Gold Coast Travel Guide

The Gold Coast, Australia is east of Brisbane and is know for its sunny subtropical climate, surfing, beaches, a rainforest hinterland, and wild nightlife.
For most travelers, visiting the Gold Coast means spending time in the most famous city in the area, Surfers Paradise (a name which dates all the way back to 1917). This is a major stop for travelers and backpackers looking to get some sun, surf, and spend time partying.
Surfers (as it’s colloquially known) is a fun place to visit but my advice is to avoid spending a lot of time here and head to some of the better, less crowded cities like Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta instead. When you get out of the city, you get to see a lot of nicer beaches, watering holes, local spots, and places with cheaper prices (and fewer tourists).
This Gold Coast travel guide will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in the popular getaway destination.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Gold Coast
1. Learn to surf
It isn’t called “Surfers Paradise” for no reason! Up and down the coast, you’ll find some of the best surfing in Australia. Even if you don’t know how to surf, you’ll be able to find cheap lessons anywhere along the coast. A two-hour group lesson costs around 75 AUD. If you don’t need lessons and just want to surf, you can rent a board for around 60 AUD per day. Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, and Burleigh Heads and some of the best surf spots for beginners in the area.
2. Visit the Q1
Opened in 2005, this supertall skyscraper was once the world’s tallest residential tower (it was the tallest from 2005 to 2011). Today, it’s the 13th tallest residential tower in the world as well as the tallest building in Australia at 322 meters (1,058 feet). For views overlooking the coast, this place can’t be beaten. Admission to the SkyPoint Observation Deck, which offers 360-degree views, is 31-36 AUD. It’s cheaper to go on a weekday. There’s also an option to climb to the 270-meter summit (885 feet), where you’ll have a harness connected to a safety rail system. The climb costs 92-120 AUD.
3. Explore the hinterland
There is more to the Gold Coast than beaches. Head into the “hinterland” for beautiful rivers, swimming holes, hiking, and parks. During the weekend, you can snap up some local produce at a farmer’s market or tackle one of the many rainforest walks available on Tamborine Mountain. Some suggested hikes include Curtis Falls and Lower Creek Circuit (easy), Knoll Walking Track and Cameron Falls (easy), and Palm Grove Circuit to Jenyns Circuit Loop (moderate).
4. See the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
This massive compound spans almost 70 acres and is home to aviaries, crocodiles, dingos, emus, wombats, and more! A part of the Queensland Heritage Register, the sanctuary opened in 1947 and has a mini railway so you can easily explore and navigate the park. A huge free-flying population of lorikeets (colorful parrots) visits daily and you can watch the birds eat and fly around. Admission is 64.95 AUD for adults and 49.95 AUD for kids under 13.
5. Hit the beaches
The region has more than 70 kilometers (43 miles) of fantastic beaches, and Surfers Paradise is home to some of the “best beaches in the world”, according to some. There are 21 different beaches along this stretch of coastline, from Southport Spit in the north to Snapper Rocks in the south. Surfing, sunbathing, and combing the beach for treasures are the most common ways to spend a day on the sand. Popular beaches include Southport, Broadbeach, Nobby’s, and Coolangatta. I personally like Coolangatta the best. Check the Beachsafe website for current weather or hazard information before you go.
Other Things to See and Do in Gold Coast
1. Walk the Burleigh Hill
Make like the locals and stretch your legs along Burleigh’s esplanade before heading around the hill. Burleigh is about halfway between the northern end of the Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise) and the southern end (Coolangatta). There’s a bus stop at Burleigh Beach, so it’s easy to get to using public transportation. The track, located halfway between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta, is bordered by lush rainforest on one side and stunning views north to Surfers Paradise and south over Tallebudgera Creek. It takes around 45 minutes to walk (it’s only 2.3 kilometers).
2. Go whale watching
Between June and October, humpback whales make their migratory journey from the Antarctic to warmer waters where they mate and give birth. August is peak migration season for humpbacks, so a tour during this time will give you the best chance of seeing one. Later in the season, the whales make their return journey, swimming with their calves beside them. It’s also common to see bottlenose dolphins, huge loggerhead turtles, and orcas. Tours start around 75 AUD for a two to three-hour tour. Many of the tours have a 100% whale guarantee, which means you may be able to take another tour for free if you don’t see any the first time.
3. Experience the nightlife
“The Goldie” is one of the biggest party destinations in Australia. There are countless bars, clubs, and pub crawls here. Surfers Paradise has the biggest nightlife and is where most people party, but Coolangatta is just as good and less touristy (and cheaper). You’ll find everything from dance clubs to ice bars to speakeasies to keep you entertained after the sun goes down.
4. Explore Infinity
If you are looking to do something completely different, check out Infinity Attraction. This mirror and sensory maze is filled with funky music, dazzling lights, sound effects, and mirror illusions. It’s like a super fun carnival maze but way more interactive and high-tech, with 20 different rooms to explore. You’ll have a multi-sensory experience with different aromas and soundscapes. It’s a good activity to do with kids, and it takes about thirty minutes to make your way through the entire maze. Admission is 30.90 AUD.
