Each week, expat Kiwis tell us what they most love about living by Queensland's beaches. Today we hear from Karen Revell from the Cruise Traveller travel company.
Best beach? Burleigh Heads.
Best walk? Emerald Lakes, Carrara.
Best adventure? Driving on the M1 during a storm.
Best view? Burleigh Headland.
Must do? Springbrook National Park.
Best kept secret? Vikings Restaurant at the Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club.
Famous for? Being able to eat right on the rocks overlooking the surf.
Best water activity? Whale watching.
Best place to swim? Any patrolled beaches along the Gold Coast.
TASTE
Best coffee spot? No Name Lane at Broadbeach.
Best spot to get an icecream? My Gelato, at Kirra.
Best picnic spot? Tallebudgera Creek.
What's the best local produce? Locally caught seafood.
Where should we eat? The Pantry (15 Connor Street) for brunch at Burleigh Heads.
Looking for something special for dinner? Edgewater Dining on the Isle of Capri.
Where to hang out when the sun goes down? Q1 Skypoint at Surfers Paradise.
PLAY
Best shop? Robina Town Centre.
Don't miss: Jetboating on the Broadwater.
Worth paying for: A tandem skydive with Gold Coast Skydive.
Be one of the first to: See the amazing sunrise from one of our stunning beaches.
Best sporting event to catch? Catch an NRL home game when the Titans are playing.
Best cultural activity in the area? Catch a play at the Spotlight Theatre.
STAY
Best place to rest your head? For a little luxury, try Soul. Otherwise, I'd recommend Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove or the Palazzo Versace.
RELAX
Best sunset view? Q1 at Skypoint.
Best beach or park? Wet 'n' Wild Waterworld.
Best place to be pampered? Gwinganna Health Retreat.
Favourite spa?: O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, which is in the World Heritage National Lamington Park.