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The Gold Coast is a city located in the southeastern part of the state of Queensland, Commonwealth of Australia, and is a globally famous tourist and resort destination. It is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches, typified by Surfers Paradise, and a warm subtropical climate, making it a hub for marine sports such as surfing. The hinterland features World Heritage National Parks, and the city also boasts numerous theme parks. Since establishing its status as a tourist destination in the early 20th century, it has developed alongside a boom in real estate investment, forming one of Australia's leading metropolitan areas, symbolized by its cluster of high-rise buildings.

Geography and Climate

The Gold Coast is situated in the southeastern part of Queensland, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of the Brisbane Central Business District. It is a city that has developed lengthwise along the coastline, and particularly around the central Surfers Paradise area, high-rise hotels and apartments line the streets, forming a unique skyline. The total area is approximately 414.3 square kilometers, and according to 2021 statistics, the total population exceeds 640,000, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia. The climate is sunny and subtropical, characterized by a warm climate suitable for tourism throughout the year, with an annual average maximum temperature of approximately 25.4℃ and annual precipitation of about 1,250mm.

History and Development

Before European settlement began, the Yugambeh Aboriginal people inhabited this region. When Europeans began to settle in the early 19th century, forestry and agriculture were the main industries, but by the early 20th century, its popularity as a resort destination grew. A real estate boom occurred, particularly in the 1920s, establishing its status as a tourist destination. In the 1950s, real estate prices and the cost of living soared, leading to it being nicknamed the "Gold Coast." In 1959, areas such as Southport and Coolangatta merged, and the city was renamed the City of Gold Coast. Around this time, large-scale canal housing development also progressed, and it now boasts over 890 kilometers of artificial residential waterfront, where over 80,000 people reside. Real estate investment continued to thrive, and the construction of the Q1 skyscraper in 2005—the tallest residential building in the state at the time—highlights the deep mark that tourism and real estate development have left on its history.

Tourism and Major Attractions

The Gold Coast is particularly known for its long sandy beaches, and surfing is an extremely popular sport. There are many spots with some of the best waves in the world, including Surfers Paradise, Burleigh, and Currumbin Alley. Beyond the beaches, the hinterland is home to national parks, such as the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, where rich nature remains. Furthermore, numerous theme parks have been built, including Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, and Wet'n'Wild, making it a center for entertainment. The observation deck at Q1 in Surfers Paradise is the highest point in the state, offering expansive 360-degree views. This combination of beaches, nature, and entertainment facilities makes the Gold Coast Australia's largest international tourist and resort destination.