A complete guide to iconic places. Sightseeing in Gold Coast - things to see

The Gold Coast is a sunny, subtropical coastal city in the Australian state of Queensland that is internationally renowned for its 57 kilometers of white sand beaches for swimming and surfing.

Apart from the beaches, the Gold Coast is also known for its world-class theme parks. Water lovers will be delighted to visit local water parks with extreme slides, Warner Bros. Movie World is perfect for families with children, thanks to the abundance of attractions and the opportunity to meet characters from your favorite cartoons. Dreamworld Park is suitable for adventure seekers.

This popular place relaxation, inextricably linked with fun, sun, surf, sand with an abundance of subtropical green mountain areas.

You can get to the city from the Gold Coast Airport, located on the southern part of the Gold Coast in Coolangatta, about 40 minutes drive from the Surfers - Paradise beaches. Brisbane airport is a major international airport, which connects Queensland and Australia with many other parts of the world. From Brisbane Airport, you can reach the Gold Coast in about an hour by car or 90 minutes by train.

History of the Gold Coast

The natives called the Gold Coast area Kurrungul, due to the abundance of hardwood trees suitable for making boomerangs.

James Cook became the first European to spot the region while sailing along the coast in 1770. Captain Matthew Flinders, who was exploring the continent north of New South Wales, sailed by in 1802. The region remained uninhabited by Europeans until 1823, when the explorer John Oxley landed on its shores. Red cedar growing in the hinterland attracted Europeans to these areas in the mid 19th century. Timber was tied to rafts and floated down the rivers to the sea. sailing ships. These ships moored at the Neranga and Oxenford rivers. The west bank of the Neranga became an industrial region, and by 1875 Southport had been surveyed and quickly gained a reputation as a secluded holiday destination for wealthy Brisbane residents. Over time, the areas of the Gold Coast were overgrown with farms and filled with fields of sugar cane. Rum was a by-product of the sugar industry. Oyster farming and fishing developed in the Broadwater area.

Another settler set up a ferry service to bring visitors to the area. He built in 1888 beach hotel on the south side of the Narang River to accommodate the people brought by his ferry. In 1923, James Cavill built the Surfers Paradise Hotel in the area known as Alston. The land was purchased for only 80 dollars, and shortly before his death, the site was already worth 377 thousand. In 1933, the area was named after the hotel. But it wasn't until the mid-20th century that Surfers Paradise became a popular recreation center for servicemen and their families returning from the fronts of World War II. Since then Gold Coast stores its positions as excellent tourist place. Now the Gold Coast area is considered the fastest growing region of the country.

Attractions Gold Coast

Despite the fact that the Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, there are many other places in the region where you can enjoy the local unique nature. In the mountains, you can find excellent hiking trails with waterfalls and freshwater reservoirs in the Currumbin Valley. Springbrook National Park - will surprise travelers with an abundance of birds and animals. It is also interesting to visit the islands of the northern Gold Coast, which can be reached by ferry. local wild nature gives you the opportunity to meet amazing wallabies and unique lizards.

A large number of festivals, cultural events, shows and sports tournaments are held annually on the Gold Coast, including the film festival, the Quiksilver Pro surfer competition.

Gold Coast Hinterland Heritage Museum

This unique place, full of rare historical materials, reflecting the growth and development of the hinterland of the Gold Coast. Museum cultural heritage Gold Coast, located in the suburbs of Madjirab.

The museum sought to recreate the life of the first European settlers of Australia. It contains several historically significant buildings, including the Franklin House, Train Station Neranga, cream barn and police station. All these buildings have been carefully restored.

Gold Coast Art Center

Arts Center - Main Cultural Center Gold Coast, which represents the visual and performing arts in South East Queensland. The complex includes the Arts Theatre, the Gold Coast City Gallery, two cinemas and a café. The Arts Center was officially opened in December 1986. Its gallery houses the city's famous collection of contemporary and historical works.

