The Gold Coast is about one hours drive South of Brisbane along the Pacific Motorway.

The Gold Coast lives up to the hype full of sun, surf and sand! It’s known for its sunny subtropical climate, surfing, beaches and nightlife.

For most travellers, visiting The Gold Coast means spending time in the most famous city in the area, Surfers Paradise. This is a major stop for travellers and backpackers looking to get some sun, surf, and spend time partying.

It’s a fun place but my advice is to avoid spending a lot of time there and head to some of the better, less crowded areas like Burleigh Heads and Miami (not the Florida one). Miami is where I stayed for a week in a house rental through Air B&B.

Travelling The Gold Coast is a lot more than just seeing Surfers and, when you get out of the city, you get to a lot nicer beaches, watering holes, local spots, and places with cheaper prices.

While I’d definitely recommend renting a car for exploring the countryside, it’s easy to get from Brisbane airport to The Gold Coast. There’s a local service called Airtrain that runs from Brisbane Airport to The Gold Coast every 15 minutes that costs AU$24.30 (GB£12/US$16). There is also an ‘Airtrain Connect’ service that offers train and chauffeur service to your accommodation.

Why Is The Gold Coast So Popular ?

The Gold Coast is the ultimate getaway destination for people living in Brisbane. It was first known as the South Coast but earned its “Gold Coast” title back in the 1950s thanks to the ultra exclusive local real estate.

Since that time, this Queensland’s region has become everything to everyone. Way more than just a surfer’s paradise, The Gold Coast gets an incredible 300 days of sunshine per year and has endless natural beauty.

What Can The Gold Coast Offer?

If your itinerary allows it, then why not indulge yourself with at least a week on The Gold Coast? This paradise isn’t just about the stunning beaches; it’s about immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of Surfer Paradise and exploring the dazzling allure of The Gold Coast and its captivating surroundings. Don’t settle for less—make every moment count!

Surfers Paradise

If you were to mention The Gold Coast to someone then Surfers Paradise is probably one of the first things they would say. It’s a busy area with beaches, shopping, food and experiences. I’m going to give Surfers Paradise quite a chunk of this blog.

INFINITY GOLD COAST-

What the heck is that you may ask? I had an amazing experience with Infinity but it’s very hard to explain just exactly what Infinity is, so as they say on their website;

“INFINITY is a unique and mind-blowing 30 minute journey into spectacular, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder – an extraordinary series of 20 multi-sensual environments filled with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, ultra-groovy music and amazing spectacular illusions that appear to go all the way to infinity!”

CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY-

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is around a 30 minute drive, or 1 hour train journey, south of Surfers Paradise. Expect to see lots of iconic Australian animals, such as Tasmanian devils, Koala’s, Emu’s, Dingo’s, Cassowaries, Kangaroos and Crocodiles. Entrance fee’s for Adults is AU$50 (GB£25/US$32).

AQUADUCK TOURS

Why not combine a river cruise with a city cruise and explore Surfers Paradise in Australia’s first amphibious Aquaduck ride? You start with exploring the city and head out to Main Beach before driving into the water when your trip turns into a cruise! Adults tickets cost AU$58 (GB£28/US$37).

BEACHFRONT MARKETS

All good tourist hotspots have great markets and Surfers Paradise is no exception. This is a big market that has a huge variety of things to buy. The beachfront markets are open every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening from 4pm until 9pm. Like many Australian night markets you can shop while enjoying the live entertainment. Head into town afterwards for a bite to eat.

SHOPPING

Head to the Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre for some of your usual shops, even a Coles supermarket (were I spent almost AU$50 on treats I cannot buy in The UK!).

The Paradise Centre on Cavill Avenue is where you’ll find Timezone as well as a Hard Rock cafe amongst many others. Or check out Cavill Lane for some sophisticated food. Soul Boardwalk is an open air shopping centre where the only beachfront eateries in Surfers Paradise are located.

VISIT THE Q1

The world’s tallest residential tower is also the only observation deck in Australia by the beach. The landmark Q1 lets you gaze at the length of the coastline, which stretches out as far as the eye can see in both directions. The SkyPoint Observation Deck opens daily starting at 7am, and costs AU$33 (GB£16/US$21.50).

