Stretching along 57 kilometres of stunning coastline, the Gold Coast is best known for its surf, sand and sunshine, bordered by its lush hinterland. The natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and ideal location make the Gold Coast one of the most unique cities in world to live, work and study.
The Gold Coast has a comfortable, sub-tropical climate that’s ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The Gold Coast averages 300 days of sunshine each year, with an average annual rainfall of about 1400mm, the majority of which falls in the summer. Daytime temperatures are generally in the mid 20°C range. In winter, clear skies and dry air mean cool nights.
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with a long history of immigration. The Gold Coast is a great example of this, as it is home to more than 550,000 people from all corners of the world. People on the Gold Coast are generally cheerful and positive; the city has a very relaxed, easy-going beach culture. Many people on the Gold Coast are on holiday, or work within the tourism industry, giving the city a holiday-like feel.
The Gold Coast is one of the most affordable places to live in Australia, with average weekly costs ranging from as low as $350 a week.
The Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta is serviced by domestic and international flights. Most services are one-class, but many also offer business class travel. There are regular daily domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide & there are connecting flights to all other Australian cities. The trip from Sydney takes around 1 hour 25 minutes, around 2 hours 15 minutes from Melbourne & around 2 hours and 10 minutes from Adelaide.
International flights arrive from Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, Palmerston North & Christchurch in New Zealand. There are also flights arriving on the Gold Coast via Cairns from Japan (Osaka, Nagoya & Fukuoka), Taipei, Hong Kong & Singapore. Brisbane’s International Airport also provides links with the USA and Europe.
The Gold Coast is connected by rail to Brisbane’s Roma Street and Central stations. The closets railway stations servicing the Gold Coast include Nerang, Helensvale and Robina – there are connecting shuttle bus services available from the station to Surfers Paradise and other Gold Coast centres. Airtrain also operate regular rail services from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast which take approximately 90 minutes.
Due to a difference in the gauge of the railway between New South Wales and Queensland there are no Interstate direct rail links to the Gold Coast. Trains depart daily from Sydney and terminate at Murwillumbah (around 30 mins south of Coolangatta).
The major route from Sydney to the Gold Coast is via the Pacific H’way which is currently undergoing major upgrades and conditions vary. Use the following table to plan your trip and ensure that you “stop, revive, survive” every 2 hours.
Gold Coast to | Distance in Kms | Driving Time |
---|---|---|
Sydney | 947 | 11 hr and 25 minutes |
Canberra | 1251 | 15 hrs |
Melbourne | 1840 | 22 hrs and 10 minutes |
Brisbane | 80 | 1 hr |
No matter which part of the Gold Coast you start from, there is a form of transport waiting to get you to your destination. Centred between two international airports, the Gold Coast is serviced by trains, buses, taxis and ferries, along with plenty of self-drive options. Tours and transfers are available to all major regional destinations.
Buses – Surfside Buslines provide an extensive 24 hour public bus service across the Gold Coast between Coomera and Pottsville. The Gold Coast Tourist Bus provides transfers between hotels and the Gold Coast Airport as well as return transfers to theme parks.
Light Rail (Trams) – The new G: light rail system operates from 5am to midnight on weekdays and throughout weekends. The route links Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach via 16 stops with a 7.5 minute service between 7am and 7pm weekdays.
Trains – The Translink Air Train transports passengers to and from Brisbane Airport to three Gold Coast stations Nerang, Robina and Helensvale. Within the Gold Coast, Queensland Rail offer an extensive public train network.
Taxis – Gold Coast Cabs provide taxi transport services right across the Gold Coast. Fares are charged at a standard rate and are measured via the taxi’s meter. The Gold Coast also has a range of hire car companies providing low cost vehicles.
Car Rentals are another option if you have a driving license and want the independence of self- drive in, out, and around the Gold Coast.
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