Fun and Sun on the Gold Coast
If you’re looking to warm up your winter travel plans, then Australia’s Gold Coast has all the options covered. From the bustling seaside resorts and nightlife of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, to the laidback Gold Coast Hinterland with its World Heritage Rainforest, there is something to tempt everyone along Australia’s most famous holiday strip.
Australia’s fun capital has always been a clear 
favourite with holiday makers, and if shopping, dining and nightlife feature big on your holiday menu, then Surfers Paradise and neighbouring Broadbeach are definitely the Gold Coast hot spots. Famous designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Ed Hardy, Saba, Zimmerman, Prada and Guess have all set up shop here, along with award-winning chefs from Sydney, Melbourne and abroad. Fashionable eateries include the Absynthe, Lauxes, Room 81, East, Perle and Moo Moo’s, to name but a few.
Surfers Paradise
boasts the newly introduced Twenty-One bar, while Minus Five, with its unique hand-carved ice sculptures, has the wow factor for which the Gold Coast is now famous. The ultra-modern Circle on Cavill has its own two-tower resort and a plush assortment of boutique stores plus a new night-time addition to its restaurant set, Perle@Circle. Night owls in search of some late night entertainment can soak up the funky riverside sounds of Temple Bar or, if you’re partial to the vibes of modern techno, best make your way to Elsewhere, which hosts many of the top DJs.
Like Surfer’s Paradise, Broadbeach has an expanding mall area which provides a 24-hour epicentre of activity, including the iconic Conrad Jupiters Casino with its cabaret shows and its new bars and restaurants. The Quid lounge bar in particular has taken little time to establish itself as the choice of many a winning punter. Closer to the main alfresco area, East has a range of fine Asian cuisine, while its popular upstairs nightclub has live DJs after hours.
Those who are seeking a more relaxed experience need not worry – the Gold Coast’s cosmopolitan side is complemented by 70 kilometres of pristine coastline and 100,000 hectares of World Heritage listed rainforest. The worries of the world can soon be whisked away, courtesy of luxurious spa and health retreats nestled throughout rainforest of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Offering all the bells and whistles of a Hinterland weekend away is Songbirds Rainforest Retreat 
at Mt Tambourine. Secluded private villas offer perfect tranquility complemented by a relaxing therapeutic massage, private yoga class or mediation session. At the end of the day, the retreat’s award-winning restaurant Songbirds in the Forest has a menu of exquisite dishes to tempt you, served with a choice of Australian or European wines.
Handy Info
Editorial courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation
Images courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat