I will be going to Gold Coast in April 2009. Will be going with another buddy of mine. So far, I have not planned anything yet. Can you guys give me some suggestions? The trip's duration is 2 weeks.

How much budget do I need, assuming that I stay in hostel and nothing too fancy (spendtrift). Besides GC, where should I go, since 2 weeks is quite a long time to spend just in one city.

When should I apply the visa online?

Appreciate all your help.

That visa can last for a year, valid for 3 months once u use it.
so, u can apply even now
BUT just a thing to let u know, apply online cost 20AUD , apply through travel agency cost 20 ringgit (this is weird but anyone who knows this better, am i wrong?)

take a car and drive around brisbane. it's about an hour and half away from gold coast

at gold coast, you can pay a visit to theme park like movie world, dream world, and sea world. if u fancy koala bear, try Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary about 4 mins drive from gold coast city.

brisbane can never be missed and it's a must. plan your trip to brizzy and then to gold coast.

If you wanna do your shopping, you can go to Harbour Town in Gold Coast. It's sorta like a factory outlet for many brands.

And if you rent a car, you can actually explore many places in Queensland, not only in Gold Coast. You can go to Brisbane, Cairn ( Snorkelling @ Great Barrier Reef) , Sunshine Coast ( Australia Zoo a.k.a Steve Irvin Zoo), you can also drive up to the mountains to visit wineries, or take a package to learn to surf.

Spend a week in GC itself. 3 days in the theme parks, I'd recommend Dreamworld, Movieworld and Whitewater World. It'll cost around $170. Spend the rest of the week in Surfers Paradise, the beaches, learn to surf and of course shopping in Harbour Town. BTW if you wanna stay in hostels, stay in YHA Main Beach (excellent backpackers) or you can opt to stay in Surfers Paradise.

The other week, get yourself to Brisbane (i find it so-so only, Sydney and Melbourne are the best cities). Just 2 days in the city of Brisbane is good enough. If you're not on a tight budget, you can visit places like Byron Bay, Frasers Island, and Moreton Island. But if I were you, I'll shorten the trip in GC/Brisbane and fly to Syd/Melb for 4-5 days, which I'd highly recommend.

Hi friends,

Im planning for a honey moon trip this June to Gold Coast. Pls gimme any idea or suggestion that can help me in term of budget or places to that cant be missed. FYI, planning to take AIRASIA package with hotel (Couryard Marriot Hotel, i think) that cost rm3k ++ for 2adults. After googling on the net, found out June is the winter season there, so assuming its not so exensive for a coastal beach holiday. Am i right...??? Pls advise. Appreciate u guys input or comment. Thousand thanks.

This post has been edited by mygarage: Jan 30 2009, 11:48 AM

oh married already..hehe... congrats... i wanna ask the rm 3k include accomodation and transport 2 way?? not tour packagE?

3k? how many nights, and inclusive theme park admission?

Not to be missed is just the usual attractions like Movie World, and Dream World lo (and maybe sea world too). Other than that & surfing or beach activities , can't think of anything special in Gold Coast. Winter in Gold Coast is not that cold (21c?), so i don't really think prices are really impacted much.

rm3k for the tour seems very cheap..i think only flght and accom... but if 2 way flight oso not bad...

I also planning to go to GC. Still looking around for cheap Airasia fair. Also, not sure which hotel is good. Must be at least 3 star cause my family is clean freaks. So, once there, what is the mode of transportation? Easy like Singapore?

sory guyz correction...actually price is RM4k++ for flight & accom. only. Oh so if not that cold could be less crowded than summer? PLs advise...experience cold climate country before..on winter season price is more cheaper than usual loo..