First skyscraper Q1

It is the first skyscraper built on the Gold Coast. In 1998, the Anderson family purchased property in the center of Surfers Paradise and in 2002 construction began on this unique 322.5 meter building, now known as Queensland Number One. Since viewing platforms of this giant, stunning panoramic views of the entire Gold Coast are available for viewing. The cost of the project is about 255 million US dollars. Its spire is made of glass and steel and reaches a height of 97.7 meters. The illuminated spire is visible at a distance of 200 kilometers.

Not far from Tula, there is a unique complex called the Golden City. It is a real Kitay-gorod, which is located right in the Tula region. The complex includes a hotel, a restaurant and a spa center, and is made entirely in traditional Chinese style. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail: the decoration of buildings, interior details, the layout of buildings. And in the aggregate, it allows you to touch the culture and history of the Celestial Empire during the Ming era, and plunge into the atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.

Some of the hotel buildings are real architectural masterpieces. For example, one of the buildings of the complex is built in the style Chinese palace. It is decorated with an exquisite carved turret, which houses rooms for tea ceremonies. Tourists in Kitai-Gorod near Tula are attracted primarily by the combination of ancient traditions of antiquity (even the staff is dressed in) with modern comfort. In the hotel you can relax not only with your soul, but also with your body. Enjoying the peaceful views and national decor elements, you can get a full range of high-class spa treatments.

The hotel area is also conducive to long quiet walks. Traditional Chinese pavilions, fountains, small stone bridges, landscape design details: all this will help you feel the ancient China right in the Tula region.

Food and entertainment

The restaurant of the hotel "Golden City" offers its guests not only to enjoy real Chinese cuisine (only real ones are eaten in it), but also to try Indian, Ayurvedic and European dishes prepared by the best chefs.

Among active entertainment paintball, fishing and sports games are presented in Kitay-Gorod, Tula. For those who like to meditate with a fishing rod, the hotel staff will provide all the necessary equipment for fishing. A small quiet pond nearby will give you the opportunity to catch carp, crucian carp and perch. Those who prefer more movement can take free time playing paintball, basketball, volleyball, football, badminton or table tennis. Or go explore the area by bike.

Services

Kitai-gorod Tula is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy pleasant and wellness treatments or participate in a real tea ceremony.

The complex "Golden City" provides its guests with the opportunity to practice traditional yoga with experienced teachers. Masters are ready to create individual meditation programs to help balance inner self-awareness.

At the hotel, you can also relax your body with relaxing massage sessions based on Indian techniques, or Ayurvedic treatments that have a beneficial effect on the whole body. During the stay in the Golden City, Ayurvedic doctors can create an individual course of procedures and spa-therapy sessions for guests that meets all the needs of the client.

Tea ceremonies in the traditional style will not only help you relax, but also discover a lot of new things. Experts will be happy to tell you about the history of tea, about the methods of its preparation, about different varieties and differences between them. Visitors to the complex will be able to prepare the famous drink themselves and feel the atmosphere of China right near Tula, while enjoying freshly brewed Chinese tea.

In addition, the "Golden City" provides an opportunity to ride around the territories adjacent to the complex on horseback. Guests can choose to walk with an instructor on the territory of the equestrian part or cross-country. For those who are not yet familiar with the art of horse riding, training lessons are provided.

How to get there?

The unusual Kitay-gorod is located at the address: Tula region, Venevsky district, s. Petropavlovskoye, st. Stepnaya, 19. Consider how to get to Kitay-gorod Tula by car. The complex is located on the 198th kilometer of the Moscow-Don highway (M4). You must exit the highway at the sign "p. Sergiev 1".

The city of Gold Coast is located. It is a favorite resort for the indigenous population and numerous foreigners due to the huge number of magnificent beaches and theme parks.

A bit of Gold Coast history

Initially, the territory of the modern Gold Coast was inhabited by the Yugambe aboriginal tribes. In 1770, the continent was first visited by people from Europe, led by Captain James Cook. This event was marked by the resettlement of Europeans in a new, uninhabited land. The next important step in the development of the city was the construction of a holiday home, which was carried out in 1885 by the governor of the state, Anthony Musgrave, thereby giving life to tourism in these places. By 1889, the region had acquired a railroad, which led to a sharp increase in the city's population. The rise of the Gold Coast as Australia's tourism center came in 1925, when a coastal road was opened connecting the city to the more developed Brisbane and Southport. In 1935, a significant part of the coast near the Gold Coast was built up with hotels and hotels, tourists began to come to the city not only from Australia, but also from other countries.

