-class golf courses, such as the Royal Pines Resort and the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, as well as numerous fitness centers and yoga studios.
The TEFL Institute of IrelandLearn More
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Gold Coast: Making the Most of Life and Connections
The TEFL Institute of IrelandLearn More
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
Learn More
The TEFL Institute of IrelandLearn More
The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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