Surfer's has less people during winter since it's cold. You don't really need to worry about crowds really....even during summer its crowded but not like when you go to the pasar malam in Malaysia. In Surfer's @ Gold coast you can do:

1) some lepaking around the beach
2) rent a car to go to Mt Tambourine, Springbrook national park
3) harbour town shopping (factory outlet with major brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph, Lacoste, Sheridan, Nike, Adidas, Fila, Esprit)
4) Spend a day or 2 in the Brisbane city (lots of choices for fine dining as most of the good food in queensland is there). Theres also a nice ferris wheel across the river in South Bank. Also, for beer lovers try out the XXXX brewery tour (only 5mins from the city)
5) Outer rims. Get some scenery and wine tours.
6) Go up to Sunshine coast for somemore scenery such as Glass House mountains. You could also stop by in other areas for cheap seafood. Going further up north you can check out the beaches in Sunshine coast as well but I think the sand in Surfer's is way better

hey tks mate..good info... will do more research on that

I wud like to go Gold Coast one day too...
actually guys,not necessarily need to wait for AirAsia's promo,sometimes even MAS also much more cheaper than AIrAsia.you just have to google around...

MAS will stop in Brisbane so it's a longer drive down to Gold Coast

This post has been edited by quantum: Feb 1 2009, 04:01 PM

oh i see,thanks for the info...

Hi, I went for my honeymoon to GC last year in July.
It was during winter. it was not cold for me but it was for my wife.
For me the whether was just nice about 18-20 C.
i was there for 7D 5N. i used the GoHoliday from AirAsia which cost me about 7k (includes hotel, air fare + tax and its return). the rate that time was 3.1 and now its much better.

I stayed in Watermark Hotel and found that this was a superb hotel really worth the money and the package i took. the only thing was i got 2 queen size bed on my honeymoon. this was done by airasia which I didn’t know until i was there. no a big deal as I wan able to change to king size and just add about rm300 more. but was worth it.

Recommended places to see and what I did during my stay in GC are:

1. Surfers Paradise, the beaches and the walk path that area. A lot of makan places there. There is a McD there as well. There is one Pizza shop there a small one cant remember the name its really really nice.

2. Hard Rock Cafe is just before u head to Cavill Ave. Walking is the best way to go here as u can just go to CAVILL AVENUE MALL.

3. Q1 (Queensland Number One) is a super tall skyscraper located in Surfers Paradise. You must visit the observation deck at levels 77. More info at qdeck.com.au

4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – the best place to see Kola bear & Kangaroos. U can feed the Kangaroos here.

5. Do check out the shopping complex – Pacific Fair & Australian Fair. I saw Hancock in Pacific Fair shopping complex and it was a interesting experience. They don’t have sweet popcorn and only salty ones. Kind of odd. And the large size it’s just damn big.

My wife and me travel with bus and its not expensive if you the 1day travel rate.
I can’t wait to go there again. Some pictures of Gold Coast from my camera are located in hxxp://picasaweb.google.com/JazCharan/GoldCoastAustralia

To all who are going to GC hope the info helps and enjoys yourselves.

Oh.. great to know so much from u about GC as i wl be taking my family there this June. i want to plan a good trip for them but under our budget as i see fr the website, it really cost alot travelling on the shuttle service and theme parks entrance fees. i want to make it free and easy where we can travel by bus but stop and visit as we go along. any suggestion?

I think 1 week is more than enough at GC/Brisbane ler...
maybe can plan to go Tasmania,Melbourne, Cairns?

The airasia flight touch down in brisbane or gold coast?
cos from brisbane airport to gold coast quite a distance

AirAsia flights touch down at the Gold Coast. Around 1 hour's drive from Brisbane.

I am going to Gold Coast on 21/08-30/08 (9days)
I am thinking if i bring RM3k to convert Australia money, is it enough to use for 9days expenses - eat and all the entrance tickets?

Good to see this thread is alive and kicking

Been to gold coast already, please don't spend the entire 9 days at Gold Coast - it is seriously too long - you may wanna take a flight to sydney or melbourne via Australian LCC - it is quite cheap.

RM3K is barely sufficient - in my view - about AUD1000 only. If you are going to theme parks -it will set u back about AUD150-200

To be on the safe side, bring at least AUD1500.

Ok, note and i will bring more a bit RM cash go.
I will follow my friends go there. They offer me stay with them at hotel, thus i no need to pay for hotel. So, all the journey, i will follow/stick with them.
And they ask me "u have to pay some for your eat", means i need to pay some, they will sponsor me some.

