The Unbearable Lightness of Being Gold Coast

Abstract

The city of Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, already far larger than some of the state capitals with half a million people and home to the second most populous local government in Australia. Its glittering image as a resort town with long stretches of beaches, gold lame bikini clad meter maids, tanned surfers, and skyline of skyscrapers dominates the discussions about the city. However, a real city with two universities, an international airport, national sports teams, regional hospitals and many other amenities is emerging from behind this facade. This paper provides an in-depth look at Australia’s 6th largest city, often taken too lightly. Population trends, economic, social and cultural activities are examined to determine the nature of urbanization on the Gold Coast. Preliminary results indicate that Gold Coast is not solely a resort town, it has passed the tourism urbanisation stage and is currently evolving into a diverse city of its own right.