Just south of Brisbane is the famed Gold Coast, a bustling region on Australia’s east coast known for stunning beaches, a strong surf culture and a legendary laidback vibe. Get a car rental so you can explore the endless gorgeous white sand beaches, which stretch from Southport down to Coolangatta. You’ll also need to hire a car to visit the region’s many theme parks, which include Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. Inland, there are plenty of hiking trails, mountain ranges and rainforest.
Activities in Gold Coast
Keen surfers will want to head to Surfer’s Paradise, one of Australia’s best-known holiday and surf destinations. Main Beach, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads are three central Gold Coast locales perfect for a relaxed day of shopping, beachfront dining and swimming. Families can pack up the car hire for a day visiting the region’s theme parks or view the Aussie animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. For a day away from the coast, jump in the rental car and head inland to Tamborine Mountain in the Queensland hinterland to enjoy beautiful views, plenty of short walking trails and award-winning dining experiences.
Climate
The sub-tropical Gold Coast and Coolangatta boast a beautiful sub-tropical climate with plenty of sunshine year-round. During summer, between December and February, the days are hot and humid with an average of 21 to 28 degrees Celcius, relief coming in the form of the cooling sea breeze. February is the wettest month of the year and the time when tropical storms are most common. Winter (June to August) is the driest season with sunny days and cooler evenings.
Accommodation in Gold Coast & Coolangatta
The Gold Coast is home to a range of accommodation options, from affordable apartments to seaside hotels to restful mountain villas. If you plan on a relaxing beachy holiday, we recommend feeling like a local by booking a beachfront apartment in one of the Gold Coast’s most relaxing beach towns like Coolangatta or Burleigh Heads. If you want to explore the region, consider a central Surfers Paradise hotel and get a car rental to take day trips up and down the coast.
Nearby Destinations
To explore further afield, jump in the RaD Gold Coast hire car and drive north for an hour to bustling Brisbane. The state’s capital city, Brisbane is filled with arts and culture, amazing food and wine and year-round events and festivals. Just southeast of Brisbane is the stunning North Stradbroke Island, popular with the locals for slowing down and enjoying a good fish, surf or whale watching expedition. Take the rental car an hour inland from the Gold Coast and you’ll reach the famous rainforests found within Lamington National Park.