A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast - By Gapyear.com
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A Guide to Backpacking the
Gold Coast
By Gapyear.com
Contents
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
3 Introduction to the Gold Coast
4 Visas for Australia
Whatever you're doing in Australia, you're going to need a visa.
6 Get ting to the Gold Coast
Australia is massive, so it's really important that you put some serious thought into how you're
going to get around.
8 Accommodation
Accommodation in the Gold Coast is varied and widespread, so finding a place to stay isn't too
difficult.
10 Beaches
It's not called the Gold Coast for nothing. The city sits on a 70 kilometre stretch of fine sandy
golden beaches washed constantly by the subtropical South Pacific Ocean.
11 Rainforests
The green behind the gold. That’s the spectacular rainforest that cradles the glittering coastline
packed full of real Australian wildlife and adventure.
12 At tractions in the Gold Coast
Australia's Gold Coast attractions and experiences continue to evolve every day.
13 Activities in the Gold Coast
If you want activities, then look no further than the Gold Coast.
14 Events in the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is famous for its spectacular, year-round event calendar. There's so much to see
and do - it's always best to be prepared!
18 Costs
There’s never a firm answer to the question "how much money will I need?" but it's possible to
work out a rough budget for yourself.
20 Weather
Weather on the Gold Coast is a delight for backpackers visiting Australia on a gap year.
22 Meter Maids
This was Bernie Elsey’s great idea back in 1965 when the Meter Maids were introduced to Surfers
Paradise.
Written by Gapyear.com
-2-
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Introduction to the Gold Coast
Australia evokes images of white, sandy beaches; of surfers relaxing, waiting
to catch that perfect wave, the sun shimmering on the sea. This is the perfect
description of Australia’s Gold Coast – a real ‘surfers paradise’ with miles of
pristine beaches and over 300 days of sunshine each year.
The Gold Coast has 70 kms of beautiful beaches and Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach,
Coolangatta and the aptly named Surfer’s Paradise are the places to see, each
offering the perfect lifestyle of sun, sea and sand. In just 50 years the Gold Coast has
grown from a small beachside holiday destination to one of Australia’s most visited
sections of coastline.
One of the reasons why so many tourists visit Australia is to see the weird and
wonderful wildlife. At the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in the Gold Coast you get
to see crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, and many other indigenous creatures all just
a step away from the beachline. Shows are put on daily and it’s an educational
experience to learn about Australia’s wildlife in the freedom of their natural habitat.
But don’t think its all learning! Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has recently added an
adventure course with rope swings and zip-lines to get the adrenaline pumping, so
make sure you give it a visit!
The Gold Coast is home to the world's largest subtropical rainforest. Head over
to the Hinterland and lose yourself for a few days in a rainforest lodge, swapping
stories around a campfire. Visitors are delighted with a trip inland, and even though
it's only an hour's drive from the beach you’ll feel as though you’re a hundred miles
away. There are charming mountain villages to discover and cool mountain pools to
explore.
So, indulge your senses as you explore the diversity of the Gold Coast, from the
sunny seas to the beautiful beaches, and the wonderful wildlife. The Gold Coast is
not only unmissable, it’s unforgettable…
Written by Gapyear.com
-3-
Visas for Australia
Whatever you're doing in Australia, you're going to need a visa. There are a few
different types of visas, but you're probably interested in one of these three:
1. Tourist Visas
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Up to three months - If you’re visiting purely as a tourist for three months or less,
an Electronic Travel Authority or ETA is the easy alternative to a visa. It doesn’t cost
much, only a AU$20 administration fee - your travel agent or airline can sort one out
for you.
If you decide once you're there that you want to stay a bit longer, you should be
able to extend your ETA to last you an extra three months. To do this, go to an
immigration office in Australia.
Three to six months - If you want to go for three to six months, you'll need to apply
for a long-term tourist visa. To do this, you'll have to download and fill in a form,
and send it to your nearest Australian High Commission. You'll also need to pay
AU$50, and send various documents, including proof that you can support yourself
in Oz (for example, a bank statement, letters from a bank concerning your financial
position, air tickets that have been purchased).
2. Working Holiday Visas
The UK and many other countries have reciprocal agreements with Australia so any
citizen aged 18 to 30 can get a working holiday visa. They cost AU$270 and allow
you to work for 12 months from the date you arrive in Australia.
