A local’s guide to the most booming Gold Coast suburbs

Just steps beyond the surf, a huddle of personality-packed Gold Coast suburbs hum with distinct brands of good vibes.

Hypnotising swells and extended months of sunshine make it tough to peel yourself away from the Goldie’s epic beaches. But dusting the sand off to uncover a diverse network of glittering Gold Coast suburbs will forever change the way you feel about this phenomenal city.

From hipster-laced meccas frothing up magnetic cafe culture and world-class dining, to neighbourhoods spilling over with luxury accommodation and covert pockets of laid-back boutiques, this is modern-day beach culture that manages to thrill in some corners while it soothes in others.

Central Gold Coast suburbs

The bottom line: Round-the-clock entertainment, the world’s most renowned luxury hotel chains and acclaimed dining help maintain this region as the coast’s indisputable beating heart.

a beachfront hotel at Langham Gold Coast — The Langham Gold Coast is unobstructed beachfront luxury. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s the Gold Coast from your childhood – towering skyscrapers, big-name eateries and thumping nightlife. But Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach and Southport are all Gold Coast suburbs worth exploring a little deeper. Home to some of the coast’s most luxurious accommodation, including The Langham , QT Gold Coast and its six adorable qtQT Cabins , one of the country’s two five-star Darling hotels and JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa , this concentration of high-end bliss is riddled with up-all-night activity, drawing tourists by the truckload daily.

Surf lessons, gondola rides through neighbourhood canals, wax museums, river cruises, extreme water sports, indoor skydiving, miniature golf and even a Hologram Zoo (so very Surfers) are all on your doorstep. When it’s time to chow down, standouts include Broadbeach’s flame-licked kost Bar and Grill , Surfers’ exquisite three-hatted Palette within HOTA (Home of the Arts) and Main Beach’s fun-fuelled Holy Ship trawlers.

Palette within HOTA (Home of the Arts), Gold Coast — The elegant Palette fine diner is situated in the vibrant HOTA Gallery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s worth noting that these days, Broadbeach rivals Surfers when it comes to finding a spot in the thick of it all. Remember Dracula’s dinner theatre? It’s still alive and kicking, celebrating its 40th trip around the Gold Coast sun in 2025, while the retail haven of Pacific Fair across the road continues to draw hot labels including LSKD activewear and a Jurlique concept store that offers treatments.

a staff training a seal at Sea World Gold Coast — Say hello to seals at Sea World Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, Main Beach is still your go-to for Sea World Gold Coast and at-sea charters departing Marina Mirage, which is also home to extremely chic pool parties care of La Luna Beach Club . Southport’s Broadwater Parklands is worth an entire day out with little ones, but don’t forget their cozzies – multiple play attractions, including The Rockpools splash zone and the Broadwater’s calm estuary waters, provide plenty of opportunity to get wet.

Holiday makers should also note that Southport welcomed Tryp by Wyndham , one of the Gold Coast’s newest hotels, in December 2024, and the suburb also boasts one of the best Gold Coast spa experiences: Vikasati , a bathhouse with spacious outdoor facilities.

Northern Gold Coast suburbs

The bottom line: You’re a short drive from the chaos of Central Gold Coast while gaining spacious pastures, countless outdoor activities for kids and tranquil water views.

Love the energy of Surfers, but keen for quiet time once the sun sinks? Northern Gold Coast suburbs are just the ticket for an escape that’s close to the action without the often-frenzied crowds of Central Gold Coast. Sizable sporting fields and play areas, pretty, unpopulated vistas and an outspread of restaurants, accommodation and attractions make its two biggest suburbs, Sanctuary Cove and Coomera, huge hits with travelling families who want action (hello, Gold Coast theme parks) close to waterfront downtime.

a thrilling ride at Dreamworld, Gold Coast — Dreamworld features kid-friendly attractions and spine-tingling coasters.

At the energy plus end of the scale, Coomera is where you’ll find Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, and just 12 minutes down the road, you’ll spy Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild. Needless to say, accommodation is fit for families, including BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park which is a nine-minute journey to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, and even closer to the others.

