Hello fellow cheapies,
We’re heading to the Gold Coast for 5 days, staying in Surfers Paradise. Big group of 10 (including kids) and planning to visit the theme parks.
Would you recommend renting a car or is public transport easy enough?
Best theme parks to prioritise? Any ticket deals worth looking at?
Also open to budget-friendly tips, kid-friendly activities, and hidden gems we shouldn’t miss.
Appreciate any advice! 😊
Thanks
The theme parks (should) be cheaper if you are happy to limit them to one "brand". eg Roadshow and get a 7 day ticket that covers movie world, sea world, wet n wild and paradise country, or $10 cheaper for 5 days and no paradise country, we've got these passes with our accom at Sea World coming up in April. The Entertainment book\app gives 10% off so $179 or $189 aud. Or you can get a combo with Dreamworld, Whitewater World and skypoint, 2 day combo pass is $126 with ebook, $119 on ExperienceOz, note that Whitewater World isn't open every day. I've heard Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is great, but we'll make do with Paradise Country instead of spending another $100+ for the 4 of us. I think Sea World is the best with young kids, the dolphins are amazing but I'm sure Dreamworld plus Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary would be great too.
We've always hired a car to get around but public transport will get you to\from the airport and theme parks, it sounds easy enough, tram to Helensvale then the TX7 bus goes to the parks.
If you want a quieter day, Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park is awesome, don't think public transport would get you there though. Another free thing to do is visit HOTA (we haven't been yet but it looks like a place we'd like).
Thanks
We got a rental, just because we (I) was too lazy to try and work out the hassle of public transport, especially with kids. I liked the freedom of being able to go somewhere on a whim when I wanted without having to suss out timetables, tap on cards etc. But you will have to be aware of parking then. Not all the accommodation has parking available. Especially those big towers. From memory parking at the theme parks in GC is free, and OK. We got a rental in Sydney as well but there it was very difficult to get a park anywhere, and you paid A LOT for the privilege. So do check out parking options for the places you intend to go if you decide to get a rental. We found the prices for a rental really cheap. Like $20 a day is not impossible to find.
David Fleay Wildlife Park is a more relaxed natural setting wildlife park that we really enjoyed. We nearly had the place to ourselves. Everyone calls it a "hidden gem" but they were saying that 10 years ago. Maybe it's not so much off the tourist trail anymore.