The Unforgettable Australian Gold Coast

The easternmost portion of Australia's coastline is an area of abundant natural wonders and attractions, with many of the top-rated beaches on the continent, and worldwide, too. The Gold Coast surely stands out as one of the most frequented and spectacular places to visit on the eastern edge of Australia, and anywhere in the country at that. For many different, worthy reasons the whole Gold Coast area stands out as an alluring destination spot.

The slender stretch of shoreline and the hinterland that make up the larger Gold Coast area are nestled in the southeastern portion of the Australian state of Queensland, not a far trip heading south from the state capital, Brisbane. Mostly thanks to the incredible attractiveness of the Gold Coast, the city itself happens to be the largest non-capital city in the country.

The Gold Coast melds together a perfect blend of ecologically sound attributes with a modern, developed central area. The high-rise littered strip sitting right on the water's edge boasts many higher-end amenities and facilities, bringing all the joys of modern, 21st century life to locals and visitors; the beach strips farther removed from the center of town, as well as the tropical rainforest hinterland, are the havens of eco-tourists and day-trippers seeking a quiet and peaceful reprieve from the bustling downtown.

One of the most striking things about the Gold Coast is the maze of man-made waterways that have been ingeniously crafted out of the naturally swampy terrain. In fact, the Gold Coast has approximately nine times the amount of canals that Venice has! This preponderance of waterways means that there are many more waterfront properties than those strewn along the beacha fact that increases the appeal of the Gold Coast.

One of the big claims to fame that the Gold Coast has is its status as a mecca for surfers, and it is definitely among the most select surf destinations in the country and in the entire world. At the top of the list of the many spots along the Gold Coast's more than 35 miles of shoreline are the beaches at Kirra, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach and Surfers Paradise. The waves here are nothing short of ideal at many times of the year, with another impressive tube about to roll on through at any moment.

In keeping with the strong beach culture of the Gold Coast, there is a wonderfully efficient and excellently equipped Shark Control Program in place that has helped keep coastal swimmers free of shark attacks for a very long time indeed, at over fifty years by now. These vigilant eyes help keep locals and tourists happy and relaxed, just the way anybody should feel on a nice vacation.

Local favorite spots include such buildings as the Q1 tower, a looming edifice with the second-tallest observation deck in the southern hemisphere, giving a privileged perspective from over 750 feet in the air in all directions. Another landmark, located in the Gold Coast hinterland, is the Lamington National Park, listed by the UN to be a World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity and beauty. Finally, practically every slice of beach happens to be a landmark of its own.

In sum, this is a place with a little something for everybody, and a whole lot more, too! Apparently the 10 million annual tourists that visit the Gold Coast think that way as well, with many of them being Australians themselves...real evidence that this destination is one you can't afford to miss out on.

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