Australia is one of the best gap year destinations but it is also known for giving budget travellers sticker shock, particularly in glitzy areas like the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast is the adventure capital of Australia and is renowned for its surfing beaches and 300 days of sunshine a year. The Gold Coast is a very popular spot for backpackers to spend some time for obvious reasons.
There are plenty of fun activities and things to see when you come to the Gold Coast. It is going to cost you money, but why else do you travel then to experience what the travel destination has to offer?
The cost of food, accommodation, and activities can quickly add up, even if you’re doing little more than relaxing and surfing these famous beaches.
Gold Coast Highlights
Here are some highlights to your Gold Coast visit that you want to make sure you are experiencing and enjoying.
Surfing
If you are traveling already with your surfboard, and you know how to surf, then this is not going to cost you a thing. Head down to the famous surfing beaches of Kirra and Coolangatta, where you will find your world-class surfing breaks.
If you don’t have any surf gear, or you want to learn to surf, then its time for you to hit a learn to surf school, such as Beach Bum Australia.
For a reasonable price you can be taught how to surf by experienced and accredited surf instructors. They will have you standing up on your board in no time, living the great Aussie surf dream.
Theme Parks
You might want to do some research as to which park peaks your interest the most. These parks are like any other around the world – expensive. Fun comes at a price and you are sure to have a lot of fun at Gold Coast’s theme parks.
The most popular theme parks include Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, and Wet and Wild. Grab a bunch of travelling friends and make a day out of it.
If it is a hot day, you could pay to go to the Wild Water Park, which has lots of water slides and wild water rides.
If you travel to Orlando you need to make sure to allow room in your budget to go to Disneyland. You don’t go all that way to Florida and not experience what Orlando is most famous for. The Gold Coast is similar, this is the only place in Australia where you can experience theme parks, so allow room in your budget for at least one.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife and adventure experience, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located only minutes from Currumbin Beach. Years ago there wasn’t much more here then lorikeet feeding but now there are more fun activities to do here.
There are an abundance of Australian animals here and you can plan your day to see all the wild animal shows, feed some kangaroos, visit the wildlife hospital, have lorikeets climb all over you , and maybe cuddle a koala. There is also the new Adventure Parc which makes for a challenging afternoon, climbing amongst the tree tops for some high rope adventures.
The sanctuary is nestled amongst 27 hectares of eucalpyt and rainforest, so just walking around is a peaceful and beautiful way to spend the day. The park is Heritage Listed and is owned by the people of Queensland and operated by the National Trust of Queensland for more than 60 years.
Gold Coast Hinterland
Head up to the mountains of the Gold Coast and spend some time hiking amongst the World Heritage-listed, sub-tropical, rainforest wilderness parks. There are mountain climbs, hiking trails, hideaway retreats, tree top walks,cascading waterfalls, spectacular views, native animals and rainforest scenery to explore.
There are also other activities such as quad biking through the hinterlands, hang gliding and wine tasting. This might even be an area you can consider doing a working farm stay in the Canungra Valley. Why not earn money while you have fun exploring the Gold Coast?
Beach Bumming
Always one the best free backpacking activities. If you can’t find a beautiful beach to bum at on the Gold Coast then you’re extremely hard to please, and you’ll have to spend all your time in the Hinterlands.
There are the big surfing beaches of Kirra, Coolangatta, and D’bah, the party and busy beaches of Surfers and Broadbeach. Burleigh Heads has a more local community feel surrounded by parks, BBQ areas, and small shops. My heart belongs to Coolangatta.
A Gold Coast highlight is definitely spending your day lazing around on the fine, sandy wide open beaches and swimming in the ocean, followed by sunset beers to close out the day.
Nightlife: The Backpackers Big Night Out
While on the Gold Coast, you might as well discover the nightlife on the streets of the infamous Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise. There is now a backpackers pub crawl you can jump on operating on Wednesdays and Saturday nights.
The Backpackers Big Night Out is organized by several backpackers in the area, the best being Aquarius backpackers. Tickets are $30 and include entrance into 4 nightclubs, 4 drinks on arrival, $5.50 standard drink prices all night, and a booze bus to take you between clubs. I hear it is an experience not to miss.
There are also many restaurants, cafes, and pubs for you to explore. If you really feel like splurging out then a visit to the viewing deck of the Q1 building is something you may want to consider.
The highest residential building in the world, Q1 gives you fantastic views of the city, surrounding beaches and mountains.
Gold Coast Money Saving Tips
Check out the following tips and enjoy the highlights of this beautiful region without breaking the bank.
1. Avoid Peak Season
The Gold Coast is known for its fancy resorts and holiday cottages, but these can quickly eat into your budget.
One way to lower the cost of accommodation is to avoid the peak tourist season of December and January. You’ll also want to avoid “Schoolies Week” in mid-November, when the beaches are packed with students and prices go up as a result.
2. Travel by Campervan
One of the best ways to get around Australia’s wild spaces is by campervan. You can save on the cost of accommodation and wake up with the pristine beaches of the Gold Coast right outside your door.
If you choose to hire a campervan, be sure to compare rental rates carefully to get the best deal. However, another option is to relocate a campervan. Some companies allow you to sign up to move a campervan from one location to another, for a rate of as little as $1 per day.
You may even get compensation for fuel, which covers your costs. If you time it right, you could relocate your vehicle from Brisbane to Sydney and see the Gold Coast with free transportation and accommodation.
For more information view our guide to travelling Australia by camper van.
3. Choose a Used Car
Driving your own car can save you money and give you added flexibility. You might want to choose a practical vehicle if you don’t go the campervan route, as these offer great fuel economy.
By purchasing a used vehicle, you can then resell it at the end of your journey and get your money back. For suggestions for where to go, view our ultimate east coast Australia itinerary.
4. Hostels
Use websites like Booking to find cheap hostels and places to stay. Reserve your place in advance to get the best deals.
5. Beaches
The Gold Coast has some of the best beaches in Australia, and all are free!
6. Visit the Hinterland
The beaches are a major draw to the Gold Coast, but its hinterland is also an amazing place well worth visiting.
Prices tend to be lower at cafes and theme parks in this area, and you’ll find three national parks to explore along with a bevy of mountains and waterfalls. You’ll also find some wineries in this region, which thrive in the cool climate.
These offer free tastings to visitors, allowing you to sample some of the region’s finest produce and wine at little cost.
7. Free Museums and Galleries
Brisbane is home to several free attractions, including the excellent Queensland Art Gallery and Museum. Art lovers also won’t want to miss the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, which also boasts free entry.
In addition to these large museums, you’ll also find the Gold Coast dotted with free art galleries showcasing the best work of local artists. This is a good way to soak up the culture on a dime.
8. Go Duty Free Shopping
The Gold Coast is a mecca for budget shopping. If you want to take home some souvenirs of your travels to Australia, be sure to hit up the region’s outlet malls and duty-free shopping centres.
The Harbour Town Outlet Centre is located ten minutes north of Surfer’s Paradise, and offers over 130 big brand shops to peruse at clearance prices.
By shopping around and exploring the alternative side of the Gold Coast, you can save a bundle and enjoy all that the region has to offer.
Plan a Trip to the Gold Coast
Keen to travel to the Gold Coast, view our Australia gap year work and travel opportunities. Planning a 4 week trip or longer? View our tips for how much money you’ll need in Australia or how to take a working holiday in Australia.