Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: Which Aussie Beach Destination is Right for You?

Are you planning a trip to Queensland and want to to know if the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast is the better option for your beach vacation? In this guide we compare everything from costs, attractions, safety and much more. And by the end you should hopefully decide in the battle of the Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast which destination is for you.

Before we get started I should also add that I grew up in Queensland, and both coasts were where I spent many a summer holiday. So with everything I have learnt in my years living in close proximity to the Gold Coast and Sunshine coast, here is my honest opinion comparing the two.

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Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: Some background

Before we get into the Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast battle, here is a little bit of background on both places.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is located south of Brisbane and is about an hours drive from the CBD. It’s famous for its sandy beaches, surf spots, theme parks, and hiking trails.

If you are planning to do a day trip from Brisbane here is a helpful guide.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is located north of Brisbane. It’s about 2 hours drive from the CBD, and is a vast bit of landscape. It stretches over 60 kilometres, and is full of white sandy beaches, rainforests, and cute and historic villages.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: accommodation

Choosing accommodation is an important part of any trip. Here we list the accommodation options at both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

GOLD COAST

If you are staying on the Gold Coast we highly recommend booking an apartment overlooking the beach. They usually come with balconies, so request a sea view if you can. These are perfect because you can bring your own food, whilst you relax and enjoy your time here.

Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are probably two of the most popular areas to stay. One of our favourites is Q1 located at Surfers Paradise. They have a pool, spa, and you can also visit the observation deck on top of the building.

You can also stay at a hotel, and there are a number of great ones at the Gold Coast including Peppers, and Imperial Hotel Gold Coast .

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is similar to the Gold Coast when it comes to accommodation. Apartment style suites are all the rage, and honestly a great option for staying at the coast.

The best areas to book accommodation are Mooloolaba, Caloundra, and Noosa. There are several accommodation options, to suit all budgets.

If you want something a little more secluded head to the sunshine coast hinterland. There are lots of eco style lodges, particularly around Maleny which is one of our favourites.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

Both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are great when it comes to accommodation. There are lots of options to suit all budgets, so we have to call this one a draw.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: attractions

There is so much to do on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Here are some must do things at both.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is a popular tourist hotspot. Here are some of the best things to do when you visit.

Visit Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is arguably one of the most popular parts of the Gold Coast. It’s filled with golden beaches, alfresco dining, and relaxed cafes waiting to be explored.

You can also visit the Q1 observation tower, which at 230 metres in height, is certainly the best place to get some 360 degree views of the Gold Coast.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to hand feed Kangaroo’s or rainbow lorikeets, you should visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is perfect for getting up close and personal with Aussie wildlife, and learning about them too.

Have fun at a theme park

The Gold Coast is home to some of Australia’s best theme parks. You have Dreamworld, which is a theme park designed for thrill seekers who love rides.  Movie World, which is a Warner Bros themed park with a mix of rides and film studios. And you also have Wet n Wild, a theme park totally dedicated to water slides. They are all perfect family days out!

Relax on the beach

Obviously a must when visiting the Gold Coast is to make time to enjoy the beach. The sand is white and the water is so inviting especially on those hot days. Surfers Paradise, or the nearby Broadbeach are some of our favourites, but you can also find quieter more chilled out places too.

Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland

The Gold Coast Hinterland is perfect for nature lovers. Make sure you explore O’Reilly’s where you can do a guided walk or visit the famous treetop walk.

You also have the incredible Mount Tamborine which is also located in the Gold Coast hinterland. If you are looking for the best things to do in Mount Tamborine this is a helpful guide.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is a lot more laid back than the Gold Coast, but just as beautiful. Here are some of the best things to do.

Noosa National Park

Noosa is a popular Sunshine Coast tourist town. The National Park is beautiful with remote beaches, rugged cliffs, and fantastic lookout points.

