Gold Coast on a Budget: How to Make the Most of A Long Weekend
A long weekend in the Gold Coast doesn’t have to break the bank. We believe if you pick affordable accommodation and prioritise visiting free attractions in the area, you’ll have an awesome holiday without going into financial recovery after. Take a look at some of our favourite things to do for free on the Gold Coast!
Be One With Nature
You don’t have to go far to get back in touch with nature, and it’s one of the best ways to have fun in Gold Coast for free. Hit up lush rainforests, waterfalls, lookouts and bushwalks in one of the national parks nearby: Pine Ridge, Nerang, Lamington, Springbrook, Burleigh Head and Tambourine are all within an hour’s drive and offer a variety of tracks and trails to choose from.
Local tip: check out O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk in Lamington NP - it’s free and totally exhilarating!
Affordable accommodation nearby: Nightcap at Commercial Hotel
Slip-Slop-Slap
by Nathan Cowley from Pexels
Chances are, if you’re on holiday in the Gold Coast, you probably have the beach on your radar. It’s cheap, relaxing and nothing says “holiday” like a day on the sand. To narrow it down, here are our picks for the best beaches in the Gold Coast: Main Beach, Surfer’s Paradise (of course), Mermaid Beach, Miami Beach, Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek.
But don’t take our word for it; check them out yourself!
Affordable accommodation nearby: Mermaid Waters Hotel by Nightcap Plus
Peruse the Markets
Okay, we know it’s next to impossible to go to a market and not spend money BUT it’s such a great way to immerse yourself in the community and support local businesses. Here are some of our picks for Markets in the Gold Coast region:
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Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (Wed, Fri, Sat: 4pm-9pm)
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Carrara Market (Sat, Sun: 7am-3pm)
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The Village Markets, Burleigh Heads (first & third Sun each month: 8:30am-1pm)
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Gold Coast Art & Craft Market (Sun: check website for locations & times)
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Sanctuary Markets, Currumbin (Fri: 4pm-9pm)
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HOTA Farmers & Artisan Market (Sun: 6am-11:30am)
Pack a Picnic
Photo from Canva
If you’ve picked up some tasty treats from the markets around town, there’s no better place to enjoy them than in picturesque parklands. Head to one of these great picnic spots around the Gold Coast: The Panorama in Tallai, Hinze Dam in Advancetown , Currumbin Rock Pools (bring your swimmers!), Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Kurrawa Park, Burleigh Hill and Kirra Lookout.
Affordable accommodation nearby: Nightcap at Hinterland Hotel
