2025 Main Beach Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

✨ Whether you're chasing thrills, waves, or just pure relaxation, the Gold Coast has it all — from world-famous theme parks to golden beaches and vibrant nightlife. How to get here: ✈️ By Air – The Easiest & Fastest Option Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is the main airport, located just 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise. 1️⃣Domestic Flights: Frequent direct flights from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. 2️⃣International Flights: Direct flights from New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and some Asia-Pacific hubs. (More international routes are being added post-pandemic.) ✅ Tip: If you're flying internationally and don’t find a direct flight, fly into Brisbane Airport (BNE) and take a train or shuttle (1.5-hour journey). 🚆 By Train – Scenic and Affordable If you're already in Brisbane or New South Wales, trains are a great option. From Brisbane: Take the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport or city stations to Helensvale, then transfer to the G:link light rail straight to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. ✅ Tip: Use a Go Card for easy tap-on travel across trains, buses, and trams. 🚗 By Car – Ultimate Flexibility Driving to the Gold Coast offers beautiful coastal and hinterland views. From Brisbane: ~1 hour via M1 motorway From Byron Bay: ~1 hour north via Pacific Motorway From Sydney: ~9 hours drive (consider overnight stops) ✅ Tip: Book a rental car for day trips to theme parks, national parks, or beaches off the main tourist trail. 🎢 Best Theme Parks for Kids on the Gold Coast 1️⃣🦸♂️ Warner Bros. Movie World Perfect for superhero fans and young thrill-seekers! Top attractions: Looney Tunes Village, junior roller coasters, character meet-and-greets Best for: Ages 4+ 2️⃣🐬 Sea World A mix of marine life, gentle rides, and splash zones. Top attractions: Dolphin & seal shows, Nickelodeon Land, Monorail Best for: Ages 2+, and kids who love animals 3️⃣🌊 Wet’n’Wild For water-loving kids, this park is a blast on warm days! Top attractions: Kid-friendly splash zones, wave pool, lazy river Best for: Ages 5+ (younger kids need supervision in some areas) 4️⃣🐨 Dreamworld Australia’s largest theme park – packed with rides, wildlife, and water play. Top attractions: ABC Kids World, vintage car rides, animal encounters Best for: All ages, especially toddlers and primary school kids 🤩 I hope this post inspires you to discover some of Australia's lesser-known gems 💎 💎 💎 #goldcoast #travel #beachlife #thingstodo #familytravel #myitinerary #

Looking for a place where you can fully enjoy the sunshine, waves, and unbeatable vacation vibes? Then you absolutely can't miss Australia's Gold Coast! This is truly a dream seaside paradise, with sparkling blue waters, endless golden beaches, and a vibrant holiday atmosphere that will make you fall in love at first visit. The most iconic landmark is Surfers Paradise. The name itself is already impressive, and it's not just a haven for surfers but also a perfect spot for relaxation for all travelers. Start your day with a jog on the beach, spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and playing in the waves, and end the evening exploring the night market or sipping a cold beer by the shore. Life can be this easy and therapeutic. Plus, the area is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it super convenient to grab a bite or pick up souvenirs. Beyond the beaches, the Gold Coast is home to numerous popular theme parks, such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, and Sea World. From thrilling rides to adorable marine animals, there's something for everyone, whether you're on a romantic date or a family outing. If you're looking to connect with nature, head inland to Tamborine Mountain or Springbrook National Park, where waterfalls, tropical rainforest trails, and stunning viewpoints offer a refreshing escape. In short, the Gold Coast is a "ready-for-you" perfect vacation destination that combines relaxation, adventure, fun, and breathtaking scenery all in one. Highly recommended for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in island vibes. Just pack your bags and go—you won't regret it!