You can extend that and obtain
a second-year working holiday
visa if you can provide evidence
that you undertook 88 days of
agricultural work (for example,
fruit picking) in Australia
during your first year. However,
you can’t work for the same
employer for more than six
months. Australian authorities
To work in Australia you’ll need a:
check every one in four visa
applications, so don’t run the • Australian Tax File Number (TFN)
risk of applying in the hope of
being overlooked. • Australian bank account (e.g - ANZ,
Commonwealth, Westpac)
To be issued a working holiday
visa you need proof that you • A working holiday visa
can support yourself - AU$5,000 • A good sense of humour
is advised by the Australian
Government. You can apply
online for a working holiday
visa and it only takes a couple of hours to complete.
Written by Gapyear.com
-4-
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
You can leave and re-enter Australia using this visa as many times as you like during
your year. However, if you permanently leave Australia without staying for the full
12 months you cannot go back, say, a year later and use the remaining months of
your visa.
Once your visa has been approved you will be told what you need to do. Basically,
your passport will be stamped when you arrive and you'll have a year before you
have to leave. Simple really. Everything is tagged electronically so there's no paper-
work to worry about.
3. Student Visas
If you want to study, the Australian government operates an overseas student
programme (OSP) that allows people who are not Australian citizens or permanent
residents to study in Australia.
Anyone who is not an Australian resident may apply to study in Australia under the
OSP. If you want to study under this programme, you’ll first need a student visa. You
can only get one of these if you wish to undertake a registered course or part of a
registered course on a full-time basis.
You can’t go out to Oz and then look around for courses. Before you apply for an
Australian student visa, you’ll need a letter of acceptance or electronic confirmation
of enrolment from your education provider. Types and prices of student visas vary,
and there are various requirements you’ll need to fill (including being of 'good
character’).
The visa is easy to apply for and can be done online. Student visas last for two to
four years and cost AU$535. You can work on a student visa too, but you need to be
in education for at least four months of the year. A student visa allows a maximum
of 20 hours work per week. Also, many UK universities offer placement years in
Australia.
Written by Gapyear.com
-5-
Getting to the Gold Coast
Australia is massive, so it's really important that you put some serious thought into
how you're going to get around.
The most popular options of transport are to get a bus pass, a rail pass or to hire a
car, and all of Australia's transport links are brilliant.
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Most backpackers travel the east coast from Melbourne or Sydney up to Brisbane
(or vice versa). Whether you’re driving or whether you’ve got a bus pass or rail pass,
you’ll have a huge amount of flexibility and time to see what you want. It can take
anywhere from a week to three months to travel from Melbourne or Sydney to the
Gold Coast, however, the average travel time is two weeks.
Every now and then you will come across a backpacker who lives in his car. A mobile
hotel. It can be done...
Map of the Gold Coast
Written by Gapyear.com
-6-
Greyhound
Greyhound - One of the most
popular ways to get to the Gold
Coast is by bus. Greyhound
offer some fantastic deals if you
book in advanced or use their
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
multi-stop passes. A Greyhound
bus to Surfers Paradise costs
approximately AU$95 and takes
14 hours from Sydney.
Country Link
Country Link is the rail service
that runs up the east coast. The
train that links Sydney to Surfers
Paradise costs approximately AU$105 and takes 15
hours. However, a travellers tip - there’s a rail pass that allows you to travel between
Sydney and Surfers Paradise that allows you to get on and off as many times as you
like (as long as you travel in the same direction and as long as the journey doesn't
last longer than six months) all for $120. That’s what’s known as a bargain.
Car
Obviously you can drive to the Gold Coast. There are a number of car and
campervan hire operators in Australia. Shop around for the best deals.
The most common car/campvan hire agencies in Australia are:
• Budget • Thrifty
• Hippie Camper • Travel Wheels
• Jucy • Wicked Camper
Written by Gapyear.com
-7-
Accommodation
Accommodation in the Gold Coast is varied and widespread, so finding a place
to stay isn't too difficult. As one of Australia's largest tourist destinations, the
accommodation options in the Gold Coast allow backpackers and flashpackers alike
to choose the style of accommodation best suited to them.
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
The weather on the Gold Coast makes it ideal for outdoor activities all through
the year and makes camping a very viable form of accommodation for those not
adverse to staying in a tent. Those looking for interesting ideas for accommodation
on the Gold Coast may want to consider staying on a houseboat. Prices can be
surprisingly cheap and it makes for a cool and unique backpacker experience. The
Gold Coast region features many beautiful islands and a houseboat can be a great
way to explore them, whilst doubling up as a roof over your head.
