Situated between pristine beaches and lush rolling hinterland, the Gold Coast offers a unique outdoor lifestyle for families and is a location of choice for more than half a million Australians. It is a diverse city, with more than 57 kilometres of beaches, 100,000 hectares of World Heritage-listed rainforest and more than 300 days of annual sunshine.
Beyond the spectacular climate, natural terrain and raw beauty, the Gold Coast has evolved into a thriving city of culture and creativity hosting major sporting events, concerts, local markets and a buzzing restaurant scene. As one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, there are ample employment and business opportunities and affordable housing options.
The Gold Coast is a city where opportunities abound. It is a haven for people seeking a healthy lifestyle and good work-life balance that is both family friendly and safe. Spend your day at the beach, go hiking in the rainforest, take a family bike ride – the options are endless!
Things to do
The Gold Coast offers access to a diverse range of family friendly activities. If theme parks are on your agenda, you can ride giant rollercoasters and see exciting shows at Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Dreamworld.
The spectacular white sand beaches and ocean life are best explored in summer (December to February) when the average temperature is a pleasant 20-28°C. Many activities can be enjoyed such as swimming, snorkelling, whale watching, stand up paddle boarding, diving, sailing and surfing.
The hinterland region offers great walking tracks, with waterfalls and fresh-water swimming holes found in Currumbin Valley. Springbrook National Park is also a must, with a plethora of birds and animals and beautiful views to the coast. Animal lovers can visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for an up-close look at Australia’s unique wildlife. You might find yourself covered in rainbow lorikeets, patting a kangaroo, or cuddling a koala.
Other bio-diverse areas can be found on the Northern Gold Coast islands of North and South Stradbroke, which are accessible by ferry. They are a great place to enjoy a BBQ on a sunny day with friends and maybe even spot some local wildlife, like wallabies and blue-tongued lizards.
The Gold Coast has a vibrant shopping scene for all types of shoppers and budgets. Robina Town Centre, Pacific Fair and Harbour Town are popular shopping centres, with great places to eat and shop, as well as modern movie cinemas and entertainment options. Beyond the big centres, there are many streets offering small, one of a kind, boutique shops including Surf Parade in Broadbeach and James Street in Burleigh.
Nights can be spent exploring the Gold Coast’s thriving entertainment and food scene, which boasts more than 500 restaurants, bars and cafes, offering cuisine from around the world. The subtropical climate and coastal location, ensures the Gold Coast produces the freshest seafood, tropical fruits and local produce all year round.
