10 Best Areas to Stay in Gold Coast-Part 1

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s popular holiday destinations. Famous for its Sun light, surfing waves, long, white-sand beaches, theme parks, shopping, nightlife , walking trails and  ancient rainforests, it has been attracting Australian and international travellers for many decades. 

Deciding where to stay for your dreamy Gold Coast holiday can be overwhelming, as there are a lot of options in several different areas.

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s popular holiday destinations. Famous for its Sun light, surfing waves, long, white-sand beaches, theme parks, shopping, nightlife , walking trails and  ancient rainforests, it has been attracting Australian and international travellers for many decades. 

Deciding where to stay for your dreamy Gold Coast holiday can be overwhelming, as there are a lot of options in several different areas.

Broadbeach – Perfect location for first time travelers

Broadbeach balances a relaxed atmosphere with sophisticated accommodation, stylish shopping  and intimate dining. From fine dining experience, relaxing  alfresco cafes, funky bars and a vibrant nightlife. The accommodation options here are versatile. Live it up in luxury at a 5-star hotel or make yourself at home in a self-service apartment with ocean views.

The scenic beachfront seaside parklands host regular outdoor events including live music,food festivals and weekly markets. Indulge in some retail therapy at shopping mecca, Pacific Fair, or enjoy the entertainment precinct, dining, bars and casino at The Star Gold Coast.

Surfers Paradise – where to stay in Gold Coast for nightlife

If you’re looking for a hot social scene with high energy and non-stop action, Surfer’s Paradise is the best place to stay in Gold Coast. 

There’s also a distinct international presence here, shown in the diverse cuisine and drink options. 

The main focus here is the beach, where you can catch outdoor markets several days a week. More than 120 market stalls set up shop on the coastline each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and you’ll find live entertainment, fresh seafood and drinks. 

There are several find dining restaurant to satisfy your culinary experience while training on the gold coast including : Kiyomi, little truffle, room81 and  Citrique Restaurant.

You can catch a panoramic view from the SkyPoint Observation Deck, the highest point in Gold Coast.

Surfer’s Paradise is also great for the wacky and outrageous sights. 

Southport – Gold Coast’s bustling central business district

A short stroll down Southport’s streets will reveal a bustling city center with charming new restaurants, boutique and souvenir shops and people out and about. 

For incredible shopping, head to the Australia Fair Shopping Center, with over 200 specialty stores and supermarkets. Event Cinemas also offers discounted movie deals here and great dining options. 

The Broadwater Parklands is the real focus in Southport however, and is a world-renown community an3d cultural space with incredible ocean views. 

You can have a picnic on the manicured Great Lawn, and even catch a sporting event like the World Championship Triathlon. With great weather, this is the perfect place to relax under a shady tree and lay the day away,

For kids, the GC Aqua Park is a popular spot. This inflatable water park is 600 meters long, complete with blow-up slides and climbing ladders. 

If you’re looking to get in a workout, the Gold Coast Aquatic Center is located in the Broadwater Parklands and has world-class, competition swimming pools and a fully functional fitness center. 

If you have your scuba licensee, you can head below the sea to see the Scott Prince Dive site, 800 meters off the Southport spit. 

The Scott Prince was a three steel-masted, 64 meter iron baroque ship that sank as it was sailing into Brisbane. You’ll access the site by a boat, and be welcomed by colorful sponges and marine life that now call the wreck home.

Southport is an incredibly lively area, and regularly rotates live music festivals and sporting events throughout the year. 

In terms of nightlife, Southport has several major bars and smaller taverns to kick up your heels, but this area is also great if you’re just looking to kick back and relax, especially with kids. 

There are several places to stay within the Broadwater Tourist Park, with easy beach access and nearby waterfront paths for biking and walking. There are also several places to park your camper or caravan if you’re traveling with one.

Main Beach – a historic beach with old charm

Just north of Southport and Surfer’s Paradise, the aptly named Main Beach area is a major tourist center and coastal suburb in Gold Coast. In its heyday, it was once the place to go in Gold Coast. 

While it’s still a surfing hub, this area is far more relaxed than Surfer’s Paradise, so you’re sure to find a wave all to yourself. 

With sprawling sand dunes and several luxury resorts framing the beach, Main Beach continues all the way north to the Spit. 

At first glance, Main Beach may seem like just your average Queensland town. But there are several hidden gems within its streets that reflect both modern sophistication and older authenticity, making it a great place to stay in Gold Coast.

Start your day here by checking out the Gold Coast Ocean Highway, which starts in Main Beach. This trail is perfect if you’re looking to walk or bike next to the ocean. When you’re ready to get some sun, head to the beach. 

Surfers love this stretch of sand for its open shore break, and tourists love it for the constant sunshine and breezy, salty air. 

You’ll spot Pavilion 34, an old bathing pavilion, now converted into a rustic, beachside cafe serving some of the best fish and chips and chiko rolls on the Gold Coast. 

Nearby is the Southport Surf Club and an expansive green park to picnic and take pictures on. Sea World Australia is also located here and is a great day trip. You can swim with dolphins, ride high-flying rollercoasters and discover the wonders of the world’s oceans.

When you’re ready to pack up for the day, head down to Tedder Avenue for a little shopping, eating and people watching. 

Here you’ll see sophisticated Australian socialites, gleaming luxury cars parked on the street and a frenzy of diners testing out some of the best food and drink on the Gold Coast.

Coolangatta- best area to stay in Gold Coast in a lowkey surfer’s getaway

The coastal suburb of Coolangatta is located at the end of the road on Gold Coast, right next to beautiful Greenmount Beach. This eclectic border town moves at a much slower pace and is located right within Twin Towns Zone, next to Tweed Heads and New South Wales. 

With the skyline of Surfer’s Paradise twinkling in the distance, Coolangatta is a popular spot with surfers, and you’ll find the most dedicated ones up early and surfing the waves off the northern corner of Coolangatta Beach and Duranbah, where the swell is high. 

The entire area makes up Rainbow Bay, an overall beautiful beach cove favored by tourists and locals alike.

Snapper Rocks is a famous surfing spot, but be forewarned it’s not for the faint of heart. A small rocky outcrop located on the northern side of Point Danger, Snapper Rocks is a point break and is part of a large sand bank known as Superbank. 

With perfect Gold Coast waves, Snapper Rocks is home to the annual World Surf Leagues’ Quicksilver and Roxy Pros. If you prefer to watch from afar, the Rainbow Bay surf club is the perfect place to grab a bite and see the waves roll through. 

For more protected swimming, Greenmount Beach is great for younger visitors wanting to take a dip. There’s also an oceanfront path around Greenmount Point which offers stunning sea views. 

You can also scuba at the Nine Mile Reef Dive Site off Tweeds Head, which sees Leopard Sharks in the summer and grey nurse sharks in the winter, along with a whole host of marine wildlife and hard and soft corals.

To end your day here, check out The Strand, a world famous location for entertainment, dining, shopping and people watching. You’ll find everything for your travel needs here, including souvenirs and gifts, as well as fresh food markets and travel booking sites. 

There are great restaurants here offering many local and international flavors, as well as bars and smaller taverns for a drink or two. 

For a serene panoramic sunset view, head to Kirra Point for the Kirra Hill Lookout, where you can also snap a picture with renown Iron Eagle sculpture.

For accommodation, Coolangatta has several seaside hotels with outdoor pools and spas, as well as smaller tourist parks for caravan parking and self-contained apartments.