Home › Gold Coast › On a budget
Gold Coast on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
It is possible on a budget, mainly thanks to free beaches and walks: allow about A$160 per person per day, with about A$70 for a bed, A$50 for food, A$30 for one paid sight and A$10 for transport. Hostels and self-catering make the biggest difference.
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | A$70 | A$130 | A$280 |
| Food & drink | A$50 | A$90 | A$180 |
| Sights & tickets | A$30 | A$80 | A$140 |
| Local transport | A$10 | A$25 | A$60 |
| Per person, per day | A$160 | A$325 | A$660 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Gold Coast day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Swim between the flags at Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh beaches.
- Walk the Burleigh Head National Park headland track (about 2.4 km), with whales passing from June to November.
- Watch sunset from Burleigh Hill with a picnic.
- Walk up Point Danger on the Queensland–New South Wales border.
- Walk to Purling Brook Falls and the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park (glow worms after dark).
- Watch surfers at Snapper Rocks and Kirra.
Cheap eats
- Fish and chips at Rainbow Bay or Coolangatta: about A$15-22.
- Meat pie or sausage roll from a bakery: about A$6-8.
- Supermarket picnic or barbecue on the free public barbecues in beach parks: under A$15.
- Lunch specials and pub meals: about A$18-25.
- Coffee and a toastie at a beach kiosk: about A$12-15.
Where to sleep for less
Budget travellers stay in Surfers Paradise, where hostels and older apartments cost about A$120-180 for a double and dorm beds less. Coolangatta also has a few hostels near the airport and beaches.
Getting around cheaply
The G:link light rail runs from Helensvale (train to Brisbane) through Southport, Surfers and Broadbeach towards Burleigh; buses (route 700) continue to Coolangatta and the airport. Tap on with a go card or contactless bank card. Buses link Gold Coast Airport with Surfers in about 40-60 minutes, cheaper than a taxi.
A sample budget day
- Morning: swim at Surfers Paradise between the flags (free).
- Lunch: bakery pie or picnic (about A$10).
- Afternoon: G:link and bus to Burleigh, walk the headland track (transport about A$10).
- Evening: sunset at Burleigh Hill and fish and chips (about A$20).
- Total: about A$160 with a hostel or shared budget room
More ways to save
- Use the free public barbecues in beach parks for dinner.
- Choose one theme park, bought online, rather than several at the gate.
- Check Translink fare caps and off-peak discounts when using public transport.
- Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for the free lorikeet feeding times when you enter.
- Travel in May-June or September-October, outside school holidays.
- Join hostel group trips to the hinterland, often cheaper than commercial tours.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Can you do the Gold Coast on a budget?
Yes: stay in a Surfers Paradise hostel, use the G:link, cook some meals and enjoy the free beaches and walks.
How do I get from Gold Coast Airport cheaply?
Take the bus towards Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, paying with a go card or contactless card.
Do I need a car?
Not on the coast. For Springbrook and Lamington, hire a car (about A$60-90 a day) or join a tour.