Gold Coast City Guide 2025

Some cities need time to reveal themselves, but the Gold Coast feels familiar almost immediately. It’s open, coastal, and easy to navigate, with beaches, shopping districts, walking paths, and uni campuses all linked by short commutes rather than long, stressful ones. Students settle quickly because the city gives them space to study, explore, and unwind without feeling removed from nature or social life. This Gold Coast city guide is built for students, travellers, and anyone curious about living or spending time in Queensland’s beach capital. As you compare neighbourhoods and plan your move, amber helps students secure verified housing that fits different budgets and lifestyles. In this Gold Coast travel guide, you’ll find insights into local food, nightlife, transport, universities, and key attractions. Whether you're here to study, surf, or explore, the vibrant nightlife offers a mix of beaches, entertainment, and nature that consistently ranks among the best things to do in Gold Coast for newcomers.

About Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, located in southeastern Queensland along Australia’s eastern coastline, is best known for its beaches, surfing culture, and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. With a population of around 650,000, the city has grown into one of Australia’s fastest-developing coastal regions, attracting students, young professionals, and travellers from across the world. Famous for its long sandy coastline and theme parks, the city blends tourism with everyday living in a way that feels seamless and accessible. In fact, many highlight Gold Coast attractions as a major part of the city’s identity, from beachfront markets to entertainment precincts.

The Gold Coast enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm summers averaging 28°C and mild winters around 12-14°C, making outdoor activities comfortable year-round. The city also hosts major festivals like the Gold Coast Film Festival, Blues on Broadbeach, and the Gold Coast Marathon, adding cultural depth to its beach reputation. With a livability score above 75, strong employment opportunities, and a Happiness Index of around 7.4, the region offers a comfortable and balanced environment for students, families, and seasonal residents alike. Supporting both locals and newcomers, the city provides solid infrastructure, including public transport, healthcare services, universities, shopping centres, and recreation spaces. Whether visiting short-term or settling longer, this Gold Coast tourist guide highlights a lifestyle that feels active, welcoming, and surprisingly easy to adapt to.

Top Universities in Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is home to well-established universities that attract students from across Australia and internationally. These institutions offer strong academic reputations, diverse course options, and student-focused environments that shape daily life in the city.

1. Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus)
Griffith University is the region’s largest university and is internationally recognised for its academic quality and industry-focused programs. It is ranked #243 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reflecting its strong international profile. The university enrols over 50,000 students across multiple campuses, with the Gold Coast campus well known for Health Sciences, Business, Engineering, Architecture, Tourism Management, and Environmental Studies.
Average tuition fees:
• Domestic: AU$10,000–AU$14,000 per year
• International: AU$29,000–AU$36,000 per year

2. Bond University
Bond University is Australia’s first private not-for-profit university and is recognised for its personalised learning environment, small class sizes, and accelerated trimester system. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Bond is placed in the #567 band globally. The university enrols over 5,000 students and is particularly strong in Law, Medicine, Business, Physiotherapy, Architecture, and Commerce.
Average tuition fees:
• Domestic: AU$15,000–AU$18,000 per semester
• International: AU$18,000–AU$22,000 per semester

3. TAFE Queensland (Gold Coast)
TAFE Queensland is a leading vocational education provider offering certificate, diploma, and pathway programs. While not ranked in global university tables, it supports thousands of students across applied fields, including Hospitality, Design, Healthcare, Trades, Digital Technologies, and Tourism. Many courses serve as pathways into degree programs.
Average tuition fees:
• Domestic: AU$3,000–AU$4,500 per semester
• International: AU$6,000–AU$8,500 per semester

Food & Dining in Gold Coast

For many newcomers, exploring different food spots becomes one of the best things to do in Gold Coast, especially during weekends when the city’s social energy shifts toward brunch, seafood, and casual outdoor dining. The mix of local produce, global flavours, and relaxed dining makes the Gold Coast easy to enjoy on a range of budgets.

1. The Collective – Palm Beach
A multi-restaurant concept offering modern global cuisine under one roof, making it great for groups with different tastes. Expect to spend around AU$22–AU$35 per person.
2. BSKT Cafe
A beachside brunch spot known for gluten-free and health-focused plates. Their cacao waffles and breakfast burritos are popular among students and tourists, featured across multiple Gold Coast travel guide recommendations. Average meals are AU$18–AU$28.
3. Rick Shores
A waterfront venue serving Asian-inspired Australian dishes. The Moreton Bay bug rolls have become a signature item often highlighted in lists of Gold Coast attractions for food lovers. The average bill ranges between AU$45 and AU$75 per person.
4. Miami Marketta
Part street-food hall, part live music venue, this spot draws students and travellers for an affordable night out. Expect international stalls offering dumplings, bao, kebabs, and gelato. Individual food items fall between AU$10 and AU$20.
5. Elk Espresso – Broadbeach
One of the most photographed cafés in the city, thanks to its seasonal French toast creations, speciality coffee, and weekend brunch queues. Meals sit at around AU$20 to AU$30, depending on the dish. 

Whether you’re studying, travelling, or just passing through, trying different cafes and restaurants is considered one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gold Coast Australia, especially if you like discovering new flavours without straying too far from the beach.

