Gold Coast City Guide

Seafood and modern Australian dishes are popular. You'll find many international cuisines, plus good vegetarian and vegan options. Late-night food spots mostly in Surfers Paradise.

Nightlife centers on Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads. Options range from clubs and bars to relaxed pubs and live music venues.

A strong coffee scene with many independent specialty cafes, especially in Burleigh Heads and Miami. High-quality beans and skilled baristas are common.

Tipping is optional and not expected. Small tips for great service may be given but aren't required.

SIM cards can be bought at the airport or mobile stores. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offer good coverage and eSIM options. ID registration is needed.

Streets and public spaces are clean with good waste management. Sanitation is well maintained.

Some late-night pharmacies and many 24/7 convenience stores. Hospital emergency rooms open 24/7; night food limited mainly to Surfers Paradise.

Supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi have a wide range of local and international products. Fresh markets operate on evenings or weekends.

Most places accept card payments, so cash is hardly needed for daily spending.

ATMs are common at banks, malls, and convenience stores. Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB have machines. Non-customer ATM fees usually apply around AUD $2.50-$3.00.

International schools like A.B. Paterson College and Somerset College offer various curricula. Local schools teach mainly in English. Admissions require early inquiry due to limited spots.

A growing digital nomad presence with meetups and good cafes offering Wi-Fi. Co-living spaces exist but are limited.

Many parks and walking paths offer green spaces and shade, great for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Coastal paths and park trails are popular for running and well maintained. Running clubs and events like the Gold Coast Marathon occur yearly.

Gyms are abundant with options for casual visits or short-term memberships.

Many public and private courts with booking options. Equipment rental and coaching are common.

Padel courts are emerging with growing interest in the city.

Numerous studios offer various yoga styles and meditation classes. Drop-in sessions and memberships available.

Widespread training for BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo, with active communities and regular competitions.

No skiing near the Gold Coast; nearest resorts are far away in NSW and Victoria.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, sailing, and windsurfing are popular, especially in the Broadwater. Rentals and tours are easy to find.

World-class surf spots like Snapper Rocks and Burleigh Heads are close by. Water is warm year-round. Spots suit all skill levels with many surf schools.

Diving sites include reefs and shipwrecks. Visibility varies, best in warmer months. Equipment rental and certification available.

High-quality healthcare with English-speaking staff. Gold Coast University Hospital and Pindara Private Hospital provide excellent public and private care. Pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse are common and some have extended hours.

Tap water meets Australian safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many playgrounds by the coast and parks, kid-friendly cafes, and easy access to baby supplies. Attractions include Dreamworld, Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Generally accepting and safe with LGBTQ+ venues and events mainly in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

Pet policies vary but many cafes and outdoor areas welcome pets. Off-leash parks and veterinary services are widely available.