Gold Coast also know as Surfers Paradise being a must for the backpacker scene, it is well worth the visit, although surfers should be aware that Surfers Paradise is not actually a paradise for surfers. Its crowded and the waves are rarely worth bragging about.
If you in search of some decent waves, then head north to Stradbroke Island or south to Burleigh, Snapper or D. Bah, but be aware these are crowded breaks. The heavily populated Gold Coast stretches across a vast area of the south Queensland coast. The are public transport is available to most of the areas.
To save money on your night out, you can go on one of the backpacker’s big night out tour or ask your hostel about the happy hours available in some of the more dodgy bars, in order to save a few bucks. Be aware that the Gold Coast has gained quite a reputation for violence and chaos on the streets of night time during peak times, including the annual Schoolies Week late in the year. Also remember, the beach goes into the shade mid-afternoon, as the sunsets over the cityscape.
With plenty of activities including jet boat rides, surf lessons, visits to the Hinterland, whale watching and diving, you will not be short of things to do and see. Other attractions include some of the skyscrapers and with the Rialto tower being the largest are well worth going up to.
Gold Coast or Surfers Paradise can be a great place to find work and if you are staying to save money, there are generally plenty of options to stay in the larger shared houses. Look for signs at bus stops, real estate agents, student hangouts and hostels to find them.
The area is quite particularly known as home to Australia’s biggest Theme Parks. On the Gold Coast there is Sea World, a great place to see sea life from all over the world, in a truly spectacular sea park with plenty of up close encounters. Other big name theme parks includes Wet'n'Wild, Warner Bros Movie World and Dream World. Depending on the offer at the time, you can get super passes that include all three parks on one ticket and get a good saving.
A busy, touristy area worth seeing, most backpackers visiting the ‘Coast either stop to work or move on pretty quick, as it is more of a rich tourists’ playground.
Find your accommodation in the Gold Coast
Hostels in the Gold Coast - Coolangatta
Hostels in the Gold Coast - Southport
Hostesl in the Gold Coast Hinterland - Tamborine
Find your transport
