Travel tips · Gold Coast · Australia
Gold Coast travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jordan Gellie jordan_gellie, CC0
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Quick answer
The Gold Coast is Australia's beach-holiday capital, built around surf culture, theme parks and an outdoor lifestyle. Surf lifesaving clubs, staffed largely by volunteers, are community hubs on every beach. The Yugambeh people are the traditional custodians of the region, and the Burleigh headland, Jellurgal, holds special significance.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- AUD
- Plugs
- Type I sockets (angled two-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
Things to know
- Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags and follow lifeguards' directions.
- Respect surf etiquette: do not drop in on another surfer's wave, and give way to the surfer closest to the breaking peak.
- Cover up with a shirt and shoes when you leave the beach for shops and restaurants.
- Keep dogs on leads except on signposted off-leash beaches.
- Do not feed wildlife such as ibis, lorikeets and possums outside designated feeding sessions.
- Book Sea World ahead: Buy tickets online in advance; multi-park passes can be good value if you plan more than one park.
- Beaches, Burleigh Head National Park and the hinterland walks are free.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Leaving about 10% for good table service is appreciated but optional.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Swim between the flags | Swim only in the lifeguard-patrolled zone |
| Schoolies | End-of-school celebrations in late November |
| Arvo | Afternoon |
| Thongs | Flip-flops |
What to wear
Beachwear is fine at the beach, but restaurants and clubs expect at least smart-casual clothing and closed shoes in the evening.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type I sockets (angled two-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good along the coast but patchy in parts of the hinterland national parks.
- Time zone
- Australia/Brisbane
The Gold Coast is generally safe for visitors. The main hazards are rip currents, strong sun and summer storms; swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Surfers Paradise can get rowdy late at night, especially during Schoolies.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Australia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Gold Coast?
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Leaving about 10% for good table service is appreciated but optional.
+Can you drink the tap water in Gold Coast?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Gold Coast?
Type I sockets (angled two-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Gold Coast?
English.