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LONG-renowned as Australia's playground, the Gold Coast offers an enormous range of things to see and do, rain or shine.

The region's array of world-class theme parks collectively entertain millions of visitors a year and consistently win Queensland and national tourism awards for excellence. The "big three" theme parks - Sea World, Movie World and Dreamworld - boast thrilling rides, live shows, shopping and dining.

Australian native animals are the major attraction at Currumbin Sanctuary, which is world-famous for its lorikeet feeding. Also at the southern end of the Gold Coast is Tropical Fruit World, an agri-tourism park growing more than 500 varieties of tropical fruit and bush tucker and featuring rides and attractions.

The Coast also boasts a number of smaller theme parks and attractions, such as Cable Sports World, Frozen World, Ripley's Believe it or Not!, and a range of family amusement arcades.

There are cinema complexes at Southport, Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach, Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre and Coolangatta, as well as a "boutique" cinema house at Sanctuary Cove. Art house and mainstream movies also screen regularly at the Gold Coast Arts Centre.

The Gold Coast and Tweed also have a superb range of licensed clubs offering dining, gaming and live entertainment.

Other attractions on the Coast include canal cruises, 4WD safaris, helicopter and tiger moth joyflights, hot-air balloon rides, water sports, Harley Davidson rides, mountain bike tours and bungy jumping.