5-day in-depth tour of Australia, covering all the highlights! A super practical itinerary to help you explore Australia. Save this guide now! -- 🛫 Itinerary: Brisbane & Gold Coast, Australia 🌊 Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane, transfer to hotel, and enjoy free time. Day 2: Depart Brisbane for Moreton Island and explore the mysterious Tangalooma Wrecks. Day 3: Visit Sea World on the Gold Coast, enjoy the beach at Surfers Paradise, and take in the views from the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Day 4: Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, head to Byron Bay, and visit the beautiful Cape Byron Lighthouse. Day 5: End your trip on the Gold Coast, transfer to the airport, and head to your next destination. -- Attraction Recommendations: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223 Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 Recommended Visit Time: 3–4 hours Get up close and personal with Australia's wildlife and experience the wonders of nature! SkyPoint Observation Deck ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Level 77, Q1 Building/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 Opening Hours: December 21, 2024–February 12, 2025, 07:30–21:00 Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 hours Take in the 360° views of the Gold Coast from the SkyPoint Observation Deck! Sea World Gold Coast ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, Queensland 4217 Opening Hours: January 1–28, 09:30–17:00 Recommended Visit Time: 1 day Get up close and personal with a variety of marine life and experience the wonders of the ocean! -- 🧳 Packing List: Must-Have Items for a January Trip to Australia 📞 A SIM card to stay connected and avoid high roaming charges. 🔌 A plug adapter, as Australian sockets are different. 📘 Passport, visa, and flight tickets. Make sure you have them ready before you travel. 👕 Although it's warm in Australia in January, bring a jacket for the cooler evenings. 🎩 A sun hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and skin. 🔋 A charger and power bank to keep your devices charged. 🎒 A lightweight backpack to carry your essentials. -- Australia is waiting for you to explore. Don't miss the amazing sights of this magical land!

💖 I previously shared my travel, attractions, and food experiences in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Australia. Today, I want to recommend some accommodations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Feel free to check them out if you're interested. 😎 Six amazing star-rated hotels: 🏨 Palazzo Versace Gold Coast. Located on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast. This place is the epitome of luxury, with its architectural style and interior details exuding elegance and fashion. 🏨 Hilton Surfers Paradise. Situated in the Surfers Paradise area of the Gold Coast. Its prime location allows you to easily stroll to the beach and nearby bustling commercial areas. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with complete facilities, and there's a rooftop pool offering stunning sea views. 🏨 Marriott Surfers Paradise. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. A combination of modern design and top-notch service, with beautifully decorated and cozy rooms. 🏨 Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast. Situated on Seaworld Drive, Gold Coast. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and featuring a private beach, it's a paradise for vacationers. The rooms are spacious and bright, with unbeatable sea views. The hotel's spa is fantastic. 🏨 Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. Located in the Broadbeach area of the Gold Coast. A hotel filled with French romance and elegance. The rooms are cozy, and the hotel's restaurant offers delicious French cuisine. 🏨 Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise. Located near Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. The hotel offers complete facilities and attentive service. The rooms are comfortable and pleasant, with plenty of entertainment options nearby.

It was a trip to Gold Coast, Australia. Just to share some of my favourite places during the trip. My most favorite place is definitely the Surfers Paradise Beach 🏖️ Surfers Paradise has been a major tourist destination since the 1920s, growing into a vibrant suburb known for its nightlife and shopping. The beach itself is famous for its golden sands and consistent surf breaks. The view was amazing especially during the evening 🌇 📍Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast QLD 4217. We also explored the Burleigh Head National Park. This park is an ancient volcanic headland, offering stunning views and rich indigenous history. The area is also known for its surf breaks and the surrounding nature trails. Is you have spare time, this park definitely somewhere that you wouldn’t want to miss 🥰 📍 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220. We also visited the Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck. The Q1 building, completed in 2005, was once the tallest residential tower in the world. The observation deck on the 77th floor provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the Gold Coast. The view was stunning! My friends and I love it so much and this is definitely one of our favorite places in Gold Coast. 📍9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. We also went to Sea World which was opened in 1971. Sea World is a marine mammal park and oceanarium, offering educational shows and exhibits. It’s one of the oldest and most popular attractions on the Gold Coast. If you’re traveling with kids, they gonna love this place so much. 📍 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217. We also walked around the Lamington National Park. it was Established in 1915, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is home to ancient rainforests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. We spent some times to walk around the park, the air was very fresh and we really enjoy our morning walking around park 💯💯💯 📍 Binna Burra QLD 4211. Aside from all the places, I would also recommend you to try Social Eating House + Bar. They served modern Australian with a focus on shared plates. We tried out their signature Broadbeach QLD 4218. Slow-roasted lamb shoulder and their signature tapas plates which was very delicious 🙌 💰 AUD 50-120 per person, depending on your choice of dishes and drinks. #australiatrip #vacation #trip

