Queensland’s Gold Coast spans prehistoric times to its current status as a tourist destination. Indigenous peoples, notably the Yugambeh clans, Kombumerri, Mununjali, and Wangerriburra, have lived in the area for over 6,000 years. In 1823, John Oxley made the first significant European landing at Mermaid Beach, drawn by the lush timber. By the mid-19th century, red cedar attracted settlers, leading to farms and timber mills by 1842. Tourism began in 1925 when Jim Cavill opened the first hotel in Surfers Paradise, prompting development. Development restrictions were lifted in 1952, transforming the area, and by 1959, the Gold Coast became a city. From the 1960s to the 1970s, hotels, resorts, and theme parks have emerged, including Surfers Paradise and Warner Bros. Movie World. Established as a local government area in 1995, the Gold Coast has become a leading tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, theme parks, and vibrant nightlife.