5. Check out the Currumbin Valley rock pools
At the end of the drive through Currumbin Valley, you’ll find an easy pathway through the rainforest leading you to some rock pools. Fresh mountain water flows over the hills of boulders and it makes for the perfect place to have a swim and cool off (especially in the hot summer months). There are picnic tables, rope swings, bathrooms, and even a snack bar to get something to eat. The pools are a forty-minute drive south of Surfer’s Paradise, and there are plenty of walking trails around the pools and through the forests as well.
6. Hike the Lost World Valley
Although it’s only a short drive from Surfers Paradise, the Lost World Valley is an off-grid, deep-in-the-jungle hiking trail in Lamington National Park, a World Heritage Site that spans 206 square kilometers (80 square miles). At the end of your rainforest trek, you’ll find private swimming holes and waterfalls. There are dozens of hikes here. Some of the most popular are the Coomera Circuit (moderate), Morans Falls (moderate), and the Green Mountains Albert River Circuit Loop (hard).
7. Hang out at Miami Marketta
This diverse food market is home to pretty much every type of cuisine there is. It’s a night market where you can find Thai food, tapas, and everything in between. There are also all kinds of events and live music here too (tickets required). It’s even home to the annual Surface Street Art Festival, which typically happens in June or July. The market is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5 pm until late. Bring an appetite!
8. Visit the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
At the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, you can hire an Indigenous guide to lead you through Burleigh Head National Park. You’ll hear traditional stories and learn about the historical sites used by the Yugambeh people, allowing you to connect with some of Australia’s most fascinating indigenous cultures. Walkabouts start at 39 AUD and take you along a beachside walkway surrounded by rainforest that wraps around the mountain of Jellurgal. You’ll hear about the traditional hunting, fishing, and ecological practices of the Aboriginal people.
9. See Twin Falls
Twin Falls is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South East Queensland, located in Springbrook National Park. It only takes 15 minutes of hiking to get there, and it’s actually best to visit after heavy rainfall. You’ll pass through rock clefts and different forest types along the way. There are brush box trees (look for the pink bark) in the area, some of which have been dated back 1,500 years. To get to the falls, all you need to do is follow the road through the Settlement Camping area and then just beyond Canyon Lookout for the road leading to the Twin Falls Circuit. You can also access the trail from the Tallanbana picnic area.
How to Stay Safe in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is an incredibly safe place. People are friendly and helpful and you’re unlikely to get into trouble. Violent crime here is rare. Theft is rare but it does occur, especially in Surfers. When you go to the beach, leave your valuables at home just in case.
Most incidents tend to occur because visitors are not used to the country’s unique climate, so be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. If you’re venturing out of the city, be mindful of wildlife, especially snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.
If you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.
Solo female travelers generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). For more information, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web that can help more!
If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.
When in doubt, always trust your instincts. Make copies of your personal documents in case of an emergency.
The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Where to Stay in Gold Coast
There are only a handful of hostels along the Gold Coast so be sure to book early. Here are my suggested places to stay at:
- Coolangatta YHA (Coolangatta)
- BUNK Surfers Paradise (Surfers Paradise)
- voco Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)
- Red Star Palm Beach (Palm Beach)
- Meriton Suites Southport (Southport)
Gold Coast Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 40-105 AUD per night
- Hostel private rooms – 100-180 AUD per night
- Budget hotels – 160-250 AUD per night
- Luxury hotels – 300+ AUD per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 85-120 AUD per night
- Airbnb apartments – 120-300 AUD per night
- Campsite – 10-30 AUD per night for two people
Food
- Pre-made sandwiches – 12-15 AUD
- Pub food – 15-30 AUD
- Takeaway spots – 12-20 AUD
- Casual restaurants – 25-55 AUD per meal
- Midrange restaurant – 55-75 AUD per meal
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 15 AUD
- Beer – 12-15 AUD
- Glass of wine – 12-15 AUD
- Cappuccino/latte- 5-6 AUD
- Bottled water – 2-3 AUD
- Groceries for a week – 90-150 AUD
Gold Coast Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 120 AUD Per Day
On this budget, you’ll stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, use public transportation, and stick to mostly free activities like lounging on the beach and hiking. If you plan on drinking more, add 10-20 AUD to your daily budget.
Midrange – 250 AUD Per Day
On a mid-range budget, you’ll be able to stay in a private room, eat out for most of your meals, do a couple of paid activities (like surfing), take the occasional taxi, and enjoy a few drinks at the bar. You won’t live large, but you’ll be comfortable.
Upscale – 395 AUD Per Day
On a “luxury” budget, you can stay at an upscale hotel, eat out for every meal, do more expensive tours (like whale watching), or rent a car. The sky is the limit if you have the money to spend!
Gold Coast Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
The Gold Coast can be very expensive (it’s a popular tourist getaway after all) to visit. Fortunately, there are still some ways to save here. Here are ways to cut down your costs so you don’t break the bank:
Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always clean and safe.