Ready for a slice of paradise? 🏖️ The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast is your dream destination! Think spacious rooms with ocean views that'll make you wanna stay in bed all day. 🛌 But wait, there's more! Step outside and you'll find yourself in a tropical wonderland, complete with lagoon pools to laze around. 🌺 And when hunger strikes, dive into a seafood feast or global flavors that'll tantalize your taste buds. 🍤🍽️ Adventure more your thing? You've got direct beach access and the buzz of the Gold Coast right at your doorstep. 🏄‍♀️🎢 Whether you're here to chill or thrill, Sheraton Grand Mirage is where it's at! 📍 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, Queensland, Australia

La Luna Beach Club is one the most sophisticated dining and function venues located in Marina Mirage, Gold Coast, Australia. It boasts the jaw-dropping mediterranean inspired decors and poolside dining setup, marked with absolute luxury. 🥂💎 I was so amazed as soon as I entered this place. It is absolutely stunning, and the ambience is very relaxing. The staff told us that people actually come here to swim in the pool. ✨️🫧 We had lunch and a couple of drinks. Although they have a wide range of menu options, it is not cheap 💰💰 #familytrip #localguides #australia #goldcoast #queendsland #lalunabeachclub

Amidst fairy floss skies, the Gold Coast unveils its beauty, a canvas for our shared exploration. Hand in hand, we wander the sands, as love's magic blends with the hues of twilight. An eternal valentine's escapade, a symphony of heartbeats and dreams. 🌅🥂 Photo by @carson.moody.

#spooktaculartrip Kids will have fun this Halloween as they visit Gold Coast’s Sea World. This marine animal themed park is located in Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. This place is for the entire family. You will be treated with a beautiful view of the huge oceanarium, showcasing various sea creatures. This is perhaps one of the most visited tourist destination as a lot of tourists flock to ses the beautiful view. You can also watch live performances of dolphins and you can even pay with them. Swimming with the dolphins are charged separately though (exclusive of your ticket prices). It is truly a great adventure for everyone who plans to visit the place. But for now, here are some spooky decors at the themed park. #SpooktacularTrip #themedpark #spookyhalloween #australia

Gold Coast Surfers Paradise is a fun filled dream place for kids, adults and even older folks! I brought my dad to seaworld at gold coast to remember the past on when he brought me there uncountable times when I was a kid. Seaworld is located at Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, where it is not only an aquarium but also shows and rides are included in this park. Seaworld is a place that I will go once every 2 years because of the ever changing rides, upgrades and expansion plans they have. They too also have marine encounters where you are able to mingle with especially in the Ray Reef where you be able to feed them and learn about these beautiful creatures, and for a fee, you will also be able to go into the waters with the sharks in shark Bay! #passionpassport #amusementpark #themepark #attractions #seaworld #goldcoast #surfersparadise

If you’re more of a thrill-seeker looking for lots of death-defying roller coasters, Sea World probably wouldn’t fit the bill. But if you’re more of an animal lover looking to get up-close and personal with some incredibly cute critters, then Sea World is just the place for you. There seems to be a thoughtful focus on allowing park visitors to personally experience these amazing animals in up-close encounters so that we develop a real empathy for them and an understanding of the impact we humans have on their survival. Here at Sea World, they take their public education and animal advocacy pretty seriously to dispel myths and create greater awareness, which I really applaud them for! The rides were fun, except for the slight inconvenience of having to queue for lockers, then queue for the rides. But what I loved most about the entire experience was learning about and sharing personal moments with these animals. I left the park feeling heartened and inspired to do my part for them (: My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #tripmoments #themepark #animals #goldcoast #australia

Maritime landmark The Southport Spit isn’t just a favourite for local fishermen throwing in a line. But make your way to the permanent sand spit that separates Southport Broadwater from the Pacific Ocean at sunrise, and you’ll see one of the district’s best vistas. Budding photographers can’t afford to forget their camera; the jetty and its population of local fishing fans make excellent subject matter. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