Backpacker Accommodation in the Gold Coast
Backpacker hostels tend to be the accommodation option of choice for those
on a Gold Coast backpacking trip. Like most accommodation types, backpacker
accommodation tends to be readily available in the Gold Coast. Staying in hostels
is a great way to meet new people and make new friends, which is one of the many
reasons why they're so popular.
There are so many options to choose from that it can be difficult to pick. Always on
hand to help, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular hostels.
Some of our favourites:
• Aquarius Backpackers
• Backpackers in Paradise
• Coolangatta Sands Hostel
• Coolangatta YHA
• Gold Coast Tourist Parks
• Islander Resort & Backpackers
• Komune
• Surfers Paradise
Backpackers Resort
• Surfers Paradise YHA at Main
Beach
• Surf’n’Sun Beachside Backpackers
• Trekkers Backpackers
Written by Gapyear.com
-8-
Finding Cheap Accommodation in the Gold Coast
Finding cheap accommodation in the Gold Coast is often about weighing up
convenience with price. If you are looking to stay in the party hotspots of central
Coolangata or Surfers Paradise, you may pay a little more than you would a little
further from the hub of backpacker activity. Likewise, if you want to walk straight
out of your hotel or apartment onto a white sandy beach, you will most definitely
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
pay for the experience. There are however, a vast number of hostels, hotels and
motels to choose from, so finding Gold Coast accommodation that meets the
balance of price and accessibility just takes a little time and patience.
Hotels and Apartments in the Gold Coast
For those with a few bucks to spend on the higher end of the scale, luxury hotels
are plentiful. However, even on a fairly modest budget staying in any of these for
more than a short while may not be a feasible option. For those willing to spend
some money on accommodation, self-contained, serviced apartments are one
of the most common types of accommodation in the Gold Coast. Three and four
star apartments are abundant, spacious and often feel a bit more comfortable and
homely than a hotel. For those looking for a happy medium between backpacker
hostels and high-end hotel resorts, serviced apartments are a great option.
Written by Gapyear.com
-9-
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Beaches
It's not called the Gold Coast for nothing. The city sits on a 70
kilometre stretch of fine sandy golden beaches washed constantly
by the subtropical South Pacific Ocean.
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh is a real Gold Coast beach. Surrounded by parks, BBQ areas, small shops,
plenty of locals and a true community feel. This is the perfect place to relax on the
clean sand, listen to the waves and enjoy the fact you are on the famous Gold Coast.
Kirra Beach
Known by those who count as one of the world’s true great surf breaks. This is where
Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore (they’re all surfers if you hadn’t
already guessed) do their thing when on the Gold Coast. Locals and visitors gather
on the points and lookouts to watch the perfect Kirra barrel take surfers on a 2km
ride lasting up to five minutes.
Sur fers Paradise
Yep, this is it. Surfers Paradise is where the city meets the surf and everybody wants
to be seen. It is a big, safe beach for swimming and board riding, though most
people just sun themselves and people watch. Even on the busiest days there is
room to hang out and plenty of shops, cafes, bars and attractions surround the strip.
Written by Gapyear.com
- 10 -A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Rainforests
The green behind the gold. That’s the spectacular rainforest that cradles the
glittering coastline packed full of real Australian wildlife and adventure. The
subtropical rainforests reward those travellers keen to uncover mountain climbs,
tree-top walks, hiking trails, hideaway retreats, native animals and World Heritage
Listed rainforest scenery.
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park is a natural treasure, and in 1994 its significance was
officially recognised when it was listed as a World Heritage Area. The fortunate
traveller will experience Australia's largest preserve of pristine subtropical rainforest,
over 900 species of vascular plants and more than 120 bird species, a remarkable
diversity of wildlife and an environment of extraordinary majesty. The region
supports more frog, snake, bird and marsupial species than any other area in
Australia. Birdwatchers may be lucky enough to see the endangered Albert Lyrebird
or the regent and satin bowerbird.
Tamborine Mountain
At the centre Tamborine Mountain National Park is a rural community that loves
its local art, local produce and local wines. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the town-
on-top-of-the-mountain and explore its surrounding rainforest tracks, cascading
waterfalls, hang gliding points and spectacular views.