This post has been edited by appleorange: Jun 4 2009, 02:27 PM

Im going to Gold Coast in 2 weeks time. Got some question. We planned to rent car, and do i need to to convert my license? And I'm going with SIA(got great deals for the flisht, 8k return for 5 people), for visa, should I do it online or go to embassy?

i am going gold coast 23dec to 7th jan
so thats bout 14 -15days..
am thinking to spend few days in gold coast ..
n go to sydney from gold coast in between.
just wanna cover surfers paradise, theme parks, harbour town shopping! n maybe wineries if possible..

am still looking for good n safe accomodation coz am going wif all gals.
those who went can u recommend some place to stay? how much per night.. budget type.. not too exp coz wanna spend more money on shopping instead lol..

plus if we dont rent car in gold coast would it be hard to go about places like the theme parks?

feedbacks much appreciated!

no you can use your Malaysian driving license when you're here as you are a tourist.

well the decision is yours to make with regards to the visa. i would suggest doing it online as its fast but it's up to you

try checking wotif.com for accommodation.

you do have decent public transport around, especially to theme parks. that being said, hiring a car would save you a bit of hassle when it comes to going back late at night or going on weekends etc

I'm thinking of sleeping at airport for 1 nite cos my flight is at 7am. If stay in hotel then I have to wake up like very early and head to airport. Do they allow anyone to sleep in airport?

No. AFP will sweep the area before closing the airport for the night.

this coming july will be my second year staying at Gold Coast.

is a great place for tourism but is a shit place for long term.

try to rent car if you are going to travel around,the bus system here is just as bad as the one we had in KL except that there have timetable.

i wouldn't mind meet anybody from lowyat coming for a vist at the coast,can be tour guide aslo

is there any transport to go airport that early?

taxi comes to mind?

and there's also the thing called hotel transfers...

im on a budget trip so staying in backpackers. Currently checking with backpackers whether they provide hostel transport so early in the morning.

alrite.. thank you very much for ur feedback..will check outthe website
how much issit to rent a car for a day ..coz its just us 2 gals.

---

Added on June 9, 2009, 12:29 amcool..maybe can book u as my tour guide if needed..lol
free end of the year?

This post has been edited by joeylny: Jun 9 2009, 12:29 AM

Depends on which rental company you opt for.
These are the mainlines which I personally prefer because of wider coverage, "younger" cars (hence safer & drives better), ability to pick up my car from one branch and return to the other, bigger window for operating hours (able to pick up & return vehicles either very early or very late on the day). Though as you Google, you will find that there will be a price difference between them and the smaller car rental companies. The choice is yours.
www.hertz.com.au
www.budget.com.au
www.avis.com.au
www.europcar.com.au

Have fun researching!

thanks!!!

anybody heard of santana resort?
santanaresort.com.au
i got a fren who can get RM150 a night..
dunno good or not.. n safe or not..
any comments?

It's only a few blocks away from the beach. You won't get much of an oceanview. But at RM150 per night, I'd say just take the offer for the sake of saving money! The resort itself looks very nice too~

Do ppl still wearing board short and tshirt during winter at beach? Still not yet decide what shud i bring to wear

There's nothing to stop you from braving the weather if you choose so. Most surfers go for the wetsuit to protect them from the cold.

opps,i won't be around by early august

graduation at 27 july (Hopefully) and i will off to KL for my next phare in life which is working life

hahah its ok..
thks anyway

Hi Assassin, is there a public transport e.g. bus at Brisbane airport and also at Coolangatta airport (air asia airport) ? depends on MAS or AAsia offer, i may land at either airport. I found this info on web. How much does it cost if i take the bus (if any). Is it convenient ?

BNE airport yes. there is the airtrain. www.airtrain.com.au. $14 one way from the airport to Central station.

