Extreme sea-level rise and adaptation options for coastal resort cities: A qualitative assessment from the Gold Coast, Australia

► As an example of a coastal resort city, the Gold Coast, Australia faces specific challenges in adaptation. ► We outline the potential impacts of 1 m, 2 m and 5 m potential sea level rise (SLR) on the Gold Coast. ► We assume that current occurrences of surges, cyclones and rainfall are superimposed on these. ► Based on whether adaptation is proactive or reactive we assess the chances of successful adaptation. ► With planning a 2 m SLR might just be accommodated: without it a 1m SLR could not.