Broadbeach on Queensland's Gold Coast is a great beach town blessed with a glorious climate. While the beaches are its major draw, Broadbeach also offers an exciting shopping scene, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife. Here's your guide to Broadbeach's charms.

The main attraction for holiday makers visiting Broadbeach and the Gold Coast is the incredible range of Gold Coast beaches. The coast offers more than 30 miles of clear waters, fine golden sands, and just the right conditions for surfing. The best thing is that beach and surf safety is extensively promoted by both the council and private surf clubs.

Another great attraction in Broadbeach is the shopping. Broadbeach is home to Queensland's largest shopping centre, Pacific Fair. In fact it's one of the largest retail complexes in the whole of Australia offering a delightful combination of famous department stores and unique little shops, perfect for browsing for the latest fashion brands.

If you want to check out the latest creations from Queensland designers, the best place to visit is the Oasis Shopping Centre on Broadbeach Mall. It also offers gourmet treats.

The nearby Surf Parade also showcase exclusive fashions, and beachfront craft markets are held the first and third Sunday of every month.

Grabbing a bite or a coffee is also easy while shopping. Broadbeach Mall and Surf Parade are both lined with hip outdoor cafes and restaurants

As for entertainment, Broadbeach is far more laid back than beach party hangouts such as Surfers Paradise which means you can get enjoy a much more relaxing holiday here. That's not to say the place doesn't jump. If it's a buzz you want, you can head for the area's strip of beach, dining and shopping options and party to your heart's content.

Most of the area's nightclubs and restaurants are located in the area bounded by Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. The jumping Gold Coast club scene features everything from sports bars to dance and live music clubs.

Movie buffs can head for Pacific Fair with its 12 cinema complex offering all-day screenings. Arts lovers can visit the Gold Coast Arts Centre for live theatre productions. Other than the theatre, the centre houses two cinemas, several restaurants and function rooms, a comedy clubhouse, and two art galleries.

A recent addition to Broadbeach social life is the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre. Its opening in 2004 gave the area a world class venue for entertainment and sports events. The multi-function facility can host conferences, seminars and conventions, together with sports and entertainment.

Broadbeach's most famous attraction is Conrad Jupiters Casino which lures the punters in 24 hours a day. Other than the gaming tables, Conrad Jupiters Casino also presents glittering Las Vegas-style floorshow in Conrad Jupiters’ International Showroom.

However you choose to spend your Gold Coast holiday, you'll be delighted with the quality of the Broadbeach hotels. Two of the finest are the Mantra Bel Air Broadbeach and the BreakFree Aruba Beach.

Richard Greaves has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper Than Hotels offers Broadbeach hotels as Mantra Bel Air Broadbeach and BreakFree Aruba Beach http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/Australia/Gold-Coast/Broadbeach/BreakFree-Aruba-Beach/.