Climate and weather in the Gold Coast

The proximity of the Coral Sea is reflected in the climate of the Gold Coast, which is subtropical: hot summers with high rainfall and mild warm winters. Most high temperatures are noted in January and February, when thermometers fix a mark of + 32 ° C, while it often rains, accompanied by storms and thunderstorms. The coldest time in the Gold Coast is in June and July, when the ambient temperature does not exceed + 15°C. And already in August its sharp jump is noted. Precipitation at this time is rare. You can visit the city in any season, the main thing is to determine the purpose of the visit.

Attractions Gold Coast

The main attractions of the city of Gold Coast in Australia are various theme parks. Let's talk about the most unusual and interesting.

Opened in 1971, it invites visitors to explore sea ​​world planets, as well as many attractions and entertainment using pyrotechnics, optical illusions, excellent work of stuntmen and animators. If you wish, you can visit the water park, equipped with a swimming pool and multi-level slides.

It is the best on the continent and boasts rides, first-class roller coasters, water slides and a giant Ferris wheel that offers views of the Gold Coast and the surrounding area. Tourists can take a walk through the eucalyptus forest, feed and caress its inhabitants: koalas and kangaroos. In addition, there is the opportunity to go on a trip on a steamboat, walk along the old cable car, drive along railway built in the 19th century. Fans of extreme sports will appreciate the 605-meter-high motorcycle jump and the Tower of Horror attraction, which offers a jump from a 40-story building.

Reminds a factory that is busy making film products. Visitors are involved in the filming process, become participants in street performances using recognizable cartoon characters, and learn the secrets of directing. In addition, attractions are equipped on the territory of the park: karting, jumps, roller coasters.


Water park "Wet'n Wild Water World" offers visitors all kinds of entertainment on the water. The park has 15 water slides, 4 pools, themed attractions that can impress anyone.


Near the Gold Coast is located, the main feature of which is considered to be unique nature, rare and endangered plants and animals.

Entertainment and recreation

Perhaps the most favorite vacation in the Gold Coast is the beach. The coast of the city is dotted with magnificent recreation areas with white sand and clear water. The most famous beaches are considered to be Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broad Beach. On the territory adjacent to them, luxury hotels, delightful shopping centers, casinos and everything you need for an unforgettable vacation have been built.


Leisure in the Gold Coast is represented by surfing, windsurfing, bungee jumping, paraflying, water skiing. There are golf courses. The greatest popularity belongs to Sanctuary Cove.


As for excursions, there are many in the city and beyond. interesting places must-sees, such as:

  • park-plantation "Big Pineapple", where tropical fruits grow;
  • Fraser Island - object world heritage UNESCO;
  • , which preserved the first churches of Australia, tropical gardens, huge parks.

Nightlife on the Gold Coast is vibrant and diverse. Being the tourist center of Australia, the city is dotted with nightclubs, bars, open-air discos, which makes the Gold Coast especially attractive to young people.

Accommodation in the city

Accommodation in the Gold Coast will be comfortable, and the search for suitable housing will not take much time, because more than 400 hotels, inns, villas, apartments, guest houses have been built in the city. The best hotels On the Gold Coast, Sheraton Mirage and Palazzo Versace are named, offering a wide range of services and distinguished by luxury and sophistication in everything. Guests who want privacy and the safety of their budget can pick up lesser-known hotels.


The Gold Coast is full of restaurants and cafes where you can have a quick bite to eat or spend the whole evening enjoying a pleasant environment and delicious dishes. The most popular belongs to Verve Restaurant Cafe and Bar, Sage Cafe Restaurant, East Restaurant & Lounge Bar.

Catering outlets in the city offer European cuisine and dishes prepared from seafood or meat, with a lot of vegetables and all kinds of greens. Indigenous people prefers to eat fried fish, meat pies, Melbourne chickens.