On this day, we went on a Sea World Cruises buffet dinner cruise departing from Main Beach. 🛳️ We enjoyed a luxurious and romantic evening. 📸The second and third photos show the waiting area before departure. The atmosphere was amazing even before boarding! 🎶 📸The fourth photo shows the table set with bread and butter. We started with a welcome drink. 🥂 Then, the seafood buffet, pasta, and a la carte dishes all arrived. 🍽️The mussels and shrimp are highly recommended! They were so plump and fresh! You have to try them! For dessert, the velvet cake and fresh fruit were delicious. 🍓🍉 After dinner, we headed to the deck. And there we were... 🎶Live music! The night view of Surfers Paradise, blown by the night breeze, was like a scene from a movie. 🌃🌊 #GoldCoast #DinnerCruise #SeaWorldCruises #GoldCoastGourmet #SeafoodBuffet #DinnerDestination #NightViewCruise #SurfersParadise #RecommendedMussels #DeliciousShrimp #AustralianTrip #AustralianGourmet #AdultTravelTime #NightViewDate #TravelMemories #TripMoments

Want to take the whole family on a spontaneous dream trip? 🌴✨ A luxurious 10-day tour of Australia's East Coast, unlocking 100 kinds of happiness! From feeding kangaroos 🦘 to exploring the Great Barrier Reef 🐠, from steam trains 🚂 to Sea World 🐬, every moment is a surprise! 🌟 Highlights: Cute Animal Interaction: Take photos with koalas 📸 and feed kangaroos 🦘, the children's smiles are the most beautiful scenery! Gourmet Feast: Australian steak 🥩, lobster and seafood 🦞, Sydney Tower buffet dinner 🍽️, Australian flavors waiting for you to taste! Natural Wonders: Great Barrier Reef underwater garden 🐠, tropical rainforest adventure 🌿, experience the wonders of nature! Cultural Experience: Visit the University of Sydney 🎓, Puffing Billy steam train 🚂, combining education and fun! Luxury Accommodation: Upgrade to 2 nights in a five-star hotel 🏨, maximum comfort, making the journey as cozy as home! 🎁 Special Benefits: Free adapter plug 🔌, personal accident insurance 🛡️, Chinese-speaking tour guide throughout for peace of mind! Family koala photo 🐨, sweet chocolate factory experience 🍫, leaving unforgettable memories! 📅 Departure Date: August 6 Don’t hesitate, come join this East Coast Australia celebration! 🌞🏖️ 👉 Book now and start a joyful adventure for the whole family! ----------------------------------------------------- Australia’s blue skies, clear seas, cute animals, and delicious food are all waiting for you! ✈️💖 This summer, let’s meet in Australia and create your exclusive memories! 🎊

Capturing the jelly fish here at sea world was an amazing experience getting up close and personal with the jelly fish was my favourite part. We didn’t enjoy the ride back though thank you sea world your the best !!!

Blueys world was much better than expected, a full interactive experience for the kids. Flew into Brisbane and caught a taxi to blueys world but should have booked an uber/taxi back… no taxi rank and not near anything except a very pretty warf so I decided it would be fun to catch the ferry down to brisbane city… this trip from Brisbane to the Gold coast ended up taking 5… yes 5hrs! With the ferry to southbank, walk to train station with train replacement buses running, so bus then train then tram down to surfers paradise. It was an adventure in itself but with bags and tired kids, it would have been easier goong back to the airport and catching the airtrain. Trams around surfers make it easy and all public transport is 50c for the time being! Seaworld while on the gold coast which is always great-but tiring. I had scheduled lots of down time as I knew we’d all need it and staying at Paradise resort was perfect for this. We saw an ice skaing show and did laser tag, ate great food every night and didnt have to leave the hotel for it.

We loved the dolphin show at Sea World, so much to see and do there for all ages

Sea World Theme Park on the Gold Coast. The Dolphin show was amazing.🐬

📅 Itinerary Day1：Carrumbin bird sanctuary Day2: Paradise Country, Movie world Day3: Sea World. Day4: Movie World, Tamborine Rainforest walk. 🏨 Accommodation. Royal Pacific Resort BIGGERA Waters 🍴 Food Recommendations: Enzos Cucina 📌 Tips Buy tickets for the attractions before you go. Heaps cheaper.

#summervacay Sea World is more than just a theme park—it’s an ocean-themed adventure. I loved the dolphin presentation; it was both impressive and educational. The shark enclosure and penguin habitat were fascinating, and I got surprisingly emotional watching the rescued sea turtles swim around. I also went on the Storm Coaster, which was a wild mix of water and speed. The mix of animal encounters and rides makes it great for all ages. A highlight of my Gold Coast trip!