Visit the beach

There are tons of really incredible beaches at the Sunshine Coast. You have places like Noosa, Mooloolaba, and Caloundra which are all popular tourist spots. There are also a number of quieter more secluded beaches where you can relax.

Glasshouse Mountains

You will notice the Glasshouse Mountains National Park on your way up from Brisbane where you will be treated with sights of pine forests and vast expanses of greenery (or brownery especially in the summer when there is little rain and the grass turns a bristly shade of brown). You can do a hike to the peak of several of the mountains with an accredited company.

Australia Zoo

One of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest tourist attractions has to be Australia Zoo. Steve Irwin invested a lot into Australia Zoo and it is now home to a number of creatures great and small. It is a great chance to get up close and personal with some slimey, scaley and even furry natives Australia is famed for. The Zoo does put a lot of time and money back into conservation projects around the world, which is good to know especially because I have very mixed feelings about the purpose of zoos.

Sea Life

Animal lovers can also head to Mooloolaba to visit Queensland’s largest oceanarium. The highlight definitely has to be the 80m long tunnel you can walk under whilst gazing at sharks and stingrays. It’s a truly captivating experience and well worth a visit.

Aussie World

The only theme park located at the Sunshine Coast is Aussie World. It’s not as big as the parks on the Gold Coast, but still has lots of fun rides and attractions.

Visit a historic town

There are lots of historic towns in the Sunshine Coast but Maleny is our favourite. There are lots of quirky shops, art galleries, and cafes that you can explore.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

Both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have a lot of attractions, and honestly it depends on what you want out of your holiday. We prefer the Sunshine Coast because it’s a little less touristy than the Gold Coast, and there are more beauty spots. But depending on the kind of holiday you are after you may prefer the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is prettier

Wondering if the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast is the more picturesque destination. Here are our thoughts.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has some stunning beaches and national parks, making it an incredibly picturesque place to visit. One of the best places to visit has to be the Q1 observation deck, for some pretty spectacular views of the coastline.

We also recommend catching the sunset at one of the Gold Coasts stunning white sandy beaches. It’s a beautiful experience that you will always remember.

Another incredibly scenic part of the Gold Coast is the hinterland. This gives you a real taste of the Australian landscape, and you can go hiking or bushwalking as the Aussies say.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is also a beautiful part of Queensland to visit. The beaches have white sand and glistening ocean, perfect for capturing on camera.

You also have the Noosa National Park, and the Glasshouse Mountains National Park, two of many scenic spots located around the Sunshine Coast.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

Both the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are stunning. Although if we had to pick one for most picturesque we would have to choose the Sunshine Coast. The National Parks are gorgeous, but the beaches, are just that little more picturesque than the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one has the better vibe

I know vibe is a weird thing to measure a destination on, but hear us out.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has a past paced vibe, particularly in places like Surfers Paradise. It’s a prime tourist spot, with lots of world class restaurants, a glamorous casino, and some very busy beaches. The Gold Coast attracts a number of local and international tourists, particularly during the summer months, so it also has an international feel to it.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is a lot more laid back, and also has an arty/ creative vibe. There are lots of quirky stores and galleries that you can check out. It’s also got this almost hipster vibe, and is very relaxed.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

Personally we prefer the Sunshine Coast because of its creative and laid back vibe.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is better for beaches

If you are looking at this article on the Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast, you are probably wanting to know which location has the better beaches.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has some stunning beaches. If you want golden sand, and glistening waters you will not be disappointed here. With over 70 km of coastline broken up into multiple beaches to enjoy, you will be able to swim, surf and sunbathe here no problem.

Popular choices are Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, which are both perfect for relaxing, and enjoying the best of the Queensland coastline.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast also has some of the most beautiful beaches where you can swim, build sandcastles, and generally relax.

The Sunshine Coast beaches are way less commercial than the Gold Coast, so even in peak season it doesn’t feel as packed.

