Fora's Guide to Australia’s Gold Coast: Hotels & Things to Do

Eager to visit Australia’s Gold Coast but need ideas for things to do? How about awesome places to stay? We’ve got answers to both.

Want expert travel suggestions and VIP hotel perks? Connect with Fora to plan and book your Gold Coast vacation. We’ll not only hook you up with awesome itinerary ideas — from checking out the coolest hidden gems to the best restaurants and more — but we’ll also score you A+ perks at the coolest Gold Coast hotels. 

Better yet, booking with us costs the same as booking by yourself — but you get all sorts of extras, plus one-on-one support just in case something goes awry. It’s like traveling with a friend on the inside.

Where to stay: 3 of the best Gold Coast hotels

Before we get to the most exciting (or relaxing) things to do on the Gold Coast, let’s cover some of our favorite Gold Coast hotels. Read on for three of our faves.

1. The Langham, Gold Coast: a landmark hotel with a sophisticated vibe

Image courtesy of The Langham, Gold Coast:

Standing prominently over Gold Coast Beach, The Langham provides guests refined accommodations and a bevy of elite amenities ranging from a luxury spa to artfully designed indoor and outdoor pools, the latter of which also boasts a swim-up bar. 

Accommodations-wise, this Gold Coast hotel’s occupancy is split between high-end residences and (anything-but) "standard" guestrooms and suites. Every space is decked out in sleek, contemporary furniture, and the best rooms offer stunning ocean views. But even the hinterland rooms present gorgeous views of the Gold Coast’s skyline. 

Fora Perks at The Langham Gold Coast:

• $100 hotel / resort credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

2. Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach: a gorgeous Gold Coast hotel inspired by French design & hospitality

Image courtesy of Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

Just a few blocks south, on Kurrawa Beach, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach offers a slightly more down-to-earth stay versus The Langham. However, the accommodations here are still beautifully designed and furnished, and still offer a luxurious stay for travelers intrigued by French hospitality and elegance.

Need more details and / or love the idea of upgrading your stay at this lovely Gold Coast hotel (at no extra cost)? Plan and book your trip with Fora.

Fora Perks at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach:

• Hotel / resort credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

3. Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise: a luxurious all-suite hotel right next to the Gold Coast’s best nightlife

Another high-end alternative to The Langham, Peppers Soul is a great choice for travelers who want discerning accommodations and a bit more to do in their immediate surroundings. Dozens of upscale restaurants, shops, nightlife venues and entertainment options are all within walking distance to the Surfers Paradise Esplanade — not to mention Surfers Paradise Beach itself, which is one of the most popular stretches of shoreline along the Gold Coast.

Peppers Soul exclusively offers ritzy suites and apartment-style accommodations, along with a wealth of amenities, including heated pools, a full spa and sauna and more.

Australia’s Gold Coast: 5 exciting (or relaxing) things to do

Whether you simply want to relax on a beautiful beach or venture through one of Australia’s wild landscapes, the Gold Coast accommodates. Here are five of our favorite things to do on the Gold Coast.

(Curious about the region at large? Check out our 5-day Queensland itinerary.)

1. From surfing to sun-bathing, enjoy the Gold Coast’s gorgeous beaches 

The best thing about the Gold Coast’s beaches may be their sheer variety. 

Want to hit the waves? Check out Surfers Paradise (or Main Beach, which is a tad quieter). Prefer calmer, kid-friendly waters? Tallebudgera and Kirra Beach are great choices. Want romantic views far from the ordinary hustle and bustle of the area? Check out the pier at The Spit (which also has a neighboring dog beach). 

Need more intel? Check out our complete guide to Gold Coast beaches.

2. Check out nearby national parks like Burleigh Head and Lamington

Itching for adventure and opportunities to witness Australia’s abundant wildlife and natural beauty? Burleigh Head, Lamington and Springbrook are just a handful of the gorgeous national parks that are a short drive away from the Gold Coast. Each offers scenic hiking trails so you can escape the cityscape and stretch your legs.

3. Visit family-friendly parks like Warner Bros. Movie World and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Gold Coast is home to (or near) a few different family-friendly theme parks catering to different tastes, such as Warner Bros. Movie World and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Roller coasters, educational shows on native wildlife and more can all be found here.

4. Take a day trip to Brisbane

Image courtesy of Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley

Around an hour north of Gold Coast, you’ll find Australia’s third-most populous city, Brisbane. Culture and science junkies can enjoy the Queensland Museum and neighboring Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art (a.k.a. QAGOMA) while nightlife seekers and foodies can take in the city’s vibrant scenes.

Wondering where to stay in Brisbane? Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley is one of our favorites in the city. This luxurious hotel offers uber-contemporary accommodations, lavish amenities, a classy rooftop bar and more. Or, as always, connect with Fora for tailored recommendations for hotels in the Gold Coast or Brisbane.

(BTW: if you don’t mind traveling even further north, Noosa Heads is a cool beach town worth checking out. See our insider’s guide to Noosa Heads, Australia.)

Fora Perks at Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley:

• $50 hotel / resort credit.

• Welcome amenities.

• Upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.
  
  

5. Take in the view from Skypoint Observation Deck

The Skypoint Observation Deck offers 360-degree views of the gorgeous natural scenery surrounding the Gold Coast as well as the city’s immediate skyline. It’s only a few minutes from Surfers Paradise on foot, so stopping by to grab a view doesn’t take too much time out of an itinerary. 

Connect with Fora to work with a Gold Coast trip planner

Want to get the very most out of your trip to Australia’s Gold Coast? Connect with Fora. 

Booking hotels, rental cars and other reservations with us costs no more than what you’d pay by yourself (except we can unlock awesome extras through our extensive partnerships). And while some Fora Advisors do charge planning fees, that investment goes a very long way in ensuring that you’re getting the trip of a lifetime (but don’t worry, planning services are completely optional). 

Need more travel inspiration? Check out more travel guides to amazing destinations around the world:

• Fora’s Guide to the 5(+) Best Places to Visit in the USA 

• The 12 Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers / Top Spanish Destinations 

• Where to Stay in Tokyo: The 8 Best Neighborhoods 

• 6 of the Best Places to Visit in Europe, From Lisbon to Paris 

• The 14 Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica, from Papagayo to Puerto Jiménez

• 4 Luxurious Hotels in Amsterdam for Culture Junkies
  
  

This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Sharon Joyner, an expert on travel to the Gold Coast, Australia.