This upbeat, high-rise tourist strip is an hour's drive south of Brisbane. The area spans 70 kms of the Queensland coastline, with principal attractions being Surfers Paradise (the coast's hub of accommodation, shopping and nightlife), beaches (including Palm Beach, Coolangatta and Broadbeach) plus a big choice of theme parks.

More than 20 surfing beaches are patrolled by surf lifesavers and form the backdrop for activities ranging from swimming, sailing and boating to surfing and windsurfing.