Located in Australia's Sunshine State, the Gold Coast is one of Queensland's gems. With beaches and theme parks right in the city and a rainforest just minutes away, the Gold Coast has it all. Stay in your choice of Gold Coast apartments, and find out what the Gold Coast has to offer.

Australia's Gold Coast has a humid subtropical climate, which makes it a popular destination in both winter and summer. If you visit from June through August, you'll enjoy high temperatures in the low 70s and very little rain. Visit during the summer, and you'll find highs in the low 80s and higher humidity. Summer is the rainy season on the Gold Coast, so keep in mind that thunderstorms might interrupt your beach time. If sunshine is critical for your enjoyment, plan your trip during September, which offers the ideal balance between sunny weather and pleasant temperatures.

If you're flying into the Gold Coast area, book a flight to the Gold Coast Airport or the Brisbane International Airport, just a short drive down the coast. If you'd prefer to go carless, you're in luck. The Gold Coast offers a network of trams and buses, so you can get from most Gold Coast apartments to the area's top attractions. While the transit network can also connect you to nearby cities such as Brisbane, it doesn't offer you many options to explore the hinterland. If you're planning to go hiking or trekking inland, rent a car or book a tour to visit those type of destinations.

Dig into the Gold Coast's legendary surfing history at Surf World Gold Coast. Here you'll see a vast collection of surfboards and you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Learn more about the area's art scene at the Arts Centre Gold Coast, which hosts both visual art exhibitions and theatrical performances. For a bit of adventure, head to the Gold Coast's TreeTop Challenge. Here you can take on more than 100 challenges on a series of courses that span 10 acres. If it's Australian animals you're after, make your way to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas, and spot colorful birds. Experience one of Australia's legendary hikes along the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which is just a short drive inland.

Whether you visit in winter, spring, summer, or fall, there's always something going on along the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Festival of Lights illuminates the area for several weeks during the winter season. The festival boasts light installations, live performances, and more in celebration of Chinese culture. In the fall, the Bleach Festival hosts musical performances, contemporary theater, and visual art on three consecutive weekends. Step back in time at the Gold Coast Renaissance Faire, which takes place in the spring and features medieval entertainment, costumed performers, and family-friendly entertainment.