Gold Coast Guide - Gold Coast Accommodation - Gold Coast Attractions

The Gold Coast Region was charted around 1840 by The Government Surveyor of the time. The area was first exploited by Southern Loggers who plied their trade in the Nerang and Mudgeeraba vicinity. Cedar was plentiful and after cutting ,the logs were rafted down The Nerang River to meet the ocean going sailing ships. Two of the loggers, William Duncan and Edmund Harper built a hut and were accredited with being the first residents of Surfers Paradise. Pioneers of the day include J. Meyer and J.Cavill. Both built hotels, The Main Beach, and The Surfers Paradise respectively. The most influential identity in the development of Surfers Paradise as a great holiday playground was Sir Bruce Small. Arriving from Melbourne in 1958, the successful millionaire businessman proceeded to buy up land and develop with alacrity. His vision of Surfers Paradise in those early days is now established, as Surfers Paradise is the Premier Destination for visitors to Australia from around the world.

As Surfers Paradise developed,so did the ever increasing traffic. In December 1964, parking meters were introduced, much to the chagrin of visiting motorists. Enter Bernie Elsey, a property developer with a scent of an idea. The Surfers Paradise Meter Maids were formed, and their task was to top up all the expired meters along the strip. This gesture has continued to this day, and The Meter Maids Website and online- store flourish as one of the highly successful businesses on the Gold Coast today.

Restaurants. Theme Parks. --------35-patrolled- beaches -below.
Australia's no.1 destination is Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. This area begins at Coolangatta on the border of Queensland and New South Wales and stretches northward as far as Runaway Bay.With a wide range of attractions, the Gold Coast is the ideal spot for full on, day and night entertainment.The sub tropical climate allows alfresco dining throughout the year,and the restaurants are numerous.
Below is a photograph of the southernmost beach at Coolangatta.

Photos of Gold Coast. Top left,Marine Mirage,middle left, Jupiters Casino,bottom left, Meter Maid,centre bottom left,BKS Fishing,centre bottom right,Natural Arch,top right,Jet Boat Extreme,middle right,Ballooning Downunder, bottom right,Blue Fire Cruises.
Cruises.

Adventure.

Attractions.

Shopping.

Coolangatta is a popular area for the Surfies, as are most of the beaches through to Burleigh Heads.
Currumbin is a pleasant spot just up the road from Coolangatta. The Bird Sanctuary is a must for visitors. Feeding time with the Rainbow Lorakeets is a good photo shoot,and World of Bees is on the opposite side of the road. Travelling a few klms. north is Tallebudgera Creek, an opportunity for the very young to paddle in the very still, protected waters. Burleigh Heads is next stop on the road. A picturesque beach setting with the added attraction of Burleigh Heads National Park.

Passing through Mermaid Beach with its huge cinema complex we arrive at the suberb of Broadbeach. Extremely popular for its restaurants, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Nerang River, and ,of course, Jupiters Casino on Broadbeach Island. The casino is linked to the Oasis Shopping Centre on the opposite side of the Gold Coast Highway by the Gold Coast's second Monorail System. The Nerang -Broadbeach Rd. heads west to the Hinterland suberbs of Mudgeeraba and Nerang.
After Broadbeach is Surfers Paradise with its glitz and glamour ,including the famous Meter Maids. Nightspots and bars are plentiful and the restaurants cover culinary dishes from all parts of the globe.

Most of the daytime action,is on the northern end of the Gold Coast. This is where the theme parks are situated.The closest , Sea World, is between Surfers Paradise and Southport, on The Spit. The Marina Mirage Hotel and adjoining Shopping Complex are passed as you approach Sea World and Nara Resort. From the road you can see the Monorail that circles the theme park. Continue to the end of The Spit and you will come to the Gold Coast Seaway. The other 3 Theme Parks are situated after Labrador, north on the Gold Coast Highway . Another great stopoff in this area is Sanctuary Cove.

Houseboat Holiday. Discover a world you probably didn't know existed and enjoy a relaxing houseboat holiday on the beautiful Gold Coast with Sundowner Houseboat Holidays. Based at Hope Island in Queensland, just a 20-minute drive north of Surfers Paradise, the calm waters make it the ideal place to try a boating holiday. The vessels are of premium quality and no experience is needed to make it a break you will never forget! Why stay in the usual hotel and go to the theme parks (again!) when you can discover the gorgeous waterways that have been a well-kept secret for years! Be captain of your own ship and steer the vessel wherever the mood takes you.Most people are not aware of how beautiful and diverse the Gold Coast waterways are. Did you know it comprises South Stradbroke Island, Lower Moreton Bay, Lower North Stradbroke Island and even the tourist end of the Gold Coast Marina Mirage and Main Beach. Enjoy a bottle of wine as you gaze on the Gold Coast city skyline or discover some of the more secluded islands as you wander through the vast waterways. There is great fishing and crabbing and an abundance of marine life including turtles, dugongs and dolphins.

All boats have a host of modern conveniences such as TV, DVD, stereo, full-size kitchens, depth sounders, fish finders, 2-way radios, BBQs, huge entertaining areas, and a full range of commercial cooking equipment.

No boating licence is required and full tuition is given to all customers prior to departure. A 24-hour emergency contact number is also provided, should you need any assistance.

A wide range of additional services are also available to make your holiday even more memorable and these include transfers to or from all major airports and hotels, a personal shopper service which ensures all your food and beverages are waiting on board your vessel prior to your arrival, off-shore fishing trips, or spoil yourself with an on-board massage. Sundowner Houseboat Holidays has just undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment, which ensures all of their boats are maintained to the highest standard, and in an industry first, they have introduced a guaranteed set of standards. Sundowner can cater to almost anyone's tastes and budget with a range of vessels starting with a 40ft, 3 bedroom-8 berth vessel, right through to the largest hire boat on the Gold Coast, which offers 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, walk-around decks, LCD TVs, formal entertaining areas, wet bar and the list goes on. Many of the regular guests return year after year because of the diversity such a holiday offers. Every time you pick up your anchor and move to a new spot it is like starting a new holiday! Add to this the wildlife and beautiful scenery and you have the perfect holiday. Sundowner Houseboat Holidays.

Hinterland Specials.

The Gold Coast Hinterland has a wealth of interesting features for the visitor. Driving West through Robina and over the Bruce Highway you pass through Tallai and the village of Mudgeeraba. The Armoury Museum is an interesting stop off. Continue climbing to 1,000 metres above sea level West and you arrive at Springbrook. A short walk from the car park brings you to 'best of all lookout' where you can see right over the Queensland /New South Wales border. The National Park has Natural Arch, an extremely popular waterfall and swimming hole. Visit at night and see the glow worms.
About 40 mins from The Gold Coast you can drive up Mt. Tamborine. The highest point is about 600 metres above sea level, affording spectacular views. A strong community of approx. 6,000 people live on the mountain and Markets are held twice a month. Fruit and vegetable markets are held every week. Gallery Walk at Eagle Heights is a popular place for visitors to aquire items of interest. Night views over The Gold Coast are superb.

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