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.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- 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.
WHERE TO STAY
- 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.
GETTING AROUND
- 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!
GOLD COAST NIGHTLIFE
- 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).
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- 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.
INTERESTING WALKS
- 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.
WHERE TO EAT
- 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.
LOCAL WISDOM
- 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