from one end of the coast to the other. Most popular beaches are patrolled by life guards, so please swim between the flags to ensure a safe and happy beach visit.

There are worlds of entertainment to indulge in at the many famous theme parks, star studded shows at service clubs and the casino to add sparkle to holiday nights.

Day trippers who venture to the hinterland can delight in quaint tea houses and small restaurants, coffee shops and breakfast banquets, with views of lush gardens, blue lagoons, manicured golf greens, oceans and mountains served as a tempting side order. Perhaps you might enjoy a drive to the mountains to take in the magnificent views of the Gold Coast, or a self-drive tour through the rainforests of Northern NSW, to find Mount Warning, and surrounding art and craft villages. National Parks and rain forrest hideaways.

Any time of year is good for exploring some of the Theme Parks and attractions on the Gold Coast, and Northern NSW have on offer? (Don't forget your hat and sunscreen!).

The Gold Coast and Northers NSW waterways present many other activities for you to choose from, from fast paced jet boat rides and jet ski tours, to a more relaxing canal cruise or sail.

The Whale watching season ends in October, so be sure to get out there and witness these glorious creatures as they grace our waters with their pressance.

With an abundance of shows, sporting events, and festivals on offer along with our resort golf courses, pristine beaches and waterways, magnificent mountains, day tours and our many theme parks and attractions, it's no surprise that the Gold Coast is one of Australias leading tourist destinations.

• The Gold Coast region encompasses 5000km2 with 70km of coastline.

• The tourism destination spans Beenleigh and South Stradbroke Island to the north, Cabarita and Kingscliff to the south, west to Beaudesert including World Heritage Listed national parks.

• The Gold Coast is Australia’s 6th largest city, with a population of over 550,000 The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities.

• Gold Coast City has been identified as one of the most desirable places in the world to live ranked on political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health.

• The Gold Coast offers one of the largest choices of themed attractions in the southern hemisphere with interactive experiences.

• The Gold Coast plays host to exciting events, a year-round balmy climate, extensive services and some of Australia’s largest shopping centres.

• Infrastructure is well established with professional tourism and business services. There are more than 65,000 bed spaces, more than 40 resort and championship golf courses, around 500 restaurants and major convention and exhibition venues.

• Serviced by two international and domestic airports, the Gold Coast is the international gateway to 26 destinations worldwide provided by 30 airlines.

• The Gold Coast is located less than one hour’s drive south from Brisbane - a rail link and Pacific Motorway connects Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

• Gold Coast City’s climate is sub-tropical with 287 days of sunshine annually and an average water temperature of 22 degrees.

• The Gold Coast is home to the largest subtropical rainforest remnant in the world and more than 100,000ha of nature reserves and World Heritage sites.

The Gold Coast has a comfortable, sub-tropical climate, which is enjoyable all year round. Tempratures average in the mid to high 20's all year round.
The highest rainfall is recorded during the summer months of December to February. Being sub-tropical, when it rains on the Gold Coast it's often seen that storms and clouds take a 'dump and run' approach, rather than drizzling rain all day. After the rain, any storm activity or grey skies tend to clear up quickly, and theres a fast return to sunshine.
Clothing; Sunscreen is a must, along with a hat and sunglasses for eye comfort. Lightweight clothing is most comfortable most year round with a light jacket or jumper for cooler nights.