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Gold Coast Skyline

Gold Coast Vacations

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Settle in to the Surf culture

Discover the Gold Coast’s world-famous beaches, rainforest retreats, and coastal road trips on your Queensland holiday.

The Gold Coast is more than just sun and surf – it’s a playground of beaches, nature, and coastal culture. From catching waves at Surfers Paradise to strolling along the oceanfront esplanade, there’s a mix of adventure and relaxation for every traveller. Beyond the beach, you can explore vibrant dining and shopping precincts, enjoy arts and entertainment, or venture inland to rainforests and scenic trails. With so much on offer, the Gold Coast blends classic holiday fun with unique experiences just waiting to be discovered.

Gold Coast attractions

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's most iconic holiday destinations, known for its long golden beaches, rolling surf, and relaxed lifestyle. At its heart is Surfers Paradise, a lively hub of beach culture where you can swim, surf, or simply enjoy the oceanfront atmosphere. Beyond the shoreline, the Gold Coast offers excellent dining, shopping, and a vibrant arts scene. Families and thrill-seekers can enjoy world-class theme parks like Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Sea World, while nature lovers can explore the coastal hinterland, Lamington National Park, or the picturesque Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. There’s truly something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to laid-back beachside relaxation.

Road Trips from Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is perfectly placed for day trips, and one of the most rewarding is the scenic drive down to Byron Bay. This coastal town is famous for its laid-back vibe, lighthouse views, and whale watching opportunities during the migration season. The journey itself is part of the appeal, with picturesque beaches and small coastal towns along the way.

Queensland's Rainforest Retreats

Just inland, Lamington National Park offers a completely different side of the Gold Coast. Here you’ll find lush rainforests, ancient trees, and walking trails filled with birdlife. A highlight for families is staying at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, a lodge that combines comfortable accommodation with easy access to nature-based adventures, canopy walks, and wildlife encounters.

Best Time to Visit the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast enjoys a subtropical climate, making it a year-round destination. Summer (December to February) brings hot weather and lively surf, while autumn and spring are ideal for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is a particularly good time for whale watching along the coast.

Trips in Gold Coast

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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