Your ultimate guide to Gold Coast

Beyond its beautiful beaches, the Gold Coast is home to some pretty incredible cafés – but where to start? From breezy waterside gems and lush garden eateries to trendy bakeries and boozy brunch spots, the city offers something for everyone – all of them, thankfully, with seriously good coffee. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has combined her personal favourites with insider picks from Queensland locals to create this ultimate guide to the best cafés on the Gold Coast. Whether you want to watch the crashing waves at Mermaid Beach with an almond croissant or dive into an Asian-inspired avo toast with a Vietnamese iced coffee, these are the best places for brunch on the Gold Coast. Editor's favourite cafés on the Gold Coast: 🥑 Best brunch: Elk Espresso 🥐 Best bakery: Tarte Bakery and Cafe 🌮 Best bottomless brunch: The Winey Cow 🌮 The best restaurants on the Gold Coast🌊 The best hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ The best things to do on the Gold Coast

So, you’ve joined the southern migration north – chasing light, warmth and a lifestyle that doesn’t involve layering. You’ve heard all the clichés: the friendly locals, the good weather and the laid-back attitude. But, more recently, Queensland has shed its caricature. This isn’t the state of sunburnt tourists and souvenir towels anymore; it’s where Australia’s most interesting transformation is playing out – from Brisbane’s restaurant boom to the hinterland’s design-led lodges and reef islands doubling down on barefoot luxury. Here, the distances are big, the light is blinding and the personality is as sprawling as the map itself. UNESCO World Heritage rainforests share postcodes with world-class surf breaks, road trips can easily stretch into epics and the hospitality is disarmingly genuine. To steer you in the right direction, our Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley has handpicked the best places to visit in Queensland right now. We’ll save you a seat in the sun.  🌳 All the best things to do in Brisbane🚘 The best day trip from Brisbane

There's nothing more quintessentially Aussie than surfing, and there's a reason for that. With thousands of pristine beaches fringing our gigantic, island coastline, you could literally visit a beach a day and still not see them all in one human lifetime. Surfers from all over the world flock Down Under for its countless amazing waves, and on the ground, surfing is akin to a kind of Aussie religion, just within itself.  No matter if you've never stood on a surfboard in your life (but really want to), are a fresh grom just starting out, are an advanced kinda surfer or a legitimate world champion, there's a beach and a break Down Under for everyone. We've picked out the best surf beaches in Australia. Chosen for their consistently quality waves and stunning locations, you'll find a neat mix of beaches that suit a whole range of different levels, spread out across every corner of our Great Southern Land.  PSA: Remember to always proceed with caution when you go into the open ocean, and ensure that you only tackle waves that fit your abilities. Ocean conditions can change rapidly and can be potentially fatal, so make sure you always respect the conditions and put your safety first. Editor's favourite surf beaches in Australia: 🌊 Best for beginners: Noosa Main Beach, QLD 🏄 Best for pros: Margaret River, WA 💎 Best hidden gem: Angourie Point, NSW  QLD | NSW | VIC | WA 🏄 Australia's all-time best beaches🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🌈 The best places to visit in Australia

The Sunshine Coast truly does have it all – sparkling beaches, peaceful national parks, exhilarating adventures and delicious dining. This tourist haven in Queensland stretches from the super-chill beach town of Caloundra through the resorts and national parks of Noosa, all the way up to the postcard-perfect Great Sandy National Park.  Adventurous travellers flock here to swim in the wild with humpback whales and hike in fairytale forests – but there’s no need to work up a sweat if you’re here to wind down. You can also go on a golden hour cruise with Saltwater Eco Tours, hunt for treasures at the mega Eumundi Markets or float away your worries at Tank Bathhouse. Dive into our guide on the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast right now. ☀️ The best things to do in Noosa🍹 The best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast🌴 Australia's top beach towns