Gold Coast Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate 2025 Tips

Heading to Gold Coast? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

QUICK FACTS

Located in Queensland, the Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth largest city (~550,000 residents).
Europeans settled in the area in 1823, when John Oxley landed at Mermaid Beach. It officially became a city in 1959.
Known for its coastline (57 km stretch from South Stradbroke Island to Coolangatta) and theme parks (including Movie World, Sea World and Wet N Wild).
Visited by around 10 million people every year, with almost 850,000 coming from overseas.

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).
Spoken languages: English.
Best time to visit: The Gold Coast enjoys 300 days of sunshine with warm temperatures year-round, making it suitable for visiting almost anytime.
Great event to catch: the Sand Safari Arts Festival in February showcases impressive sand sculptures and beach art along the coastline.
Arriving from the airport: from Coolangatta airport, you have a couple of bus options (depending on direction you’re going).
– Both Surfside Bus 777 (to Broadbeach South Station) and Surfside bus 760 (to Varsity Lakes Station) are $5.20 one way.
– Taxi fare to Surfers Paradise is around $65 to $85.
Emergency phone number: 000 for police, fire, and ambulance.

Best hostel for solo travelers: BUNK Hostel.
– Spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and a great location right in the centre (5 mins walk from the beach, and bus station is 2 mins away if you need it).
– On-site pool/jacuzzi, and a social atmosphere.
– Definitely book ahead, as this one fills up fast!
To be in the heart of the action, stay in Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach and choose from the many accommodation options (including hostels, beachfront apartments, and luxury hotels).
For a quieter location, opt to stay in the south of the city.
To get away from the beach, choose a relaxing bed and breakfast in the Hinterland for breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding rainforest.

The city has a railway line running from Varsity Lakes to Central Brisbane stations and Brisbane Airport.
There is a comprehensive bus network which includes services to most major tourist attractions. Fares start from $4.60.
The city’s G:link is a light rail system that connects key tourist areas. G:link is included in the GoExplore card (below).
The easiest way to get around is to buy a GoExplore card for AU$10 per day. Can be purchased at various kiosks, including at the airport (see locations of retailers).
– The
Kool Bike Hire in Coolangatta offers cruisers, mountain bikes, and eBikes for exploring the 48km Darren Smith Memorial Route along the coast. Stunning views!

Drinking age is 18, last call is between 12 AM and 1 AM (unless you are at Surfers Paradise, where you can party all night).
Surfers Paradise is the city’s party center. Many bars and clubs stay open until early morning.
Relaxed scene: visit one of the many bars and restaurants in Broadbeach.
Great bars to check out: Finn McCool’s Surfers Paradise, The Loose Moose Tap & Grill House, Nightjar, Havana RnB Nightclub (club).

Q1 is one of the world’s tallest residential buildings (height: 1,058 feet). Visit the observation deck on level 77 for panoramic views of the city.
The Gold Coast has many world famous surfing beaches, as well as the biggest professional surf lifesaving service in Australia.
A big of the appeal here are the outdoor experiences, such as surfing lessons, hiking trails, cycling paths, and water sports like jet skiing or kayaking in the Broadwater.
Hinze Dam, also known as Advancetown Lake (built in 1979).
If you’re planning to visit multiple amusement parks, see if you can save money by using the Gold Coast Theme Park Pass.

A walk along some of the city’s world famous beaches, such as Surfers Paradise, is a must.
There are many rainforest walks to enjoy in the Gold Coasts hinterland. Take a night time glow worm tour at Springbrook National Park (book well in advance), or walk the track around Natural Bridge.
Stroll around Burleigh Heads State Park (spot the wallabies!) and take in the beautiful views of Tallebudgera Creek, the southern coastline and the Coral Sea.

Great restaurants to try: The Glenelg Public House, Orzo, Social Eating House + Bar ($$$), Restaurant Labart, Yamagen Japanese Restaurant, and Etsu Izakaya.
Local dishes to try: Barramundi fish and Tim-Tams (a popular chocolate biscuit).
Tipping in Australia is not compulsory, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
Where to find good cheap eats: eating out can get expensive just about anywhere in Australia. Look out for early bird deals – some restaurants offer as much as 50% off before 6 PM.
Budget tip: many cafés along the beachfront cycle path offer breakfast specials for early risers, particularly in the Currumbin and Burleigh areas.

Experience the Night Quarter in Helensvale for dining, shopping, and live music.
Dangerous areas: Gold Coast is considered extremely safe for solo travelers, particularly for women. Trouble can occur in Surfers Paradise at night, around the bars and nightclubs.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days