The favorite drink of the inhabitants of the Gold Coast is ordinary drinking water, but on special occasions they are happy to drink local beer and wines, which are not much different from the famous wines of Spain and France.

Transport links in the city

by the most comfortable view Transport in the Gold Coast is considered a car. Municipal authorities allocate impressive sums for the improvement of city roads, so traveling by car will be comfortable, fast, and safe. There are freeways on the Gold Coast that require a toll.

Public transport is less popular, but still the bus service covers and connects all areas of the city together, while the fare is symbolic and amounts to 2 Australian dollars per trip. Public transport runs on roads until 22:00 local time.

Another way to travel around the Gold Coast is by ferries that carry passengers from the coastal areas of the city, which is very convenient. Ferries depart every 30 minutes for a maximum fare of A$3.


How to get to the Gold Coast?

The path to the Gold Coast can be made in two ways. First, getting to the right place will help. Upon arrival, you will have to overcome another 80 kilometers separating the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Secondly, near the Gold Coast in the city of Coolangatta there is a local airport, the journey from which will take no more than 20 minutes. The only disadvantages of Coolangatta Airport are the small passenger traffic and the limited number of routes that are accepted only from major cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns).

shopping

The most attractive in terms of shopping is Hastings Street. Numerous boutiques, shopping centers, souvenir shops are open on it, offering all kinds of goods from expensive jewelry to cheap knick-knacks. Most often, tourists who come to the Gold Coast buy souvenirs: boomerangs, pottery, sheep wool products, and gold jewelry are in special demand.


Safety

The Gold Coast, like other cities in Australia, is considered quite safe for vacationers. Serious offenses are extremely rarely recorded here, so, observing the elementary rules of personal safety, it is quite realistic not to overshadow your vacation, wasting time looking for criminals who have encroached on your life and savings.

The Gold Coast is one of largest cities Australia, located in the state of Queensland, tourist centre of world importance and the most popular beach resort in the country. The main value of the resort is picturesque beaches and first-class hotel complexes, which are annually chosen as a holiday destination by thousands of travelers. At the end of the 19th century, only 8 tribes of aborigines lived on the territory of the modern metropolis, in less than a hundred years this undeveloped area turned into ultra-modern city with shining skyscrapers and trendy entertainment centers.

At the turn of the 19th - 20th centuries, active development of the area began by Europeans, who were attracted by fertile lands. The first European to set foot on protected lands was the world famous traveler James Cook, a momentous event took place in May 1770. It is noteworthy that in those days, almost the entire territory of the modern city was occupied by thickets of rare red cedar. Subsequently, almost all protected forests were cut down, and the most valuable material was transported to wood processing plants in Europe.

The young city began to attract the first travelers in 1925, after the construction of the surrounding roads was completed. Every year its infrastructure became more and more perfect, already in the 30s the first high-class hotels and resort complexes. Own modern name Gold Coast received in 1940 thanks to local journalists, literally it can be translated as "Gold Coast", which fully reflects the specifics of the resort. Copyright www.site

Today the Gold Coast is not only popular beach resort, but also a permanent venue for world-class sporting events. Interesting competitions and demonstration performances of world-famous athletes are held here literally every month. Despite the fact that a hundred years ago the ecology of the region suffered significant damage, the unique nature still continues to be one of the main features of the city. Travelers will have the opportunity to walk through the picturesque tropical forests and appreciate the diversity of the local fauna. There are several national parks in the city and its immediate surroundings.

It should also be noted that in addition to the classical beach holiday The Gold Coast is ready to offer tourists a lot interesting entertainment, the modern resort is perfect for a family holiday. There are several original theme parks and entertainment complexes, and a large selection of beautiful shopping centers sure to delight shoppers. A modern metropolis with shining skyscrapers and unique national hospitality, the Gold Coast is sure to appeal to active tourists and those who love a beach holiday.