OOL yes but i think you need to head out to the main road.

in addition to QuackSilver's response re bus service between Robina Station and OOL, please see link below.
http://www.translink.com.au/qt/transLin.ns.../080728_765.pdf

sigh.. i am trying to find a decent hotel/resort /guesthouse along surfers paradise that is not too expensive.. budget below RM200

any recommendations?

Thanks QuackSilver & Tony C.

Hi, Joeylny - for hotels try www.hotelclub.com. i've read the recommendation for Watermark hotel and is good, except i think the rate is AUD95 = about RM290. Earlier in this thread, this hotel was recommended.

trying to keep it low coz might stay 15 days ..not confirm yet though but maybe few days in gold coast n more in sydney

RM290 still a bit high.. any cheaper alternatives?

Just came back from GC 2 weeks ago. Is really a nice place but too bad I went during winter time. Next time will go again during summer time.

where did u stay?

How much should i budget for 2 if i wish to go to GC and also Sydney excluding flight tic for 10days? Maybe 4days in Sydney and 6days in GC?

Any budget accommodation in GC? Might be staying wif my friend in Sydney..
What is the weather around Sept?
Planning to go next year for after my bf graduate.

I suggest you spent more time in Sydney than in GC. Your budget depends on where you want to visit. Food is not expensive. You can always DIY sandwich. Plenty of motel and backpack accommodation there. I suggest you visit the place before decide to rent for the nite. Most of them are located within each other. Sept is spring. Low season. Good time to visit.

Sydney have more places to visit? Sorry i try to search info from here but not much i can get..
Will be going all those Movie World, Dreamworld.... in GC.
Still not sure where to go in Sydney.
Is it convenient to travel around with the train or we might have to rent car to travel around GC?
Is rm5k sufficient not included air tic?

Only Movieworld worth visit in GC else you be in Surfer paradise. I do not find much to do there. Sydney got Opera house, climb harbour bridge, go to the rocks, natural museum, blue mountain and plenty more. Most tourist attraction in both places accessible by public transport or you can follow the local budget tour. RM5K budget is more than enough.

sigh i am still trying to get cheap budget flight tickets from gold coast to sydney n back but the dates i want could be peak coz its after 26th dec departure n 5th jan return

wanna celebrate xmas in gold coast n new year eve in sydney

Which place is actually worth to visit on Sept?
Melbourne, Sydney, GC or Perth?

RM5k for 2persons for about 9-10days is sufficient? Then i should start saving lots of $$$$ now.

Hi, I will going to Gold Coast in Nov for 8D7N by AA. My flight will only reach GC airport at 20:30, is it advisable (after long-hr flight) to rent a car that time & drive all the way to Broadbeach? Or should we just use taxi/bus/other public transport to get to the hotel?

its very easy to driving a car in GC a,d also alot of car rental to choose.

last month i went there and rent a car (getz) from thriftty, its cost me about 498aud for 6 days including 3 day fun pass.

and i travel along to sydney about 12 hour trip , i do not check in to any motel as i sleep in the car (fully utilise) ha ha...its really worth every penny...

and for me , nothing more to do at GC after we going to dreamworld, seaworld and harbour town...so we heading down to sydney...

any good budget places0 to stay below RM250 a night in gold coast?

is there any1 staying around gold coast?

I'm trying to pick 2 out of these 3: Movie World, Seaworld, Wet n'Wild Waterpark

Any suggestion?

if i still rmb, Wet n Wild world is one or under dream world..so all the rides thr are wild
seaworld not rly wild...

i personally think movie world shud be in ur list.
2nd one i dunno coz havent been to those 2 others yet


This post has been edited by joeylny: Nov 6 2009, 11:19 AM

I will be going to Gold Coast next Aug 10. Just bought the offer ticket yesterday nite. Planning to stay at Surfer Paradise using my time sharing.

What is the best mode of transportation as I will be travelling with my wife and my 2 years old baby?

This post has been edited by hdwarexpert: Nov 12 2009, 11:01 PM

hi guys

is there any cheap flights in late may from gold coast to cairns?

Rent a car. That's the best. It's not that expensive also.

how much issit to apply visa to australia?

