Golden algae

Gold Coast is a coastal city in the Australian state of Queensland, approximately 66 kilometers south-southeast of the state capital Brisbane and immediately north of the border with New South Wales. It is the sixth-largest city in Australia, making it the largest non-capital city, and Queensland's second-largest city.

History

The Gold Coast was originally inhabited by the Bundjalung people, who named the area "Kurrungal". European settlers arrived in 1823, led by explorer John Oxley. The city's name comes from the real estate boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the value of land soared.

Geography

The Gold Coast is known for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and elaborate system of inland canals and waterways. It's also home to theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild. Inland, hiking trails crisscross Lamington National Park’s mountain ridges and valleys, home to rare birds and rainforest.

Economy

The Gold Coast's economy is significantly diversified. Once dominated by tourism, construction and retail, the city now has a strong education and research sector, with numerous universities and medical research institutes located in the region.

Culture

The Gold Coast is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs and live music venues. The city hosts several major sporting events, including the Gold Coast Marathon, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast surfing competition and the Gold Coast 600 motor race.

See also

• Tourism in Australia
• Economy of Australia
• History of Australia