Gold Coast

Stretching along the Southeast Queensland coast, from Coolangatta to Southport, the Gold Coast is one of Australia's most famous vacation destinations. The tourist hub of this glamorous coastal strip is aptly named Surfers Paradise, and it's like an Aussie version of Miami Beach. Skyscrapers bristle along a stretch of beautiful blond beach, and you'll find designer shops and lively entertainment venues a short stroll from the soft sands. Not far from the city, the famous Gold Coast theme parks add to all the exciting things to do.

Beyond the buzz of this holiday hotspot, you'll find plenty of peaceful escapes. Golden beaches stretch for miles south to Coolangatta with a perfect patch of sand for everyone, and wildlife parks are wonderful family attractions. In the hinterland, nature lovers can relax amid rolling green valleys, lushly cloaked peaks, and World Heritage-listed rainforests. Best of all, the sun shines on the subtropical Gold Coast more than 300 days a year.

Top 10 things to do when in Gold Coast :

1. Surfers Paradise Beach

2. SkyPoint, Surfer's Paradise

3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Coolangatta Beach
5. Sea World

6. Burleigh Heads Beach

7. Dreamworld

8. South Stradbroke Island

9. Warner Bros Movie World

10. Lamington National Park