20 AUD if you apply for it online. valid for one year, multiple entries

i will be going to sydney, brissy & gc next week.. need advise from ya on the following.

1) where should i put up in brissy that is very cheap & near to tourist attraction. is Ridge On Leichhardt Apartment a good choice or any other suggestion?

2) where should i stay in gc that is cheap & near to surfers paradise, seaworld, movieworld & the beach? is watermark or panorama worth considering? any other suggestion?

3) i plan to stay 1 to 2 days in brissy, where should i visit? place i shouldnt missed.
- Lone Pines Sanctuary?
- South Bank?
- North Stradbroke Island?
- Mooloolaba?
- Mt Tamborine?
- Mt Cootha?
- dolphine feeding?
- ?
- ?
- ?

4) will be staying in gc for 2 to 3 days,where should i visit?
- Sea World?
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
- Movie World?
- Harbour Town?
- Surfer Paradise?
- Coolangatta?
- ?
- ?
- ?

5) should i rent a car in gc & brissy? or there is nothing much for me to visit in brissy which i need a car? or renting a car will be cheaper than taking public transport for 3 person?

6) will also be in syd for 4 days, where must i visit?
- Blue Mountain
- Opera House
- Harbour Bridge
- Darling Harbour
- Circular Quay
- Sea Cruise
- Fish Market
- China Town
- Botanic Garden
- Chinese Garden
- AmpTower
- Paradise Country
- ?
- ?
- ?

thanks for all the help in advance!

if i remember, i bought the ticket from MAS counter in KL Sentral, the lady ask me, "visa mau"? i say "mau, 3 kasi" and she printed 3 visas and staple on our passports. no extra charge i think. 2007 it was back then.

never bought tickets over counter before. heheh. only bought airasia tickets and booked visa by myself. so not too sure. altho i do know that sometimes if you buy tickets from travel agency/ travel fairs they do include visa for you.

if im going there free n easy, can i still apply visa from travel agency? its way cheaper than applying online though...

Anyone knows of budget accommodation below RM200?

This post has been edited by dongjuanlee: Nov 24 2009, 05:14 PM

Movie World & Wet N' Wild will do... Sea World is kinda boring...

I apply through travel agent for only RM15

---

Added on November 24, 2009, 10:40 pmYes, u may apply visa from travel agent even if u go there free & easy... that was what I did ^^

This post has been edited by cathy82: Nov 24 2009, 10:40 PM

went to movie world before... definitely an AWESOMEE place!! really loved the scooby doo ride (one really unexpected move in the ride! save the spoiler hehehe) police academy show, shrek 4d and superman ride.. really really really really nice!!!!

not sure about this seaworld, but basically see those sea animals do tricks.. wet n wild waterpark haven't heard before..

superman ride with a cape behind the coaster rite?lol

wet n wild is part of dream world..so tht means it is extreme waterpark

superman ride is AWESOME!! and no, wet and wild is not part of dreamworld, its withe water rapids which is part of dreamworld. wet and wild is the water theme park next to movieworld. IMO, Movieworld and wet and wild are the two best. Seaworld's pretty decent too, but not so much of rides ler.. just see animals perform

what is the cheapest transport from coolangata airport to surfers paradise?
thanks in advance for any reply

bus. simple. aint no other cheaper option than bus. unless 4 of you travel, then maybe its more worth it get a cab

thks for ur reply
how much is bus? and what issit called\?
coz i need to go to vibe hotel at surfers paradise
is there any shuttle bus?

well, get out to the terminal and there will be a shuttle bus taking you out of the airport to golden four drive. there, just take the southport bus to surfers.
you will be travelling from zone 18-13, so iinm, its gonna be about 4-5 dollars. might be mistaken. as for how you're gonna get to the hotel from surfers, i'm not too sure as i've not stayed there before. maybe you can ask the hotel if they provide shuttle services?

I and another 2 friends will be heading to Goldcoast in mid May.
None of us been to Australia..
what to expect in mid May, like weather, expenses, activities..
Appreciate those who knows about Australia..
we do plan most of the days in Goldcoast for the parks and beach.
Sunshine Coast for Steve Irwin Zoo and Brisbane a day or 2 to check out..

