Gold Coast promises to be a happening holiday spot for most tourists and visitors from across the world. The Gold Coast city gets thousands of tourists every year and is considered a hub for tourism in the entire Queensland state. The Gold Coast is home to several unique aspects which make it more enjoyable for tourists. Firstly, this is one of the few cities in Australia to possess a mindboggling 100, 00 hectares of natural reserves and flora and fauna. Thereafter, there are some gorgeous beaches, canals, inland waterways and other attractions like theme parks, restaurants and golf courses. This is a complete city in itself and has witnessed huge real estate development and a business boom over the last few years. The Gold Coast city possesses multiple tourist attractions and is well set to be one of Australia's fastest growing cities in terms of tourism, business and economic growth. Tourism pumps approximately $4.4 billion into the local economy every year courtesy 10 million yearly visitors on an average. This is why there are innumerable things to do in the Gold Coast for true connoisseurs of adventure and natural beauty.
You can definitely take a look at the Surfers Paradise market which sets up every Friday, Wednesday and Sunday night. This is a major hotspot for all those looking for some delectable bargains on a variety of accessories, fashion, jewellery, artwork, home ware, photographs and beauty products. There are several beach front markets that are also thronged by locals and tourists alike. The Surfers Paradise Foreshore is where you should be going in this regard.
Infinity is another huge attraction which offers visitors journeys into futuristic, stunning, maze-like wonderful worlds. This interactive theme park offers more than 20 multi-sensual interactive experiences and environments peopled by atmospheric sound fields, special illusions, music and some fantastic special effects. This interactive experience is a fabulous family entertainer and an unparalleled group building activity.
One of Gold Coast's biggest attractions for tourists, Infinity offers several time leaps into amazing worlds including The Cyclotron, Electron Maze, Inter-Dimensional Space and Laser Zone among many others. This lies in the heart of Surfers Paradise and comes with special facilities like assistance for the disabled, convention facilities, parking facilities and more. If you're in the mood for some more fun, you should definitely look no further than the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk which extends over one and a half kilometres over rainforests courtesy the Skywalk Bridge, Cedar Creek Viewing Platform and the Skywalk Cantilever. This skywalk is accessible from the well known Eco centre. This walk will give you direct views of the beauty and mystique of the rainforests in a thrilling yet safe manner. The entire walk will cover around 45 minutes and the Eco centre comprises of a gift shop and cafe as well. The hinterland which serves as the setting for the skywalk lie around 45 minutes away from Surfers Paradise while the Brisbane International Airport lies around 60 minutes away from it.
Dream world is one of Australia's biggest theme parks and possesses more than 50 rides in all. There are multiple attractions on offer for toddlers and adults alike. There are more than 9 rides at this theme park including the fabulous Tail Spin ride. Families should certainly throng the DreamWorks Experience which offers magical memories with Madagascar Madness, Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness and Shrek's Faire Faire Away among others. Wiggles World is also a must visit for kids and their families. This theme park offers a medley of adventure rides, iconic characters, live shows and several other attractions. Rush Country is another classic experience along with the Rocky Hollow Log Ride, Thunder River Rapids and the AVIS Vintage Cars rides. You can even have a date with Bengal and Sumatran Tigers at Tiger Island and experience native wildlife like never before.
There are more than 13, 000 guest rooms in the region including back packer hostels and five star resorts along with self contained apartments. Some major attractions include the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Wet n Wild Water World, Sea World, David Fleav Wildlife Park, White Water World and the Australian Outback Spectacular along with Paradise Country. The Q1 building is the highest residential tower in the country and the fifth highest in the world. This offers a fantastic public viewing point at level 77 and tourists can observe both Byron Bay and Brisbane with aplomb courtesy the same. The observation deck is 755 feet high and the spire extends for another hundred meters as well. The Surfers Paradise Meter Maids is another attraction where the Maids dispense parking coins or leave cards under vehicle wipers. Music lovers can check out several festivals and other concerts that keep happening in the city throughout the year.
The Arts Centre is another major attraction and plays host to several leading theatre groups and film festivals. There are two cinemas and a performance theatre here along with The Basement which is an underground performance area. There are several sports and recreation facilities in the city as well. The Gold Coast city offers a melange of delightful experiences for tourists and travellers alike. From food and local culture to beaches, surfing, theme parks, natural reserves and festivals, there is a lot in store for those truly willing to explore the hidden sides to this otherwise beautiful city. The theme parks are the biggest attractions for families wishing to spend some thrilling and memorable moments with their kids. As a result, there are proposals for the development of more such parks in the near future.
Many new national parks are also set to be developed here in the near future as per proposals submitted by several agencies and organizations. The city is set to host the Commonwealth Games in the year 2018 and several new tourist attractions are being developed for the purpose including an all new Cultural Precinct as well. The Games have generated huge tourist attention and will definitely boost the standing of the city as one of Australia's foremost tourist spots.