Cairns vs The Gold Coast: Which Is Best?

From one end of Queensland to the other, when you compare the Gold Coast and Cairns, you are comparing big waves with flat tropical waters, endless skyscrapers with tons of backpacker hostels, and theme parks with the Great Barrier Reef.

Which city will be an ideal getaway for you will depend on what you want from your vacation.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Cairns Vacation Travel Guide

Source: Expedia

1. The Beautiful Golden Coast

When thinking of a "Gold Coast vacation", most people automatically imagine themselves in a high-rise apartment overlooking Surfers Paradise.

But the Gold Coast has so much more to offer. Staying in the heart of the Glitter Strip will be beneficial if you don't have wheels, but if you have a car you can expand your options and stay anywhere from Coolangatta to the Hinterland.

Beaches of the Costa Dorada

Starting in the southernmost suburb of the city, Coolangatta is a stunning section of shoreline and home to some of the best surfing beaches in the region, including Duranbah and Snapper Rocks, which is home to a stop on the league tour world surfing at the beginning of each year.

If you like retro stuff, consider staying for the Cooly Rocks On Festival, which takes place every June.

Traveling through time

For a laid-back life, your pick for trendy cafes and restaurants, and more spectacular beaches, choose Palm Beach, Currumbin, Miami, and Burleigh Heads.

A cruise on the Gold Coast Highway through these suburbs will give you a glimpse of the old Gold Coast.

Many of the old beach huts are still standing and the "skyscraper" hotels are between 3 and 5 stories high and reflect the decor of the 1980s.

This is where the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Surf World is located. Gold Coast) and Laguna Park (playground).

Shop & Explore

Continue north and you will start to see the buildings grow larger and larger. Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and Main Beach are lined with accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and shops.

The Pacific Fair Mall in Broadbeach has recently undergone a multi-million dollar remodel, as has its neighbor, the Star Gold Coast Casino.

From the Skypoint observation deck to indoor skydiving, Surfers Paradise has so much more to offer than just the beach and nightclubs.

He has been working hard to shed his party personality and become more familiar. But both worlds coexist right now, so whatever you're looking for, you'll find it not far from Cavill Avenue.

The city's famous beaches end at The Spit on Main Beach, with the Broadwater hugging Southport, Biggera Waters, and further north.

There are still plenty of resorts, hotels, and vacation homes, as well as outlet stores and the amazing Broadwater Parklands.

Theme Parks - Get your adrenaline fix!

When it comes to theme parks, the Gold Coast is the center of Australia. You can choose from the thrill and excitement of the breathtaking attractions and water park at Dreamworld (in Coomera). Or pick up a pass that gives you access to Warner Bros.

Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild, and Paradise Country. They are open all year round and, thanks to the great Gold Coast weather, there is rarely a day that these attractions cannot be enjoyed.

Inside

Away from the waves, sand, and city, just 30-minute drive west, you can swap skyscrapers and beaches for rainforest, waterfalls, and tranquility.

Mount Tamborine is also home to a small town of quaint shops and cafes, as well as breweries and lookouts that span the entire Gold Coast.

If the peace, quiet, and absolutely stunning natural wonders make you happy, be sure to visit Springbrook National Park.

Once again, it's just a short drive to the heart of the Gold Coast, but it's a whole different world with a wide range of viewpoints, hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning lodges.

2. The Amazing city of Cairns

Like the Gold Coast, Cairns is nestled between beautiful beaches and a national park declared a World Heritage Site.

It is also, of course, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Coral Barrier

It would be crazy to come here and not explore the largest coral reef system in the world. Whether you want to keep your feet dry and hop aboard a boat, or snorkel and get up close and personal with marine life, there are many tours to choose from.

There are also many islands off the coast that you can visit for a day or a stay. They include Fitzroy Island, Green Island, and Hinchinbrook Island.

Far North Queensland Rainforest

From the sea to the trees, hold onto your hat (and belly) as you explore the primeval rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

The six-person gondola cabins take approximately 1.5 hours to travel 7.5 km through the dense Kuranda State Forest.

You can choose between the glass-bottomed gondolas or the Canopy Glider, which is completely outdoors (not for the faint-hearted).

It's best to book at least half a day to make the most of the experience and spend some time at the station stops.

North of Cairns and Kuranda, you'll find the world-famous Daintree Rainforest, offering a sensational day or night trip with plenty of tours and accommodation.

You will discover a wide variety of wildlife, from butterflies to crocodiles.

Australian history

Whether you're a local, interstate, or overseas traveler, put a visit to Tjapukai on your list for incredible insight into Australia's indigenous culture.

Performances take place day and night, and you get hands-on experience with boomerangs, bush walks, and learn about the history of the indigenous people of the rainforest, the Bama, through a corroboree.

Shop & Explore

Every holiday needs some downtime; otherwise, you will go home feeling like you need another break.

For a leisurely day around the city, be sure to visit the Saturday Esplanade market, where you can purchase a perfect souvenir from your trip or a gift for someone who has returned home.

There's also the monthly Holloways Beach Market and Rusty's markets that run Friday through Sunday every week and are a great way to stock up on amazing local produce if you're staying in a self-catering vacation home or apartment.

Other worthwhile attractions include Cairns Esplanade, Botanical Gardens, Trinity Inlet and you will never go hungry with a city full of amazing restaurants, cafes, and bars.

3. Which City to Choose

When it comes to seeing the best of Australia, Cairns are hard to beat.

It still maintains the rich history of our country, through indigenous culture and natural wonders, and serves as a gateway to some of the most amazing and world-renowned natural wonders in the country.

It may not claim Australia's theme park capital as the Gold Coast, but kids are unlikely to get bored when in Cairns as they have so much to explore and learn in the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef!

If a little less history and a little more glitz and glamor is your style, then consider adding the Costa Dorada and its world-class beaches to your itinerary.

Of course, in the best of both worlds, you can visit both places! If you choose a doubleheader, be sure to allocate enough travel time between the two (roughly a three-hour flight between Cairns and the Gold Coast) and plan to spend at least 4-5 days in each city to take advantage of it. your destinations to the fullest!

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