A little more towards the coastline, Sanctuary Cove is a boaties’ delight, dripping with million-dollar yachts, calming Broadwater views and fine dining galore. The marina is the place to be, where Reds Kitchen & Bar always provides a vibe and The Fireplace within the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort nails flame-cooked fare.

steak lunch at Reds Kitchen & Bar, Gold Coast — Order a flame-kissed steak for lunch at Reds Kitchen & Bar.

In nearby Benowa, another northern Gold Coast suburb, you’ll find excellent overnight digs at the RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast, hands down one of the best resorts in the city, which flows with amenities including three nine-hole golf courses, a day spa and multiple dining options.

Burleigh area

The bottom line: This fast-growing, people-watching corner of the Gold Coast is littered with creative minds pushing the envelope through elevated dining, extremely cool bars and one of 2025’s most anticipated hotel unveilings.

A magnet for post-pandemic relocators (including this Australian Traveller writer), forever recalibrated by the upswing of remote working, the beach-side cluster of Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, Miami and their surrounds offer countless gems. Each haven is dotted with its own collection of breezy eateries and fine dining, dishing up coffee to rival Melbourne’s finest, spectacularly executed bars, and beachy-cool boutiques.

a couple arriving at Restaurant Labart, Gold Coast suburbs — Step into the stylish Restaurant Labart for European bistro-style dining. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Burleigh Heads is already well-discovered, tapped by visitors for its wide range of activities. James Street’s string of boutiques and restaurants, including nationally acclaimed superstars Paloma wine bar and Freddy’s chicken shop, is always busy, and you’ll need to plan in advance if you want tables at Rick Shores , Restaurant Labart , Jimmy Wah’s and The Tropic . Come nightfall, Burleigh is an adults-only wonderland as an eclectic mix of speakeasies and cocktail bars keep party animals well hydrated. Don’t miss Rosella’s on the Gold Coast Highway for their game-changing ‘Fantales’ concoction that expertly blends rum and chocolate with a homemade take on the nostalgic sweet itself. We can confirm it’s even more delicious than its inspiration.

a bartender preparing a drink at Paloma wine bar, Gold Coast — Sip on expertly curated drinks at Paloma wine bar. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Burleigh also said hello to Australia’s first Mondrian hotel in June 2025. Offering a pool club, multiple dining experiences and that signature cool the international hotel chain is synonymous with, the hotel will undoubtedly be the place to be seen in the months ahead.

inside a bar at Miami Marketta, Gold Coast suburbs — Miami Marketta features onsite bars with live music every night. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Miami, just north of Burleigh, is equally exciting as trendy watering holes make waves. It’s grown just about as hectic as Burleigh in recent years as uber-cool hospitality types stamp their mark on the once-sleepy suburb. Miami Marketta is a food truck lover’s dream, offering live music and tasty treats in a grungy food hall, Paddock Bakery (technically Burleigh, but right on the border and feeling very Miami-esque) is the suburb’s most popular baked goods pit-stop and Precinct Brewing Co. offers awesome locally crafted cold ones.

a strawberry tart at Bam Bam Bakehouse, Gold Coast — Try the special strawberry tart at Bam Bam Bakehouse. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Mermaid Beach continues its rise as Burleigh’s cooler little sibling, offering cult foodie destinations such as the much-loved Bam Bam Bakehouse , one of the Gold Coast’s best dessert venues, and rooftop rowdiness at JuJu at the southern end near Nobby Beach. It’s also where the team behind Rick Shores opened up their double-delicious Latin American-inspired second venture, Sueno terrace bar and diner, upstairs from the outstanding Norte — a serious contender for the Gold Coast’s most impressive fine dining restaurant.

Chained to your offspring? Sorry about that. Mermaid might be more your speed, home to a three-course putt-putt golf extravaganza, plus Turtle Beach Resort , one of the most fun-filled accommodation options for families with kids.

