[Gold Coast] Need some help with putting together a trip

Lkenzie on 16/05/2013 - 21:48

Hey

I am trying to put together a trip to Queensland with me and a couple of mates. I have done a little bit of looking around and I was wondering if I would get some help from you guys.

So as some background information:
I haven't got any exact numbers for who is going but I am looking at around 8 people.
We plan on flying there and back.
We all probably below 20 years old.
We are all students.
Planning on visiting the theme parks.

So the main problems I have come across are accommodation and transport.
I would prefer that we rent out a place (a beach house or something) but I realised that it would probably be a major pain to get around as most car rental places will not let us rent a car or charge a ludicrous price (I understand the reasoning). The only alternative I have though of is to just stay in a hotel.

So my question is "Are there any car rental places that would let us rent a car, if not are there any alternative methods of getting around?"

Thus far I have only looked at "wotif.com" for accommodation so if anybody would like to share some nice sites to book accommodation or recommend specific places, please do so. It would help me greatly.
Additionally if anybody would like to suggest/recommend places to go while we are there that would also be great help for me.

Thanks to anybody who responds in advance. :)

Travel

Comments

  • hys on 16/05/2013 - 22:13

    Accomodation:
    stayz.com

    Transport:
    surfside buses / gold coast tourist shuttle (http://www.gcshuttle.com.au/sit_gcs_freedom_gold_passes.htm)

    • kenzie on 18/05/2013 - 13:13

      Thanks for the links.

      From my understanding the "FREEDOM PASS" you get airport transfer to and from the airport in addition to unlimited travel on the local public transport system for "x" number of days. The price for that seems pretty reasonable; however the price for just the public transport seems a bit expensive (at least compared to the price of public transport in Melbourne). Would we be better off just getting a taxi to and from the airport; and then buying public transport tickets as we go along as we probably won't be travelling that far (theme parks + clubs)?

  • cjmorgan87 on 16/05/2013 - 23:06
    +1

    There isn't really any decently priced beach houses to rent short term on the Gold Coast anyway, however if you do find something make sure it's broadbeach/surfers/chevron island area… You would probably be better off just staying at a hotel though, anywhere from $60-$150 a night (if ur looking in surfers look at wings resort - it's a little bit out of surfers 10-15 min walk to the nightclubs… But they have 1,2 and 3 bedroom self contained apartments)
    You won't find anywhere that will rent a car to under 25 year olds for decent prices, purely because of the insurance… From surfers you'll be able to get buses to anywhere on the Gold Coast. Getting to the theme parks will be ur biggest issue it's about a 25 min drive (express bus runs from surfers or broadbeach) don't pay for the stupid transfer companies that litter the streets. If you plan on doing more then 1 theme park you can buy the $79 super pass, it will get you entry to seaworld, wet n wild and movie world for 28 days - if u are travelling before of this month.. Otherwise you can buy the $99 VIP pass which gets you unlimited access to all 3 parks until June 2014 (if u buy these online before June this year… It's buy 3 get one free)

    • kenzie on 18/05/2013 - 13:23

      Thanks for the tips.

      So I'm just wondering are the express buses included in public transport tickets? Also could you give me a ballpark figure on how much the bus ride would be? (trying to compile a rough budget for this trip)

      • maximum on 18/05/2013 - 19:18
        +1

        The translink website has a journey planner fare is $5.84 from surfers to dreamworld on the express. Buy a go card from the airport ($10 deposit easy refund at the same desk). If you have more than 9 journeys mon to sun then you travel for free for the rest of the week. Theoretically if you travel from mon to sun the bus should cost about $45 or less - bus to and from airport and theme parks included.

  • cjmorgan87 on 16/05/2013 - 23:13
    +2

    If you are all 20 and under you'd probably much prefer dreamworld & white waterworld rather then the other 3 theme parks (movieworld is ok… A few thrill rides but nothing great, seaworld is more of a family park - shows and educational stuff, wet n wild is good if u like water/swimming) Dreamworld has the most exciting rides and stuff to do, now they have white water world right next door (very much the same as wet wild) it has a similar deal to the VIP pass from the other 3. It's $99.99 for unlimited entry until November 2013, you'll also get access to the sky point tower (Q1) which is normally about $17 per adult to get up to the top of

    Before you go clubbing on the Gold Coast make sure you sign up on their Facebook page or website for free entry… Ill post a few details for this soon

  • cjmorgan87 on 16/05/2013 - 23:24
    +1

    If you are planning on going clubbing there are a few good places - really depends on what you're after

    Sin City is always really busy most nights of the week. If you are going there text 0400908928 (her name is dee) a few nights before you plan to go in and ask to book the Ultimate Party Package for whatever night you are planning on… You'll need a minimum 10 people to get entry, but everyone will get free entry plus $3.50 drinks until midnight and you'll get free drinks until midnight

    Club liv is awesome it's new (normally $10-$20 entry depending on the night) but if you sign up to the guest list on their website (google it not allowed links) you will get a gold card for free entry every night of the week.. Monday - Friday is free drinks for ladies (guys get $3 beer and $3 spirits)

    Cocktails and dreams is always packed people standing down the bottom of the stairs will try and get you in for half price, just keep walking and tell them you'll only go in for free…. They will let you (if there is a big enough group of you)

    Escape is a gay club on the Gold Coast but is always a very mixed crowd… If you are tolerant people and can handle a drag show at midnight you'll pay $10 entry but as long as you get in to the club before midnight you'll get free alcohol until midnight (half shots)

    Just inbox me if you want anymore info

  • DrStinge on 16/05/2013 - 23:35

    What's your actual budget?

    Few tips:
    If you are staying at a Hostel make sure to check it's not licensed, if it is you can't bring your own alcohol in. $$$

    Staying anywhere along the Gold Coast Highway from Coolangatta to Surfers will allow you to catch a bus to and from which isn't too bad.

    Coolangatta is great to go out in too on a Friday/Sat: Komune, Neverland, and Coolie Hotel.

    Pack a spare roll of toilet paper and hide it, nothing dissapears quicker after a night out on the town between eight guys than a roll of toilet paper.

  • m0nkeycheese on 16/05/2013 - 23:41
    +1

    Rent scooters. everyone does it. They are damn annoying tooting around

  • kenzie on 17/05/2013 - 00:28

    hey thanks for all the responses guys :)
    Sorry for not being able to properly respond right now.
    I have a quiz tomorrow and I am just cramming right now.

  • soulink on 17/05/2013 - 09:33
    +1

    Hi There,

    I am going up to staty in the gold coast in october with 14 mates. I have dealt with one lady that ownes a shit load of apartments all around the gold coast including at the Chevron Reneissence and the Circle on Cav. (both great apartments) Her email is [email protected] and her name is vicky. Depending on when your staying she does some awsome prices and the fact that your all a bit young she usually does not mind.

    Also her number is 0414324267.

    So give her a call and have a look. Just mention that Tristan for teh october booking refered you :)

  • donga100 on 17/05/2013 - 10:44

    Have a look at airbnb.com for places to stay.

  • MITM on 17/05/2013 - 13:08

    Try www.Tripadvisor.com.au for a perspective. Heaps of info.
    http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowForum-g255072-i762-Surfers…

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