Why go?

Fresh from a multi-billion-dollar facelift including a new light rail and a £462 million upgrade of its flagship mall, Paci c Fair, the string of seaside suburbs that comprise ‘the Goldie’ haven’t looked this good in decades. Amid this flurry of development, a new level of sophistication is emerging in Queensland’s favourite beach resort. Once seedy motels have been transformed into luxury boutique sleeps, craft brew bars have breathed new life into industrial wastelands and with a proliferation of top cafés and restaurants opening every week, the Gold Coast is nally claiming its rightful place on Australia’s culinary map. April brings the Commonwealth Games to town. Expect a party atmosphere as well as plenty of opportunities to see live sport, from beach volleyball to rugby.

What to do

Lapped by aquamarine waters, the Gold Coast’s dazzling beaches remain reason enough for many to visit. The Goldie’s answer to Sydney’s Bondi, Burleigh Heads is popular for its relaxed vibe, fantastic views towards the Surfers Paradise skyline and superb dining options just steps from the sand. Join passionate local Karen Inglis-Turner goldcoastfoodandwinetours.com.au and explore the city’s food scene in more depth on a walking tour. The city has several notable galleries – for contemporary art, don’t miss 19 Karen 00 61 7 5554 5019, 19karen.com.au – and it also proudly showcases its indigenous heritage at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre 00 61 7 5525 5955, jellurgal.com.au in Burleigh Heads. Stop to watch artists creating traditional works, or sign up for a day’s tour to learn about the region’s rst inhabitants, the Yugambeh people. If you’ve ever fancied learning to surf, there are a multitude of schools to choose from including Sur ng Services Australia sur ngservicesaustralia.com.au. Top off the day with a sunset cruise on the Gold Coast Broadwater with a glass of bubbles in hand. 00 61 412 794 643, champagnesailingcruises.com

Where to stay

Avani Broadbeach Residences 00 61 7 5634 8600, minorhotels.com is the city’s newest opening, and a great option for those who prefer to have access to a full kitchen in their stylish suite. Ultra-luxurious, The Star Grand 00 61 7 5592 8100, star.com.au has redefined the casino hotel experience. Furnished in soft, coastal tones, its sumptuous rooms share the Broadbeach complex with eight restaurants, ve bars, a state-of-the-art tness centre and a cabana-rimmed pool. In the heart of Surfers Paradise, The Island Gold Coast 00 61 7 5538 8000, theislandgoldcoast.com.au was also freshly renovated in 2017. Encapsulating the relaxed essence of the area with its vintage beach-chic makeover, the four-star boutique hotel boasts a buzzing rooftop bar and a good Italian bistro. A ten-minute stroll north, QT Gold Coast 00 61 7 5584 1200, qthotelsandresorts.com will delight fans of the local hotel brand with its quirky touches such as cockatoo-shaped bedside lamps.

Where to eat and drink

Broadbeach’s Social Eating House 00 61 7 5504 5210, socialeatinghouse.com.au was awarded a coveted Chef Hat (the Aussie equivalent of a Michelin star) this year for its inventive mod-Oz sharing dishes, such as chargrilled Western Australian octopus with potato aïoli. The balmy climate is perfect for roving dinners at night markets – try Miami Marketta miamimarketta.com where you can feast your way around more than 20 food stalls. Some of the best restaurants are found in Burleigh Heads, from ne pan-Asian dining on the beach at Rick Shores 00 61 7 5630 6611, rickshores.com.au to Jimmy Wah’s 00 61 7 5659 1180, jimmywahs.com.au which serves fabulously fresh Vietnamese. Burleigh is also a hot spot for quality coffee; grab an espresso from hip Canteen Coffee canteencoffee.com.au or schedule brunch at ecofriendly café Commune 00 61 7 5520 3377. Co-owned by three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning, Currumbin’s Balter balter.com.au is the pick of the brew bars.

Time running out?

Springbrook and Mount Tamborine National Parks (both under an hour away) offer refreshing escape from the city with their crashing waterfalls and lush walking trails.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Australian dollar. Time is 10 hours ahead of GMT. Flight time to Brisbane is around 22 hours. A train to the Gold Coast takes 90 minutes (£25pp); a shuttle bus takes one hour (£30pp).

Getting There

Qantas flies from London to Brisbane via Singapore. qantas.com

British Airways fl ies from London to Hong Kong or Singapore, connecting through to Brisbane with Qantas. ba.com

Resources

Destination Gold Coast is the official tourist board. It has plenty of information to help organise your visit. destinationgoldcoast.com