The Sunshine Coast’s beaches are also a bit more protected, with more sheltered conditions. So they are better choice if visiting with young kids or inexperienced swimmers.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast both have pristine, white sandy beaches with lifeguards on duty in most locations. If we absolutely had to choose a favourite we would go for the Sunshine Coast. The beaches are less touristy, and way less crowded.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is better for nightlife

If you are looking to party you might be wondering if the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast is the better option.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is great for nightlife, particularly around the Surfers Paradise area. There are lots of clubs, and bars, that attract people young and old year round.

Nightlife is a big part of the culture at the Gold Coast, so it is definitely the place to go if you want to party.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is a lot more laid back and quiet. The Sunshine Coast is a little more spread out so you can head to places like Noosa or Mooloolaba for a bit of a night out.

The Sunshine Coast was once known as a sleepy place when it came to nightlife, and there have definitely been improvements over the last few years.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

The Gold Coast is the better option when it comes to nightlife as it is way more lively than the Sunshine Coast.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is better for safety

Safety is an important factor when deciding on a holiday destination. So is the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast better?

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has a reputation for being a little rough around the edges especially at night. It used to be a lot worse many years ago, with a seedy reputation. That seems to be changing a lot, but you still see stories in the news about violence and drug related crimes.

In reality, as a tourist you should be safe visiting the Gold Coast. Particularly if you stick to the tourist areas, there is a high police presence to add to the safety.

Take your usual precautions, particularly at night. In areas like Surfers Paradise which are popular with clubbers, and pub goers you may encounter drinking related incidents, so just be mindful as you would anywhere else in the world.

SUNSHINE COAST

On the whole the Sunshine Coast is relatively safe. Take your usual precautions like you would anywhere and you should be ok. It’s less crowded, quieter, and more spread out, so you are less likely to encounter any major issues.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is the safer destination. There seem to be more incidents at the Gold Coast, particularly when it comes to violence,

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is better for families

If you are planning to visit Queensland with kids, you might be wondering which coast is better for families. Here are our thoughts.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is great for a family holiday. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy and make sandcastles with the kids. Plus there are the many theme parks like Dreamworld, Movie World, and Wet n Wild, that are perfect for a family day out.

You can buy group tickets online in advance here.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is also a good option for a family holiday. You have family friendly attractions like Sea Life, the Ginger Factory, Australia Zoo, and Aussie World, to keep the kids entertained.

The beaches are also better for kids, with calmer waters – just make sure you always swim between the flags.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

The Gold Coast is probably a little bit more family friendly, especially with the numerous theme parks in the area. The Sunshine Coast does have great options too, but the Gold Coast is definitely more of a popular choice.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is cheaper

Costs are an important consideration when planning a trip. Here we decide if the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast in cheaper.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast can be quite expensive, particularly as it is a very commercial destination to visit. Accommodation costs can be high in the summer months, so make sure you are booking well in advance.

SUNSHINE COAST

Accommodation can be a little cheaper at the Sunshine Coast, particularly during off season. Attractions are also less commercial and therefore a bit cheaper than the Gold Coast.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is the cheaper option for sure. This is due to the fact that it isn’t as commercial as the Gold Coast, so things like accommodation, and attractions can be cheaper in comparison.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is better for nature

Australia is full of so much natural beauty. So in the battle of the Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast, you might be wondering which one is better for nature.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has a lot of natural beauty, particularly in the hinterland. You have amazing spots like O’Reilly’s where you can do a treetop walk, and feed wild lorikeets.

Springbrook National Park is another beautiful spot which is perfect for hiking, and at night you can even see glowworms. If you want to do this you need to go with a guide, and book in advance.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is a mix of beaches and parks. There are subtropical rainforests, rugged cliffs, and secluded beaches all waiting to be explored.