Behind last years The Gold Coast has gained the status of an elite resort, annually visited by about 3 million tourists from all over the world. Many luxurious hotels have opened here, and they have also equipped gorgeous beaches. The most famous beach of the resort is called Surfers Paradise, it is considered one of the most attractive places for surfing in the world. This beach is always big waves, there are several excellent surfing schools on its territory. In the evening, this beach turns into a huge discotheque shining with neon signs. There are numerous nightclubs and bars on the coast.

In addition to beach activities, the resort guests can enjoy exciting hiking through picturesque areas, in the resort area there is a unique national park Lamington. It is a vast forest area, the area of ​​which is about 200 square meters. km. During a walk through the reserve, you can see a lot of rare plants, and climb to the tops of mountains and hills, where natural viewing platforms are located.

A few years ago, the resort hosted the opening of the Dream World amusement park, which has become a favorite vacation spot for family tourists and fans of active entertainment. Its area is 85 hectares. The park has dozens of themed attractions and play areas for children of different ages.

An old estate, from visiting which one gets a subtle, barely perceptible feeling of the transience of everything that happens, is the Golden City complex in the Tula region. A wonderful antiquity that takes visitors and vacationers into the past with just the sight of its architectural ensemble. It is the rarest case when all the signs of a traditional Russian manor are combined in one place and elements of Eastern Chinese buildings are present. In the very heart of Russia, you seem to find yourself in the mysterious Celestial Empire with all its magnificent exoticism.

Complex "Golden City" (Tula region)

There is something unusual here, which is very attractive. Those who discovered this place for themselves will definitely come back here, and more than once. And not only Tulchans come, there are many vacationers from Moscow and other cities. Thankfully, it's close. How to get to the "Zolotoy Gorod" of the Tula region?

From Moscow, you just need to get to Tula, and there every taxi driver knows the road from the Tula region to the "Golden City". If you want to save money, then a regular transfer is at your service. From Tula there is a bus that takes passengers to Lenin Square near the Tula Kremlin. In Novomoskovsk, you can take a bus to the complex at the bus station - where minibuses leave for Moscow. Calculation with the driver on the spot, children under 6 years old are not charged.

If you are driving your own car, it is better to use the tips of the navigator. He will tell you how to get to the "Golden City" in the Tula region, if you correctly set the coordinates of the place or make the necessary request. GPS coordinates: 54.122753, 38.023943. From Moscow you need to go along the M-4 Don highway to 199 km, where to look for the exit to the right. Then the road leads straight to the place.

Photographers love the complex for the beauty of landscapes - a picturesque bridge with a fountain, a beautiful marble arch, formidable stone lions are an excellent backdrop for beautiful artistic photos. Even a simple walk among the quiet whispering nature becomes a real medicine, no worse than those prescribed by doctors. Unforgettable photos will remind you of an ancient Chinese legend in which tourists unexpectedly found themselves in the middle of the Russian hinterland. The address of the "Golden City" in the Tula region is the Venevsky district, the village of Petropavlovskoye, Stepnaya street, 19.

Services

Tourist center "Golden City" in the Tula region offers a range of services. Here you can relax in comfortable rooms with your family or go to the celebration with your team. Service on highest level- Delicious food and a lot of entertainment will be provided. Security is on duty around the clock on the territory of the town, which monitors the order and that no outsider disturbs the peace of vacationers. For children, there are sports grounds, special play areas, as well as places for family entertainment, such as karting, horseback riding.

Restaurants and cafes

This is a whole complex consisting of several establishments, which are located on three floors of the central building. Interestingly, they are all decorated in radically different styles with their own unique features. The central restaurant offers a variety of Chinese dishes that gourmets will definitely appreciate - everything is done with the strictest observance of national technology and even the use of some authentic Chinese products. Appetite will add a themed interior, executed in best traditions Celestial. Here everything breathes this country - the entourage, music, dishes - as if they were in China itself.

In another establishment, you can eat more traditionally - European cuisine served by experienced chefs. Restaurants start working from 9 am and feed vacationers until midnight.

All the amenities for corporate and family events

The complex "Golden City" in the Tula region is just an ideal place for various celebrations. Especially for those who are not limited to a simple feast for one evening. Whether it's a wedding or a working get-together, in the "Golden City" the participants of the event can not only have a delicious meal, but also relax in one- and two-room suites, and the next day take part in team games, ride cards or horses, that is, spend time active, fun and useful.

