What to Wear on the Gold Coast
Pack swim wear! Even the cooler winter months offer warm weather during the day.
Most Queenslanders dress quite casually, although the dress code in some golf courses, restaurants, hotels and bars is smart-casual or formal. You can usually wear thongs (flip flops) anywhere, but once again some places, especially bars and nightclubs, may only allow you in if you have closed or more formal shoes.
You can wear lightweight clothing all year round; however, bring something warm to slip on at night as the temperature drops during winter.
The hinterland area tends to be cooler and occasionally wetter than the coast, so be prepared with a jacket and a heavier coat in the winter months.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes when walking in the National Parks. Consider wearing long-sleeved clothing and remember the insect repellent.
Well, the main purpose of clothing when visiting Queensland is to protect you from the sun. Here are some good rules to follow:
- Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm).
- Wear a T-shirt and hat while not swimming. It's worth investing in a wide brimmed hat that provides shade for your face, neck and ears.
- Wear sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Use at least SPF15, but SPF30 is recommended.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays.
- Do not leave your children in the strong sunshine without clothing protection for longer than 20 minutes at a time.
- Keep babies out of direct sunlight at all times.
- For kids, spandex swimming tops designed as large T-shirts protects the torso and arms from the sun. It's also possible to buy pants in this material which completely shelter the body from the sun.