Nightlife in Gold Coast

The atmosphere blends coastal ease with festival-like energy, making evenings a major highlight in many Gold Coast city guide recommendations. Whether you're here to dance, catch live music, or enjoy a cocktail by the beach, nightlife quickly becomes one of the best things to do in Gold Coast after hours.

1. Asylum Nightclub
Known for student nights, DJ sets, and themed events. Expect packed dance floors and a lively crowd. Entry typically ranges from AU$15 to AU$25, depending on the event.
2. Burleigh Pavilion
A beachfront venue perfect for drinks, ocean views, and weekend socialising. It leans more relaxed than club-heavy, with cocktails averaging AU$18 to AU$22.
3. The Loose Moose
A popular late-night bar with a Canadian-inspired interior, serving craft beers and whiskey. Often features live music and a student-friendly crowd. Drinks range from AU$10 to AU$20.
4. Cocktails Nightclub
A classic nightclub offering commercial music, glow nights, and drink specials. Standard drinks cost around AU$10 to AU$15, and it’s known for its social student atmosphere.

The Gold Coast nightlife isn’t just for tourists; many students use weekends and semester breaks to explore venues highlighted in several Gold Coast tourist guide recommendations due to how accessible and varied the nightlife scene is.

Common Modes of Transportation in Gold Coast

Many Gold Coast city guide recommendations emphasise how convenient places to visit in Gold Coast can be for students and visitors.
1. Walking & Cycling
Popular in neighbourhoods like Southport, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads, where campuses, cafes, and beaches sit close together. Cycling paths along the coastline make commuting scenic and affordable. Bike parking is available, and costs are minimal unless renting.
2. Buses (TransLink)
Buses connect most suburbs with universities, shopping centres, and tourist areas. A standard adult fare ranges from AU$3.00 to AU$4.80, depending on the zone, and students using the go card can get discounted rates, making it highly practical for day-to-day travel.
3. Light Rail (G: link)
One of the most convenient transport options, linking Helensvale to Broadbeach with stops at Surfers Paradise, Southport, and major shopping districts. Many Gold Coast travel guide listings highlight the light rail because it connects the areas students visit most. Fares generally sit between AU$3.00 and AU$5.00, with concessions available.
4. Trains (Queensland Rail)
Trains connect the Gold Coast to Brisbane and surrounding regions from stations like Helensvale and Varsity Lakes. This makes intercity travel straightforward for students who live or study across both cities.
5. Taxis & Rideshares
Uber, DiDi, and Ola operate widely across the city. Short trips within central areas typically cost AU$12–AU$25, depending on timing and surge pricing, while late-night travel remains accessible and safe for those unfamiliar with the area.

Cost of Living in Gold Coast

The cost of living in the Gold Coast is considered moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive option for both domestic and international students. Costs vary by lifestyle and accommodation type, but students who share apartments or student housing can budget comfortably with a little planning.

Students living in Gold Coast student accommodation typically manage monthly expenses between AU$1,600 and AU$2,200, depending on location, transport usage, and dining habits.

Attractions in Gold Coast

The city blends beach culture with theme parks, wildlife experiences, and scenic lookouts, which is why so many Gold Coast city guide recommendations highlight sightseeing as a must for first-time visitors. Whether you're here long-term or just passing through, there’s no shortage of places to visit in the Gold Coast that show off its coastline, entertainment districts, and outdoor lifestyle.
1. Surfers Paradise Beach
Probably the most iconic coastal strip in the region. Perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply spending the day on the sand. It’s one of the most photographed Gold Coast attractions and a staple in every Gold Coast travel guide.
2. SkyPoint Observation Deck
Located atop the Q1 Building, the observation deck offers panoramic views of the coastline, hinterland, and city skyline. Visiting SkyPoint is often listed among the best things to do in Gold Coast for first-time visitors and students.
3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
A heritage wildlife park where visitors can feed kangaroos, meet koalas, and learn about conservation. It also hosts events and cultural shows throughout the year, making it a major stop in many Gold Coast tourist guide itineraries.
4. Burleigh Head National Park
A coastal walking trail with rainforest areas, ocean lookouts, and picnic spots. Locals often recommend it as one of the more relaxing things to do in Gold Coast Australia, especially if you enjoy hiking and nature.
5. HOTA- Home of the Arts
The city’s cultural hub features galleries, exhibitions, performances, and seasonal festivals. It’s a modern arts precinct that complements the city’s beach culture and expanding creative scene.
6. Dreamworld & Warner Bros. Movie World
Two major theme parks offering thrill rides, character shows, and family attractions. They remain some of the biggest attractions in Gold Coast, drawing tourists and domestic visitors year-round.

Conclusion

The Gold Coast manages to keep life balanced for students, travellers, and long-term residents. It’s energetic enough to stay social, relaxed enough to disconnect by the beach, and organised enough to make daily routines simple. This Gold Coast city guide covered the essentials: universities, lifestyle, neighbourhoods, and the major coastal experiences that shape the city. With its beaches, green spaces, theme parks, and cultural venues, the city continues to be one of the standout student destinations in Queensland and a recurring favourite in many Gold Coast travel guide publications. For students planning their move, amberplus makes it easier to compare neighbourhoods and secure trusted student accommodation in Gold Coast close to campuses, transport links, and social pockets across the city.

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