Gold Coast Facts

Facts about the Gold Coast  - The Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate with plenty of sunshine year round (in fact an average of 300 days a year). Summer temperatures range from 19 to 29 degrees Celsius. Winter temperatures range from an average of 12 to 21 degrees Celsius - it's no wonder the Gold Coast is Australia's favourite playground.

Suitable Clothing What to Wear  -  Easy resort wear and lightweight clothing is suitable attire for the Gold Coast's sub-tropical climate. You may need a jacket or pullover in the evening. If you are planning to go bushwalking through the National Parks, a sturdy pair of comfortable hiking shoes are a must. If you are going to be spending time on the beach, wear sun protective clothing, a broad brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to save you from getting too much sun.

Sun Safety  -  The sun in Australia is intense and caution should be taken when spending long periods of time outdoors.

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection
• Wear a hat and a long sleeved shirt (remember that if you can see through the clothing the sun will also get through)
• Take extra precautions between 10am and 3pm when the sun's rays are most damaging
• Apply sun-screen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15+ or more every few hours, more frequently if you are swimming.

Beach Safety  -  Many of our beaches are quite long making it difficult if not impossible to patrol their entire length. The SLSC of Australia does an excellent job of patrolling our beaches and bathers should always listen to their advice with regard to safe swimming zones. You should always swim on patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags and co-operate with the directions of the lifeguards on duty.

Some Beach Safety Tips

• Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers.
• Swim between the red and yellow flags, they mark the safest areas to swim.
• Always swim under supervision. Or with a friend.
• Read and obey the signs. If you are unsure of conditions, ask a lifesaver.
• Don't swim directly after a meal. Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Conditions change regularly, check before you enter the water.
• If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
• Float with a rip current or undertow. Do not swim against it.

Shopping on the Gold Coast  -  The Gold Coast offers a fantastic range of shopping experiences, from resort / themed shopping villages to large variety-filled shopping centres, designer boutique stores, elegant arcades or beachside art and local craft markets. 

Late night shopping is a pleasure along Orchid and Elkhorn Avenues which are graced with names like Cartier, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Shops along this strip are generally open until 9pm each night.

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre  -  Located just south of Surfers Paradise at Broadbeach, Pacific Fair is home to many of Australia's best retailers, with over 300 specialty retailers and a vast of fashion and accessory stores, restaurants, cafes and a Food Court.

Harbour Town -  Harbour Town is lined with stylish, beautifully appointed stores selling quality merchandise, including store label stock made specifically for brand direct sale and first quality end of season lines. Harbour Town boasts Australia's first purpose-built outlet shopping precinct in a major regional shopping centre. Harbour Town is also home to the Gold Coast's largest cinema complex showing the latest movies on 14 screens.

The Oasis Shopping Centre - Over 100 specialty stores in Broadbeach offering choices in gifts, homewares, fashion plus the added convenience of a Woolworths supermarket. There are a range of cosmopolitan restaurants or cafes everyday or night of the week. 

Australia Fair  -  Situated in the heart of Queensland’s Gold Coast 2 km north of Surfers Paradise, directly opposite the Southport Broadwater. Over 220 specialty stores with majors including Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Best & Less as well as Birch Carroll & Coyle cinemas and a range of services such as Australia Post, Medicare and RACQ.

Markets  -  The Gold Coast is well known for its sensational shopping and the weekly markets in and around the region provide shoppers with an opportunity to purchase handmade local arts and crafts, a wide variety of fresh produce and delicious food.

Carrara Markets  -  Every Saturday & Sunday - Nerang Broadbeach Rd.

International Market Place  -  Every Saturday & Sunday - Trade Centre South Port

Broadbeach Markets  -  1st and 3rd Sunday of the month - Kurrawa Park.

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market  -  Every Wednesday & Friday night - The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise.

Tamborine Mountain Country Markets  -  2nd Sunday of the month - Showgrounds

Coolangatta Markets  -  2nd Sunday of the month - Marine Parade NB: Also on the 4th Sunday in 5 week months

Burleigh Heads Markets  -  4th Sunday of the month - Beachfront NB: 5th Sunday in 5 week months

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Farmers' Market   -  6am to 11am every Saturday of the month - Tomewin Street

Banora Point Farmers' Market  -  7am to 11am on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month. - Club Banora, Leisure Drive

Mudgeeraba Farmers Market  -  2nd & 4th Saturday of the month – Showgrounds
 

• Beach

• Outdoor Pool

• Surfing

• Swimming

• Tennis