Southern Gold Coast suburbs

The bottom line: You’re only about 30 minutes’ drive away, but Surfers Paradise feels like another planet compared to the Gold Coast’s southern beaches. Think laidback beach town vibes, killer cafes, and Instagramable eateries alongside some of the most striking coastal vistas around.

unique wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast suburbs — Learn more about Australia’s native wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Firmly focused on showcasing the greatest of the outdoors, the southern Gold Coast suburbs are a nature lover’s paradise while still offering brilliant man-made experiences. No doubt, crowds thin out by the time you’ve touched down in Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun and Coolangatta, but a smorgasbord of understated attractions isn’t so secret anymore.

a spread of food on the table at Dune Cafe, Gold Coast — The menu at Dune Cafe is loaded with top-quality local produce.

Palm Beach, just south of Burleigh, delivers outstanding cafes and the Gold Coast’s most scenic surf club . Pop in for a barefoot post-swim feed at Dune Cafe , overlooking the magical Currumbin Lagoon, or feast on flavour-packed Mexican at Frida Sol ’s rooftop restaurant. The 1960s vibes remain strong in this neck of the woods, most notably in The Mysa Motel , offering a slice of Palm Springs via seven Instagram-friendly rooms.

the restaurant exterior of Tommy's Italian, Gold Coast suburbs — Snag a beautiful spot for a long lunch at Tommy’s Italian.

Currumbin, the next suburb down along the coastline, is this writer’s favourite Gold Coast beach, and where you’ll find the long-serving, and long-loved, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary , just down the road from the beach itself. There’s also a serious foodie scene with Tommy’s Italian providing long lunch overlooking the waves, while Swell Sculpture Festival , staged annually right across the beach, brings in culture vulture points.

a sculpture at the Swell Sculpture Festival, Gold Coast suburbs — See spectacular installations at the Swell Sculpture Festival. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Neighbouring suburb Tugun is a small, laid-back pocket filled with more cafes, boutiques and restaurants including Stable within the very trendy Cornerstone mecca of retail outlets, and Niche & Co plating up vegan-friendly creations. While you’re in town, book a stay at yet another Palm Springs-inspired motel, Tessa’s on the Beach , located in Bilinga which is on your way down to Coolangatta.

a couple with their bicycles outside Tessa’s on the Beach motel, Gold Coast — The stark white Tessa’s on the Beach retro motel pays homage to Palm Springs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

As for Cooly, right on the border of New South Wales and Queensland, don’t miss the opportunity to spend a night inside the very rock and roll Pink Hotel Coolangatta, nodding once again to 1960s Americana through its furnishings and striking facade. Coolangatta itself is full of great shops and chain eateries but drive just a few minutes south for the unmissable, always-pristine Rainbow Bay beach and legendary Snapper Rocks surf spot.

Gold Coast Hinterland suburbs

The bottom line: Switch out a day at the beach for the chance to immerse yourself in lush countryside, rainforest and farmland, all found within a shockingly short drive from the coastline.

The Gold Coast’s coastal charms are world-renowned but don’t overlook the city’s spectacular Hinterland. The shift from beach to bush is so sudden, it feels as though you’ve been transported to another state entirely. Encompassing several Gold Coast suburbs and regions including Tallebudgera Valley, Currumbin Valley, Lamington National Park, Mount Tamborine, Springbrook National Park and the Numinbah Valley, the Gold Coast Hinterland fringes much of the city.

a couple relaxing in the pool at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast suburbs — Enjoy peak serenity at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Step into fresh, forest air for unexpected treasures to pop out from nowhere, such as Pasture & Co , a sprawling cafe complete with its own kitchen garden, storybook fig tree and wild kangaroos, located in the Currumbin Valley. Tallebudgera Valley offers its own surprises, including one of the country’s leading health experiences, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat .

Lamington National Park is teeming with unique wildlife, as is Springbrook National Park which also offers some of the most stunning natural waterfalls in Australia. Meanwhile, the Numinbah Valley, located just north-west of Springbrook, offers rich camping accommodation in the way of Numinbah Valley Bush Camping and the postcard-perfect Mount Tamborine is home to Witches Falls ’ excellent wine, French-inspired dining and trendy shops. Stay at The Tamborine for stylish luxury enveloped with magical views and the warmest of hospitality.

a couple touring around Witches Falls Winery, Gold Coast suburbs — Go on a scenic tour of Witches Falls Winery on Tamborine Mountain. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Discover the best things to do on the Gold Coast

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.