Ocean Vibes On The Gold Coast
Queensland’s Gold Coast is Australia’s most iconic strip of sand and home to the Aussie beach culture. Surfers Paradise is the epicentre for everything ‘Gold Coast’ with theme parks, the beach, restaurants and bars, everybody’s holiday wishes are taken care of.
A peaceful beginning to a new day, with rolling waves, people running, walking, swimming, witnessing the sunrise over the ocean is a truly awakening experience. Take a breath and press play and watch a new day unfold from your room with a view at Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise.
Gold Coast Travel Inspiration
When you next travel to the Gold Coast we can help you find things to do on the Gold Coast that align with your budget. No bank balance is too big or too small.
From the glitz and glamour of Surfers Paradise to backpacker-friendly beaches like Burleigh, this iconic destination offers the best of both worlds.
Regardless of how much cash you’re willing to splash, every traveller deserves to experience the best of the Gold Coast. Not sure where to start when it comes to travelling within your means? We can help you tailor your itinerary so that it matches your desired level of spending.
Choose from the following sights and attractions to satisfy your wanderlust while making the most of your budget.
Beach Time
Nothing says “Queensland” quite like the striking stretches of Gold Coast beaches. So if you’re looking to roll out your towel, feel the sand between your toes or catch some waves, here’s some tips on the best places to venture.
Plus, depending on your means of travel and what you take, a beach visit can be extremely budget friendly.
Nobby Beach
Or “Nobby’s” as the locals call it, is a destination worth a look. In addition to sand, sea and surf, Nobby’s Beach fronts a range of bars and laid-back eateries, in addition to a beachfront park, play area and BBQ facilities for those that want to ‘bring their own’.
This beach is a locals favourite that seamlessly blends a chilled family atmosphere with cooler surfing vibes. With all you need just a short walk away within the suburb, you can soak up the sun or grab a bite out as you like.
Rainbow Bay
Nestled between Greenmount and Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay is as picturesque as its name suggests. Perfect for families with little ones thanks to the gentle rolling waves, this is a perfect spot for a tranquil paddle and sun bathe. All you’ll need to bring are your swimming essentials, towel and of course your sunscreen.
Snapper Rocks
Home to one of the best surf breaks due to its consistency, Snapper Rocks is guaranteed to be busy, but unmissable if you’re a keen surfer. It plays host to a number of Surfing Championships, so keep an eye out for some serious talent amidst the waves.
If you’re not looking to be part of the action but keen to watch, the Rainbow Bay Surf Club is a great place to grab a bite with an excellent vantage point.
Looking for more beach inspiration? Check out more Gold Coast tips from Pro Surfer Sally Fitzgibbons.
Hot-Air Ballooning
If you’re not afraid to treat yourself, taking a hot-air balloon ride is one of the most exhilarating things to do on the Gold Coast. Tickets usually start at around $200, but it’s worth every penny to see this stunning region from a bird’s-eye view. Featuring a unique blend of glittering skyscrapers, lush rainforests and pristine beaches, the scenery will take your breath away.
Floating 600 metres above the ground, you can sit back and relax while an expert guide gently steers your hot-air balloon through the sky. Most hot-air balloon rides take off at dawn, so you can see the Gold Coast come alive as the sun rises. Some dawn tours even come with free breakfast and champagne.
To book your hot-air balloon ride on the Gold Coast, check out providers like Balloon Down Under and Balloon Aloft.
SkyPoint Observation Deck
Don’t have the budget for a hot-air balloon ride? There are plenty of other ways to see the Gold Coast from above. Rising 230 metres above the ground, the SkyPoint observation deck offers incredible views of the city and surrounding countryside. It can be found at the top of the Q1 building, the tallest skyscraper on the Gold Coast.
General admission tickets to the SkyPoint observation deck start at $24. To enhance your experience, consider upgrading to the Deck and Dine package.
Surfers Paradise Markets
Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night, the Gold Coast’s most famous esplanade is transformed from a beach lover’s paradise into a haven for bargain hunters. Attracting visitors from far and wide, the Surfers Paradise markets are famous throughout South East Queensland.
With over 100 stalls selling everything from locally grown produce to high-end homewares, this celebrated shopping destination can keep you entertained for hours. Entry is free, making it one of the Gold Coast’s most widely accessible tourist attractions.
Hummer Safari
Want to explore the Gold Coast in style? The city has a reputation for fancy cars… so when in Rome, right? Given their immense size, hummers can make any road trip more exciting.
From beachside streets to winding dirt tracks in the hinterland, exploring the Gold Coast from the comfort of a hired hummer is a great way to discover the region’s most scenic roads. Most hummer safaris come with a private driver, so you can soak up the sights without having to worry about keeping your eyes on the road.
You can choose from a range of hummer safari itineraries on the Gold Coast.
Looking for the best winter picks on the Gold Coast? Check out Brooke Sawards complete guide to Winter on the Gold Coast.
No matter how much money you’re planning to spend on the Gold Coast, we can help you find Gold Coast accommodation that meets both your cost and comfort requirements. If you want to stay in the heart of the Gold Coast, our Surfers Paradise accommodation has options to suit every budget.
