The Gold Coast is a metropolitan region south of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. It’s famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and elaborate system of inland canals and waterways. It’s also home to theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. Inland, hiking trails crisscross Lamington National Park’s mountain ridges and valleys, home to rare birds and rainforest.

The Q1 building with its SkyPoint observation deck towers over Surfers Paradise beach, which has a vibrant nightlife scene, a beachfront market and casinos. Main Beach’s shops and restaurants lie along Tedder Avenue. Hotels line the canal system, which has its own inland beaches, such as Budds Beach. Surf breaks such as Snapper Rocks and Burleigh Heads are among the most popular in the country. The David Fleay Wildlife Park protects emus,