Australian Gold Coast

Suburbs of the Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a big place with many different faces trying to work out where to stay is actually quite daunting.

• Struggling with lists of Gold Coast hotels and holiday apartments?
• Which is better Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise accommodation?
• What about staying in Coolangatta or Sanctuary Cove?

What's your style?

• Rainforest retreat in the hinterland for a romantic getaway?
• Beachside apartment for your Australian Gold Coast family holiday?

This suburb by suburb guide to Australia's Gold Coast gives you the low down on each area so you can decide what best fits your needs.

Covering topics such as:

• location details
• local activities
• local facilities
• accommodation
• golf courses in the area
• travel considerations
• travel distances to major attractions
• general tips and pointers

Map of Gold Coast

My map of the Gold Coast is a simple map to show you around the Gold Coast without too much clutter.

The other one is an interactive Gold Coast Map which you can scale up or down, check out the satellite views and even see street views to see what each area looks like!

The street views on that map are an excellent way to make sure that the Gold Coast beachfront accommodation you are booking, really is beachfront and what the view is likely to be.

One word of caution, satellite images can be several years old and the street views will also become dated over time. Street view was introduced into the maps in Australia in mid 2008.

Australian Gold Coast Zones

I split the Gold Coast into 3 main zones - Coastal, Inland and the Hinterland.

Within the coastal zone which spans over 70 kms I have further broken that down into Northern, Central and Southern areas. Follow the links to find more information about each area including the main suburbs in each zone.

• Coastal - North Gold Coast, Central Gold Coast and South Gold Coast
• Inland
• Hinterland

North Gold Coast

Coomera River, Nerang River and Broadwater frontage

The Broadwater is an area of calm water and river estuaries protected from the ocean by the Spit, South Stradbroke Island and Wave Break Island.

Ocean access from the Broadwater is through the Gold Coast Seaway which is between the Spit and South Stradbroke Island.

This area includes:

• South Stradbroke Island
• Sanctuary Cove
• Hope Island
• Runaway Bay, Paradise Point and Biggera Waters
• Sovereign Islands
• Labrador
• Southport

Click here to see these on a map.

Central Gold Coast

Ocean beachside suburbs

This area is what most people think of when they think of the Australian Gold Coast.

High density high-rise accommodation, the ocean beaches, restaurants and tourist activity hubs.

Lots of redevelopment in this area so new accommodation coming on stream all the time.

The main areas include:

• Main Beach (also fronts to the Broadwater)
• Surfers Paradise
• Broadbeach
• Mermaid Beach

Click here to see these on a map.

Southern Gold Coast

Ocean beachside suburbs

This area has a mix of accommodation - high rise and low rise, old and new.

Redevelopment of this area is ongoing, but lags the central coast area. Some good accommodation bargains can be found here - but do your research as there can be some pitfalls.

Surfers will find the better surfing options here!

• Miami
• Burleigh Heads
• Palm Beach
• Currumbin
• Tugun
• Kirra
• Coolangatta

Click here to see these on a map.

Inland Areas Gold Coast

Between Coast and Hinterland

This is the area where you will find resorts and golf courses! There are some waterways and you’ll have to drive to the beach.

• Ashmore
• Carrara
• Robina
• Mudgeeraba

Click here to see these on a map.

Gold Coast Hinterland

This is a side of the Gold Coast most people only visit on day tours or trips.

Mount Tamborine is worth a visit on a clear day just for the view, both to the coast and inland.

The National Parks of Springbrook and Lamington are great for walking and sightseeing with some great opportunities to get up close and personal with Australian flora and fauna in their natural surroundings.

An array of lodges, cabins and luxury Bed and Breakfast accommodation – some of which are exclusively for adults.

• Tamborine – including North Tamborine, Mount Tamborine, Cedar Creek, Eagle Heights
• Canungra and Beechmont
• Advancetown and Nerang
• Binna Burra
• Natural Bridge
• Springbrook
• O’Reilly’s Plateau
• Tallebudgera Valley
• Currumbin Valley

Click here to see these on a map.