The Gold Coast is well known for its gold beaches and fantastic surf, but there’s a lot more to the Gold Coast than you think. Just outside the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise lie rainforests dating back thousands of years, breathtakingly beautiful caves and intriguing local customs that are unique to the Gold Coast. Many of these sights and experiences will even be new to the most experienced travellers.
Meet the Meter Maids
Since 1965, Surfers Paradise has been a home to its iconic Meter Maids. The Meter Maids, who wear gold bikinis, started out as a great way to keep the parking meters topped up so tourists wouldn’t receive parking fines, but the Meter Maids are still around.
Celebrate New Year twice
Coolangatta, in Queensland, is adjacent to New South Wales’ Tweed Heads. Due to different time zones, and the fact New South Wales observes daylight saving time but Queensland doesn’t, you can celebrate the new year twice by crossing the border in these towns within a matter of hours.
Feed wild lorikeets
Established in 1947, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the first sanctuary of its kind to be established in Queensland. Wild rainbows come to feed on visitors, landing on them every now and then. Get up close with the most colorful, loud and noisy bird in the land.
Surf the Superbank
The Superbank is a long surf break of sand, running along the coast from Snapper Rocks to Kirra. It came about due to a sand bypass scheme, which was commenced in the early 2000s, to pump sand along the coast. At the right swell, it is possible to surf for miles and a world championship is run there.
Walk ancient rainforests
Lamington and Springbrook national parks are part of the UNESCO Global Heritage rainforest of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Some of the oldest rainforest ecosystems on the planet are found in the forests, and they are linked to the ancient super-continent of Gondwana. There are numerous waterfalls and lookouts along many of the walking trails.
See glowing caves
A sandstone rock cave with a waterfall running through it is located at the Natural Bridge. At night thousands of glow worms light up the ceiling of the cave. Please turn off your lights and be quiet to not disturb the colony.
Watch migrating whales
Thousands of Humpback Whales come to visit the Gold Coast each year migrating along Australia’s east coast from June to November. Whale watching cruises leave from the Broadwater and whales can be spotted from Burleigh Heads and Point Danger headlands.
Beach-hop for miles
From busy Surfers Paradise to tranquil Burleigh Heads and Currumbin, there are so many beaches along the Gold Coast. On most beaches, lifeguards are there to help you swim, surf and sunbathe safely. You can choose from a multitude of beaches so that you can stay at a new beach each day of your vacation.
