Considering a Gold Coast solo travel escape? This iconic slice of Australia’s epic East Coast has loads to see, do and eat, making it the ultimate destination for a sun-seeking solo adventurer.
Australia is one of the best countries for solo travellers, and the sun-drenched, super chill Gold Coast in Queensland is a must-visit if you’re exploring alone.
It’s laidback and low stress, there’s plenty to do whether you’re keen for rest and relaxation or adrenaline and adventure, and it’s safe and simple to navigate.
Throw in 300 days of sunshine and warm temps year-round, an ever-growing culinary scene, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes at every turn, and you’ll understand why it’s one of my all-time favourite solo travel destinations in Australia!
For me, it’s become a bit of an annual pilgrimage. I’ll spend a week or so here to get back into the solo travel swing of things before heading further afield on my 9-10 month round the world trips. Having just wrapped up my 12th (!!!) visit to this sandy paradise, I want to share my top Gold Coast solo travel tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect trip.
From budget hacks to help your money go further, to the best things to see and do in the city and nearby, to can’t-miss eateries that will have you dreaming about your meal for years to come, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the Gold Coast as much as I have after following these solo travel suggestions.
So whether you’re looking for some distraction-free downtime, outdoor adventures without anyone slowing you down, or a culture and culinary fix, here’s all you need to know before hitting the Gold Coast as a solo traveller.
Disclosure: This post is part of a paid partnership with Destination Gold Coast, but I have full editorial control over the content in this blog. As always my opinions are my own and are based on my personal travel experience.
Why is the Gold Coast a good option for solo travellers?
The Gold Coast is absolutely ideal for solo travellers, offering the perfect combo of safety, ease and an endless selection of activities. Here’s why it should be on your solo travel bucket list:
- Crime rates are low, as always you’ve got to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings but I’ve never been concerned for my safety during all my time on the Gold Coast.
- It’s really easy to navigate, with straightforward public transit covering all major areas as well as a good network of bike trails, or you can rent a car to explore beyond the city.
- There’s a seriously impressive diversity of activities. I know this is cliche but there truly is something for every type of solo traveller, from physical challenges or deep relaxation to adrenaline rushes and thought-provoking cultural experiences. You can choose your own adventure!
- Everyone is friendly. I don’t know if it’s the weather (so much sunshine must do wonders for your general mindset 🌞) or if it’s just in their blood, but Gold Coast locals truly are a friendly bunch. I’ve chatted to neighbouring tables at cafes, met gorgeous dogs and their owners at the beach, got travel tips from bartenders and retail assistants, and this makes a world of difference when you’re travelling by yourself.
- You can easily make new friends with fellow travellers by signing up for a surf lesson, joining a food or winery tour, or taking a sunrise yoga class on the beach. Travelling solo doesn’t have to mean you’re by yourself alllll the time!
Solo travel on the Gold Coast: Know before you go
Budget tips for travelling alone on the Gold Coast
Whether you’re heading here on a tight budget or have a bit more to spare but want to maximise every dollar, here are some helpful tips to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck during your solo adventure.
- Beaches are freeeeee. The seemingly endless stretch of sandy coastline is undoubtedly the Gold Coast’s most famous drawcard, and you can swim and sunbathe as much as you like without paying a cent. No need to spend an entire day’s travel budget on an uncomfortable sun lounger (I’m looking at you Italy 👀). Other free activities include national parks, strolling around local markets or visiting the free galleries at HOTA (Home of the Arts).
- Save on accommodation to spend more on activities. There are some well-rated backpacker hostels that offer cheap and cheerful dorm beds or affordable private rooms.
- Use public transport. The Gold Coast has a great network of buses, trains and trams that connect most major tourist spots, without having to worry about rental car prices, petrol costs or parking.
- Avoid peak periods. With (typically) great weather year-round there’s not really much of a ‘low season’ for the Gold Coast, but you’ll find cheaper prices if you avoid public holidays, school holidays and events like Schoolies.
- See if the Queensland Pass might save you money. If you’ve got at least a couple of the main tourist attractions on your Gold Coast bucket list, or if you’re extending your Australia time to see more of Queensland, the Queensland Pass could end up saving you a chunk of money.
- Eat at food halls, bakeries and markets. The Gold Coast food scene has a bunch of affordable options to help you keep food costs down. Visit places like the Collective and Miami Marketta to try different snacks and small bites without having to splurge on a big sit down meal, hit up a farmers market for fresh produce and local food stalls, or grab a delicious pastry and coffee to kick off your day at one of the many, many incredible cafes.
