Known right around the world as one of the most stunning and buzzing cities in Australia, the Gold Coast is a busy coastal city in Southeast Queensland. With gorgeous beaches, a subtropical climate and so much to see and tour, it’s no wonder this major tourist destination is also a hub for international students.
The Gold Coast has a perfect blend of relaxation, education and adventure.
Where is the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is a slice of paradise in the southeastern pocket of Queensland, stretching along several kilometres of pristine coastline. Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane , the state’s capital city, the Gold Coast draws in visitors with its beautiful beaches, high-rise skyline and lush surrounding hinterland. The city itself has a subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
Getting to the Gold Coast is very easy. Gold Coast Airport in Coolangatta takes both domestic and international flights, and connects with most major Australian cities as well as destinations across the Asia-Pacific region. From the airport, you can head into town by taxi, rideshare services, airport shuttle buses, as well as connections via trains and trams.
For those travelling by road, the Gold Coast is accessible via the Pacific Motorway (M1), which runs from Brisbane to the New South Wales border. The journey from Brisbane takes about an hour by car, so plenty of people choose to commute between the two cities for work and living. There are also regular coach services that operate between the Gold Coast and other major cities.
The Gold Coast's public transportation system is efficient and user-friendly, with an extensive network of buses, trams, and trains. The light rail tram network which runs from Helensvale in the north to Broadbeach in southern Gold Coast is a convenient way to access all the key areas. Queensland Rail services connect the Gold Coast to Brisbane and other regional destinations too.
Within the city, cycling is a popular mode of transport, with lots of bike paths and shared pathways available. The Gold Coast City Council also promotes active travel, so you can very easily enjoy the scenic routes while staying active.
Study on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a popular place for international students, with excellent educational facilities and a fantastic learning environment. Home to institutions like Griffith University and Bond University, as well as a TAFE Queensland campus and many other vocational education and training providers, the Gold Coast has a wide range of study opportunities across multiple fields.
Griffith University has its Gold Coast campus in the suburb of Southport, and it’s a popular choice for those studying both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Focus areas include health, business and environmental sciences, but there are plenty more to explore. At Bond University in Robina, you’ll experience the country’s first private not-for-profit university – with an excellent faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast has campuses in Southport, Robina and Coolangatta and offers a wide range of vocational education and training courses, giving students practical skills through industry-relevant courses that prepare them for the workforce. Here you’ll get plenty of hands-on learning needed to excel in your chosen career.
Studying on the Gold Coast has that ideal blend of academic excellence and a high quality of life. The city itself is very multicultural, so international students are always welcomed and supported during their stay. You’ll also find ample student services like academic support and counselling to help you integrate into the local community more easily.
Living on the Gold Coast while studying means you get to enjoy the stunning beaches and exciting nightlife all year round. Plus if you enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, there are so many nearby locations for surfing, hiking and exploring the hinterland.
What to do on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is brimming with activities and places to explore – from iconic landmarks to getting fit outdoors. Here are just a few of the exciting things to do on the Gold Coast.
Top attractions
Visit Surfers Paradise for its unmatched beach scene, shopping and nightlife. For family fun and popular tourist attractions, there are plenty of nearby theme parks like Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet‘n’Wild and Warner Bros Movie World. Also don’t miss the SkyPoint Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city and coastline, then cap off your night with the entertaining Australian Outback Spectacular.
Outdoor escapes
For nature lovers, the Gold Coast Hinterland is packed with national parks like Lamington and Springbrook, perfect for hiking and picnicking. Burleigh Heads National Park has excellent coastal walks and lookouts, while the Broadwater Parklands is great for a relaxing day by the water with picnic areas and playgrounds. You can also head out onto the beautiful Pacific Ocean where you might even spot a whale or two!
Restaurants and bars
Head to the beachfront restaurants along Main Beach and Broadbeach for fresh seafood and ocean views. All along the strip you’ll find trendy cafes as well as heaps of bars and eateries for a fun night out. For a unique dining experience, visit the night markets at Miami Marketta where you can taste street food from around the world while enjoying live entertainment.
Events and festivals
The Gold Coast is home to a huge calendar of events and festivals throughout the year. The Gold Coast 500 is a thrilling motor racing event held on the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit. The Blues on Broadbeach music festival and the Gold Coast Film Festival also attract music and film enthusiasts from around the world. Other popular events include the Swell Sculpture Festival and the Gold Coast Marathon.
Arts and culture
Home of the Arts (HOTA) is the cultural hub of the Gold Coast, with frequent art exhibitions, theatre performances, outdoor concerts and more. The annual BLEACH Festival celebrates the city’s creative spirit and incredible landscape, while Surface Festival takes over the streets of Miami for outdoor urban street art, murals and more.
Living on the Gold Coast
Life is never boring on the vibrant Gold Coast, with a fantastic lifestyle on offer that includes golden beaches, endless outdoor activities and a perfect warm climate. The city has excellent healthcare and education facilities, as well as multicultural suburbs with plenty of Gold Coast accommodation options. Plus, for international students there are some amazing opportunities for study and careers – it's known as 'paradise country' for a reason.
Whether you are here to study, work or visit, it’s time to start enjoying the endless opportunities that await on the Gold Coast.