Gold Coast
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- World-class right points
- Surf with famous pros
- Sub-tropical climate
- Flat day entertainment
- Big nightlife scene
Negatives
- Super-crowded surf arena
- Constant drop-ins
- Surf with famous pros
- Few lefts
- Generally small waves
Gold Coast surf travel guide
Queensland’s Gold Coast surf zone is one of the most intense in the world, combining 40K’s (25mi) of legendary spots with a huge, hungry surf population.
It’s the most visited stretch of coastline in Australia, but don’t be misled by the name “Surfer’s Paradise”, as the heart of this zone is dominated by skyscrapers, not palm trees and the mass-tourism hordes rule out anything approaching deserted. However year-round warm temperatures, a raging nightlife and endlessly long, right pointbreaks tempt southerners and foreigners alike, to try their luck in Australia’s most competitive line-ups.
Surf spots in Gold Coast
Research the 12 surf breaks in Gold Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 12 breaks in Gold Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Gold Coast
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Gold Coast.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 5,071,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
International flights to Brisbane then internal flights to Coolangatta (1h30 away by car). Flights from Sydney to Gold Coast (OOL) start from AU$140 but quickly go up. The bus from Sydney takes 20 hrs and costs from $70 o/w. Rental cars in Coolangatta are some of the cheapest in the land, especially if you go off airport.
Getting Around
Expect to pay about AU$40/d for a Gold Coast rental from the airport. Fuel averages out at AU$1.90/l across Aus in 2023. Bikes or the Surf Side buses can be good, cheap ways of getting around.
Accommodation
Way too many choices to list - all the big booking agencies have endless options for all budgets. Coolangatta Sands Backpackers (fr $50/n). A superior apartment at Rainbow Bay Resort from ($300/n/triple). Varied international menus from $25 for a meal.
Activities
Entertainment includes WhiteWater World, Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld, Wet 'n' Wild, Cableski, Currumbin Sanctuary and Fleays Wildlife Pk. Also more than happy to separate you from your money is Jupiters Casino. There is some mega nightlife action on Orchid Avenue.
Hazards & hassles
The most likely problems are drop-ins and collisions at zooed-out spots. You stand more chances being attacked by an aggro local, than a shark! NE winds bring in the nasty bluebottle jellyfish. The skin cancer rate is very high. Use more than just sunscreen.
Handy Hints
There are dozens of surf shops stocking all the gear at bargain prices. The Aussie beer culture leads to some serious nights out, but it's still crowded for the dawn patrol. Cheap food and drink at RSL Clubs. Queensland has a reputation as the 'Police State', with harsh drink-driving penalties and draconian cannabis laws. Avoid where possible!
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.