Cheap flights to the Gold Coast’s Coolangatta Airport are available from all major and some regional airports across Australia. Flights exiting Perth are available on Jetstar Airways with a flight time of a little over 4 hours and 30 minutes. Cheap flights are available from Darwin with Airnorth transferring through Mt Isa and Virgin Blue routing through Sydney. Departures from Sydney have a flight time under 90 minutes and cheap flights are available from Melbourne. Tasmanian departures will typically include a stopover in either Melbourne or Sydney. Public transport on the 702 service into Surfers Paradise is available on Surfside Buslines every half hour. A taxi rank is located directly outside the terminal or the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle offers door to door accommodation transfers. A number of car rental companies operate onsite and this is the best way to see what the Gold Coast has to offer.

Making your way around the Gold Coast is simple with well-signed streets, recognizable landmarks and plenty of public transport and parking. The best way to get the most out of a stay on the Gold Coast is by hiring a car. The traffic is fairly relaxed, albeit always thick. Surfside Buslines runs the extensive public bus networks. Purchase a GoCard for discounted and convenient travel. The Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle operates services to the theme parks. There are very cheap rates available on scooter and motorbike hire – it may be tempting, but do not ride on the footpaths and boardwalks. Hire bicycles and rollerblades to explore the coast like a local.

The golden sand, pristine water and luscious green hinterlands of the Gold Coast offers something for everyone. Saturated with theme parks, choose from Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and Whitewater World. Cuddle a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and tour the park with a Segway Safari. Explore the hinterlands on horseback or enjoy an easy walk to the beautiful Purlingbrook Falls and Natural Bridge. Take a guided night tour through caves to view Australian Glow Worms or overhead with a flying fox tour at O’Reilly’s. For a cheap afternoon, picnic along the Coolangatta foreshore, take the family to Broadwater Parklands or relax on an Aquaduck tour. Thrill seekers will love the SkyPoint Climb – an adrenalin filled climb 270 metres above sea level. Wrestle with the predominantly tourist population of Surfers Paradise and ride the Vomatron, Slingshot and Flycoaster. For the best Gold Coast experience, always swim between the flags, keep hydrated and protect your skin from the blaring sun. Round off your trip testing your skills on a stand up paddle board or kayak through the extensive waterways of the Gold Coast.

Shop at the unbelievable malls of the Gold Coast; Robina Town Centre, Pacific Fair and Marina Mirage. Outlet shopping for surf brands including Billabong and Von Zipper can be found at Central Park Plaza in Ashmore or head over to outlet mall Harbour Town with over 100 discount stores in a very coastal setting. Visit the Carrara Markets or Monaco Markets at Broadbeach to snare some cheap market buys. Enjoy themed restaurants Australian Outback Spectacular and Dracula’s. Hellenika at Nobby’s Beach plates 5 hour slow-baked lamb. Try seasonal organic produce with a stunning backdrop at Songbirds Rainforest Restaurant or interactive dining at Bazaar. Matsuzaka Teppanyaki is an amazing evening in Labrador. For a more casual approach, visit Ribs & Rumps or try the wasabi tuna burger at Burger Lounge in Kirra. Delight in the romance of a private dinner on the Gold Coast waterways in a gondola for an unforgettable night under the stars. Sip cocktails at Room 81 in Broadbeach or at SkyPoint Bar. For a casual evening visit Swinging Safari or enjoy wine on the balcony at Chevron Island’s, The Loft. Party hard at Platinum, SinCity and Shooter’s. Play hard at Jupiter’s Casino or alongside society’s elite at Melba’s on the Park.