- Check Bookme for last minute deals. Bookme is an activity website that offers loads of last minute experiences for between 20-90% off. As a solo traveller it’s particularly great because you can take advantage of the discounts even if there’s only one spot left!
How to get to the Gold Coast
Most travellers will fly into either Gold Coast Airport (OOL) or Brisbane Airport (BNE) ✈️
Arriving into Gold Coast Airport
Gold Coast Airport is serviced by budget airlines Jetstar and Air Asia, as well as full service airlines like Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and more.
From Gold Coast Airport it’s about 30-40 minutes to reach Surfers Paradise by car (depending on traffic) but if you’re staying in any areas in between like Palm Beach or Burleigh Heads it’s a quick drive.
If you’re not renting a car, you can catch the express bus 777 to Broadbeach South tram station which is well connected to Surfers Paradise or other popular hubs, or you could book an airport transfer or grab an Uber/taxi on arrival.
Arriving into Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport is bigger and might be your landing pad if you’re flying from further afield with a full service airline, it’s 80km north of the Gold Coast but there are convenient transport links.
From Brisbane it’s about an hour to reach Surfers Paradise by car, or you can catch the Airtrain to Helensvale (and then use the G:link tram to reach Southport, Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach), Nerang, Robina or Varsity Lakes.
How to get around the Gold Coast
🚌 Gold Coast public transport
The Gold Coast has an efficient and cost-effective network of buses, trains and trams to get you between key hot spots.
If you’re using buses or trains you’ll want to grab a go card, you can get this from the WHSmith at the airport or from a 7-Eleven store and simply load it with money to cover your fares. If you’re just going to stick to the trams, you can just tap your contactless card rather than needing a go card.
If you’re going to be using public transport a lot on one specific day (or multiple days), the go explore card might suit you better. It gives you unlimited access to the entire public transport network including the bus to and from Gold Coast Airport and the theme park express bus routes.
🚗 Renting a car on the Gold Coast
If you’re wanting to explore beyond the main tourist areas or if you want to just go with the flow without worrying about public transport logistics, renting a car on the Gold Coast is a great way to explore.
I picked up a rental car from Avis and used it to cover loads of ground during my five days on the Gold Coast, from the southern beaches to a dive trip north of the city to the rainforest hinterland. Parking is limited at the popular beaches, especially at peak times, but if you’re patient or you don’t mind parking a few streets back and walking a little then you’ll be sweet.
Check all Gold Coast car rental prices here >>
Best time for a solo trip to the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is dreamy at any time of the year, so the best time to visit will depend on your personal preferences in terms of weather, crowds and budget.
Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, and both domestic and international travellers flock here for a quintessential Queensland Christmas and summer holidays. Afternoon showers are typical but generally subside fairly quickly, leaving you plenty of sunshine to soak up, but the humidity can be a lottttt if you aren’t used to this type of weather. Because it’s Australian school holidays in December/January expect bigger crowds and higher prices, book in advance to get the best deals.
Autumn (March to May) is my personal favourite time to visit the Gold Coast, it’s still warm enough for watersports and beach time during the day, and the evening temps drop just enough to make it feel cosy. There are some epic events held during these months so check your dates in advance to see what’s going on, but overall autumn is less hectic than peak summer or winter.
Winter (June to August) is the ideal time for a solo getaway if you’re wanting to escape winter elsewhere, because the Gold Coast boasts an average 21°C temp throughout the ‘colder’ months! Go hiking without overheating, enjoy clear waters for snorkelling or scuba diving, and spot whales from a cruise or even from your hotel balcony.
Spring (September to November) is known for bluebird skies, whale migration (September and October) and pre-summer sunshine before the humidity kicks in. Just keep in mind that Schoolies starts mid-November so you’ll want to stay elsewhere rather than Surfers Paradise, unless you want to join the festivities.
How long should you spend on the Gold Coast?
To be able to enjoy the best of the Gold Coast’s beaches, dining scene and all-round good vibes, you’ll want a minimum of three days there.
If you can stretch that to five days then you can add on a day trip or overnight stay in the lush Hinterland, or with one week or more you’ll be able to travel at a slower pace, spend more time beyond the city centre or beach hop to your heart’s content.
Gold Coast solo travel safety
Is the Gold Coast safe for solo travellers?
The Gold Coast is a very safe destination for solo travellers, with a low crime rate, friendly people, easily accessible public transport and well-lit streets in most major tourist areas.
Is the Gold Coast safe for solo female travellers?
I’ve visited the Gold Coast as a solo female traveller more than a few times and I’ve never had any safety concerns, however just like any solo trip as a woman it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking in unlit places at night, and trust your gut.
