5 Hacks to travel to the Gold Coast in 2017 & save big!

Is 2017 driving you up the wall already? Is it time for a quick getaway that the entire family can enjoy? The Gold Coast has long been a favourite destination for Australian families but it can end up costing an arm and a leg once flights, accommodation and theme parks are covered. Here are five areas you can save big whilst travelling in style!

Flights

I KNOW THE PIOLET | This insider airfares app will notify you of the very best deals as they go live. Recent fares with Tiger air went on sale for as low as $19 one way. Be prepared to be spontaneous and book these beauties as they pop up.

HAPPY HOUR | Every Thursday between 4pm – 11pm AEST is when Virgin Australia put their weekly sale fares live.

Accommodation

GOLD COAST LUXURY RESORTS | forget paying top dollar to stay at luxury hotels, this company offers discount holiday rentals in all of the best Gold Coast resorts including The Oracle in Broadbeach & Soul Surfers Paradise. How do they do it? Each apartment is privately owned & independently managed away from the onsite managers, so bonus you will be supporting an Australian small business. Did we mention they don’t charge a premium to stay over the weekend either!

Each of their rooms has 3, 5 and 7 night winter deals available. Current deals include:

The Oracle Resort, Broadbeach

1 Bedroom apartment from $149/night

2 Bedroom luxury apartment from $169/night

2 Bedroom premium ocean from $199/night

3 Bedroom sub-penthouse from $450/night

Soul, Surfers Paradise

2 Bedroom ocean from $220/night

3 Bedroom ocean from $299/night

3113 Surfers Paradise (Hilton building)

2 Bedroom City from $159/night

2 Bedroom Ocean from $169/night

Check out more of their winter offerings here.

Eating Out

MIAMI MARKETTA | This local establishment located at Hillcrest Parade in Miami is the local go to for amazing street food, desserts, an impressive bar & live entertainment every Friday & Saturday.

BINE CRAFT BEER & DINING | 50 cent wings (4-6pm), steak, sliders and epic chicken parmi’s you name it this Nobby Beach gem has an epic meal special most nights of the week with staple comfort foods, tapas and a huge selection of craft beers.

HARRYS STEAKHOUSE | Free unlimited fries … yes that’s right unlimited ‘frites’ as they call them with any steak. This Burleigh Heads newbie is the sister to Justin Lane a long term local favourite for world class pizzas and cocktails.

GEMELINNI |If its Tuesday & you are hanging for some pizza then head on down to Gemellini Nobby Beach the baby brother of Gemelli Italian. $20 ALL YOU CAN EAT of some of the best pizza on the coast!

Activities

EXPLORE NATURE | The coast may be known for its pristine beaches but the hinterland is just as picturesque. Why not spend a day heading out to Springbrook or O’Rileys Rainforest. There are plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy including a flying fox and glow worm tour or why not pack a picnic to enjoy in the middle of the rainforest.

BEACH HOP | Step away from the tourist hotspots & explore the Instagram famous water holes including Tallebudgera Creek & The Gold Coast Broadwater on the back end of the seaway. These two picture perfect swimming locations are family friendly & perfect for the days when the oceans a little rough.

BURLEIGH SUNDAYS | An afternoon of barefoot bowls and fish & chips with the best view of the coast is the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon on the Gold Coast. The Burleigh Heads bowls club is open to the public 12-5pm on Sunday for barefoot bowls at only $5 per person. Grab some fish & chips from James Street & head to the hill to watch the sun set.

Attractions

THEME PARKS | I can almost guarantee every child will be begging to head to one if not all four theme parks when their family is on the Gold Coast. A world pass is the best value for money with unlimited access to Movie World, Sea World,

CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE | With adults at kids prices tickets available until April 2018 a day out at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary will be more affordable than ever. Get up close with all of Australia’s most famous native animals including koala bears.

BOUNCE INK | An indoor trampoline centre that the kids go crazy for. Prices start at $11 per session & bookings are recommended.