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About the Gold Coast | IPES Conference

More than just a city

From pure, adrenalin-packed fun to natural indulgence, the contrasts of Australia’s Gold Coast unite to deliver every holiday experience you could desire in one friendly place. Revitalise the mind in the Gold Coast hinterland, filled with lush rainforest and dotted with mountain villages, waterfalls and swimming holes. Or, for an active approach hang glide, horse ride or 4WD and enjoy landscapes unmatched anywhere else in Australia.

Journey through this flourishing rural setting and see scattered bed-and-breakfast outlets, wineries, boutique distilleries and breweries, restaurants, rustic homesteads, plus local produce, arts, crafts and jewellery stores.

Bask in the Gold Coast’s famous beach culture and meet the friendly sun bathed locals and lifeguards. Catch the wind with a parasail, learn to surf, kayak or watch the reflections of a dazzling sunset while fishing into the river - the Gold Coast caters for every on-water activity imaginable.

Naturally diverse landscapes are the backdrop to endless adventures that get the adrenalin pumping. Scream with excitement on the biggest and best rides inside the gates of the city’s theme parks. Whether it’s lazing in a wave pool, checking out a stunt show or riding a giant rollercoaster, the Gold Coast’s theme parks ensures fun for the whole family.

Turn a holiday into a lifetime of memories in the ever-evolving home of culinary geniuses. Enjoy the wind in your hair and the scent of the sea salt in the air from one of many restaurants with ocean panorama views sprinkled along the coast-line. Relish in the freshest seafood and local produce from hand-made fudge to creamy cheeses and enticing wines.

For more information visit https://www.destinationgoldcoast.com/

Our local attractions

Broadbeach

Perfectly located at the heart of the Gold Coast, Broadbeach‘s main attraction is undoubtedly the beautiful beaches, offering gorgeous golden sand, crystal clear water and, in the summer months, you will also find world-famous Australian lifeguards patrolling the beach. Broadbeach itself could keep you busy for weeks offering everything you need – from accommodation, shops and cafes to fine dining restaurants, Jupiter’s Casino and The Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre. Find out more about Broadbeach

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been conserving native wildlife and nurturing the local indigenous heritage for over 70 years. This regional treasure has also been educating and entertaining families and tourists from all across the globe.  So naturally, the animal attraction is at the heart of Gold Coast history. You’d be hard pressed to find a local who hasn’t experienced the renowned wild rainbow lorikeet feeding. But over the decades, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has, more importantly, served as a haven to a myriad of native Australian animals — big, small, flourishing and endangered. Find out more

Golf

The Gold Coast could be well renamed the Golf Coast. With more than 30 courses located within a 20-kilometre radius, there are no fewer than 11 international standard golfing resorts ready to extend a friendly welcome. Whether on a strict budget or keen to sample more indulgent pleasures, the Gold Coast welcomes all travellers and encourages you to experience the heart of Australian fun on a Gold Coast golfing getaway. Find out more

Tree Top Walkway

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a one-and-a-half-kilometre rainforest walking experience, which includes the Skywalk Bridge (steel-structured), the 40 metre Skywalk Cantilever (steel-structured) and the Cedar Creek Viewing Platform, joined by a winding pathway along the canopy floor. Located in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, the Skywalk takes approximately 45 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace, is a 45-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and a 60 minute drive from Brisbane International Airport. Find out more about the Tree Top Walkway

Theme parks

Fun comes naturally on the Gold Coast with some of the biggest and best theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere calling the city home. From dazzling theme parks to small, hilariously kitsch museums, Gold Coast Holidays offer a full spectrum of interactive entertainment:

  • Warner Bros. Movie World
  • Sea World
  • Dreamworld
  • Paradise Country
  • Infinity Attraction
  • Tropical Fruit World
  • WhiteWater World
  • Wet n' Wild Gold Coast
  • Australian Outback Spectacular

Find out more about Theme parks on the Gold Coast

Varsity Lakes Park run/walk

The Varsity Lakes park run/walk is on every Saturday morning commencing at 7am. 

To find out more click here. 

Robina Town Centre Shopping

Shopping in the Gold Coast reflects an easy, breezy resort aesthetic – markets, outlet malls, boutiques and high-end designers.

Robina Town Centre is the Gold Coast’s largest shopping destination - the ultimate destination to shop, dine and relax in style, just 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise. Offering a free shuttle bus service Wednesday and Friday, be sure to visit their website to secure your seat. Find out more about Robina Town Centre Shopping

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

Explore the latest styles or try out a fresh new look at one of Australia’s most iconic shopping centres. You’ll discover everything you need right here at Pacific Fair, including the Gold Coast’s largest Myer, Coles, Big W, Event Cinemas, Kmart, Target, Woolworths and more than 400 specialty stores. Find out more about Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

For more information please visit, https://www.destinationgoldcoast.com/