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Gold Coast Travel Guide

A resort city on Queensland's east coast where long sandy beaches meet a high-rise skyline. Enjoy surfing and beach walks, big theme parks, and nearby national parks with rainforest and glow-worm caves.

Plan your Gold Coast trip

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At a glance

Currency
AUD (A$)
Power & plugs
230V · Type I
Driving side
Left
Tipping
Optional (small, for good service)
Local language
English
How long to stay
5 to 6 days

Emergency numbers

When to go

September-November and March-May are warm with less rain. December-February is hot with frequent showers and busy school holidays. June-August winter still has many clear, mild days, and humpback whales pass by.

Airport to the city

Gold Coast Airport (OOL) → Surfers Paradise

The airport is at Bilinga near Coolangatta on the southern end of the Gold Coast. Take a Translink bus to Broadbeach South tram station and change to the G:link tram, or use a shuttle or taxi. Check official routes and timetables.

Time about 30-40 min by car, about 1 hour by bus to Surfers ParadiseCost Translink bus and tram 50-cent flat fare (check official), taxi about A$60-90

Brisbane Airport (BNE) → Gold Coast

An airport with more international flights. Airtrain runs straight to Gold Coast stations such as Helensvale, where you change to the G:link tram for Surfers Paradise. Airtrain is not part of the 50-cent fare, so check official timetables and fares.

Time about 1.5-2 hoursCost about A$30-60

Flights from further afield

Many international routes to the Gold Coast connect via other hubs. Compare flights into Brisbane as well, and check connections and total travel time.

Time varies by connectionCost varies by season

Getting around

Tram (G:link)

Light rail along the coast from Helensvale via Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads. The Translink 50-cent flat fare applies; check official information on how to pay.

City buses

Buses reach beaches and shopping areas the tram doesn't, using the same transit payment.

Ride-hailing & taxis

Handy in the evening or to and from theme parks.

Rental car

Easiest for national parks and hinterland towns. Australia drives on the left, and mountain roads are narrow and winding.

Where to stay

Surfers Paradise

Good for: First visit, beach & dining

The hub of high-rise stays, restaurants and shops, close to tram stops and the beach.

Broadbeach

Good for: Dining, slightly calmer

South of Surfers Paradise with plenty of restaurants and a more relaxed feel, linked by tram.

Burleigh Heads

Good for: Surfing, local vibe

A headland park and surf beach with lots of cafés and a laid-back feel, now linked by the tram extension.

Main Beach

Good for: Quiet rest, families

A quieter beach area north of Surfers Paradise with lovely walking paths.

Map of stays in Gold Coast

Compare prices from many booking sites on the map

Search stays in Gold Coast in the app

Map & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site

Top sights

  1. Surfers Paradise Beach

    The Gold Coast's signature beach, long sand backed by high-rises. Swim between the lifeguard flags.

  2. Theme parks

    Several amusement, water and wildlife-style theme parks sit in the northern Gold Coast. Compare tickets in advance.

  3. Burleigh Head National Park

    A short headland walk with great views over the ocean and beaches.

  4. Springbrook National Park

    Known for rainforest, waterfalls and a cave with glow worms at night. About an hour by car; many tours go.

  5. Tamborine Mountain

    A mountain village with lookouts, forest walks, galleries and cafés, about 40 minutes to an hour by car.

  6. Lamington National Park

    Part of the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests, known for treetop walks and birdwatching.

  7. Surf lessons

    Plenty of beginner lessons on calmer beaches, with safety gear provided.

  8. Humpback whale watching (Jun-Nov)

    Boat trips to see migrating humpbacks in season; sailings depend on sea conditions.

Tours & tickets →

What to eat

Fish and chips

Fried fish and chips by the beach. About A$15-25.

Queensland seafood

Prawns, oysters and Moreton Bay bugs. Many places charge market price, so check first.

Café brunch

Australia's café culture means varied breakfast and brunch menus. About A$20-35.

Aussie barbecue & steak

Try Australian beef steak. About A$35-70.

Tropical fruit

Queensland mangoes, pineapples and more are sweet and cheap, especially at summer markets.

Daily budget (per person)

Budgetabout A$120-170 per day: hostel, supermarket meals, tram
Mid-rangeabout A$250-400 per day: beach hotel, theme park, restaurants
Comfortabout A$800+ per day: ocean-view resort, private tours

Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.

Sample itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Airport to Surfers Paradise, check in, a beach walk, then fish and chips for dinner.

  2. Day 2

    A day at a theme park.

  3. Day 3

    A morning surf lesson, Burleigh Head National Park in the afternoon, then Broadbeach in the evening.

  4. Day 4

    Springbrook National Park (waterfalls and rainforest), then a night glow-worm tour or Tamborine Mountain.

Local tips

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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.

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