The 70-ish km stretch of coastline called the Gold Coast brings in four million visitors a year, and makes no bones about being touristy. Without all the theme parks and tackiness, there are some bonza beaches to the GC. If you're a surfer or swimmer, places like Kirra, Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise will excite you. If you love nature, you'll be in heaven in Lamington National Park. Shuttlebus from Gold Coast Airport is usually the way to go.