Springbrook National Park
World Heritage Listed and like exploring another world, the Springbrook plateau is
a remnant of a once huge volcano that dominated the region about 23 million years
ago. There is a network of walking tracks throughout the region ensuring the best
parts of the rainforest are accessible to those who have the spirit to explore.
Written by Gapyear.com
- 11 -A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Attractions in the Gold Coast
Australia's Gold Coast attractions and experiences continue to evolve every day. It
is an offering which has been built over generations as a tourist destination and will
hold the city well into the future.
Enjoying an ideal year round climate and an amazing variety of natural landscapes,
including 70 kilometres of famous beach and 100,000 hectares of world heritage-
listed rainforest, the region has been attracting visitors since first settlement.
Today, natural wonders are complemented by the largest selection of family theme
parks, golfing greens, shopping centres and restaurants in Australia.
Family favourites such as Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and WhiteWater World
are sure to please anyone and everyone. Movie World and the Australian Outback
Spectacular provide their own unique feel, while Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
creates a never ending interactive experience with nature’s many creatures.
A city jam-packed with adrenaline rides, jet boating on the broadwater, whale
watching and themed attractions, including Dracula’s Haunted House and Infinity’s
multidimensional maze located in the city centre, offer yet another opportunity to
create some exciting holiday memories.
Internationally regarded golfing experiences are also in easy reach of the weekend
hacker or the serious swinger with more than 40 championship and resort golf
courses located throughout the region.
It’s easy to see why a Gold Coast visit is the popular choice, especially from up high
at the Q1 obesrvation deck, SkyPoint, atop the World’s Tallest Residential Tower or
a morning ride in a hot air balloon followed by a Champagne Breakfast at O’Reilly’s
Vineyard.
Written by Gapyear.com
- 12 -Activities in the Gold Coast
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
If you want activities, then look no further than the Gold Coast. From the adrenaline
of skydiving to the relaxation of kayaking on the Gold Coast backwaters, there really
is something for everyone. Backpacking and travelling in the Gold Coast is fantastic
because there are some truly unique gap year activities, such as hiking in the world’s
largest subtropical rainforest. There may even be more activities than you have time
for! That’s why we’ve selected our top five to help you on your way…
Beach Bum Sur faris (07) 0422 916 866
1
Beach Bum is the most exciting learn to surf and surf tours experience in
Australia! Enjoy all inclusive 1, 2 and 3 day surf safaris with lessons and free
tours to some of Queensland and Northern NSW’s most beautiful natural
icons all in the same day! If you’re looking to surf in the Gold Coast, then
look no further than Beach Bum Australia.
www.beachbumaustralia.com
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (07) 1300 886 511
2
Experience an unforgettable native wildlife and coastal rainforest experience.
Enjoy wildlife shows and displays, getting up close and personal with a
variaty of Australia’s indigenous creatures. Also, Aboriginal dancers perform
daily. And if you’re looking for a challenge then take the extreme Green
Challenge.
www.cws.org.au
Dreamworld (07) 5588 1111
3
Dreamworld is home to the Big 7 Thrill Rides, Tiger Island, The Lair, The
Australian Wildlife Experience and Australia's first stationary wave, Flowrider.
From the tallest and fastest thrill rides, to live interactive shows and unique
animal attractions, there's something for everyone at Dreamworld. If you’re
looking for adrenaline without skydiving, then Dreamworld’s for you.
www.dreamworld.com.au
Gold Coast Skydive (07) 5599 1920
4
Experience the ultimate rush of the Gold Coast’s only Tandem Skydiving
operation. After the adrenaline rush of hurtling towards the planet at
200km/h enjoy the sensational view as you gently glide towards your beach
landing. A must on your gap year.
www.goldcoastskydive.com.au
OZ Ball Zorbing (07) 5547 6300
5
The world’s coolest adventure activity, rolling down a hill harnessed in
a huge inflated ball or add water and friends for the ultimate waterslide
experience! The Gold Coast is the perfect place to go zorbing.
www.ozball.com.au
Written by Gapyear.com
- 13 -A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Events in the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is famous for its spectacular, year-round event calendar. There's so
much to see and do - it's always best to be prepared!
From international championships to unique cultural exhibitions, the Gold Coast is
a natural stage for some of the most exciting, accessible, and memorable events in
Australia.
