Considering the Gold Coast

Abstract

The subtropical, Pacific-edge Gold Coast city-region, abutting the New South Wales border in the Australian state of Queensland, is famous for its sun and surf. Although the country’s sixth most populous city, it is popularly viewed as an overgrown resort town. Its glittering image as a vacation destination – with long stretches of white sandy beaches, a skyline of resort skyscrapers, an enduring legacy of such gimmicks as the gold lamé bikini-clad Meter Maids, and the now century-old figure of the tanned and carefree surfer – dominates representation of the city in policy and publicity alike.