Free transport – Some accommodation provides free transport to and from the airport. If you are going to Surfers Paradise, they might also pick you up for free at the bus station. Book accommodation with a shuttle to save a few bucks.
Redeem hotel points – Signing up for hotel credit cards and using those points for accommodations when you travel is an excellent way to save money. Most cards even give you 1-2 nights free when you enroll, which can help lower costs too. Here’s a post that will help you understand how it works so you can start earning points right away and have plenty for your trip.
Eat cheap – Eating out can be very expensive; however, there are a lot of sandwich shops around that can keep your costs down. Avoid the sit-down restaurants, and instead, grab a sandwich or some delicious Asian or Indian food (which tends to be a little cheaper).
Get a Go Explore card for transportation – There’s an extensive bus and tram system throughout the Gold Coast, and the Go Explore card will give you unlimited access for 1.50 AUD per day. This can save you money over paying the 0.50 AUD for a single ride. You can buy the card at the Brisbane and Gold Coast airports or at various retailers throughout the region. A list of local vendors is available on the Translink website.
Stay with a local – Accommodation on the Gold Coast is pricey. If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host. This way, you not only have a place to stay, but you’ll have a local host that can share insider tips and advice.
Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time.
Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the chance to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed. Commitments vary but most hostels ask you to stay for at least a week.
Cook your own meals – The best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. Book a hostel or Airbnb with a kitchen so you can save money on food costs. It’s not glamorous but you’ll save a fortune!
Get the Gold Coast City Card – If you plan on visiting a lot of the main sightseeing attractions, this pass can save money over paying for each entrance individually. The pass gives you access to more than fifteen different activities and attractions like a whale watching cruise, Tropical Fruit World, Planet Chill ice skating, a Byron Bay Lighthouse and Farm Tour, and many others. You’ll also get discounts on food and drinks and other interesting tours. A 2-day pass is 239 AUD, and a 3-day pass is 289 AUD.
Book tours as a package – This country has a lot of exciting activities and tours that eat into any budget. Booking activities together through a hostel or tour agency may get you a discount and save you hundreds of dollars. Always ask if there are package deals available.
How to Get Around in Gold Coast
Buses – Buses can get you just about everywhere you need to go on the Gold Coast. TransLink is the largest public transit operator and has buses that run from the south to the north side of the coast (and beyond). There’s also a NightLink night bus service for buses after midnight.
Fares start at 0.50 AUD across all zones in the TransLink network. Make sure you get a reloadable Go Explore Card because paper tickets aren’t available on board many buses or ferries. Unlimited travel on Translink is 1.50 AUD per day with the Go Explore Card.
Light rail – G:link, the region’s light rail, runs along the Gold Coast highway. You’ll be able to reach all the main tourist spots and the fares are the same as the Translink public bus system. The Go Explore Card gives you access to the light rail as well as buses.
Ferries – You can explore the Gold Coast’s waterways (including Stradbroke Island) by using the region’s ferry and water taxi services. The vehicle ferry to Stradbroke Island costs around 80 AUD while the pedestrian ferry is 21 AUD return.
Taxi – Taxis are expensive here and should be avoided. Prices start at 2.30-4.50 AUD and go up by 2.17 AUD per kilometer. Skip them if you can!
Ridesharing – DiDi is the main ridesharing app here and is cheaper than taxis.
Bike rental – There are tons of bicycle trails around the Gold Coast! Daily rates per bicycle rental start around 40 AUD.
Car rental – You can get just about anywhere along the Gold Coast via public transit, but if you want to get off the tourist trail or travel inland, having a car rental is ideal. You can find rentals for around 35 AUD per day for a week-long rental.
For the best rental car prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a free quote using this widget:
When to Go to Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is busy year-round thanks to its consistent weather and nearly 300 days of sunshine per year. That’s what makes it such a great place to visit!
One of the best times to visit is near the end of April throughout May because the average daily temperature is between 17-27°C (62-80°F), making it one of the most comfortable times to be here. There aren’t too many crowds during this time, and hotel prices are lower. You’re likely to encounter some rain showers during the autumn, so be sure to pack a rain jacket and an umbrella.
Mid-November to early December should be avoided if possible due to Schoolies Week, when students and their parents take holidays. The beaches get crowded, as do all the attractions. This extends through summer (which, in Australia, lasts until February). Daily highs hover around 27°C (80°F). Summer is also the rainiest time of year, with showers likely for up to twelve days during each month.
In October there’s the Gold Coast 600 (a car race), which brings in some 200,000 people — with inflated prices to boot. Be sure to book early if you’re visiting during this time. The rest of spring is pleasant with temperatures averaging between 14-26°C (57-78°). It’s also drier than summer and fall with only four to nine days having rain showers each month.
Winter is the coolest time of year and also the driest. Temperatures average between 10-21°C (51-70°F). There are still days with rain, so you’ll want to bring layers that will keep you warm and dry. Depending on how you want to spend your days, this can be an excellent time to visit as crowds are fewer and prices lower.
Gold Coast Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
Gold Coast Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Gold Coast travel and continue planning your trip: