The Gold Coast theme parks make it a popular destination for families

The most famous Gold Coast sights are actually just a taste of all the attractions in the region. The bustling tourist centers of the Gold Coast run in a narrow band between the 43 miles (70km) of coastline and the enormous World Heritage listed rainforests, almost 250,000 acres (100,000 hectares) in all. Even long time Gold Coast residents rarely experience all this world renowned vacation paradise has to offer.

The Gold Coast theme parks make it Australia's most popular destination for families. Some of the larger parks include Dreamworld, Sea World, and Warner Bros. Movie World. Equally exciting and lavish theme parks on the Gold Coast include the water parks, Wet 'n' Wild and White Water World and the Australian Outback Spectacular, which gives visitors a taste of the great Australian Outback.

Backpackers, school graduates, surfers and other younger visitors come to the Gold Coast in droves. The nightlife in Surfers Paradise is legendary and those in the know have trouble keeping up with all the live acts that play in the pubs and clubs up and down the Gold Coast, from Coolangatta to Currumbin.

During the daylight hours, everybody flocks to the Gold Coast beaches. With so many to choose from, there is a beach (or two) for everybody’s tastes. Surfers don't need to be told about the Gold Coast: it is as well known as Hawaii for having some of the best and most challenging waves in the world.

One Gold Coast attraction that is in the heart of all the action, yet a world apart is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This world class sanctuary began as a bird sanctuary, but has expanded to include the largest and most diverse collection of Australian indigenous wildlife in the world. Everyone loves this magical wildlife sanctuary that rests in the center of the Gold Coast.

Believe it or not, as spectacular as the larger theme parks are, they are just scratching the surface of Gold Coast attractions. There are also thrill rides and Dracula’s Haunted House for younger visitors, whale watching tours for the whole family and the amazing Infinity maze, right in the heart of the Gold Coast.

If all the activity becomes overwhelming and you feel like you need some down time, then head for the hills. The Gold Coast hinterland is just the remedy you need. Wander through a quaint country village, take a hike down to a refreshing waterfall in a National Park or just take a slow, relaxing drive in the country. By the end of the day, you will feel renewed and refreshed.

If you thought that the Gold Coast was all about beaches and theme parks, you are in for a surprise. The Gold Coast has everything you could possibly want for the vacation of a lifetime. Instead of making it a quick trip, plan ahead and book into a Gold Coast accommodation for an extended stay. You won’t see it all, but you will get enough of a taste of the Gold Coast to make you want to return again and again.

Take a few days off, find gold coast family holiday apartments, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.