The Gold Coast, Australia, is a major tourist destination. The city is home to world-class surfing beaches, a skyline dominated by high-rise buildings, and a rainforest hinterland. It has a long history of settlement and is a hub for the nation’s entertainment industry. Historically, Europeans first visited the area in 1823. Since then, the area has experienced rapid socioeconomic change. Today, the city is primarily known as a tourist destination with a distinctive culture driven by tourism and local residents.
The Gold Coast is also home to several television stations, including ABC and SBS. Seven News and Nine News both produce half-hour local bulletins, which air as opt-outs on their respective metropolitan stations. The city also has many commercial television stations, including WIN Television and NBN Television. WIN Television, the Gold Coast’s regional station, produces and airs local news updates throughout the day.
Residents of Gold Coast often use their vehicles to get to work, and the city has an extensive arterial road system to link the city’s coastal and inland suburbs. Local and state governments have invested in infrastructure to improve transportation on the Gold Coast. The city also has a public transportation network with a broad range of options, including buses, heavy rail, and the newly built Light Rail.
In addition to its popular beaches, the city is home to several national parks and other attractions. The region is also known for its numerous man-made canals. Some of these waterways have beaches that are popular for surfing. The city is also home to a number of popular inland destinations, including Southport, Budds Beach, and Marine Stadium.
For panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, SkyPoint Observation Deck is a must-see. Located on the 77th floor of the iconic Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, this observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city and the Hinterland. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try a SkyPoint Climb.
Although the city has a conservative political tilt, the state’s population has become increasingly urban and liberal. The Country Party’s traditional stronghold in the first three decades of the post-World War II era has been replaced by a Liberal stronghold. While Labor has historically done well in some areas, such as Labrador and Coolangatta, it has been less competitive in this region. In the last state election, the Liberal National Party won all of the seats.
Throughout the year, the city is home to a variety of sporting events. The ASP World Tour, which features world-class surfers, is held early in the city. The Quiksilver Pro at Coolangatta is also held each year. The city’s beaches are popular locations for world-class surfing.
One of the most impressive places to see the city’s skyline is Springbrook Mountain. It was once a barrier between the west and east branches of the Little Nerang Creek. Pioneers attempted to follow the ridges trail to the mountain but were obstructed by the mountain. Then, a road was built to curve around the mountain. The road is now a heritage road, and the only access to the mountain is by the road that wraps around it.