In Springbrook National Park, about 90 minutes south of Brisbane, the sky is aglow. But this isn’t the sort of glittery glimmer I expected from Australia’s buzzy Gold Coast. I’d heard about the sun-dappled beaches framed with scintillating sand, the sunscreen-slathered bodies at play, the way the ocean water whirls with what looks like bits of gold dust, the amusement parks, the meter maids clad in bikinis, and the high-rise hotels with their reflective-mirrored windows and popular bars that blare tunes beside the waves. Before arriving at what I imagined to look a bit like Miami’s South Beach in places (and it does along the coast in parts), I hadn’t focused much on thoughts of ancient trees, rugged outback and night skies luminous with glowworms. This nighttime nature foray, however, shows me another version of the Gold Coast … one where nocturnal safaris veritably light up my life.

“Did you know glowworms aren’t actually worms?” asked my guide. “They’re the larvae of a fly called the fungus gnat, which mates for two days before dying. Aren’t you glad you know that?”

I’ve been hiking the park’s family-friendly Natural Bridge Trail, which leads to a scenic waterfall. Just as darkness falls, our small group gathers, along with other nature lovers, to watch the rainforest illuminate, a seasonal spectacle you can see in wetter months, December–March. Unable to keep quiet as the glowworms (larvae?) gleam in the cavern beneath the waterfall, we release an involuntary exclamation of awe. We gape as wiggly bits of light pulsate in luminescent, otherworldly lines — like so many shooting stars. They fill the terrain with flickering illumination as far as the eye can see. Almost impossible to film, it’s a moment to just stop and revel in the power of nature.

Back on the coast for the rest of my trip, I partake in the region’s better-known activities: beaches and water play. The state of Queensland occupies Australia’s eastern coast, measuring more than twice the size of Texas. Its famed Gold Coast wraps along its southerly section. Holding capital city, Brisbane, it draws scores of tourists from around the world for business and pleasure — thanks to a plethora of inland canals, surfing hot spots and meandering sandy beaches. Rugged outback and ancient forests provide a contrast to the sun-drenched coastline, while amusement parks galore offer another kind of thrill. With a legendary party scene, the beachy portion of the Gold Coast hums with high-octane action for singles; but families, wellness buffs, meeting planners and adventure lovers will also find plenty of opportunities for an unforgettable
getaway.

© Rafael Ben Ari | Dreamstime.com

Don’t forget your swimsuit. Boasting a jaw-dropping 44 miles of beaches, the Gold Coast invites thalassophiles to strut their stuff. Find many of the coastal suburbs and best crescents of sand along the Gold Coast Highway, which links Queensland’s beachfront paradises. Whether you’re a surfer, sunbather, beach yoga enthusiast or beach volleyball player, there’s a beach for you. Aptly named Surfers Paradise Beach stretches for 1.25 miles, its sand glistening like 14k gold. Epitomizing the Gold Coast vibe, it offers a happening scene with vibrant outdoor dining and drinking venues, night markets, and beachside hotels.

You’ll find some of the world’s most talented beach volleyball players here practicing their serves on Broadbeach and Kurrawa Beach — the latter also featuring shallows, making it one of the most family-friendly and safe for children. Kirra Beach, touted for its gin-clear water, offers a quieter ambience than most. It’s a favorite of swimmers, paddleboarders and wellness seekers, who gather at Kirra Beach’s Coastal Bathhouse to cold plunge, vitality-bathe and sauna the days away. It even vaunts a meditation lounge.

Corporate meeting goers can take a break at Carrumbin Alley with a group surf lesson. Less windy than some beaches, The Alley (as locals call it) has steady, easier-to-catch waves. Ensure success with Currumbin Alley Surf School. Try Mermaid Beach for a more zen afternoon. With homes lining the beach, it emanates a more residential feel, with dining options located a few blocks from the sand. Nothing like the beach area in Florida that shares its name, Miami Beach feels more secluded than many Gold Coast beaches. It has flagged, safe swimming areas and lifeguards.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary © Rafael Ben Ari | Dreamstime.com

Dotting the Gold Coast, a number of natural swimming holes and spellbinding waterfalls beckon. Take a dip at one of the best: Cougal Cascades, positioned on the verges of Springbrook National Park, where a variety of terraced pools await. According to many cultures, seeing a dolphin brings good luck and a sense of harmony with the world.