This post has been edited by yangsangfook: Jan 27 2010, 02:26 PM

Although i was in gold coast for one day only but i did have fun..
from airport i took a cab to my hotel in near surfers paradise..
i stayed in vibe hotel n its quite strategic located coz its just a street away from surfers paradise beach..
its not a fancy hotel but i find its fine for a night stay..
i went to movie world.. took a bus in front of the hotel i think bout 5-10 aud for one way..i cant really remember.. then i was there before the theme park open n oredi so many ppl queuing

unfortunately its school holidays in aust and it was very packed so i have to skipped the superman ride coz the queue was too long and its stupid because we have to put our bags in the locker and there is a time limit of 1 hour only if not u have to pay another $5 aud to open it.the queue was so long eventhough if we are in front 1 hour may not be enuf so we forfeited the ride an went for lethal weapon instead.. the 2nd best ride in movie world.. n the q was so short we actually got into our rides within 5 mins.. n u can still go over n over again. Then scooby doo ride is not bad as well..

Remember if u wanna go theme park avoid weekends or school holidays.. .

After movieworld we took the bus back to our hotel and went out to surfers paradise.. there is a nice art n craft market in front of the beach n there are lots of nice stuff to buy there.. they do accept credit cards too =) Then we walk to hard rock cafe and back to our hotel.

oh dun expect much shopping at the airport coz its a small airport..

---

Added on February 9, 2010, 4:33 amAlthough i was in gold coast for one day only but i did have fun..
from airport i took a cab to my hotel in near surfers paradise..
i stayed in vibe hotel n its quite strategic located coz its just a street away from surfers paradise beach..
its not a fancy hotel but i find its fine for a night stay..
i went to movie world.. took a bus in front of the hotel i think bout 5-10 aud for one way..i cant really remember.. then i was there before the theme park open n oredi so many ppl queuing

unfortunately its school holidays in aust and it was very packed so i have to skipped the superman ride coz the queue was too long and its stupid because we have to put our bags in the locker and there is a time limit of 1 hour only if not u have to pay another $5 aud to open it.the queue was so long eventhough if we are in front 1 hour may not be enuf so we forfeited the ride an went for lethal weapon instead.. the 2nd best ride in movie world.. n the q was so short we actually got into our rides within 5 mins.. n u can still go over n over again. Then scooby doo ride is not bad as well..

Remember if u wanna go theme park avoid weekends or school holidays.. .

After movieworld we took the bus back to our hotel and went out to surfers paradise.. there is a nice art n craft market in front of the beach n there are lots of nice stuff to buy there.. they do accept credit cards too =) Then we walk to hard rock cafe and back to our hotel.

oh dun expect much shopping at the airport coz its a small airport..


This post has been edited by joeylny: Feb 9 2010, 04:33 AM

may is coming into autumn. might be cold, might be hot. weather in aussie is pretty unpredictable, esp this season. how many days are you gonna be there? do you intend to rent a car? and what are your budgets? cos sunshine coast is very very far from gold coast. you'll need a car to get there.

joeylny thx, i shall check if mid May is a school holiday or not..

Hi shauno are you in OZ now? well weather will have to check when the time is near i guess..
Yeah renting a car or not is a big question.. I have a friend said that going around Gold Coast and to Brisbane is not a problem.. Sunshine Coast will definitely need a longer journey... I have a quote of about 400+ for a week without GPS and 600+ with GPS and bigger car. That will be like 200-250 per person for a week transport....

Hi Gold Coast expert, please advice on my itinerary and quotation.

