The Gold Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and wide range of accommodation options, and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to looking for somewhere to stay. And so whether you prefer the high-rise hotels in Surfers Paradise or the quieter, family-friendly resorts in Broadbeach, there’s something for every type of traveller and budget. Plus, the good news is you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time while you’re here, as there are plenty of affordable and even free things to do in this sunny Queensland destination.
Grab a Budget-Friendly Bite
Dining out multiple times per day can quickly add up, but the Gold Coast has options to satisfy your appetite on a budget. Pick up coffee and a quick bite at a local bakery to enjoy breakfast by the beach, or look for one of the many cafes offering budget-friendly breakfast specials, like big plates of eggs, bacon, and toast.
Food courts in the main shopping centres offer various lunch options for around $10-15 and you’re likely to find food trucks parked near the beaches serving fresh, inexpensive light meals and snacks. And don’t forget about the free BBQ facilities in parks and on some beaches for tossing together a budget-friendly picnic.
If the idea of dining at nice restaurants appeals but you want to keep on budget, opt for early bird specials, sharing plates, or pre-theatre menus. Some places also have lunch or bar menus priced lower than their dinner menus so consider eating early for a fraction of the evening price.
Explore the Great Outdoors
The Gold Coast’s most famous attraction – its beautiful beaches – are free and open to the public. Pack a picnic, pick up fish and chips, and enjoy the views and refreshing ocean breeze. The coastline stretches around 70km, so you could visit a new beach every day. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat!
Nature lovers will enjoy hiking through national parks like Springbrook, Lamington, and Tamborine. Most of the trails and sights within the parks are free. Just be sure to wear enclosed shoes and bring water and insect repellant.
At Burleigh Head, you’ll find another National Park, where you can take a free stroll up to the lookout for panoramic views up and down the coastline. Watch surfers catching waves at one of the point breaks that Burleigh is famous for, and if you’re visiting at the right time of year, it’s an excellent spot for whale watching during migration.
Do A Market Crawl
Markets are a fabulous free activity with lots of shopping, food, and local culture on display. Hit up the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, held three times weekly, for live music, artisan handicrafts, and street food carts.
On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Carrara Markets for fresh produce, baked goods, global cuisine, local artisans, and more. Entry is free, and you’ll likely find some tasty free samples as you explore the stalls. With over 300 stallholders displaying their wares, you’ll undoubtedly have lots to look at.
Other Low-Cost Activities
In addition to the beaches, there are plenty of other cheap and free things to do too. At Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, kids can play in the free indoor play area while parents relax with a coffee from the food court.
Test your puzzles skills at Escape Hunt, with games starting at just $36 per person for groups of 5. You could also team up for an exhilarating game of laser tag at Laser Skirmish Gold Coast, where they often run promotions and specials worth checking out.
Other options include going for a scenic walk or bike ride along the Gold Coast Oceanway, which hugs the coastline for over 36km. The Federation Walk at Nerang National Park is another excellent free option for those who love the outdoors, winding through the valley with creek crossings and waterfalls.
Catch a Cheap Flick
Seeing a movie mightn’t seem like an obvious budget buster, but there are ways to catch a new release film without breaking the bank. Event Cinemas have half-priced movie tickets on Tuesdays, and if you bring your snacks and skip the overpriced popcorn and drinks you can enjoy additional savings. You could always grab something from a cheap cafe or food outlet before or after to keep the cost down.
Visit an Art Gallery
The Gold Coast Accommodation deals has a vibrant arts scene, with many free and low-cost galleries to visit. One of the highlights is HOTA – Home of the Arts. Their outdoor sculpture walk is always free to explore. Inside, admission is free however, some programs and special exhibitions are ticketed and generally priced reasonably.
Don’t miss calling into the Mint Art House in Burleigh Heads while you’re in the area. Their gallery shop features works by local artists available at affordable prices, and they regularly hold exhibitions, artist talks and workshops.
Join a Free Meditation Class
Trying meditation is a budget-friendly way to ease stress and clear your mind. Cool 2Be Conscious offers a free beach meditation at Burleigh on Saturdays, though times vary over summer and winter. Registration is required and can be made online.
Stay at Phoenician Resort And Enjoy The Resort Facilities
The Phoenician Resort at Broadbeach offers stylish, fully self-contained apartments where guests can have endless access to amenities such as their lagoon pool, games room, gym and sauna. The lush tropical gardens provide a serene homebase and the location is just steps from the beach and local cafes.
The friendly staff can advise you on inexpensive sightseeing and local promotions.
Enjoy the Gold Coast on a Budget
The Gold Coast offers plenty of activities, sightseeing, dining, and entertainment for budget-minded travellers. With beautiful beaches, lush nature, and lively local culture, you will surely have a memorable holiday without breaking the bank. Focus your spending on a comfortable hotel like Phoenician Resort and then take advantage of the many free and low-cost things to do in this sunny Queensland paradise by the sea.
