The Gold Coast, to the south of Brisbane, is depicted by a 60km/35mi-long beach, lined with high-rise development. At the heart of what is often dubbed "Australian Florida" is Surfers Paradise, devoted body and soul to entertainment. Deserted up until fifty years ago, the coast has undergone rampant urban and tourist development with family theme parks, golf courses and casinos, side by side surfers looking for waves and students hunting for beach parties.