Price - RM1630 per person based on twin sharing room (including visa)

Hotel - Islander Resort

Day 1 Gold coast city tour plus Harbour town shopping
Day 2 Dream World or Movie world admission with return transfer
Day 3 Dream World or Movie World admission with return transfer
Day 4 Brisbane city sights, river cruise & shopping
Day 5 Free at own leisure

Round trip seat-in coach (SIC) Coolangatta airport/hotel transfer, all tour programme transfers by sit-in coach, daily breakfast , hotel accommodation twin-sharing

Do you think the itinerary covers enough gold coast experience? And I did self calculation, for accommodation is roughly

From total RM3260

Accommodation: 484 AUD => 1452 MYR
Tickets to movieworld & dreamworld for 2: 280AUD = 852 MYR
Visa: 40AUD for 2 person => RM120

I have a balance of 732 MYR. Don't think I am saving with this package, please advice. Thanks.

This post has been edited by impedance: Mar 2 2010, 10:42 PM

Anyone planning to watch WWE wrestling live at Australia? Their event is on August..

http://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/rw/cou...alia_liveevents

Hey, I just discovered that you can pay only RM30 per person to apply for Aussie visa (ETA). Just go to Asia Travel Mart in KL Sentral (right in front of KL Sentral). Just bring your passport and your flight ticket/proof/itinerary. That's like HALF the saving for you.

I'm heading to GC next month too. Yikes! Have to plan now

Do you have any package? How much are you getting?

Nope. All self-planned. Will be going with a group of 5 including me. Will share my itinerary once I get it all structured up

Do post for those going there...me also going coming Dec 2010..Hot summer!!

Probably need more info on car rental for a week. Hotel I will probably utilise my vacation club point (Hopefully can get!)

Thinking of driving to Brisbane & even further to Quensland. Not really interested on theme parks..more on nature. & history

Will read this thread more often..tnx

december might be quite exp for car rentals, cos nearing peak seasons already. check with the rental guys if there's a limit as to how far you can go with the vehicles. some companies have mileage limits, and some have limitations as to how far you can travel to. so, keep an eye out on that one.

they have insurance, and if you don't take it up, they're gonna freeze up to aud 3k on your cc, so make sure your cc has that amount left. i don't remember if they will freeze it up if you take insurance tho

Did my research on good value accommodation in Gold Coast.

Here are my top two choices. I already book my stay at Comfort Inn

COMFORT INN, MERMAID BEACH
-Free parking
-Free wifi (a bonus since most of us need to access work email)
-it's a motel so its serviced DAILY which is good when 4 ppl share same toilet
-Got family room that can fit 4 of us for $740 after 20% discount (np. $925) for 1 week stay
-Across the road from Hooters and Putt Putt Golf
-20mins from airport
-5mins from Surfer's Paradise
-15mins from theme park
-Ideal for young travelers like us
-3 star
http://www.mermaidcomfort.com.au/
-Cons: since its a motel, its a bit smaller than apartment and there's no kitchen

WINDSURFER RESORT
-Complimentary parking
-$770 for 1 week (for 4 ppl)
-Near Broadwater
-A bit far away from the crowded Surfer's Paradise so its a bit peaceful
-Ideal for family
-Larger space
-Has kitchen and other house utilities
-3.5 star
-Cons: Have to pay for internet and its only serviced weekly
http://www.windsurfer.com.au/

I have yet to find a place at Brisbane for 3 nights. Any suggestions? It's a bit expensive there btw.

Anyone found good offer for Gold Coast ground package from Matta fair?

Any suggestions on places to go that's less than 4 hours drive from Gold Coast? I'll definitely go to Brisbane and Byron Bay cos it's only less than 2 hours away from GC.

I'll be in GC for 10 days, and most members suggested to go to Melbourne and Sydney. I've been to Melbourne and the only places I like there is the suburbs. My friend told me if you don't like Melbourne, you'll not like Sydney

Bought 7N in GC, will have car to drive around. Now thinking of where else to go. Not willing to travel all the way down to Syd/Melbourne. Long drive = dangerous = thugs on the way

aww man.. driving to melbs i madness! its a good 2 hour flight away, so you can imagine the drive :S if you're willing to drive, sunshine coast could suit you. the very famous steve irwin zoo awaits you

A very bulls eye idea indeed, Shauno. I was just looking through the Noosa area in Sunshine Coast. Securing a good, ol accommodation, preferably with free wifi connection + continental breakfast. I found one place, now just waiting for reply.