SYDNEY Australia Wednesday launched a bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast, a beachside city on its eastern coast.

Australian Commonwealth Games Association president Sam Coffa said the city, which has a population of about 500,000, was a “very attractive” option for one of the world's biggest multi-sport events.

“We are very excited about putting forward this bid to our fellow Commonwealth Games Associations from 70 Commonwealth nations,” Coffa said.

“The bid provides that athletes and sports will be the top priority and as such a Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will be a very attractive option.”

The proposal is in stark contrast to this year's host, India's teeming capital New Delhi, while the previous three Games have also been held in big cities Melbourne, Manchester and Kuala Lumpur.

But Coffa said the sub-tropical Gold Coast, just south of Brisbane, would provide a scenic and secure location for the tournament.

“We know that Commonwealth Games Associations will not only be impressed with plans for the games but also will be warmly welcomed by the friendly Gold Coast people,” he said.

Gold Coast joins Nigeria's capital, Abuja, as the only cities to declare bids for the 2018 Games. The host will be decided in November next year.

Australia has hosted four previous Commonwealth Games in Sydney (1938), Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006). It also held the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and the 2003 Rugby World Cup. —AFP