Are you dreaming about taking some time off from work and spending days having nothing but fun? Are you looking forward to sipping a cocktail on a sparkling beach while enjoying the sun? Are you tired of winter and can’t wait to work on your tan? Then the Gold Coast is the best destination for your 2014 holiday.

From world-famous Surfers Paradise beach to world-class theme parks to ultra relaxing lush, green Hinterland to sophisticated dining precincts and shopping centres, there’s a new experience waiting for you at every turn on the Gold Coast. These are just some of the reasons why millions of people across the world visit the Gold coast each year.

A report released by Tourism Research Australia which was constructed from a survey undertaken by 301 respondents provided information related to tourists’ satisfaction of the Gold Coast.

Of all the visitors, over 80% of them (8 out of 10 people) said that they were satisfied with their trip while 84% of them said that they are more likely to return to the Gold Coast within the next three years. Meanwhile, 81% indicated that they will recommend the Gold Coast as a holiday destination to others. When asked to rate trip aspects, they rated Gold Coast beaches (90%), personal safety and security (88%), quality restaurants/cafes (84%), friendly service (88%), and local atmosphere (86%).

BEST THINGS ABOUT THE GOLD COAST

Also, respondents said that some of the main reasons why they chose to visit the Gold Coast include (1) for its great swimming beaches (2) to attend a specific event, festival, and exhibition (the survey date coincided with the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, Surfers Paradise Festival, and other events), (3) variety of things to see and do (4) for family vacation (5) to visit their family and (6) to explore Gold Coast natural beauty.

If you’re one of the tens of thousands looking to visit the Gold Coast this year, then perhaps the following tips will assist you in putting together an itinerary to make your visit one you won’t soon forget!

Why visitors choose the Gold Coast

Beaches

The Gold Coast’s sparkling beaches and crystal clear waters are some of the major reasons why tourists choose Gold Coast as an all-year-round holiday destination. Visitors usually base their stay around  proximity to our best beaches and often ask us what’s the best Gold Coast beach accommodation is, which of course we’re happy to oblige. Some of the most highly recommended beaches are the following:

Main Beach – This beach is highly recommended for those people who are looking for stylish beachside area that offers a wide range of attractions. Here, you’ll have a great time exploring the fabulous beach, unique shopping districts, and al fresco dining. To the north of Main Beach, you can find Sea World, Marina Mirage dining and shopping complex, and Palazzo Versace Hotel.

Surfers Paradise – This is one of the most famous attractions in all of Australia. Aptly named Surfers Paradise, it is really a piece of heaven on Earth. Aside from exciting waves that draw in surfers from all over the world, this beach boasts breath-taking skyline, fresh cultural scene, and world-class developments. Being the home to several world-class hotels and resorts, Surfers is one of the best suburbs to stay in as you explore the whole region.

Broadbeach – This is definitely one of Gold Coast’s best assets. Known for being one of the most pristine beaches not just in all of Australia, this beach is perfectly situated close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Like most of the Gold Coast, it is also within the easy reach of golf courses and many theme parks. Regarded as Gold Coast’s dining mecca, Broadbeach offers visitors with several specialty restaurants offering every type of dish that you can think of.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Gold Coast, Australia is home to world-class theme parks making it the number one destination in Australia for thrill seekers and theme park buffs. Some of the most recommended theme parks include the following:

Warner Bros Movie World – This theme park lets you get lost in the world of fun and fantasy, lets you experience the exhilaration of amazing adventure rides, and allow you to meet your favourite stars and superheroes. Some of the rides to look forward to include Justice League 3D, Green Lantern roller coaster and Hollywood Stunt Driver. If you’re going with kids, they’ll surely love the Kids WB Fun area one where they’ll see all their favourite Looney Tunes characters.

Sea World – Discover the world of adventure and flip out with the dolphin at Sea World where you’ll also find Australia’s only polar bear. Your family and friends will surely be amazed with SpongeBob ParadePants, Dora’s delightful live shows, and Dinosaur Island. Also, explore the enchanted adventure playground designed for kids and young at heart. Don’t forget to enter the bewildering frozen world of penguins and come face to face with tropical marine life at Shark Bay.

Find out more about Gold Coast theme parks and how to purchase passes from our previous post:  Gold Coast Theme Park Passes

Scenic Attractions/ Eco Tours

If you intend to go to Australia to do some soul searching or you suddenly feel the need to commune with nature, there are various places that you can visit.