In the morning, many will want to sit in a nice beer restaurant, which offers guests several varieties of craft beer and a delicious snack in the style of street food. Newlyweds here will find great views for a wedding photo shoot: there is something to do and something to remember while watching a wedding film. And exit registration among the beautiful oriental landscape will be original and memorable. The photos of the "Golden City" in the Tula region alone are worth organizing an important event there.

Oriental tea ceremony - meditation to calm the soul

Today, many are fond of the East - have you ever wondered why? Why, for example, do the Japanese and Chinese attach so much importance to the observance of certain rituals? Eastern wisdom teaches that this brings some order into our lives, adds meaning to it and eliminates unnecessary rushing and doubts. The ritual itself is not important, what is important is its strict observance, methodical and calm. This is a kind of desire to achieve perfection in every action, no matter what it leads to.

Orientalists call Chinese tea drinking one of such simple and very important rituals. It gives inner harmony and allows you to leave behind the hustle and bustle. This is a very special atmosphere that reigns between people who know each other well or unfamiliar people. In the Celestial Empire, it is believed that during tea drinking, time changes its course, clinging to space, state, and leaving only fire, water and tea leaves in the spotlight. Those who have never attended a Chinese tea ceremony may think that everything said is too exaggerated. But people who have already participated in it do not need to say anything - they have already experienced the full value of this slow and enchanting action.

And although the address of the "Golden City" in Tulskaya is central Russia, the tea ceremony is organized here with the careful observance of many details. Everything is exactly like in the Middle Kingdom.

Horse riding outdoors

Many vacationers spend their free time in the stables of the complex. There are two cute ponies (for kids) and 11 adult animals, one more foal is just growing up. If you do not feel confident in the saddle and are afraid to sit on horseback, you can still go with the company to the stables to feed or talk to the horses, to observe the behavior of these smart animals.

The stable of the "Golden City" in the Tula region offers the following services:

  • horseback riding for adults;
  • pony rides for kids, always accompanied by a stable worker;
  • a trip around the territory of the complex on a phaeton - an open carriage,;
  • photography with animals.

Those who do not know how to ride, as well as children, ride only inside the arena. One session lasts 15 minutes - this time is usually enough to get to know the animal better, feel it and understand if you like it. All visitors to the "Golden City" in Tulskaya must wear a protective helmet while riding horses.

Entertainment for children

Children are like sponges soaking up new experiences - just have time to diversify them. In the "Golden City" in Tulskaya, they made sure that the kids do not get bored on the territory of the complex. They will definitely like a large playground, and parents can be calm, because the smallest moments of safety are thought out here. Nothing can threaten the children - there are several play areas that correspond to age interests and requirements.

Teenagers can take part in sports team games - volleyball, football, a work-out is organized for the most dexterous. Parents who want to saturate their child with impressions even more have the opportunity to take him to a local farm - to watch the pets living there, to feed them. It is very interesting, and not only for children.

Racing at the kart track

It's comparatively new service in the "Golden City" in the Tula region, but it is already clear that visitors are delighted with it. Light extreme and great fun in the fresh air, a source of vivid emotions. At the karting track, you can feel like a real racer, even if you are terrified of fast driving. It doesn't matter how old you are, what gender you are - this entertainment is available to everyone and leaves the most memorable impressions. There are experienced instructors on the field who will tell you the rules and help you deal with the management of the kart. All necessary equipment is provided. You can experience the same pleasure as if you took part in real races.

Shooting paints

Paintball in the "Golden City" of the Tula region also appeared recently. Mobile emotional game. Imagine that your boss is on the enemy team - with what pleasure you will shoot him! There may not be another chance like this. The essence of the game is that two teams are fighting each other, and the weapon is a pneumatic gun that shoots balls of paint. When they hit the target, they leave a characteristic mark on the enemy's suit. Everything is completely safe, but very exciting. This is where the opportunity to be in the role of James Bond with chases, ambushes and all the other pleasures of a superhero is.

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