Gold Coast Travel

When going to Australia, tourist visa holders would definitely want to know all about the place they are heading to. And one of the most popular places that many visitors go to yearly is the Gold Coast in Queensland. And so, here are all the things that you need to know when getting into and going around the Gold Coast. 

Heading to the Gold Coast from overseas is very much straightforward, as the city is serviced by the Gold Coast International Airport, also known as the Coolangatta Airport, located in the Billinga suburbs. The airport is serviced by a large number of major international airlines, like Qantas and Japan Airlines. Also, the airport offers numerous domestic flights to and from other parts of Australia. And for those on a tight budget, the airport is a hub for many low cost airlines that service Australia.

For those who plan to go by land, there are many ways for you to get to the city. Coming from Brisbane, the Gold Coast is just a 40 minute drive if you take the Pacific Motorway. There are also several routes that will lead you directly from Melbourne or Sydney.

Buses are also another popular means of getting into the Gold Coast. And there are several companies that offer passenger a whole trip coming from as far as Sydney. Though not as popular as buses, trains also enjoy a large amount of passengers daily.

And for those that want to take a more scenic route, you can always take to the waters. Many ferries traverse the Nerang River, which is the major water system that crosses the city, on a daily basis. These ferries offer either a direct transport to several points within the city, or simply as a means of tourist cruising.

 

Overlooking the Gold Coast

Once inside the city, you have plenty of options to get around. Perhaps the most cost effective means of traveling in the Gold Coast (or any place for that matter) is by walking. This is useful if you live in the suburbs, where distances are short. Also, if you are in the central business district, where most of the hotels and commercial centers are close together, you can also easily go around on foot. And the Gold Coast's climate is rather mild, making it ideal for such travel.

But of course, you can't go all over the city just by walking. Thus, you might want to take the public transportation system. Buses and trains are the major ones that you can use to get to most of the places here. And if you are on a hurry, a taxi cab is just a call away.

For those looking for a healthier alternative, why not try cycling? The Gold Coast prides itself for having a large network of dedicated bicycle lanes that will get you anywhere on two wheels. Also, there are numerous bike rental shops that offer all kinds to suit every rider, so you really don't need to bring your own just to get around. 

Sources:
Queensland Government official site
http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard2.aspx?PID=106
Gold Coast, Wiki Travel article
http://wikitravel.org/en/Gold_Coast
Image Sources:
http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/images.php
http://www.needtoescape.com/qld/queensland-gold-coast-8R34.html