Hinterland – This is part of South East Queensland that comprises the Tamborine Mountain, Nimmel Range, the Tweed Range and the Numinbah Valley. The Hinterlands are the ideal place for any nature lover and offer various nature activities to part-take in. These activities include bushwalking, eco-tourism, wine-tasting, and even bird-feeding. If you feel like hiking, you can take Lamington and Springbook plateaus, a moderately walking trail that offer 54 kilometre of uninterrupted track. The Gold Coast Hinterland is a significant natural heritage and much of it is declared as UNESCO World Heritage site. If you have more time, you can also visit Currumbin Valley reserve, which is very close to the coast.

Lamington National Park – This national park is known for its rainforests, natural beauty, ancient trees, birdlife, waterfalls, mountain views, and walking tracks. Because of its natural beauty and because of the important role it plays in the conservation of several species of threatened birds, it was declared as World Heritage Site and was added to the Australian National Heritage list in 2007. The huge park boasts more than 500 waterfalls including Ballanjui Falls, Stairway Falls, Nagarigoon Falls, Running Creek falls, among many others.

OReillys Canungra Valley Vineyards – If you’re crazy about wine, you definitely must include this vineyard into your itinerary. Situated on the banks of the Canungra Creek Hinterland, this boutique vineyard offers exquisite food and their very own wine range. After spending time on the beach or after taking a hike, you’ll appreciate having award-winning wine or High Tea on the veranda of the historic Queenslander homestead.

Read our previous post for ideas on a day trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland

Events

All-year-round, the Gold Coast celebrates important dates and major events that international tourists are looking forward to. Some of the grandest and highly anticipated events are as follows:

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale – This is one of the most unique events in the world of racing and is held for over five main days every January. This features the cream of the crop of the country’s yearlings and hosts a range of racing elite as they go head to head to get that chance to purchase their next winner. Australia’s finest yearlings are bought for more than one million dollars with buyers from Middle East, Japan, Europe, and Asia. The record sale was made by Patinack Farm when they spent $2.2 million on two Redoute’s Choice colts. Want to know more about this event? Read our post from 2011’s Magic Millions Carnival.

Armor All Gold Coast 600 – Scheduled every third week of October, Armor All Gold Coast 600 is Gold Coast biggest party featuring show-stopping celebrations both on and off tracks. Here, visitors enjoy three action-packed days of street racing as supercar drivers race through unforgiving street circuits. Find out more by reading our previous post; The Armor All Gold Coast 600.

Gold Coast accommodation

We know a thing or two about Gold Coast accommodation! When visiting the Gold Coast, where you decided to book accommodation will have a big impact of the enjoyment of your visit. Ideally you’ll want to stay in the heart of the Gold Coast, at Surfers Paradise –we specialise in providing just that. Below are a few suggestions for some of our most popular choices of Gold Coast Accommodation:

Chevron Renaissance – This is one of the most sought-after resorts on the Gold Coast. This is an award-winning 3-star resort that is perfectly situated at the heart of Surfers Paradise. This luxury resort offers holiday apartments perfect for couples, small families, and huge group of people and start from as low as $140 per night. It offers spectacular, stunning views of the ocean, the Nerang River, and the Gold Coast hinterlands. It also offers great amenities and it is very close to dining, entertainment, and shopping mecca that is Cavill Mall.

Moroccan Resort – If your idea of Gold Coast holiday includes beachfront living, Moroccan resort is one of your best choices. Set against a backdrop of domes and towering turrets, Moroccan Resort offers unmatched sophistication and luxury. This Surfers Paradise accommodation is Mediterranean inspired that offers amazing amenities, which include outdoor pools, spa, tour desk for theme parks and attractions transfer, gymnasium, sauna, and so much more. It also offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments that are spacious and luxurious. From just $200 per night, it’s not hard to see why tourists return time and time again.

Circle on Cavill – If you’re looking for a luxurious Gold Coast accommodation and if you want to stay where you’ll be close to where all the action is, Circle on Cavill is highly recommended with rated starting at just $220 per night. The carefully managed apartments feature floor to ceiling glass walls and they are strategically positioned facing the hinterland, the ocean, and the Nerang River.

If you’re visiting the Gold Coast and looking for the best accommodation at affordable rates, be sure to check out the apartments we have on offer here at hrsp.com.au. We offer customised and personalised holiday rental service to meet your preference and budget. For booking, call us at Ph: (07) 5539 8553 and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.