You also have the striking Glass House Mountains which add to the rugged landscape of the hinterland.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is the winner when it comes to nature. Whilst the Gold Coast is lovely, the Sunshine Coast has a number of incredible National Parks and nature spots to enjoy. There are also far less skyscrapers and built up areas in comparison to the Gold Coast so it even feels a lot more natural.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is better for shopping

If you want to shop til you drop on holiday you might be wondering in the battle of the Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast, which one is better.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is perfect for a little bit of retail therapy. You will find lots of boutique style stores, mixed with high end luxury shops. Pacific-Fair Shopping Centre is the best place to go, particularly if you are into luxury goods and brands.

You also have bargain stores at Harbour Town Premium Outlets, as well as a number of Duty Free shops dotted around the Gold Coast.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast, is a great place if you are wanting to visit some galleries, and purchase some local art, or even checkout some of the more boutique style stores.

There are a number of local markets that sell food, arts and crafts, and clothing. Plus you also have your larger shopping centres like Sunshine Plaza, and the Noosa Civic Shopping Centre

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

The Gold Coast is a lot better for luxury brands, and shopping malls. But if you want some unique one of kind art pieces, head to the Sunshine Coast.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is better in summer

Summer is peak time for the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, but which one is better to visit?

GOLD COAST

Summers at the Gold Coast can be pretty crowded, particularly around summer holidays. Places like Surfers Paradise attract people from near and far, and walking around the shopping centres or retail centres can be intense.

For more information on the best time to visit the Gold Coast here is a helpful guide.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is also incredibly crowded over the summer months. On the plus side though, it is a little more spread out, and a little less popular than the Gold Coast, particularly with international tourists.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

We would suggest visiting the Sunshine Coast over the Gold Coast in summer. There are more beaches, and it’s a more pleasant experience when it comes to crowds and tourist numbers.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is better in winter

If you are planning to visit Australia in winter, you might be wondering if the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast is the better choice.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is a good option for visiting in the winter. The temperatures are mild, usually averaging at around 21 degrees Celsius during the day. The beaches are far less crowded than in the summer months. While you may not want to swim, they are still great for walking along or watching the sunset.

Winter is also perfect for hiking around the hinterland, or even enjoying the theme parks.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast is also a great option in the winter months. Temperatures are similar to the Gold Coast, and average at about 21 degrees during the day. The beaches can be deserted, particularly mid week, which is a bonus if you want to relax. Plus it’s a great time to explore some of the historic towns, or checkout the national parks.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

Both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have a lot going for them in the winter months. We would probably recommend the Gold Coast in winter though because it’s the perfect time to go to avoid the crowds. Plus there are a number of theme parks, and more indoor activities to take part in.

Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast: which one is for me

So hopefully by now you have decided on a clear winner in the battle of the Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast. But if not here is a recap.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is an incredibly popular tourist spot. It’s perfect for visiting year round, as there is so much to see and do. You can hike, visit the beaches, or even head to one of the theme parks. It does get incredibly busy, especially in the summer months so make sure you book your accommodation well in advance.

SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast, is another popular tourist spot in Queensland. It consists of many beautiful beaches, national parks, and historical towns. It’s very laid back, and popular with artists, and creatives alike.

GOLD COAST OR SUNSHINE COAST

This is a very hard call, but, as someone who grew up in Queensland (Brisbane to be exact), and has spent a lot of time in both locations, my favourite by far is the Sunshine Coast.

It’s a lot less crowded, and has a more local and relaxed feel to it. The Gold Coast can feel overcrowded and full or tourists at times.

I also think that the Sunshine Coast is far more scenic, particularly when you venture out to some of the parks in the area.

That being said, if you are visiting with kids, or just want a typical Aussie beach experience, the Gold Coast might be for you. There are more activities for kids, including the theme parks, and it is very tourist focussed which is great if you are indeed a tourist.

The good news though is that the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are pretty close to each other. And if you need some tips on how to get from the Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast here is a handy guide.

If you are still deciding where to visit in Australia here is a guide to Brisbane vs the Gold Coast that might be handy.

Hopefully this guide has been useful for you. And you can pin it below, to save it for later.

Happy Travels!