Gold Coast is ok but Fortitude Valley in Brisbane is a LOT better...
It's not too far for a good night out and you can start at 'GPO' or 'Fringebar' and then walk to 'The Family' which has won Australian nightclub of the year for the past three years running.
And if you have the cash and enough friends, book the VIP Room at 'The Family'. http://www.thefamily.com.au