The Gold Coast is the second most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland. It is also the sixth most populated city in the country. Famous as a tourist destination, Gold Coast offers sunny beaches, where people enjoy surfing, canal and waterway systems and nightlife. The high-rise buildings and rainforest hinterland are other attractions of the city. Further, Gold Coast is also a major film production centre.

Gold Coast City is located south of Brisbane, the State capital, in the southeast corner of Queensland. The Albert River acts as a barrier between Logan City, a suburban area of Brisbane and Gold Coast.  The Gold Coast City extends from Yatala and Russell Island, to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in Lamington National Park in the West. This park is a renowned world heritage site. Approximately 56 km (35 miles) to the South, lies New South Wales.

Coolangatta is a town located at the southernmost part of the Gold Coast. There are several holiday resorts and surfing beaches located to the north of Coolangatta. The commercial centre of Gold Coast lies in the suburbs of Surfers Paradise and Southport. The Nerang River is a major river in the area. The Gold Coast enjoys a humid sub-tropical climate.

Gold Coast City is considered to be the fastest growing large city in Australia. It was identified as a small beachside holiday destination fifty years ago. Today, it has transformed into being the sixth largest city in Australia. It enjoys a 5 year annual average population growth rate of 3.4%, compared to 1.2% for Australia.

Tourism is a mainstay for the economic growth of Gold Coast, and generates $4.4 billion in revenue annually. The tourism industry is a major source of employment for its residents. Almost 10 million people visit Gold Coast annually.

Tourism, construction and retail were the population-driven industries which boosted the economy in the past. However there has been diversification within the industries. The city now has an industrial base formed of marine, food, environment, education, tourism, information communication and technology, creative and sports industries. The Gold Coast City Council has identified these nine industries as the key to economic prosperity for the city.

75% of all film production in Queensland has been done in Gold Coast City, which is a major film production centre. With an annual expenditure of about $150 million since the 1990’s, it is the third largest film production centre in Australia, after Sydney and Melbourne. Many international studios are located in Gold Coast including Warner Brothers and Warner Roadshow Studios whose studios are located just outside the city, at Oxenford. Some movies in Bollywood have also filmed here. The film and television production industry is supported by the Queensland Government.  It provides both financial and non-financial assistance through the Pacific Film and Television Commission.