How much does a gold coast holiday cost?

The cost of a trip to the Gold Coast depends on several factors, including your point of origin, the season in which you’re traveling, the length of your stay, your accommodation preferences, daily expenses, and the activities you want to do. Here is a rough guide to help you budget your trip:

Flights

Costs can vary greatly depending on where you’re flying from, the time of year, and when you book. As of my last update in September 2021, a round-trip flight from Sydney to Gold Coast might cost around AUD 100-300, while from Melbourne, it might be around AUD 150-350. From outside Australia, flights can range from AUD 500 to over AUD 2000.

Accommodation

Budget accommodation like hostels or budget hotels could range from AUD 30-80 per night. Mid-range hotels might cost between AUD 100-200 per night, while luxury accommodations can easily exceed AUD 200-500 per night or more.

Food and Drink

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant might cost around AUD 15-20, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant might be about AUD 50-80 per person. Fast food is typically around AUD 10-15.

Transportation

The Gold Coast has a good public transport system, and a GO card for unlimited travel starts at AUD 10 a day. If you’re renting a car, prices start around AUD 30-40 per day, not including petrol.

Activities

Entrance fees for theme parks like Dreamworld or Sea World are around AUD 80-100 per person. A visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is about AUD 50 per person. Surfing lessons might be around AUD 60-80.

Miscellaneous

Don’t forget to budget for shopping, souvenirs, or any extras like travel insurance.

It is suggested to take travel seasons in consideration when planning holiday budgeting. On average, peak Season (December – January, and Easter holidays): This is when Australian summer school holidays occur and the Gold Coast is a popular domestic tourism destination. During this time, you can expect prices for flights and accommodations to be at their highest. Popular attractions and theme parks may also raise their prices slightly and will likely be more crowded.

Shoulder Season (February – May, September – November)

The weather during these months is typically quite pleasant, with warm days and cooler nights. As this is outside of major school holiday periods, you may find that prices for flights and accommodations are moderately priced – not as high as peak season, but not as low as off-peak.

Off-Peak Season (June – August)

This is winter in Australia. While Gold Coast winters are generally mild and the weather is still good for beachgoing and other outdoor activities, this isn’t a high-demand time for tourists, and you can often find the best deals for flights and accommodations during these months.