The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s top destinations for travellers and locals alike. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun, catch a wave or two and explore everything the city has to offer.
Being there is one thing, but finding your way there is another. And in our books – the cheaper the flight, the better. Here’s why the Gold Coast should be on your bucket list, and how to find the cheapest flights there.
Why visit the Gold Coast?
The question really should be – why not? From beautiful beaches and chilled vibes to a glittering skyline and botanic backyard, the Gold Coast has everything under the sun. Here are just five reasons to hop on a plane and get here ASAP.
1. LIFE’S A BEACH
57 kilometres of coastline. 20 beaches. Unlimited swimming, sunbathing and surfing. The Gold Coast’s beaches are some of the best in the world. If you’re a surfer – check out Snapper Rocks, Duranbah, and Greenmount. If you’re a swimmer – head to Burleigh, or Coolangatta. You may like to walk across the road to The Coolangatta Hotel afterwards for a bite to eat and a cold drink.
2. NATIONAL PARKS GALORE
The Gold Coast might be famous for its beaches, but its national parks are just as stunning. From rainforests and rock pools to waterfalls and hiking tracks, there’s an activity or natural wonder for everyone. Strap on your hiking boots and head to Lamington, Springbrook, Tamborine or Burleigh Head National Park.
Also – if you’re up for an adventure, you may want to head to the heritage-listed Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. COFFEE. FOOD. PARTY. REPEAT.
The coffee scene on the Gold Coast is top notch. Scattered throughout the area you’ll find plenty of delicious cafes, restaurants and fine-dining places – particularly in Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Mermaid and Palm Beach. And for the nightlife? Well, you can’t look past Surfers Paradise.
4. RETAIL THERAPY
The Gold Coast has a range of op-shops, boutiques and shopping malls – located all over the area. For an all-in-one experience, make sure you head to Pacific Fair. With 400 stores (including H&M, Zara, Gucci, and more), it’s got everything a seasoned shopper needs.
If you’re looking for a post-beach shop, head to The Strand Coolangatta to find a range of stores and eateries, located across the road from Coolangatta beach.
5. THEME PARK CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA
With five major parks – Dreamworld, Whitewater World, Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild, the Gold Coast truly is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. Whether you’re coming from overseas or interstate, it’s worth checking out at least one park on your trip.
Finding cheap flights to the Gold Coast
Finding a cheap flight to the Gold Coast will make your trip that much more enjoyable. Here are our top tips for finding a bargain.
SEARCH IN PRIVATE
Did you know that based on the cookies in your web browser, flights will increase when a particular route is repeatedly searched? It’s unfortunate but true – flight sites want to scare you into booking quickly before the prices rise. To avoid this, make sure you’re searching for flights in private browsing.
SHOP AROUND
Instead of just looking on the airline’s website, spend time researching flights on third-party booking sites. Some are better than others, and some will offer cheaper flights than others. But if you’re diligent, chances are you’ll find a good deal.
FLY ON THE CHEAPEST DAY
While it’s not an exact science, it’s usually cheaper to fly on a weekday. To double-check which days of the week are cheaper around the time you want to go, get a quick visual of prices for a whole month – whatever site you’re using.
GET IN EARLY
Generally, the further you book in advance, the cheaper your flights will be. While last-minute deals do pop up from time to time, you’re probably better off not waiting around for an unknown sale – especially if your holiday times aren’t flexible.
DON’T DISCOUNT TRAVEL AGENTS
A good travel agent will often find flights you didn’t even know existed – and at a much cheaper price. Airlines often negotiate agreements allowing for stopovers and add-ons that aren’t always available online. Instead, they have to be manually organised by an expert.
About Gold Coast Airport
Gold Coast Airport takes flights from all around Australia, as well as parts of New Zealand, Asia, Europe and USA. There are a number of different airlines that fly both domestically and internationally, so make sure you do your research to find the best deal out there.
The airport is a 15-minute drive from Burleigh Heads, and 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise. You’ll find a range of public transport options that will get you to where you need to be. For more information, head over to the Gold Coast Airport website.
Feeling inspired?
Before you book a flight, keep in mind our top tips. There’s so much to see and do on the Gold Coast, and the more money you save on flights, the more freedom you’ll have to really make the most of your trip.
To check out the latest events at the Coolangatta Hotel to make your stay exciting and unforgettable, click here.