THE CLOCK HOTEL

Ignore the deceiving name The Clock Hotel on Surfers Paradise Boulevard (Opposite the Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre) is not a hotel but rather a bar and bistro

It’s a very quirky building fronted by a huge clock above its door. Every half hour the clock strikes a chime. Make time for a drink or lunch whilst sat in the beer garden or watching the latest game in the sports bar.

HURRICANE BAR AND GRILL

If you struggle to find somewhere to have lunch or an evening meal make for Hurricane Bar and Grill. If you like American style food in mammoth portions then you will not be disappointed.

The main food is ribs- a full rack of them! The meal even comes with a bib to keep you clean! Hurricane Bar and Grill is located on the 1st floor of Soul Boardwalk near the Surfers Paradise beach sign.

Gold Coast Beaches

The region has more than 43 miles (70 kms) of fantastic beaches and Surfers Paradise is home to the “best beach in the world” according to some. I personally don’t think Surfers Paradise beach is all that. If you head further South towards Miami, Broadbeach and Coolongatta the beaches are cleaner and less populated.

During my stay at Miami beach there was one day where the beach was inundated with baby ‘Blue Bottle’ jellyfish, also known as Portuguese Man-O-War!

Burleigh District

Make like the locals and stretch your legs along Burleigh’s Esplanade before heading around the hill. Located 9 miles (15 kms) South of Surfers Paradise and 1.8 miles (3.2 kms) from Miami. The track is bordered by lush rainforest on one side and stunning views north to Surfers Paradise and south over Tallebudgera Creek. I spent a couple of days taking my morning jog along parts of the track.

Miami Beach

Miami is about 6.5 miles (11 kms) South of Surfers Paradise and this is the area I chose to stay during my week here. The area is quieter than the North of the region but equally as entertaining. The beaches around Miami are cleaner and less populated, although to get to the North of the region you will need a car or use the bus. The tram system doesn’t run this far.

Hang Out At Miami Marketta

Located on Hillcrest Parade, 15 minutes walk from where I was staying is an awesome venue called Miami Marketta. Peruse the food stalls lined with fairy lights in this Miami suburb, where you’ll be able to sample just about every type of food you want. There’s a nice bar to stop for a cocktail and other stalls sell clothing and artwork. Live music takes place at the venue entrance.

Miami Marketta is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm. My recommendations are the Beef Brisket that literally melts in your mouth and the highly fattening potato waffles smothered in BBQ sauce!

Twin Falls

If your itinerary allows make time for Twin Falls. Considered to be 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 from the car park.

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.

Byron bay

A little further down the coast is the town of Byron Bay that is most definitely worthy of a visit. To read more on Byron Bay USE THIS LINK

Getting Around The Gold Coast

Buses – Buses will get you just about everywhere you need to go on the Gold Coast. Surfside Buslines is a local operator 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.

The cost of your fare depends on how many zones you travel through. Fares start from AU$3.30 (GB£1.65) for one zone and increase from there, although it’s cheaper with a ‘Go Card’ (starting from AU$2.65/GB£1.35). You can get all the way from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta (a two zone journey) for just AU$5.80 (GB£3.00) one way, that’s 18 miles (29kms) distance.

Tram – Newly opened in 2014, The Gold Coast now has at tram system (called the G:link) that runs along The Gold Coast highway. You’ll be able to reach all the main tourist spots from here! The fares are the same as the Translink public bus system, starting from AU$3.30 (GB£1.65) per one zone, or from AU$2.65 (GB£1.35) with a GO CARD.

Car Rental – You can get just about anywhere along on 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. During the off-season you can find rentals for as low as AU$35 (GB£17.75), but during peak season it can climb as high as AU$80 (GB£40.50) a day. I rented a car for a week before I left The UK for The Gold Coast to secure a deal during the peak season that cost me GB£200 (AU$390) through Hertz Rentals.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive here and should be avoided. If you absolutely need to use Uber.

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