The city’s annual favourites include the Magic Millions Racing Carnival, Blues on
Broadbeach Music Festival, the Quiksilver Pro Surfing Championship, the Sanctuary
Cove International Boat Show, the Armor All Gold Coast 600 and the Gold Coast
Airport Marathon.
Cultural and musical acts regularly tour venues such as the Gold Coast Convention
Centre and the Gold Coast Arts Centre, while festivals including the Surfers Paradise
Festival, the Gold Coast Film Festival, the Tambourine Mountain Scarecrow Festival,
Big Day Out, and Kirra Surfstock take over precincts across the city.
Almost every weekend of the year locals and visitors join forces to support the
region’s national sporting teams in some of the county’s most impressive venues.
Get a taste of life as a ‘Gold Coaster’ at a Gold Coast Titans Rugby League game,
a Gold Coast United Soccer match, a Gold Coast Blaze Basketball game or a Gold
Coast Football Club Australian Rules match.
Spectacular venues, ideal weather, and a friendly atmosphere make Gold Coast
events a memorable highlight of any visit.
January
National Finals Rodeo
The Staunch Energy Drink National Finals Rodeo is back! This is one extreme sport
and extreme entertainment event you won’t want to miss.
www.nfrgoldcoast.com.au
Written by Gapyear.com
- 14 -Big Day Out AND Summadayze Music Festivals
TWO of the biggest music festivals on the Australian scene featuring international
and Australian acts galore make the Gold Coast a great place to be in January!
www.bigdayout.com.au/goldcoast
www.futureentertainment.com.au/summadayze
Magic Millions Racing Carnival
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
All the fun of one of Australia’s pre-eminent Racing Carnivals across 10 days.
www.magicmillions.com.au
February
Good Vibrations Festival
Good Vibes returns with a raft of international and local acts all shaping up to be
bigger and better than ever - Good Vibes the summer’s hottest music festival!
www.gvf.com.au
March
Quiksilver & Roxy Pros
The world's best men surfers battle for supremacy at the number one stop on the
ASP World Tour, The Quiksilver Pro. Joining them are the world's top women in the
Roxy Pro.
www.quiksilver.com.au
www.roxypro.com.au
Gold Coast Triathlon
One of Queensland’s ‘big three’ triathlon events, the Luke Harrop Memorial attracts
serious triathletes from Australia and around the world.
www.usmevents.com.au
April
The Gold Coast Film Festival
Festival is an annual celebration of screen culture which runs for 10 days. 75 per cent
of Queensland's film industry is located on the Gold Coast, and this event seeks to
be the flagship of and porthole to that industry. It includes cinema screenings of
independent films shot in Queensland and around the world.
May
Blues on Broadbeach
Five days of nothing but the blues! Featuring a huge line-up of national and
international blues stars in a festival of free outdoor concerts, street parties and jam
sessions.
www.bluesonbroadbeach.com
May/June
Sur fers Paradise Festival
Music, art, food, film & fringe - it’s all happening in Surfers Paradise. The beach,
streets, parks, venues and eateries of Surfers will be filled with energetic live
performances, art displays, vibrant outdoor festivals and insatiable food.
www.sur fersparadisefestival.com.au
Written by Gapyear.com
- 15 -In The Bin Film Festival
Take in one of Australia’s widest spread cultural events presenting the
highest standard of short films with programs developed for open and
family audiences.
www.inthebin.net.au
July
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Australia’s premier distance foot race will again see the nation’s elite take on the
world’s best. Whether a personal challenge or just for fun there is a distance to suit
everyone.
www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au
August / September
Tastes of the Gold Coast
Feast your senses with a program of events that showcase the very best in Gold
Coast food and wine. Experience the multi-cultural diversity of the Gold Coast.
www.tastesofgoldcoast.com.au
September
Gold Coast Show
For over 100 years the Gold Coast Show has celebrated the people, lifestyle, art,
education, sports, hobbies, interests and innovation of the Gold Coast.
www.goldcoastshow.com.au
Swell Sculpture Festival
An outdoor exhibition showcasing more than 50 of Australia and the World’s
leading artists on the Currumbin foreshore.
www.swellsculpture.com.au
October
Armor All Gold Coast 600
The streets of Surfers Paradise are transformed into a high-octane international
motor racing track. Plenty of fanfare, social events and street parties add to the
atmosphere.
