Gold Coast Attractions 
It is claimed that nowhere else in Australia are there so many luxury hotels, resort complexes, motels, apartments, guesthouses and youth hostels, such a range of entertainments and sports facilities, such opportunities for enjoying yourself or for shopping, as on the Gold Coast. Particularly during the holiday season the resorts on the Gold Coast, with over 3 million visitors a year, are a constant bustle of life and activity: booking in advance, therefore, is essential. The Gold Coast has a mild climate, with average maximum temperatures of 22°C in winter and 28°C in summer, and over 300 days in the year with sunshine.
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's best-known holiday regions. During the last few decades it has been involved in a massive tourist development and building boom, extending along the beaches from Southport in the north to Coolangatta in the south and reaching into the green hinterland. After some years of recession the economy was given a fresh boost by the Bicentennial celebrations and Expo 88 in Brisbane, only 70km away, and development is again proceeding apace. One problem has been the washing away of sand from the beaches, which has made extensive protective measures necessary.
The green grazing country immediately inland from the coast reaches into the hilly landscape of the Great Dividing Range, with hills rising to above 1000m. There is an excellent network of roads running up the valleys and leading to viewpoints in the hinterland, and the rain forests in the national park are within easy reach. Possible excursions, for example, are to the Numinbah Valley immediately north of the border with New South Wales, to the Natural Arch Bridge National Park (Nerang), Lamington National Park (Beaudesert) or Mount Tamborine.
To the south can be seen Mount Warning, the lava plug of a former giant volcano which impressed Captain Cook.
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's best-known holiday regions. During the last few decades it has been involved in a massive tourist development and building boom, extending along the beaches from Southport in the north to Coolangatta in the south and reaching into the green hinterland. After some years of recession the economy was given a fresh boost by the Bicentennial celebrations and Expo 88 in Brisbane, only 70km away, and development is again proceeding apace. One problem has been the washing away of sand from the beaches, which has made extensive protective measures necessary.
The green grazing country immediately inland from the coast reaches into the hilly landscape of the Great Dividing Range, with hills rising to above 1000m. There is an excellent network of roads running up the valleys and leading to viewpoints in the hinterland, and the rain forests in the national park are within easy reach. Possible excursions, for example, are to the Numinbah Valley immediately north of the border with New South Wales, to the Natural Arch Bridge National Park (Nerang), Lamington National Park (Beaudesert) or Mount Tamborine.
To the south can be seen Mount Warning, the lava plug of a former giant volcano which impressed Captain Cook.
Beaudesert, Australia
Beaudesert (pop. 5030) near the border with New South Wales, is an agricultural center (beef cattle, dairy farming, arable farming).
Features of the town include; St Mary's Church (timber-built), Royal Hotel, old post office (19th C), and an interesting Pioneer Museum.
Features of the town include; St Mary's Church (timber-built), Royal Hotel, old post office (19th C), and an interesting Pioneer Museum.
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park (established 1915), with excellent visitor facilities, is one of the state's most popular national parks. It was named after Lord Lamington, governor of Queensland.
The park lies in hilly country (the Border Ranges) in the extreme southeast of Queensland, with a plateau (900-1200m) extending along the McPherson Range, which falls steeply down on the south side in cliffs and gorges. The hills are remnants of the ancient Mount Warning shield volcano.
The park contains over 500 waterfalls, tropical and subtropical rain forest and beech forests in the higher regions, with a very varied fauna (more than 190 species of birds).
There is an excellent network of walking trails in the park, with a total length of over 150km. The best views are to be had from trails in the south of the park.
(Near Beaudesert)
20,000ha.Lamington National Park (established 1915), with excellent visitor facilities, is one of the state's most popular national parks. It was named after Lord Lamington, governor of Queensland.
The park lies in hilly country (the Border Ranges) in the extreme southeast of Queensland, with a plateau (900-1200m) extending along the McPherson Range, which falls steeply down on the south side in cliffs and gorges. The hills are remnants of the ancient Mount Warning shield volcano.
The park contains over 500 waterfalls, tropical and subtropical rain forest and beech forests in the higher regions, with a very varied fauna (more than 190 species of birds).
There is an excellent network of walking trails in the park, with a total length of over 150km. The best views are to be had from trails in the south of the park.
Lamington National Park
Box 155
Brisbane, QLD 4002
Australia
Box 155
Brisbane, QLD 4002
Australia
Best time to visit is throughout the year. The waterfalls are at their most impressive after the summer rain (March and April); in spring (September and October) there are wild flowers; in winter the weather is at its best (dry and sunny). Access from Brisbane on Pacific Highway or Mount Lindesay Highway.
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Currumbin, Australia
Currumbin is noted mainly for the Currumbin Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve owned by the National Trust. It is the home of many thousand brightly colored rainbow lorikeets, which will eat from visitors' hands and even perch on their heads. In and around the town there are a wide range of entertainments and opportunities for wildlife viewing, as well as hotels, motels and caravan/camping parks.
Nerang, Australia
Nerang (pop. 10,000) is a little town on the Nerang River. Its popularity as a holiday resort has led to a considerable increase in population. Apart from the Gold Coast with all its attractions for visitors and holidaymakers the main area of tourist interest is the beautiful Numinbah valley. Other attractions, further afield, are Springbrook National Park with its waterfalls and viewpoints and Natural Arch National Park.
Springbrook National Park
2159ha.
Springbrook National Park is within easy reach of Brisbane for a day trip from the Gold Coast. It was created by the amalgamation of the smaller reserves of Gwongorella, Warrie, Mount Cougal and Mount Wunburra. The park is dominated by the imposing rock faces (up to 900m high) and gorges of the McPherson Range. There are expanses of rain forest and many orchids, and a rich and varied bird life.
From walking trails in the park there are fine views of the hills and the coasts.
Springbrook National Park is within easy reach of Brisbane for a day trip from the Gold Coast. It was created by the amalgamation of the smaller reserves of Gwongorella, Warrie, Mount Cougal and Mount Wunburra. The park is dominated by the imposing rock faces (up to 900m high) and gorges of the McPherson Range. There are expanses of rain forest and many orchids, and a rich and varied bird life.
From walking trails in the park there are fine views of the hills and the coasts.
Springbrook National Park
Mudgeeraba, QLD 4215
Australia
Mudgeeraba, QLD 4215
Australia
More Australia Resources
- Gold Coast trips and things to do by Viator