I have not returned to the theme parks since my younger days and now I am returning +2. Movie world is no longer fun and untimely, a lot of rides are closed and under maintenance. The scooby-doo coaster was pretty good back in those days and I was hoping it was still around. The boys managed to ride on their thrill rides , just the roller coaster and it filled their day. Many character meet-and-greets, and stunt shows were rather lame, but at their age, thought that’s what they would be targeting to? I guess the character experiences were not impressive . You will also have to load up with cash as food is limited and rather costly. The grounds, facilities are dated and old which I think it’s time for refurbishment. The boys like sea world, because it is marine focus , having shows, aquariums and opportunity to interact with animals. The dolphin show was probably the best? Nothing fantastic about the rides. I seen tons of reviews stating that SeaWorld is a hard pass, citing miserable animals have endured mistreatment for people entertainment. It is complex and controversial and it applies all over the world. Even so, the disappointment came from it being rather run-down. Paradise Country had their fair share of negative reviews but it appeared to be having more positive than negative, potentially for a great half day out but I guess the additional costs in pony rides etc and it’s limited attractions to be massive drawbacks for some. Similarly, it worked relatively well for the boys . Ain’t sure if anyone having the same sentiments - probably because we have been to numerous theme parks in various countries and subconsciously did a comparison.#movieworld #seaworld #countryparadise

#summervacay We set aside a full day for Sea World on the Gold Coast, and honestly — that was the right call! The park runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm, so there's plenty of time to enjoy everything without rushing. 🐢 Marine Life & Aquarium The aquarium section was incredibly calming — think sea turtles, sharks, and all kinds of mysterious fish whose names I couldn’t even guess. There’s also a touch pool for stingrays, where you can pet and feed them up close (feeding costs extra). Surprisingly, stingrays feel super smooth and slippery — not at all what I expected! 🐧 Penguin Feeding Heads-up: penguin feeding is a sensory shock! They’re adorable… but the smell? Absolutely brutal. Don’t say I didn’t warn you 😂 🎭 Animal Shows Make sure to check the official Sea World website or park schedule in advance — most animal shows only run once or twice a day, so time your visit accordingly. 🎢 Rides & Attractions Storm Coaster: Not too intense, but you will get a little wet. Vortex: Even watching from below made my knees weak. This ride spins you 360° in midair — it feels more like it’s riding you than the other way around. Jet Rescue Coaster: A motorbike-style rollercoaster that launches at insane speed — your body’s in front, your soul’s catching up behind you. Leviathan: Was hyped as a must-ride, but sadly it was closed for maintenance the day we went 😢 📝 Tip: Sea World is more than just rides — it’s a great mix of thrills, sea life, and interactive experiences. A perfect day out for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a break from beach-hopping. #SeaWorldGoldCoast #AustraliaThemeParks #GoldCoastThingsToDo #OceanAdventure

beautiful beach

Performance..

📍 SEAWORLD Highlights✨ 🐬 Dolphin show: No words are needed. It was impressive and it was my first time seeing dolphins this close. There were two shows, and it was the most impressive in Sea World, so I watched them both times 🦭 Sea lion show: It was so much fun thanks to the great teamwork with the host. 🎢 Atlantis: Moderate thrill, an easy-to-enjoy ride 💡 Recommended points 🎠 The wait time for the rides isn't long, so you can enjoy it leisurely 👨👩👧👦 Recommended for families, couples, and solo travelers ✅ Overall review It's not as crazy as Movie World, and it's not as big as Dreamworld, but it's just the right size, so you can enjoy it leisurely, which is actually better. I went there thinking of an aquarium, but it was nice because there were rides too. That day, I rode a motorcycle in the ocean and there was a marine sports performance, which was so much fun. Usually, families come here, but moms and kids can't ride thrilling things, so dads came alone and rode thrilling things. I went alone that day and rode with dads I didn't know ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ ㅋㅋ The line wasn't long, and there were rides and an aquarium, so it was a place where you could kill two birds with one stone 🐰🐰 Personally, I liked it better than Dreamworld It was a place that made me feel even more affectionate after going there 🐬💙 If you go to Golko, be sure to visit 🌊 #Australia #Overseas travel #Australia travel #Brisbane #Brisbane travel #Australian sea world #Gold Coast #Gold Coast travel #seaworld

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Sea World Resort 💡 Tips#travel #schoolholidays

Sea World Resort Gold Coast