Travel guide – gold coast
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Overview
Australia's Gold Coast stretches south from Queensland capital, Brisbane, along 45 miles (70km) of coastline into northern New South Wales. The stunning array of beaches along this coast are a major drawcard, and where once only the surf graced the shoreline today there is a plethora of high-rise accommodation, giant theme parks, exotic nightlife and countless restaurants. The sun shines here 300 days out of the year, and the beach resort towns with their alluring names all offer soft golden sand, rolling waves and the chance to gain a perfect suntan.
This is the world's largest sand island, situated a two-hour drive north of Brisbane, which provides a unique ecological system of giant dunes, forests, streams and freshwater lakes. In 1993 it was placed on the World Heritage List and draws visitors wishing to explore the unique elevated lakes (there are more than 200 of them) which contain pure, acidic water that are so low in nutrients that few fish survive in them. The island, well covered in vegetation, is inhabited by bats, dingoes and more than 350 species of birds. It also features giant satinay trees that stand 60 metres high as well as several other rare and ancient botanical species. The island is 75 miles (120km) long and about 9 miles (15km) wide and can be explored on walking trails or by four-wheel drive. Accommodation is plentiful on the island in ecologically sensitive resorts.
Billed as 'Australia's first fully integrated tourism resort' Sanctuary Cove is sited on 474 hectares in picturesque surroundings around four man-made harbours on the Coomera River. It is open daily and entry is free. The resort can be reached by road north from Surfer's Paradise or south from Brisbane (exit 57 off of the Pacific motorway) or by water (cruises operate daily). The waterfront Marine Village contains more than 80 speciality stores, cafes and restaurants and visitors can watch glass-blowing and opal cutting. Sanctuary Cove also contains a health and fitness centre, two championship golf courses, a 300-berth marina and a private country club. There are many major events held through the year such as the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show each May, golf tournaments and concerts.
Formerly a small coastal resort town, Surfer's Paradise has blossomed into the pulsating heart of the Queensland Gold Coast. Set on a Peninsula, about 50 miles (78km) from Brisbane, with the warm Pacific Ocean on one side and the deep blue Nerang River on the other, the town is considered to be the tourist capital of Australia. Visitors throng to the bright lights, shops, high rise resort hotels and attractions squeezed onto the finger of land that is surrounded by a 492-foot (150m) wide beach that stretches for almost 6 miles (10km) in each direction.
Climate
Straddling the Tropic of Capricorn, Queensland's climate is subtropical. From November to March humidity is generally high throughout the state, but sea breezes bring some relief along the coast. Brisbane in the south has a hot and humid climate, particularly in summer, but winter is mild and sunny with cool nights (July and August). The best time to visit the northern part of the state is from September to November. Tropical cyclones can occur in the north from November to April (mostly during January to March).
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