www.goldcoast600.com.au
November
Coolangatta Gold
Beach running, surf skiing, surf swimming and board racing, Coolangatta Gold
is about Ironman endurance with competitors racing from Surfers Paradise to
Greenmount and back.
www.slsa.com.au
December
New Year’s Eve Party
Surfers Paradise hosts the Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party. The sand, the surf and the
moon create a unique backdrop for fireworks galore and live shows.
www.sur fersparadise.com
Written by Gapyear.com
- 16 -A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast Written by Gapyear.com - 17 -
Costs
There’s never a firm answer to the question "how much money will I need?" but it's
possible to work out a rough budget for yourself. Australia represents many varied
opportunities for lightening your wallet, but here’s a rough idea of what to expect.
Most travellers budget AU$1,600-AU$2,300 per month, depending on what type of
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
traveller you are, how often you are drinking (this is where a lot of money magically
disappears) and how many activities you do.
Accommodation
In Australia the majority of
travellers spend the night in
hostel dorms. Prices maintain
the same throughout the whole
year but availability becomes
much more difficult over public
holidays, especially Christmas,
New Year and Australia Day. It's
advised to book in advanced
for these time periods.
The average price for a shared
dorm room (mixed) is around
AU$20 (AU$15-AU$25). New, flash hostels may be anything up to AU$35. If you’re
driving, campsites are an excellent alternative. Pitches cost around AU$30 with
facilities, and that’s split between your group.
Food and Drink
The two main supermarkets in Oz are Coles and Woolworths. Coles ‘smart buy’ and
Woolworths ‘basics’ are what
you’ll be buying, and a weekly
shop can cost about AU$60 per
week.
Eating out is cheaper than
the UK, with a main costing
anywhere between AU$12-20.
There are lots of backpacker
deals on eating out and you can
pick up the occasional meal for a
very reasonable price.
Alcohol prices are the same as the
UK, though good wine is much, much cheaper. Backpackers always steer towards
cask wine, also known as ‘goon bags’. They cost AU$15 for 4 litres of wine (if you can
call it that) - it's an acquired taste...
Tap water is safe to drink, and keep a bottle or two on hand for emergencies - it's
very easy to get dehydrated.
Written by Gapyear.com
- 18 -Bars and Nightlife
That ambience of true bustling seaside culture, contrasted by
a groovy night time buzz makes the Gold Coast a
distinctly active area and a true party
destination. Of course a
sampling of the all-night
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
entertainment will ensure
an experience to remember
with a plentiful supply
of opportunities. Surfers
Paradise defined by its after-
dark assortment continues
to redefine the parameters of
choice. Broadbeach also has an
expanding mall area which provides
a 24-hour epicentre of activity that
is supported by an assortment of
entertainment offerings which include
the iconic Jupiters Hotel & Casino and its range of cabaret shows, gambling facilities
and newly established bars and restaurants.
Tours and Activities
Hostels are a fantastic place for information on tours and activities. They also offer
some of the best deals and if you’re travelling on your own then it is a great way to
meet like-minded people. However, Tourist Information Centres are even better.
They are always welcoming and offer unbelievable deals that under-cut the hostels.
Obviously, the quickest way of losing money when travelling is by doing every
activity and tour on offer. It’s a great idea to plan what you want to do before you
get there. You’ll find yourself bombarded by different tour posters in
every hostel you stay at. Always ask if there are deals on,
or whether it is cheaper to book in a group.
You’ll be surprised at how often
this works.
Written by Gapyear.com
- 19 -A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Weather
Weather on the Gold Coast is a delight for backpackers visiting Australia on a gap
year. The comedian Bill Hicks once described the weather in Los Angeles as "every
day, hot and sunny" but he could just as easily have been talking about the weather
on the Gold Coast.
Ranging from spectacularly hot in the summer to dry and comfortably warm in the
Australian winter, the weather on the Gold Coast makes it a perfect destination for
outdoor activities right through the calendar year. A humid subtropical climate,
coupled with a refreshing sea breeze ensures that the weather on the Gold Coast
reaches a good balance of being sunny but comfortable.
Gold Coast Seasons
Summer on the Gold Coast (December to February)
It will come as no surprise that the summer is the ideal time to hit the Gold Coast's
world-famous white sandy beaches. With temperatures averaging around 20°C to
29°C, backpackers will find that beach culture tends to rule during the summer. As
is the case in much of Queensland, humidity can reach very high levels during the
summer. In the Gold Coast, this is somewhat counteracted by the same South Pacific
winds that make the Gold Coast such a Nirvana for surfers.
