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What does the Gold Coast have to offer?

The Gold Coast has absolutely everything a family could need for the perfect holiday.

Great stretches of golden sands and rolling waves as the Pacific Ocean greets Queenslands playground ' the Gold Coast. World famous beaches such as Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Mermaid Waters, Nobby Beach and not to forget the beautiful South Stradbroke Island.

How to get to the Gold Coast

The Gold coast is easily accessible by air, with major airports at Coolangatta (at the southern end of the Gold Coast strip) and Brisbane. Brisbane is only 1 hours drive north of the Gold Coast. There is plenty of parking and things to do, hire a car at the Gold Coast and be free to see the sights.

Shopping

Shop til you drop! Enjoy the leafy walkways and lakeside restaurants at Pacific Fair ' one of Australia's largest shopping centres. At Marina Mirage, overlooking the magnificent Broadwater, you'll find local designer and imported fashions and accessories and enjoy casual dining, cafes and art galleries. If you are in Broadbeach, you can't miss the Oasis Shopping Centre right in the heart of the fabulous dining precinct. Surfers Paradise and its famous Cavill Avenue is just as much Shoppers Paradise with a wide range of shopping centres, boutique lined boulevards and duty free stores. Cavill Mall is a must-see when you're in Surfers. Dozens of cafes, eateries and bars to cater to all tastes and budgets.

There are also a wide and varied selection of markets to choose from including the Carrara Markets ' the biggest markets in the southern hemisphere, offering great crafts, food, leather goods, novelties, books and rides. There are beachfront markets at Surfers Paradise every Friday night between 5:30 and 10pm. There are also markets at Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Jimboomba and Tambourine Mountain.

Theme Parks

The Gold Coast is undoubtedly the theme park capital of Queensland. Dreamworld, the largest theme park in the southern hemisphere boasts 11 themed worlds of fun. Don't miss Warner Brothers Movie World where the magic of screen comes alive. Sea World is a favourite with the delightful friendly marine life. For more hands on, take the plunge on Wet'n'Wild's speed slide. Less famous but just as much fun are the smaller theme parks such as Ripley's Believe it or not Cable Ski World, Frozen World, and numerous family amusement arcades.

Conrad Jupiters Casino

For entertainment without the kids, you can't go past Conrad Jupiters Casino. A trip to the Gold Coast would not be complete without the excitement of a visit to this world famous casino. Open 24 hours with two floors of gaming tables, a high rollers room, fabulous live shows and a host of bars and themed restaurants, it is definitely worth a visit.

Nature's Wonderland

For peace and nature lovers, don't miss the Gold Coast. Follow the roads inland just a few kilometers from the beaches and a magical world unfolds. Don't miss Lamington National Park, Mount Tamborine or the green mountains of O'Reilly'sEnjoy the tropical rainforests, mountain villages and other hidden treasures of the Gold Coast's hinterland. Experience the natural beauty on one of the national park's many walking tracks. These include Witches Falls, Border Rangers, Lamington, Mt Warning, Nightcap and Springbrook National Parks. All National Parks in the hinterland area offer maps to guide you on their walking tracks, which are designed for all levels of fitness. In addition, many day tour companies have guided walks through the rainforest with visits to natural swimming holes.

Don't miss the largest collection of native animals in the world at Currumbin Sanctuary. Have your photo taken with a koala, feed the colourful lorikeets, walk among the kangaroos, see the fresh water crocodiles or come face to face with the Tasmanian devil ' all in their natural environment.

Gold Coast Accommodation

Gold Coast apartments, Gold Coast hotels, Gold Coast resorts'whatever type of accommodation you are looking for you will find it. From the excitement and buzz of Surfers Paradise, to the peace and beauty of Palm Beach, you will find accommodation at the Gold Coast to suit your lifestyle and budget.

For help or bookings for all types of Gold Coast accommodation visit HappyStays.com.au.

Remember to take out travel insurance if you think that you may, for health or other reasons, be unable to travel to your holiday of a lifetime.