Gold Coast, Australia

Geography

Gold Coast is a coastal city in the Australian state of Queensland, located approximately 66 kilometres south-southeast of the state capital Brisbane and immediately north of the border with New South Wales. It is the sixth-largest city in Australia, making it the largest non-capital city, and Queensland's second-largest city.

A panoramic view of Gold Coast city skyline with the ocean in the foreground.

Gold Coast is known for its sunny subtropical climate, surfing beaches, canal and waterway systems, its high-rise dominated skyline, theme parks, nightlife, and rainforest hinterland. The city is part of the nation's entertainment industry with television productions and a major film industry. The city hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games which ran from 4 to 15 April 2018.

History

The Gold Coast region was first settled by Europeans in 1823 when explorer John Oxley landed at Mermaid Beach. The city's name comes from the perceived rags-to-riches value of such a prime real estate location. Southport was surveyed and established as a resort town on the Gold Coast and is now one of the larger suburbs and a major business district of Gold Coast City.

A view of Southport suburb with its modern buildings and a park.

Economy

Gold Coast City's gross regional product was AUD$25.2 billion in the year ending June 2013, a rise of 4% on the previous year. The Gold Coast economy is diversified, with construction, education, tourism, and retail being major sectors. The Gold Coast is the largest regional economy in Australia after the capital cities.

Tourism

Tourism is Gold Coast City's main industry with over 10 million visitors a year. The city is renowned for its sunny subtropical climate, popular surfing beaches, broadwater and canal systems, a skyline dominated by high-rise apartment buildings, theme parks, nightlife, and rainforest hinterland.

A view of Surfers Paradise beach with high-rise buildings in the background.

Education

Gold Coast is home to some of Queensland's most prestigious schools, including The Southport School and St Hilda's School. The city is also home to several universities, including Griffith University, Bond University and the Gold Coast campus of Southern Cross University.

Culture

Gold Coast has a vibrant cultural scene. The city is known for its music scene and has produced several successful bands and musicians. The city is also home to several major film festivals, including the Gold Coast Film Festival and the Gold Coast Indie Film and TV Network.

A concert happening in an open-air venue in Gold Coast.

Sport

Sport is a significant part of Gold Coast culture. The city has several professional sports teams, including the Gold Coast Titans (NRL), Gold Coast Suns (AFL), and Gold Coast United FC (soccer). The city also hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games.