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The Gold Coast
Per population the gold coast has the 6th largest population of any Australian city, even more than 2 of our capital cities. Surprisingly the Gold Coast had a late start in developing, no one really settled on the Gold Coast until the early 1900's. Even then it was until the 1950's when the Gold Coast region really took off with a post world war II real estate boom. It was around this time that the name of the region officially changed to the GOLD COAST.
The earlist settlers didn't settle by the beach surprisingly but at Nerang (about 10 kms west) where there was better soil to grow crops.
Today we have a population of around 450,000 council quotes that in 15 years we will have increased to 700,000.
| From humble beginnings the Gold Coast can now boast being a leader in a number of Australia industries, Tourism, Marine and Boating, Television and Film with more universities per capita then any other Australian City. The Gold Coast is Australia’s most biologically diverse city, home to the “worlds largest” subtropical rainforest, 70km of pristine coastline with Australia’s largest professional life guard service protecting us. Each year the Gold Coast attracts over 700,000 “overseas” visitors, and has one of the highest conference participation rates.
No wonder the Gold Coast has been officially identified as one of the most desirable places in the world to live, after being ranked on political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health. |
Broadbeach 1966
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No wonder the Gold Coast has been officially identified as one of the most desirable places in the world to live, after being ranked on political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health.
Transport
The region is served by Gold Coast International Airport, with frequent domestic services from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart, and International services from New Zealand, Japan and Asia. Brisbane's International Airport also provides links with the USA and Europe.
Gold Coast Airport has undergone refurbishment, which has positioned it as the South Pacific's leading leisure destination. With the recent opening of the 8 - 10 lane M1 motrorway Brisbane has become just a 45 minute drive away (Less than what a lot of others take to get to work)
Environment
In 1998, research highlighted that Gold Coast City is the most biologically-diverse city in Australia. Its vegetation ranges from mountain rainforest to coastal wetlands and is home to more than:
34 species of amphibians
323 birds,
72 manmals
71 reptiles
25 species of fish.
Attractions and features
Gold Coast City is a dynamic city with a wide variety of built and natural attractions including:
70 kilometres of beaches with an average water temperature of 22 degrees
A large broadwater and five major river systems
Major shopping centres as well as numerous boutiques, specialty shops and markets
More than 500 restaurants and cafes offering cuisine from around the world
Nightlife entertainment from nightclubs, restaurants, clubs, hotels and Conrad Jupiters Casino to Broadway musicals, ballet and theatre
Theme parks including Warner Bros. Movie World , Sea World , Dreamworld and Wet ‘n' Wild as well as several wildlife parks such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Rural hinterland stretching to the west and north of the City encompassing many natural wetlands
Tropical rainforest with abundant wildlife and numerous bush walks
Large sugar cane farms and a wealth of industry in the northern districts of the City
World-class sporting and recreational facilities
A huge range of accommodation from five-star international resorts to camping grounds
The Gold Coast Seaway providing safe ocean access and over 270 kilometres of navigable waterways.
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