Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is renowned for its world-class theme parks, fun-filled attractions and endless entertainment.

But it also features glorious beaches and a lush hinterland of national parks, mountains and waterfalls.

Beaches

The Gold Coast enjoys about 300 days of sunshine a year and has 35 beaches, patrolled year round by professional lifeguards and during the summer by dedicated volunteers from the Surf Lifesaving Clubs.

Soak up the sun on these beautiful golden beaches or join a learn-to-surf class and try riding the waves. Beginner classes are available every day throughout the year.

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge (www.binnaburralodge.com.au)

Stay in a cosy log cabin at this mountain retreat, located in the lush Lamington National Park, and enjoy a back-to-nature experience.

Explore 160km of nature trails, zip through the treetops on a flying fox, and join in a campfire at night.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au)

Get up close to all kinds of native animals in the natural settings, including kangaroos, koalas, possums, dingoes and rainbow lorikeets. This lovely wildlife park is also open at night. Take a Wildnight Adventure and discover the various nocturnal animals. You can also enjoy a fascinating Aboriginal cultural show.

Glow Worm Tour (www.ariestours.com)

Take an enchanting night tour of Springbrook National Park and discover Australia's largest colony of glow worms, amid lush forest, lakes and waterfalls.

Hot Air (www.hotair.com.au )

Enjoy a hot air balloon flight in the lush Gold Coast hinterland and marvel at the spectacular views of the farmlands and rolling hills as you watch the sunrise. Then celebrate this lovely experience with champagne breakfast at O’Reilly’s Grand Homestead & Vineyard.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (www.oreillys.com.au)

Stroll along a treetop boardwalk or go bird watching, then spend the night at this eco-tourism lodge set in a World Heritage-listed national park.

Songbirds Rainforest Retreat (www.songbirds.com.au)

Enjoy a tranquil stay at Songbirds, a 50-acre rainforest hideaway, with its multi award-winning restaurant and beautiful villas.

Tamborine National Park

Towering 560m high, Mount Tamborine is a green oasis.

Enjoy up to 9 walking tracks. Enjoy a self-guided trail through rainforest to Curtis Falls at Joalah.

Enjoy a picnic at The Knoll or Witches Falls.