Going for Gold
Top ways to tackle Australia’s favourite holiday spot
It’s official – the Gold Coast is the most popular holiday destination in Australia, according to online search giant booking.com. Whether you’ve been to the Queensland mecca dozens of times or you’re planning your first visit, we’ve got the experts’ tips on ways to squeeze the juice out of your Gold Coast experience this summer.
Savvy tip 1
Swap the beaches for waterways. “There’s just as much fun to be had in the beautiful waterways that weave through the city,” says Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan. Experiences include SUP yoga, hydrofoiling, kayak tours or electric self-drive boats at spots like Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Lagoon or Evandale Park.
Savvy tip 2
Explore the hinterland. Spots like Mount Tamborine, Springbrook, Binna Burra, and Lamington National Park will introduce you to another side of the Gold Coast. “A scenic 45-minute drive will take you to this picturesque rainforest region where you’ll find quaint townships, award-winning wineries and distilleries, heritage-listed national parks and waterfalls galore,” O’Callaghan says.
Savvy tip 3
There’s no real way to avoid crowds at theme parks during school holidays, but locals advise that Tuesdays and Sundays before 1pm have the lowest visitor numbers. Get there at opening time and work your way from the back of the park to the front, moving against the crowd traffic.
Savvy tip 4
Package holidays that combine flights, accommodation, some meals and activities, will provide the best value. “Even a simple airfare to the Gold Coast can have an amazing discount applied to it if it’s bundled up with accommodation,” says Lea Ahokava, a Flight Centre travel manager at Robina Town Centre.
Savvy tip 5
Eat like a local and save, says Ahokava. “Head to the Miami Marketta on a Friday or Saturday night for market laneway food,” he says. “Up along the beach, you have a great choice of surf life-saving clubs that have some of the best ocean views. Join up for great deals on food and drink.”