If you’re having dinner or drinks in any nightlife areas like Surfers Paradise then you might encounter drunk young guys late at night, even though *most* of them are probably harmless it’s never fun to deal with that as a solo gal, so I’d recommend catching an Uber home rather than walking or having to wait for public transport.
Safety tips for travelling alone on the Gold Coast
- Swim safely. The biggest risk to solo travellers on the Gold Coast is the ocean, swimming solo means no one is looking out for you and the currents here can be gnarlier than they might seem from the surface. Stick to patrolled beaches and swim between the flags, and if you’re not a confident swimmer then head somewhere calm and chill like Tallebudgera Creek.
- Book organised tours for outdoor adventures. If you want to surf, hike, snorkel or kayak then I’d recommend jumping on a small group tour to get the benefits of safety and security with an expert guide, as well as being able to meet fellow travellers.
- Wear sunscreen! I know that sounds like a stupid safety tip but future you will thank you. And if you have a secret trick for how to sunblock your back as a solo traveller (without dislocating a shoulder) then PLEASE tell me in the comments.
- Ask for help if you need it. Gold Coasters are a lovely bunch and if you’re in any sort of trouble, someone will at least be able to point you in the right direction. And if it’s an emergency, call ‘000’.
Where to stay during your solo trip to the Gold Coast
Best neighbourhoods on the Gold Coast for solo travellers
Surfers Paradise
This is what most people think of when they hear the Gold Coast, skyscrapers flanking perfect surf beaches, street performers entertaining visitors of all ages, and an endless selection of quirky things to do, from mirror-walled bars to thrill rides to wacky museums.
If you’re keen to dip your toes into the city’s nightlife, if you love the buzz of a busy place or if you just want to be ideally located with easy access to all the hot spots, Surfers Paradise is a great shout.
Broadbeach
Broadbeach is just south of Surfers and offers a slightly more mature and elevated experience, with boutique hotels, luxe apartments and fine dining. Perfect for a sophisticated solo sojourn while still having great transport links to the key must-dos.
Miami, Burleigh Heads & Palm Beach
The 7km stretch between Miami Beach and Palm Beach is my go-to for my Gold Coast solo travel adventures, offering affordable accommodation, brilliant food options and epic beaches.
Best hostels on the Gold Coast for solo travellers
- Surf Inn Boutique Backpackers (8.8/10 on booking.com, simple but stylish social hostel in Surfers Paradise)
- Casuleaccom Hostel (9.3/10 on booking.com, comfy capsule hostel in Southport that includes breakfast and dinner in your booking)
- Tequila Sunrise Hostel (8.4/10 on booking.com, another pod-style hostel with breakfast and dinner included but in Surfers Paradise)
Best hotels/motels if you’re travelling to the Gold Coast alone
- The Cheshire Cat Motel (9.6/10 on booking.com, where I stayed on my recent trip! Renovated motel in Palm Beach that’s all about the retro aesthetics, with stunning design features throughout. Super convenient to Palm Beach and Currumbin, loads of great food nearby, and a photogenic pool area that’s hard to drag yourself away from)
- Red Star Palm Beach (8.3/10 on booking.com, a cheap and cheerful hotel in a great location)
- The Island Gold Coast (8.5/10 on booking.com, 4* boutique hotel right in Surfers Paradise)
- Dorsett Gold Coast (8.5/10 on booking.com, 4.5* design hotel in Broadbeach that’s worth a stay just for its famous pool!)
- The Darling (9.1/10 on booking.com, ultra-fancy award-winning 5* hotel if you feel like treating yourself on your solo adventure)
Best apartments for solo travellers on the Gold Coast
- Meriton Suites Southport, Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach (all highly rated, all in a great location, all with reasonable prices for a studio or one bedroom apartment)
- Costa D’Ora Holiday Apartments (9/10 on booking.com, simple Surfers Paradise apartments for a decent price)
- Sanctuary Lake Apartments (8.5/10 on booking.com, comfortable one bedroom apartments in a lush setting with a swimming pool)
Best unique accommodation for a Gold Coast solo trip
- You can’t go past glamping at Cedar Creek Lodges, they have these incredibly well-equipped safari tents set amongst towering rainforest trees! Swim in natural rock pools, sip wine around a campfire while kookaburras come to say hello, and dine on hearty dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Best things to do alone on the Gold Coast
There is so much to see, do and eat on the Gold Coast, here’s a quick summary to help you plan out your solo escape. And if you want more info on any of the below, check out my super thorough Gold Coast bucket list!
