Gold Coast

Destination guide

It would be fair to say that I have never previously clicked with the Gold Coast, but returning with kids in tow changed my perspective.

See what’s happening in the Gold Coast’s contemporary art scene at the Home of the Arts’ Triennial exhibition.

Dig IT bills itself as Australia’s first digger park for kids. You read correctly: kids get to drive real-life earth-moving equipment.

Five minutes from the airport, Kirra Point is in an easy-to-navigate beach community with breathtaking views over the water.

The city’s rapidly gentrifying, cool “southern” end is not the high-rise hub you’re probably thinking of.

Goldie stays range from kitsch retro-style motels to beachside family resorts and romantic retreats in the hinterland.

The Gold Coast’s dining scene used to revolve around surf clubs. Now a throng of talented chefs has turned the region into a genuine foodie hot-spot.

The Gold Coast used to be about theme parks and endless beaches. But while they’re still here, there are a lot more reasons for a Goldie escape now.

If you have the flexibility, the best time for a short break on the Gold Coast is to do it mid-week, when even the locals aren’t out and about.

The Australian hotel seen by millions of British TV viewers every night isn’t quite as it appears on the small screen.