AUSTRALIA’ S GOLD COAST
W L
TRAVEL
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
AUSTRALIA’ S GOLD COAST
From one of the most popular beach fronts in the world to some of the laziest secluded coves, nowhere is the variety of Australia’ s iconic beach culture celebrated like it is on the Gold Coast. The city boasts 42 golden beaches each with their own personality. Each is pristine, perfect in its own way, with a natural energy to revitalise the senses.
Deservedly known around the world for crystal clear waters, 300 days of sunshine each year and guaranteed waves, the Gold Coast’ s 57km of sundrenched beaches are the perfect playground to swim, snorkel, surf or simply splash. Beaches on the Gold Coast provide a very welcoming, village feel. Whether immersed in the action of lively Surfers Paradise, lazy secluded coves in Tallebudgera or at laid-back Burleigh, each beach is pristine, perfect in its own way. Wide expanses of sand are ideal for walking, while the more secluded enclaves feature an exclusively intimate, private feel. What many people don’ t know about the Gold Coast is that it has nine times more waterways than Venice with over 260 kilometres of navigable waterways within the City. The Gold Coast is home to a spectacular network of waterways which are made up of five main rivers, numerous creeks, lakes, canals and the magnificent Broadwater, culminating to create a haven of funfilled pursuits.
MUST DO
• If simply swimming among the surf at some of the best beaches in the world isn’ t enough, then a learn-to-surf class guided by world champions is a must.
• Take in a guided cruise of the waterways, or create your own adventure on a stand-up paddleboard or kayaking expedition.
• If you’ re after something more laidback, board a catamaran, tall-ship cruise or yacht to admire the magnificent Gold Coast city skyline at sunset or try your hand at deep-sea fishing.
• Marvel during a whale-watching tour.
• For the thrill seekers, try jet boating, parasailing, kite surfing, scuba diving, jet-ski safaris, snorkelling.
• Picnic among the secluded rock pools at Currumbin or enjoy a family outing at the Evandale swimming area.
• When you’ ve caught your last wave of the day, head to one of the local Surf Life Saving Clubs( SLSC) located in prime position on most Gold Coast beaches. Visitors are very welcome to enjoy the superb view alongside delicious food, drink and of course, entertainment.
FINDING YOUR IDEAL BEACH Just like any community or neighbourhood, each beach enjoys its own style and personality. The Gold Coast’ s central beaches are all about action, in the lively quarters of Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Broadbeach, and Burleigh locals and visitors are attracted by the popular‘ see and be seen’ beaches.
Broadbeach or“ Broadie” to locals is a family-friendly beach with beautiful beaches and parks with barbecues and playgrounds nearby and perfectly located close to restaurants, cafes and shops. Protected by Burleigh Headland from south-easterly winds, Burleigh is probably the second most popular surfing beach on the Gold Coast.
The Spit is one of the Gold Coast’ s well-kept surfing secrets, providing surfers with good beach breaks regardless of swell direction. For those who like their space, one big advantage is that there are plenty of access points for surfers to be able to find a beach break with very few other surfers in the water.
If you’ re looking for a quiet family beach perfect for little ones, then Budds Beach is for you. This beach is centrally located off Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise so it’ s close enough, but as it’ s positioned on the Nerang River, you won’ t have to worry about bigger waves.
For more information, visit www. visitgoldcoast. com
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