See more than just the beaches..
by Sweetberry1
There is so much more to the Gold Coast, than just beautiful beaches.
The Hinterland, which is only about 30 minutes drive from the city, opens up a whole new world.
Here you will experience nature, wildlife, waterfalls, mountains, and forests... Lovely natural bushland, where you can enjoy hiking and bushwalks. This is a hard one to single out. I would have to say 'everything' :)
Wildlife Parks, Cruising through the shopping centers,
Seeing all the sights, The nightlife, Cruises through the Canals, Theme parks.. and so much more.
Gold Coast survival Guide
by Beach_Girl_Aust
make sure you pack a beach bag so you can keep all your things in there when you go swimming, but make sure you dont mind if it gets sandy. Summer is really good, just wear whatever you want.... as long as it doesnt involve much haha!
Really light clothing, or better still stay at the beach or day in your togs :) Bring PLENTY of sunscreen, if you forget the best thing for sunburn is Aloe vera gel which you can get from supermarkets or chemists.
Insect Repellent for Summer is a MUST, especially if your going camping.
Always carry lip balm coz your lips can get really dry here, not very good for kissing haha!
Fingal Headland
by Jez79
If you want somewhere out of the way to go for a picnic lunch, fishing, hiking or a swim at the beach, Fingal head is really beautiful. Once you get to the carpark and the fingal surf club, you walk up to the right along a path that takes you up to the headland. There's a small light house and some beautiful scenery. On the southern side of the head there's a beach which is usually pretty deserted. Off shore is Cook Island. There is some good fishing in the Tweed River or off the various beaches, and the place is a bit quieter than some other areas along the coast. Check the weather report before you go as the wind can be a bit unpleasant if it's blowing in right offshore.
Offshore towards Cook Island, there are often scubs divers, but I'm yet to work out which companies go there. Fingal is in NSW, so it's possible that companies from there run trips. If anyone has a burning desire to find out, I can look into it.
Public Transport on the Gold...
by timtrina
Public Transport on the Gold Coast is probably the worst in the country. Although the coast now has three different train stations - they are at least 20 mins drive from the main Gold Coast Highway (along the beach). You will find the easiest way to get around is by bus, but the don't go that regularly. This is one thing the Gold Coast needs to work on!
Website: http://www.surfside.com.au/
Includes daily timetable
Website: http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au
To get prices / timetables on trains around Gold Coast, from the Gold Coast to Brisbane and from Gold Coast to Brisbane Aiports (both Domestic and International)
Surf, surf and surf
by iandsmith
One of the "things to do" options listed is "Artheron tablelands" which, I have to say, amazes me. Firstly, it's Atherton Tablelands and secondly, it's about 2,000 kilometres away. The reef is also listed as an option and it's over 1,000 kilometres away. I should have thought there was a lot more of interest around the Gold Coast without having to go that far.
Things like surfing for instance, which is what an awful lot of people come here for.
The photo here is of the Annual Australian Surf Life Saving Carnival where they gather from all round the country to compete in many and varied events.
This happens to be the 2006 version at Kurrawa Beach where thousands of competitors and even more spectators flocked to view the carnival.
It's good to know that all these people, who are mainly volunteers, are prepared to give up their time in order to save lives and keep the beaches safe.
Sign in with Facebook
Ouside Draculas
Eating area on South Stradbroke Island
Mt Tamborine rainforest
Clivea
