The Gold Coast is located in Queensland, Australia. It lies south-southeast of the capital Brisbane and immediately north of the border with New South Wales. It is the second largest city in the state and is the sixth largest city in Australia. As of June 2018, it had a population of 679,127. The city is separated from the city of Brisbane by the Albert River.
Until 1823, the region was virtually uninhabited by Europeans. It was not until John Oxley landed on Mermaid Beach in 1823 that the first European settlements were established. Several settlers began arriving in the area and the region became famous for its red cedar trees. The area became a popular holiday spot for residents of the nearby city of Brisbane. This city grew into a major tourist attraction in the 1980s, becoming the second most populated local government in Australia.
The Gold Coast is home to many popular attractions. There are beaches, golf courses, and amusement parks. Surfers Paradise is a popular tourist destination, with many activities available year-round. The City of Gold Coast has 14 elected councillors. Each councillor represents a division of the city. The current mayor is businessman Tom Tate. Other past mayors of the city include Gary Baildon, Lex Bell, Ray Stevens, and Ern Harley.
The hinterland of the Gold Coast is another major attraction. In addition to the beaches, this region also has rainforest and mountains. Several national parks are located here, as well as many other national and state parks. There are also scenic drives and mountain resorts to explore. The area is mostly subtropical rainforest, but a small portion has been cleared for dairy farms and wineries. It is popular with day-trippers and bushwalkers.
The Surfside Buslines is the main public transport provider in the area. It is part of the Translink network, which coordinates public transport services in South East Queensland. Buses run frequently during the day and take as little as 5 minutes to travel between Burleigh Heads and Southport. It uses a Ticketless system that lets users deposit and spend as they travel.
The Gold Coast is home to the largest professional surf lifesaving service in Australia. This service promotes surf safety and helps keep swimmers safe. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries also carries out the Queensland Shark Control Program, which involves baited drumlines and nets. Sharks can range within sight of patrolled beaches, but lifeguards will always clear swimmers once they feel safe.
The Gold Coast is also home to several universities and colleges. Griffith University is located in Southport, while Bond University is located in Robina. Another university in the area, Southern Cross University, operates a smaller campus near the airport. There are also many public libraries in the area. The Gold Coast Institute of Technical and Further Education has five campuses. However, not all of them offer the same programs. The Gold Coast has plenty to offer for everyone.
The Gold Coast is one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The city is known for its playas, high-profile attractions, and nocturnal wildlife. The area is also a major part of Australia’s entertainment industry. It has its own cinema and television industry. It recently hosted the XXI Mancomunity Games in April 2018.