Beaches
It would be a crime to visit the Gold Coast without actually visiting the coast, so add a couple of these beaches to your hit list.
- Surfers Paradise Beach for sunbathing and skyscraper shadows along the sand (great for photos)
- Burleigh Heads for pre- or post-brunch swims
- Currumbin Alley for beginner surfers (book a lesson with Surf Easy to learn the tricks of the trade from the locals!)
- Tallebudgera Creek for calm waters and dreamy views
- Rainbow Bay and Kirra for a more local vibe and some divine beachfront walks
Iconic experiences
Touristy things are often touristy for a reason, so don’t let the fact that they’re well-known put you off! Here are some quintessential Gold Coast experiences that are totally worth braving the crowds for.
- The SkyPoint observation deck, or test your limits with the SkyPoint Climb on the outside of the Q1 building (P.S. save 10% on your SkyPoint Climb on Klook with the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK)
- Ride the rollercoasters or waterslides at the theme parks like Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild. Going solo means you can sometimes skip the line, you don’t have to wait for your travel buddies to do the rides you don’t want to do, and you can eat all the sugary goodness you crave without judgement!
- Say hi to the locals (and by locals, I mean koalas) at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and learn about the incredible work they do at their onsite Wildlife Hospital
- Shop up a storm around Pacific Fair Shopping Centre or the Harbour Town outlet complex
- Get your fix of art and culture at HOTA (Home of the Arts), the Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition is on until Sunday 4 August and it’s a must-see for any art and history lovers. Don’t miss the rooftop bar, the Exhibitionist, for epic city views.
- Taste your way around the city. My favourite brunch spots are Paddock Bakery, Bam Bam Bakehouse, BSKT Cafe and Le Cafe Gourmand, for casual dining I love the Collective, Miami Marketta, Willow and Etsu Izakaya, for a slightly fancier experience check out Jimmy Wah’s, the Tropic, Tommy’s Italian or Little Truffle.
Outdoor adventures
If you’re a bit of an active relaxer (like me!), you might be more keen to get your body moving and heart pumping rather than taking a chill day at the beach. Don’t stress though, the Gold Coast has plenty of active adventures if you’re keen for solo fun in nature!
- Go scuba diving with the legends at Gold Coast Dive Adventures. The Gold Coast has loads of incredible dive spots within easy reach, including the magical Wonder Reef (an artificial buoyant reef, a world-first!), shipwrecks and hot spots for turtles, rays and even seahorses.
- If you aren’t a diver, experience the underwater world with a snorkel trip instead
- Stay on top of the water with a jet ski tour, jet boat ride, kayak trip, sunset cruise or whale watching cruise (if you’re there between May and October)
- Do as the locals do and try your luck at catching a wave, book a lesson with Surf Easy at Currumbin Alley to brush up on your skills real quick
- Hit the walking trails, there are a bunch to choose from depending on your skill level but some popular leisurely ones are Burleigh Headland Oceanview and Rainforest Circuit, the Tallebudgera Creek Walk or the Botanic Gardens loop track, or enjoy unspoiled rainforest at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk in the Hinterland
Side trips
Escape the city and coast for an inland getaway at one of these spots:
- The Gold Coast Hinterland for glamping, wineries, waterfalls and rainforest walks
- Moreton Island for shipwreck snorkelling
- Stradbroke Island for 4WD exploring and an insight into Aboriginal history
- Brisbane for TikTok-famous bakeries, sunset happy hours at riverside bars and shopping opportunities
- Byron Bay for vibes so laidback you’ll practically be horizontal
I hope these solo travel Gold Coast suggestions have helped you plan out your trip! If you have any questions as always please let me know in the comments and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, and you can also head to my Instagram @findingalexx to see my Gold Coast story highlights for more info on everything I got up to.
MORE AUSTRALIA TRAVEL INSPIRATION:
- The ultimate Australia travel guide (read this first!)
- The ultimate Australia bucket list
- 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary
- 3 day Adelaide itinerary
- Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itinerary
- Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary
- Or see all Australia blog posts
MORE SOLO TRAVEL TIPS AND GUIDES:
- A guide to solo travel in Porto, Portugal
- A guide to solo travel in Copenhagen, Denmark
- A guide to solo travel in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- A guide to solo travel in the Maldives
- A guide to solo travel in Marrakech, Morocco
- A guide to solo travel in Edinburgh, Scotland
- A guide to solo travel in Jordan
MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong.
Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it, or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator.
Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com, they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button.
Activities 🗽I use GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off
Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around.
Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company, but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage).
Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases, one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff.
Camera gear 📸 I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10. I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14, it’s lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.
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