Paddle though Gold Coast waterways with Australian Kayaking Adventures to catch a glimpse of these playful creatures yourself. Take the Dolphin, Kayaking and Snorkeling tour to a secluded beach for breakfast and snorkeling. On the way, you’ll see not just dolphins but turtles and stingrays, too.

As ideal for corporate events as visits with children, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary celebrates the animals of Australia. Whether it’s koalas, echidnas or kangaroos, this park schedules myriad daily opportunities for connection from feedings, shows and encounters to a wildlife hospital tour. Composed of trails, a splash zone, treetop activity and much more, the sanctuary just launched Astra Lumina, an illuminated nighttime tour.

Trails abound along the Gold Coast. Trek Federation Walk, a dedicated path which begins near Sea World, winds through dunes and leafy forests, finishes on Watsons Bay. A bird watcher’s haven, the walk pulsates with feathery friends both rare and common. Look for bitterns, rainbow bee-eaters, red-backed fairywrens, dollarbird rollers, parrots, kingfishers and more.

Dreamworld © Rafael Ben Ari | Dreamstime.com

No child will let you leave the Gold Coast without demanding a trip to at least one of its entertaining theme parks. You’ll find Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild, among others. Warner Bros. Movie World’s new Wizard of Oz Precinct features thrilling rides with a yellow brick road theme, such as The Flight of the Wicked Witch and Kansas Twister. Roller coaster buffs need look no further than Dreamworld’s Rivertown Precinct, home to Jungle Rush, featuring the world’s first inclined turntable. Treetop Challenge at Mount Tamborine Park offers six rope courses spread across 9 acres of forest, with countless challenges and 11 zip lines.

LODGING
Avani Broadbeach Residences 
Based in Broadbeach, one of the Gold Coast’s most bedazzling suburbs, and steps from Gold Coast Convention Centre with fully equipped kitchens and family-friendly amenities, this stylish property simplifies both business and leisure stays.
2663 Gold Coast Highway,
Broadbeach, Queensland
$$$

The Langham, Gold Coast 
Elegantly casual, The Langham occupies prime real estate in Surfers Paradise. Its wellness sanctum, Chuan Spa, was named Australia’s and Oceania’s Best Hotel Spa 2024 by World Spa Awards. With two swimming pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center, The Langham offers guests exclusive sleep amenities for well-being.
38 Old Burleigh Road,
Surfers Paradise, Queensland
$$$

QT Gold Coast
Barefoot casual meets beach chic at hip QT Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise. Laid-back enough for families and luxe enough for honeymooners, it recently launched qtQT Cabins, a hotel within the hotel, ideal for corporate buyouts. Don’t miss rooftop yoga or the popular whiskey masterclass.
7 Staghorn Ave., Surfers
Paradise, Queensland
$$$

DINING
Hanks 
Just opened and already booming, coastal-European-inspired Hanks comes from the creative team behind local favorite Siblings. In the Kirra neighborhood with water views, the restaurant serves a sharing-style menu featuring dishes from cacio e pepe to chargrilled octopus.
76 Musgrave St.,
Coolangatta, Queensland
$$$

Kōst Bar and Grill 
Posh but beach-style approachable, this glam bar and grill in Broadbeach delights with caviar trolleys, Champagne carts and alchemistical cocktails, just for starters. Its impressively huge grill puts out tony dishes such as marbled tenderloin, while cold seafood platters prevail.
Shop 135S, 3 Oracle Blvd., Broadbeach, Queensland
$$$

Rick Shores 
Obligatory for foodies, this Pan-Asian restaurant with a date night ambiance never disappoints. Planted on the shores of Burleigh Heads, it overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
43 Goodwin Terrace,
Burleigh Heads, Queensland
$$$

INFO TO GO
Brisbane International Airport offers the easiest access point from the United States to the Gold Coast, served by regular non-stop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Catch the Airtrain to the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise with tickets starting at $22.80; service operates every 15 minutes during peak hours, every 30 minutes off- peak. Gold Coast International Airport connects to all major Australian cities and offers international services to New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan.