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Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is full of sun, surf, and sand and is one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations. It’s an area east of Brisbane that is a collection of various beach cities that dot the coast. It’s known for its sunny subtropical climate, surfing, beaches, waterways and canal systems, a skyline dominated by high-rise apartment buildings, a rainforest hinterland, and a wild night life.  The most famous city in the area is Surfers Paradise, which is the major stop for travelers and backpackers looking to get some sun, surf, and lots of partying. My advice is to avoid Surfer’s Paradise and head to some of the better areas like Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta.

Costs in the Gold Coast

• Hostel Prices: Dorms cost $25 AUD per night for dorms and private rooms are $70 AUD per room per night.
• Budget Hotel Prices: $60-$80 per night
• Average Cost of Food: You can purchase a meal such as king prawn with chips and veggies for $20 or pasta for $15. However, if you are more on a budget, you can eat easily for closer to $6-$10 (pitas, sandwiches, etc). Cooking your own food will cost between $50 to 75 AUD.
• Cost of Internet: $4 AUD per hour. McDonald’s and some of the hostels have free wi-fi.
• Transportation Costs: Cabs can range anywhere from $3.70 per person to $13.80 per person depending on where you are going in the city. For example, a cab ride from the Gold Coast airport in a 4 passenger sedan will cost $13.80 per person. There is also a bus system and fares vary depending on where you want to go.

Things to Do in the Gold Coast

• Visit Q1 – The world’s tallest residential tower is also the only observation deck in Australia by the beach. Clearly recognizable among the Gold Coast’s many high rises, the landmark Q1 is a great starting point for tourists. Here you can gaze at the length of the coastline, which stretches out as far as the eye can see in both directions. It’s best visited during the day, although bad weather can also be a plus – visitors like to lay out on the floor during thunderstorms to watch lightning strike the Q1′s impressive 97.7 meter spire.
• Get off the beach – There is more to the Gold coast than beaches. Head into the “hinterland” for great rivers, swimming holes, hiking, and parks. During the weekend, you can snap up some local produce at a Farmers’ Market, as well as some arts and craft. For the more adventurous, you can tackle one of the many rainforest walks available on Tamborine Mountain.
• Walk the Burleigh Hill - Make like the locals and stretch your legs along Burleigh’s esplanade before making your way around the hill. The track is bordered by lush rainforest on one side and stunning views north to Surfers Paradise and south over Tallebudgera Creek.
• Whale Watching – June through October sees humpback whales on their migratory journey from the Antarctic to warmer waters where they mate and give birth. Later in the season the whales are on their return journey, swimming with their calves beside them. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the whales breaching, slapping their tails and waving their pectoral fins. Also spotted on the cruises are bottle nose dolphins, huge loggerhead turtles, orcas, sea birds and other marine life.
• Hit the Beaches – The Gold Coast has more than 70km of fantastic beaches, and Surfers Paradise is home to the “best beach in the world” according to some. Other beaches include Southport, Broadbeach, and Nobby’s, and Coolongatta.
• Learn to Surf – It’s not called “Surfer’s Paradise” for no reason. Up and down the Gold Coast, whether in Surfer’s or another town, you’ll find some of the best surfing in Australia. If you don’t know how to surf, you’ll be able to find cheap lessons up and down the coast.
• Party - The Gold Coast is one of the biggest party destinations in Australia. There’s a million bars, clubs, and pub crawls here. You won’t be short on nightlife. Surfer’s Paradise has the biggest night life but Coolangatta is just as good and less touristy.
• The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Over 65 acres in size, this compound is massive in size and is host to aviaries, walk through areas, open displays, reptiles, and more. Since there is so much to see and experience, including wildlife presentations held throughout the day, a train tour is offered, with purchase of admission ticket.
• Karting in Paradise – Home to the longest track on the Gold Coast, MSI Racing is an awesome place to live out your grand prix fantasies. Go with friends and see who can pin the fastest race, or just enjoy the adrenaline rush—this is a great way to spend the day away from the beach and out of the shops.
• Infinity – If you are looking to do something that you’ve never really done before, the Infinity maze is an interesting place to start. This walk through maze is filled with funky music, sound effects, and illusions—all you need to do is strap on some cotton gloves and socks, to feel your way through. This is a fun way to pass an hour by.
• Ride the sky – Whether you do it from a hot air balloon or from a helicopter, touring the Gold Coast is spectacular from above. Not only will you have a great overview of the coastline, but you will see the hinterland and Mt. Tamorine.

Budget Tips for Gold Coast

• Free Transport: Some hostels provide free transport to and from the hostel to the airport so be sure and ask upon booking. Also sometimes the just off airport car hires are not much cheaper than the on airport businesses so it may not be worth the hassle.

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