Autumn on the Gold Coast (March to May)
Autumn is surf season in the Gold Coast. Featuring four world famous 'point breaks'
(namely Burleigh Heads, Snapper Rocks 'Superbank,' Kirra and South Stradbroke
Island) and a range of high-profile 'beach breaks' it's easy to see how Surfer's
Paradise got its name. Of course it's not all about surfing; autumn weather on the
Written by Gapyear.com
- 20 -Gold Coast will delight non-surfing
travellers too. With temperatures
ranging in average from 15°C to 26°C,
and peak temperatures in excess
of 30°C not uncommon, autumn in
the Gold Coast will feel decidedly
summery to many backpackers
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
travelling outbound from central or
northern Europe. Boating, fishing and
water sports are also common during
the autumn.
Winter on the Gold Coast (June to August)
With temperatures during the winter averaging between 10°C and 21°C, the
weather in the Gold Coast during the winter is considerably warmer than the
climate further south. Light but variable winds and comfortable temperatures make
golf a popular pastime through the winter months. Winter is the perfect time of year
to see Humpback whales in their natural environment making it a popular tourist
activity. There's a bit less surfing on the Gold Coast during the winter months, but
not drastically so. The beaches remain busy all year round and the chance of rain is
far lower in the winter than the summer, making Gold Coast backpacking during the
winter an enticing prospect.
Spring on the Gold Coast (Sep-Nov)
In terms of its weather, springtime in the Gold Coast is pretty similar to autumn,
sitting around 15°C to 25°C. From paragliding championships to bicycle races (such
as the Rainbow Ride and the Matrix Twilight Six Hour Challenge), there's plenty for
the sportier traveller to watch or participate in, and the surf's always good.
Those looking for accommodation in the Gold Coast will find a wide range of
options and surfers, fishing enthusiasts, golfers of all levels and anyone who loves a
white sandy beach will find the weather here in their favour throughout the year.
Within reason, whatever you are planning to do and whenever you want to do
it, the wonderful weather in the Gold Coast will make it possible all year round.
Expect a little rain in the summer and some colder days in the winter, but generally
speaking the warm weather in the Gold Coast makes it easy to plan in as part of a
round the world trip or whilst backpacking in Australia. For sun, sand, sea and surf,
backpackers need look no further than Australia's Gold Coast.
Written by Gapyear.com
- 21 -Meter Maids
The Meter Maids. That was Bernie Elsey’s great idea back in 1965 when the
Meter Maids were introduced to Surfers Paradise. Today, they’re just one of the
reasons why you should visit the city.
A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
Bernie Elsey was a property developer and entrepreneur in the Gold Coast in the
1950s and 60s. Often a controversial figure,
often a genius, he was the
man behind the Meter Maids.
It’s safe to say that Elsey
didn’t like parking meters,
and that’s why he came
up with the idea of Meter
Maids; a way to beat the
bad image associated with
parking meters.
The Meter Maids were
young women dressed
in gold bikinis and tiaras,
who strolled the streets of Surfers
Paradise feeding coins into expired
parking meters to make sure you
wouldn’t get a parking ticket. The
Meter Maids would leave a calling
card under your windscreen wiper
just so you would know you’d just
been 'Meter Maid'.
In 1967, the Gold Coast was battered by a cyclone, causing huge amounts of
damage. The Meter Maids were once again used as a promotional tool and they
went on a campaign promoting the Gold Coast to Australia, getting people back
on the beaches. Within weeks the idea had attracted national and worldwide
publicity and the Meter Maids became the spearhead of many a promotional drive
throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Today, over four decades later, the Meter Maids not only help you out when you’re
about to get a parking ticket, but they promote the region of the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast and the Meter Maids have got a lot in common - they're both
stunning...
Avoiding a parking ticket’s never been so good…
Bernie Elsey, we salute you…
Written by Gapyear.com
- 22 -A Guide to Backpacking the Gold Coast
For more information on the Gold Coast,
go to www.adventuregoldcoast.com
This guide was brought to you by Gapyear.com - your gateway
to travel, to experience and to share…
Written by Gapyear.com
- 23 -You can also read
