Age is no barrier when it comes to travel
Why Gold Coast?
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We haven’t explored Gold coast and surrounding areas much, the main reason we went over there is that we had a long weekend and wanted to visit the Warner bros movie world’s theme parks. It was also end of April, weather in Melbourne was slowly getting cold. We thought we’ll spend some time in a warmer place, thus we chose Gold Coast
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Gold Coast is known to be the surfers paradise, water activities, partying, High rise buildings, warm weather and what not. Things perfect for a long weekend.
Things to Know before you Go
Accommodation & Transportation:
We chose Airbnb. We booked a whole apartment near the surfers’ paradise, again half the price of the hotel. We rented a car for all three days. Since it was a long weekend, we had to get these bookings at least 2 months before. The biggest mistake we did is booking the accommodation in Surfers paradise. Having a car to go around, we should have moved out of the prime area, saving some more money.
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Peak Season:
We travelled during Easter holidays, the weather was just perfect for all activities. Theme parks, beach, walking tours!! December to February is the peak summer, its hot and humid and we suggest to avoid these months
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Food & Booze:
Plenty of budget-mid range restaurants across surfers paradise. No shortages for bars, pubs & nightclubs. We did party the last night and it was super awesome.
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Water: Tap water is Clean & safe. Do carry reusable bottles and refill it in cafe's or restaurants (you don't find that many though)
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Wifi & Mobile data:
Wifi available at all restaurants & fast food joints. If you are here in Australia for more than 4 days, do get a Sim. It will be of so much value
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Safety:
Gold Coast is party place and is always full of travellers. so be careful with your wallets at all times. It is as surfers paradise, but always notice the flags on the beach. if it is not advisable to swim, avoid the waters.
How we got to Gold Coast
We flew Jetstar from Melbourne to Coolangata airport. People also travel to Brisbane airport and then get to Gold coast by road/train. So check the prices for both the cities and decide
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We didn't have the need to use public transportation, but used Uber couple of times, prices were normal.
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You have bus/trams & metro to go around the city. if you have your accommodation booked in Surfers paradise, hardly you'll use any of these. Jump into bus TX7 to reach the themeparks from
Our Budget
Hotels in Surfers paradise are expensive and budget hotels will range from AUD 100/night. Airbnb's are preferred, our private apartment AUD 150/night (4 ppl sharing, approx 35/perons/night)
Ethnic restaurants will be the cheaper option costing AUD 15 per person/meal.
The entry tickets to the Themeparks can be pre-booked, you will get online discounts. We paid AUD 139/person for a 2 day pass
Where to Stay
As we mentioned earlier, we stayed in Hostels, Hotels, Resorts, Airbnb’s
Here are some of my favorite places to find accommodation options around the world:
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AirBnb
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Booking.com
If you’re traveling solo, we recommend staying in a hostel. You will meet fellow travellers and it’s a great way to have fun. It saves you money. If you prefer privacy, you can still get a private room, but you can also get to know people.
Surfers Paradise sits in the centre of the Gold Coast. It is popular with all tourists, variety of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and a long stretch of stunning beach. You also have the night markets.
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If you want to move away from the action, Broadbeach & coolangata is your options. You still have all the above minus packed crowds. Accommodation in Coolangata is one of the cheapest
3 Days in Gold Coast!!
What we did & What we missed
What we did,
Day 1 Theme parks-
Warner bros movie world – Thrill rides, family, kids, shows & entertainment
Day 2 Theme parks
wet and wild water world
Day 3
Q1, surfers paradise, night market, Casino
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As we advised before, we didn't work out a good plan and really wasted couple of days. You could really swap the above with some of the activities below
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Explore the rainforests of Lamington national Park
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A Day trip to Brisbane city
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Take a surf lesson with Get Wet Surf School
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Day 1 Warner bros Movie World
It is one of the finest theme parks we’ve ever been. Doesn’t matter if you like the movie characters, you will enjoy the rides. Four major classification of rides and we almost tired majority of them.
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Cost- There are many combinations of passes available online, so many deals & offers available, do check them regularly. We got the 3 days’ pass @ AUD 139 as we were planning for movie world & wet n wild. One-day pass @89AUD, but you won’t be able to see it all
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How to get there?
We drove from surfers’ paradise. You can also reach by public transport. From Gold coast. Catch a tram, bus or train to Helensvale station and transfer to bus route TX7.
Important Tips:
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Download the map and get yourselves familiar with the rides, parade timings and activities of your interest. This will save you time. It is impossible to see all in one day. Plan ahead
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Day 2: Wet and Wild water world
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Who doesn’t love water and if the weather is warm and sunny, wet and wild is the place to be.
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Cost- There are many combinations of passes available online, so many deals & offers available, do check them regularly. We got the 3 days’ pass @ AUD 139 as we were planning for movie world & wet n wild. One-day pass @89AUD, but you won’t be able to see it all
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How to get there? We drove from surfers’ paradise. You can also reach by public transport. From Gold coast. Catch a tram, bus or train to Helensvale station and transfer to bus route TX7.
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Day 3
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Q1, Surfers Paradise, Night Market, Casino
What is Q1?
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Q1 is the tallest building in Queensland, Australia, @ 230 metres above the Surfers Paradise beach, giving viewers a 360 degree view of the city. The SkyPoint Observation Deck is located on level 77 and 78 of the Q1 building. It is Australia's only beachside observation deck
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Tickets and Online Booking?
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You can book online or buy at the entrance, there is no difference in prices though. We preferred the online tickets. It costs AUD 27/person. There are also three day ticket, annual pass, combi tickets. It’s better to choose which one we need. The prices are not that high. Annual pass is $45/person; it suits a localite than a tourist.
Casino, if you have not been to any casino’s before, then this is a must go. You don’t have to gamble, but it’s a different experience to see what’s happening inside a casino. Entry is free, all you need to have is an ID (for tourists, their passports)
We have never surfed before. May be we could have spent half a day taking surf lessons. Surfers paradise is the place to be
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The Nightmarkets comes to life every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night with over 100 stalls selling wares from local artisans and fresh local produce.
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Conclusion & Our Recommendation
Gold Coast is an expensive destination. Added with our poor planning we had an OK experience in these 3 days. Our Suggestion is that there are similar places to Gold coast, going north of Brisbane. Less expensive & not crowded. Queensland is also know for its rainforest & hikes.
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We may not return to Gold coats, but it isn't a bad destination either
Our Recommendation: Optional
Explore Oceania
Australia
The Biggest country in Oceania and lots to do & see
New Zealand
The closest country to Australia, but the landscapes are totally different. Home to Adventure tourism
