Beaches
Whether it’s for a twilight stroll, beach fishing at sunset, a leisurely swim or even if it's to take on the swell with your board, the Gold Coast's numerous beaches are famous for their golden sand, clean warm blue waters, and never ending sunshine. The most popular of the patrolled beaches on the Gold Coast include Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads, Kirra Beach and Tugan. For beach and surf updates Burleighcam is fantastic - http://www.burleighcam.com.au/

Gold Coast beaches have the largest professional lifeguard service in Australia to protect its beaches and promote the surf safety message throughout its schools and community. A shark control program has also been implemented along the beaches for the safety of swimmers.

Whilst swimming you should never:

• Swim alone or surf at beaches not patrolled by Lifeguards or Lifesavers

• Bathe outside the red and yellow flags that mark safe swimming areas

• Bathe directly after a meal or under the influence of alcohol

• Bathe when the beach is closed.

• Bathe when there are no safety flags

• Panic if caught in a current or undertow, but raise one arm straight up and float until help arrives

• Struggle if seized with a cramp, but raise one arm for help, float and keep the affected part of the body still

• Go out far when a yellow flag is flying- it means the surf is dangerous

• Bathe if unsure of safe conditions, but seek advice of the nearest Lifeguard

• Struggle against a rip or current, but swim diagonally across it

Flags and signage

Two very important things to remember when swimming at the beach are:

• Always swim between the red & yellow flag on patrolled beaches

• Always read the Flags and Safety Signs and understand what they mean before entering the water.
  

Travel times to Brisbane Airport are approximately:

1hour 15min from northern Gold Coast (Labrador, Runaway Bay area)
2 hours from central Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach area)
2½ to 3 hours from southern Gold Coast (Coolangatta, Tweed Heads)

Tickets need to be booked in advance please ask your GC Apartments representative for more information or quotes.

 
Car Rentals

If you are planning to self drive while on holiday, why not save the cost of airport transfers and arrange to pick-up your rental car from the Brisbane or Gold Coast airport when you arrive?  We can offer you a large range of makes and models, all at very competitive rates. Ask your GC Apartments representative for more information or quotes.

Mention the Gold Coast and various images come to mind... sophisticated style, thrilling theme parks, sun-kissed locals, magnificent beaches, the list goes on. With a wide variety of built and natural attractions the Gold Coast truly offers something for everyone.

• 70 kilometres of beaches with an average water temperature of 22 degrees

• A large broadwater and five major river systems

• Major shopping centres as well as numerous boutiques, specialty shops and markets

• More than 500 restaurants and cafes offering cuisine from around the world

• Nightlife entertainment from nightclubs, restaurants, clubs, hotels and Conrad Jupiters Casino to Broadway musicals, ballet and theatre

• Theme parks including Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld and Wet ‘n’ Wild as well as several wildlife parks such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

• Rural hinterland stretching to the west and north of the City encompassing many natural wetlands

• Tropical rainforest with abundant wildlife and numerous bush walks

• Large sugar cane farms and a wealth of industry in the northern districts of the City

• World-class sporting and recreational facilities

• A huge range of accommodation from five-star international resorts to camping grounds

• The Gold Coast Seaway providing safe ocean access and over 270 kilometres of navigable waterways

For a more information on theme parks please visit our attractions page

The Gold Coast is host to many national and international events and is fast becoming the regional sporting and events capital of Australia. Major events include:

• the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival.

• the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships

• the Asia Pacific Masters Games

• the Gold Coast Marathon

• the Lexmark Indy 300

Why not treat yourself with a gold coast experience, the coast which is famous for its non stop entertainment and excitement offers plenty of places for you to visit. From Stunning beaches to breathtaking hinterland day trips. If you want to get your adrenalin pumping or simply take a relaxing cruise down our waters… there is something for everyone. Just expect to be tempted to stay a little longer… For a comprehensive list of day tours please visit our day tours section

Conrad Jupiters Casino is a lively hub of style, glamour and sophistication. It is situated on Broadbeach Island and with more than 70 table games and 1,300 gaming machines to choose from there is a lot to get excited about. Try your luck at the Chocolate Wheel, Blackjack, Roulette table or the ever so popular Texas Hold’em Poker. In addition you can choose from live shows, concerts, comedians, DJs… there’s so much to get up to at Jupiters it’s hard to know where to start - whatever your game, you can be sure to play it here.

Located 50 minutes drive from the coastal strip, the Gold Coast Hinterland is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Australia. The hinterland contains an amazing 29 national parks and nature reserves, from Lamington and Springbrook National Parks in the south to Tamborine Mountain in the north, it is home to a host of beautiful wildlife and tropical plant species. With captivating views, lush rainforest, spectacular wineries, rustic cafes, and wonderful walks, the Hinterland is the Gold Coast's best-kept secret.

If there is anything that we haven’t covered in the region guide that you would like to know more about, please contact us and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you… Have a great Gold Coast holiday!